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Coverage


If you, a loved one or someone you know needs hospice care, please make sure that they get the care they need. You should not be concerned about insurance coverage or paying for care as there are many options for payment and insurance coverage as shown below.

Who Pays for Hospice Care?

Hospice is paid for through the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurers.  Medicare is the primary payer for nearly two-thirds of hospice patients. If someone does not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or a private insurance company, we will help assist and direct that person and their family to services able to meet their needs.

Medicare

If the terminally ill individual is a Medicare beneficiary, hospice is a covered benefit under Part A.  All other Medicare services continue under Parts A & B, including those of the person’s attending physician. Hospice payments do not interfere with any other Medicare payments for other illnesses, diseases or care.

Medicaid

Hospice coverage under Medicaid is available in the State of Texas.  In general, Medicaid hospice benefits parallel the Medicare benefit, although there may be some variations in certain states.

Private Insurance

Blue Star Hospice is contracted with many different private insurance companies in the Houston and surrounding areas. If you or your loved one is in need of Hospice care and you have private insurance, please give us a call so that one of our billing specialists can help you with verification eligibility.

Private Pay

If insurance coverage is unavailable or insufficient, the patient and the patient’s family can discuss private pay and payment plans.

Coverage Area


We embraces our work with love and compassion. We take care of people of varying ages, all walks of life, and from all socio-economic groups irrespective of a person’s beliefs, ethnicity, or their ability to pay. Our services are designed to meet your needs and we are a leader in hospice care within our coverage areas:

  • Region 6 Austin County
  • Brazoria County
  • Chambers County
  • Colorado County
  • Fort Bend County
  • Galveston County
  • Harris County
  • Liberty County
  • Matagorda County
  • Montgomery County
  • Walker County
  • Waller County
  • Wharton County

Eligibility Requirements


Who is Eligible?

The simple answer is that hospice benefit is available to anyone with a life expectancy of six months or less if the life-limiting illness or disease runs its normal course. The patient must choose to elect hospice and the patient’s eligibility must be certified by a physician.

Who Pays for Hospice Services?

Most hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.  Medicare and Medicaid are the most common funding sources for individuals who enroll in Hospice care. Medicare is a health insurance program offered by the government for seniors age 65 and older. People under age 65 with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease are also eligible for Medicare.  With Medicare and Medicaid, there are minimal out-of-pocket expenses, even for medications, equipment and other high-cost items that are often needed in the last months of life. Your family’s financial burden is often reduced by the financial relief that the Medicare/Medicaid hospice benefit offers.

Medicare / Medicaid hospice benefit covers:

  • Skilled nursing services
  • Medications for pain and other symptoms
  • Physician visits
  • Skilled therapists
  • Hospice aide visits
  • Personal care
  • Social work services
  • Spiritual counseling
  • Bereavement support for the family
  • Volunteer services
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