Paying for Hospice

As a not-for-profit organization, we provide services to all eligible persons regardless of their ability to pay. Our Hospice Special Needs Fund, established by the Spartanburg Regional Foundation, raises money that directly benefits patients, families and the local community. These funds may help pay for medications, food, medical supplies and other costs not covered by insurance.

Through the special needs fund, we are able to provide financial assistance to families on a case-by-case basis. A social worker will assess your family’s situation and needs.

Spartanburg Regional Hospice accepts payment from Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, private pay and private insurance. Patients and/or family members will be informed of all charges prior to admission.

Any charges not covered under Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act will be discussed prior to the patient receiving any of these services.

Any changes to Spartanburg Regional Hospice’s payment policy will be advised prior to the change.

Hospice services are charged at a daily rate. These rates change periodically. The following are items billable by Medicare and Medicaid:

• Skilled nurse
• Physical therapy
• High-tech services (starting an IV)
• Occupational therapy
• Speech and language pathology
• Medical social services
• Hospice aide
• Homemaker
• Spiritual counseling
• Dietary counseling
• Bereavement
• Some supplies
• Hospice Home room and board

Hospice Revocation

When a patient or family member no longer wants hospice care, they may issue a statement of revocation.

Hospice Services Covered by Medicare

Medicare covers the following hospice services:

• Attending physician
• Nursing care
• Medications related to hospice diagnosis
• Hospice aide
• Spiritual/bereavement
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Medical social services
• Up to five days of respite care

Hospice Services Not Covered by Medicare

Medicare does not cover the following hospice services:

• Treatment for illness that is not considered symptom management
• Care provided by another hospice program that is not arranged by the patient’s hospice program
• Ambulance transportation not arranged by hospice
• Visits to the emergency room without approval/arrangement by hospice
• Inpatient care at non-contracted facilities
• Sitter service/hired caregivers
• Admission to the hospital without prior arrangement by hospice
• Lab studies, medical testing or any treatment related to hospice diagnosis not approved or arranged by hospice
• Treatment unrelated to the hospice terminal diagnosis