Private insurance almost always covers hospice, but not because federal law requires it the way Medicare does. Hospice isn't one of the ACA's required essential health benefits, so coverage details and limits vary by plan and state, and Medicare Advantage hands hospice off to Original Medicare entirely. Here's what actually differs, and why.

Hospice can feel like a leap into the unknown, but Medicare covers far more than most families expect: nursing care, equipment, medication, therapy, counseling, even respite for caregivers, almost entirely free. Here's exactly what's included, what isn't, and what it actually costs.