The purpose of hospice services is to provide palliation of a terminally ill patient's pain and symptoms and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. Hospice services prioritize comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering. The Maryland Medicaid Program covers hospice services for patients whose physicians have certified that their life expectancy is 6 months or less.

Most people receive Hospice services in the home to avoid an institutional setting and to improve the individual's quality of life until he or she dies. If a person is in a nursing facility, they may receive Hospice care in that setting if they wish.

The Program covers the following hospice services: nursing care; medical social services; physicians' services; counseling services; home health aide; medical appliances and supplies, including drugs and biologicals; and physical and occupational therapy. In general, the services must be related to the palliation or management of the recipient's terminal illness, symptom control or to enable the individual to maintain activities of daily living and basic functional skills.

Additional services may be provided under the hospice benefit, subject to special coverage requirements. Continuous home care may be provided in a period of crisis. Short-term inpatient care is covered, as long as it is provided in a participating hospice unit or a participating hospital or nursing facility that meets hospice standards.

 If you are seeking Hospice services, either for yourself or someone else, we encourage you to contact your physician, hospital social worker, or a hospice organization for a referral.  You are also welcome to contact the Medicaid Hospice Program at (410) 767-1736 or mdh.hospiceinfo@maryland.gov.