If you’re wondering whether hospice care is free in California, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the first — and most important — questions families ask when a loved one is facing a terminal illness.
And the answer? Mostly yes — but with a few key details you need to know.
What Hospice Care Actually Covers
Hospice care isn’t just a nurse visit or a painkiller prescription. It includes:
- Regular visits from nurses, social workers, chaplains, and home health aides
- Medications related to the terminal diagnosis
- Medical supplies and equipment (like oxygen or a hospital bed)
- 24/7 on-call support
- Bereavement services for the family
Most people in California receive all of this with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Let’s break down how that works.
Medicare Hospice Coverage
If your loved one is on Medicare (usually age 65+), they’re likely eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, which covers nearly 100% of hospice costs related to the terminal illness. That includes home visits, medications, supplies, and more.
There may be a small co-pay for certain prescriptions (around $5), but many providers waive this.
Medi-Cal and Dual Eligibility
California’s Medicaid program — Medi-Cal — also provides full hospice coverage. If your loved one qualifies for both Medicare and Medi-Cal (called “dual eligible”), hospice services are generally completely free.
This is especially important in Los Angeles and other large California counties where many seniors fall into this group.
What Isn’t Covered?
There are a few things hospice doesn’t cover:
- Treatments meant to cure the illness (like chemo or radiation after electing hospice)
- Room and board at a nursing home or assisted living (unless for respite care)
- Medications unrelated to the terminal diagnosis
Still, for the vast majority of people, the cost of hospice care is not a financial burden.
Private Insurance and HMO Plans
Most private insurance plans and HMOs in California follow Medicare’s lead and offer similar hospice benefits. Just be sure to confirm with your provider, especially if you’re in a managed care network.
How to Get Started
If you think your loved one may qualify for hospice, talk to their doctor or reach out to a local hospice provider. They’ll help determine eligibility, handle the paperwork, and explain what your coverage looks like.
You can also contact our team directly 818-644-5357 for help navigating hospice coverage in California.
Final Thoughts
Is hospice care free in California? In most cases — yes. Thanks to Medicare, Medi-Cal, and insurance mandates, hospice is one of the most accessible healthcare services available at the end of life.
And when the time comes, financial stress should be the last thing on your mind.