SNF billing and Hospice

[ljohns31]

We have a patient going on Hospice that is currently a SNF patient. My understanding from Hospice is that Medicare does not cover room and board. Anyone have any knowledge on this subject.

Thanks,
Lynne Johnson, CPC

[lseiter]

I was always told that Hospice is the one that would pay.....

[ljohns31]

Hospice told us that they will not pay for the room, that the family would be responsible for it.

[twtcpc]

The hospice is not responsible for the room and board. Since the patient is going on hospice services that means that they have exhausted either Medicare Part A days at the facility and just like any other LTCF resident that finishes their Med A days, they either need to: have Medicaid or another insurance that pays these costs or the patient/family are responsible. The hospice is only responsible for those items such as equipment and medications that are related to their hospice diagnosis.