Does Medicare pay for respite care?
The hospice respite benefit
For people who choose hospice under Medicare Part A, the hospice team can arrange a short inpatient respite stay in a Medicare-approved facility when the team decides it's needed. Your parent may owe 5% of the Medicare-approved amount, and that copayment can't be more than the Part A inpatient deductible.
To qualify for hospice, your parent must have Part A, their doctors must certify a life expectancy of 6 months or less, and they must choose comfort care instead of treatment to cure the illness. Always go through the hospice team: services arranged outside it may not be covered.
What Medicare doesn't cover
Outside hospice, Original Medicare doesn't pay for respite or for custodial care, the everyday help with bathing, dressing and meals. Medicare home health covers skilled care when your parent qualifies, not someone to stay with them while you take a break. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited in-home support or adult day benefits; ask the plan what it covers this year.
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Find licensed care near youWho else may pay for respite
- Medicaid. Many states cover respite through home- and community-based services waivers for people who qualify financially and medically. Rules and waitlists vary by state.
- The VA. Enrolled veterans who meet clinical criteria may get respite at home from a home health aide, at an adult day health care center, or in a VA Community Living Center or community nursing home. A copay may apply; ask the VA social worker and complete VA Form 10-10EC.
- Area Agencies on Aging. The National Family Caregiver Support Program, run through local agencies, can fund some respite for family caregivers.
- Lifespan Respite programs. Since 2009, ACL has funded Lifespan Respite programs in 39 states and Washington, D.C., which help families find respite and sometimes offer vouchers.
- Long-term care insurance policies often include respite days.
How to find respite near you
Start with your local Area Agency on Aging: call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Ask about in-home aides, adult day programs and short stays in assisted living or nursing homes. If your parent is in hospice, ask the hospice team directly about a respite stay. This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice.
Common questions
Does Medicare cover respite care for caregivers?
Only when the person you care for is in hospice. Then the hospice team can arrange a short inpatient respite stay, with up to a 5% copay.
How much does Medicare respite care cost?
Your parent may pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care, capped at the Part A inpatient deductible.
Does Medicaid pay for respite care?
In many states, yes, through home- and community-based services waivers for people who qualify. Ask your state Medicaid agency.
Does the VA pay for respite care?
Enrolled veterans who meet clinical criteria may get respite at home, at adult day health care or in a nursing home. A copay may apply.