No. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older and persons with disabilities or serious illnesses, covers hospice care.

You may also be covered under Medicaid federal and state government program that helps with medical costs for people with low income and limited resources.

The Hospice Medicare Benefit covers the following:

• The medications and equipment related to the terminal illness
• Interdisciplinary team services (doctors, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, volunteers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, music and massage therapists)
• Spiritual care providers and bereavement counselors

Medicare does not cover medical services that are unrelated to the terminal disease and day-to-day needs.