Does Hospice Care Include Medical Supplies and Equipment?

Entering hospice care comes with lots of questions. Will my loved one be comfortable? What kinds of services will they receive? Will they get the hospice home medical equipment they need? Let’s tackle the last question. The short answer is yes—hospice care includes a wide range of medical supplies and equipment at no cost to the patient or family. However, there are some nuances to what is offered as part of hospice. Here’s what you need to know about Medicare, hospice supplies, and more.

Which Medical Supplies Are Typically Provided?

Hospice care providers are required to furnish all the necessary medical supplies and equipment related to a patient’s terminal illness. This coverage is a part of the hospice benefit under Medicare and most private insurance plans. Nevertheless, the specific items provided will vary based on each person’s needs, and hospice teams work closely with families and physicians to ensure patients get the right supplies.

What Qualifies as “Medical Equipment”

Medical equipment refers to any durable item that helps a patient live comfortably. These are often larger, reusable items that remain in the home for as long as they’re needed. The most common types of hospice durable medical equipment include:

Hospital beds
Wheelchairs and walkers
Bedside commodes
Oxygen tanks
Shower chairs and grab bars
Lift equipment

What Qualifies as a “Medical Supply”

Think of medical supplies as any consumable items used in a patient’s everyday care. Unlike equipment, these items are replaced regularly whenever they’re used up. A typical hospice care checklist might include supplies like:

Wound care supplies, including bandages and gauze
Gloves and protective gear for caregivers
Medications
Incontinence products
Personal care items, like wipes and lotions
Catheters and related supplies

Why Hospice Home Care Supplies Are So Vital

Having the right equipment at home isn’t just about convenience, and medical supplies are more than just comfort items for hospice patients. The proper medical supplies help manage symptoms like pain, nausea, and breathing difficulties, and they can help prevent complications like infections and falls. When families have easy access to the right supplies, they can respond quickly to their loved one’s changing needs without the stress of last-minute trips to the pharmacy.

For caregivers, medical equipment and supplies can help reduce physical strain and make daily tasks a bit more manageable. For example, hospital beds with adjustable heights and patient lifts can prevent injuries and make caregiving safer for everyone involved.

The Benefits of Having the Right Supplies

As you can see, access to medical supplies is essential for both patients and their caregivers. However, the benefits extend beyond physical comfort and safety. You may also enjoy these advantages:

Reduced Hospital Visits—With proper supplies at home, hospice patients may not need to visit the emergency room as often.
Caregiver Confidence—When you know you have the right tools to provide care, you might feel more capable and less overwhelmed by your responsibilities.
Dignity and Comfort—Hospital beds, incontinence products, and bathing aids can all help patients feel more comfortable at home while maintaining their dignity.
Peace of Mind—With all the right supplies squared away, you can focus on spending quality time with your loved one instead of worrying about medical equipment.

Are Medical Supplies Covered by Insurance?

When we talk about medical supplies, we get lots of questions about the specifics. Does hospice cover incontinence supplies? Will Medicare provide the right oxygen tanks? These questions are understandable—after all, you want the most comprehensive care for your loved one. In the vast majority of cases, insured patients never have to pay for medical supplies and equipment. You won’t receive a bill as long as the items are related to your loved one’s terminal diagnosis. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Medicare—The Medicare hospice benefit covers all necessary medical equipment and supplies without any out-of-pocket costs. This includes delivery, setup, and ongoing maintenance of equipment.
Medicaid and Private Insurance—While most of these programs follow similar guidelines to Medicare, your hospice provider will coordinate with insurance to get you the supplies you need at no charge.

What Other Supplies Does My Loved One Need?

Although hospice providers offer all the essential medical supplies, they don’t provide things unrelated to the terminal illness. For example, if a patient has diabetes unrelated to their hospice diagnosis, insulin and testing supplies may not be covered under the hospice benefit. Beyond that, everyday comfort items won’t be included. Here’s a hospice care checklist covering all the additional items you may want to have on hand:

Extra pillows and blankets
Lip balm and skincare products
Comfortable clothing
Night lights
Room fresheners
Hand sanitizer
Tissues

Here for You After a Terminal Diagnosis

When a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis, it can be difficult to know how to move forward. If you’re concerned about getting the proper medical supplies, the situation can feel even more overwhelming. Agape Hospice NW is here for Portland, OR families as they navigate entering hospice care and obtaining the necessary equipment. Our team offers comprehensive services at no cost to you—contact our compassionate team today.