Quick answer
Only through hospice. If your parent is on Medicare hospice, the hospice can arrange short-term inpatient respite care in a Medicare-approved facility, and you may pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount. Outside hospice, Medicare doesn't pay for respite care. Other help can come from the VA, Medicaid waivers, your Area Agency on Aging's caregiver support program, and long-term care insurance. (800) 614-8388 to find respite options near you.
How hospice respite works
- Your parent must be enrolled in Medicare hospice.
- The hospice team arranges the stay in a Medicare-approved facility, such as a hospital, hospice inpatient facility or nursing home.
- You may pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care.
- Ask the hospice how long a respite stay can last and how often you can use it.
Other ways to pay for respite
- VA: respite care is part of the VA's long-term care services for eligible veterans. See veterans' care.
- Medicaid waivers: Missouri's Aged and Disabled waiver includes respite. In Kansas, ask the Aging and Disability Resource Center (1-855-200-2372) what the Frail Elderly waiver offers.
- Family caregiver support: the National Family Caregiver Support Program, run through Area Agencies on Aging, can offer respite and other help. See Area Agency on Aging.
- Long-term care insurance: many policies include respite; check the policy.
- Private pay: short stays in assisted living or a few days a week of adult day care.
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Questions families ask
Does Medicare pay for respite care?
Only as part of Medicare hospice, for short inpatient stays the hospice arranges.
How much does hospice respite cost under Medicare?
You may pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care.
Does Medicare pay for adult day care as respite?
No. Medicare doesn't pay for adult day care.
Where can I get respite help if my parent isn't on hospice?
Try the VA if your parent is a veteran, Medicaid waivers, your Area Agency on Aging, or long-term care insurance.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Hospice care (including inpatient respite care)
- Medicare.gov: Long-term care coverage
- VA.gov: Long-term care and geriatrics
- ACL: National Family Caregiver Support Program
- ACL: Lifespan Respite Care Program
- Missouri DHSS: Apply for Home and Community-Based Services, 1-866-835-3505
- KDADS: Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1-855-200-2372