When a loved one enters hospice care, understanding what equipment and supplies are included—and what you might need to arrange separately—removes a major source of stress during an already difficult time. Most hospice providers cover essential medical equipment, but knowing the details upfront helps you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs and gaps in care. This guide breaks down what hospice typically provides and what questions to ask your provider.
What Hospice Agencies Typically Provide
Most accredited hospice organizations include medical equipment as part of their comprehensive care package. This usually covers hospital beds, mattresses designed to prevent pressure ulcers, wheelchairs or walkers, oxygen equipment, and IV stands. Agencies also provide basic medical supplies—catheters, wound dressings, incontinence products, and pain management supplies—at no additional charge to patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or most insurance plans.
The specific inventory depends on your loved one's diagnosis and care needs. A patient with advanced COPD will receive different equipment than someone with end-stage cancer, so your hospice nurse will assess and document exactly what's needed during the initial care plan meeting.
Specialty Equipment: What Isn't Always Covered
While routine medical equipment is included, specialized or comfort items sometimes fall outside standard hospice benefits. Hospital mattress overlays designed for specific conditions, specialized lifts, or high-end recliners may require separate payment or insurance pre-approval. Some families invest in adaptive equipment like bedside commodes with better padding or adjustable shower chairs that exceed basic functionality.
Before assuming you'll pay out-of-pocket, ask your hospice provider about their equipment partnerships. Many agencies have relationships with medical supply companies that offer discounts to their patients—sometimes 20–40% below retail pricing. If your insurance or Medicare covers a particular item, your provider can usually submit the paperwork directly.
Comfort Supplies You Might Want to Add
Beyond medical necessities, consider purchasing comfort items that improve quality of life but aren't clinical supplies:
- Soft, washable blankets in calming colors (your hospice agency provides basic linens, but many families prefer familiar textures)
- Unscented lotions and lip balm for dry skin during illness
- Extra incontinence underpads in larger quantities (agencies supply them, but having extras reduces laundry frequency)
- Pillows with waterproof covers for positioning and comfort
- Soft washcloths and hypoallergenic towels for bathing assistance
- Noise-reducing items like white noise machines or soft music speakers
These typically cost $50–$150 total and make a real difference in daily comfort without duplicating what your hospice team already provides.
Managing Oxygen and Respiratory Equipment
Oxygen concentrators, oxygen tanks, and related tubing are almost always included in hospice benefits. Your provider arranges equipment delivery and handles maintenance and refills. However, confirm the following during your initial appointment:
- Whether your hospice uses stationary concentrators, portable units, or both
- Backup supply procedures if equipment malfunctions (response time varies from same-day to 24 hours)
- Whether they provide portable oxygen for trips or outings
- Humidity settings and cleaning protocols to prevent infections
Some hospice agencies maintain their own equipment depots, while others partner with durable medical equipment (DME) companies. Either way, you shouldn't be billed directly as long as your insurance or Medicare is active.
Questions to Ask When Equipment Is Delivered
When your hospice provider's equipment arrives, verify a few critical details. Confirm that all items are clean and function properly, ask for a written inventory showing what's covered versus what you're responsible for, and request clear instructions on contacting support if something breaks or needs adjustment. Never assume an agency will replace something without documentation—a simple email or phone call to your care coordinator prevents confusion later.
Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice equipment at 100% with no copay once you're enrolled in a hospice benefit. Veterans Affairs (VA) also covers equipment for eligible veterans. If you're uninsured or underinsured, ask your hospice social worker about hardship programs—many agencies have discretionary funds to cover critical equipment costs.
Using Mercoly, you can compare hospice providers in your area, review their equipment policies upfront, and verify their insurance partnerships before enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep hospice equipment after my loved one passes away? Equipment remains the property of the hospice agency, and they'll arrange pickup within a few days of discharge or death; you cannot keep it, but you can request donation of certain items like unused incontinence supplies to local charities if the agency permits.
Q: Does hospice provide feeding tubes and nutrition equipment? Yes—if your loved one requires a feeding tube, hospice provides the tube, pump if needed, and formula; however, they typically do not cover specialized high-calorie formulas if your insurance denies them.
Q: What if my loved one needs equipment not on the standard list? Your hospice nurse can request a physician order for non-standard equipment, and the agency will either provide it directly or work with insurance to determine coverage before you purchase it yourself.
Contact a local hospice provider today through Mercoly to confirm their equipment policies and ensure you have everything in place.