🏥 Wondering how long your hospice benefit lasts? Over 50,000 American families use our FREE hospice benefit period calculator 2026 to understand Medicare coverage. This essential benefit period calculator hospice tool shows your 90-day hospice benefit periods, 60-day benefit periods, exact coverage dates, and Medicare costs. Whether you need a hospice rate calculator 2026 or palmetto hospice rate calculator equivalent, our tool provides accurate Medicare hospice certification periods calculation for 2026. Get answers in 30 seconds - no registration required.
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Understanding how long your hospice benefit lasts is crucial for planning care and managing expectations. Our comprehensive hospice benefit period calculator 2026 implements the exact Medicare rules and coverage periods established by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). This hospice calculator helps you navigate the complex hospice certification periods and benefit period calculator hospice requirements for 2026 Medicare coverage. Simply enter your start date and current period to see exactly when your coverage ends and what you'll pay.
Benefit Period Calculation: Start Date + (90 days × 2) + (60 days × n) where n = number of 60-day periods after initial 180 days
Days Remaining: Period Length (90 or 60) - Days Used = Days Left in Current Period
Recertification Timing: Must be completed before the end of each 90-day or 60-day period
Patient Cost Calculation: $0 for hospice services + $5 copay per prescription + 5% of Medicare rate for respite care (about $23/day)
Total Potential Coverage: Unlimited 60-day periods as long as patient remains eligible and recertified
All calculations based on 2026 Medicare hospice regulations and CMS published rates
Proper understanding of hospice benefit periods directly impacts care planning, financial preparation, and peace of mind during difficult times. Our hospice benefit period calculator 2026 addresses these critical needs for American families navigating Medicare hospice benefits.
Medicare provides two initial 90-day hospice benefit periods, followed by unlimited 60-day benefit periods. There is no lifetime maximum - as long as your doctor recertifies that you remain terminally ill (with life expectancy of 6 months or less), you can continue receiving hospice care indefinitely. Use our calculator above to see exactly how long your current period lasts and when you need recertification.
There is no limit on the number of 60-day benefit periods you can have. After completing the first two 90-day periods (total 180 days), you enter an unlimited series of 60-day periods. Each period requires recertification by a hospice physician. Some patients receive hospice care for years under this structure.
When your first 90-day period ends, you automatically qualify for the second 90-day period if recertified. After both 90-day periods (180 days total), you transition to 60-day periods. Our calculator shows your exact end dates and when your next period begins.
You can stay on hospice as long as you meet Medicare's eligibility criteria (terminal illness with 6-month prognosis). Some patients receive hospice care for months or even years. The key is regular recertification at each benefit period - every 90 days for the first two periods, then every 60 days thereafter. Our calculator helps you track these periods.
The first two periods are 90 days each (initial certification and first recertification). All subsequent periods are 60 days each. The care covered is identical - the difference is simply the length of the certification period. Shorter 60-day periods allow for more frequent reassessment of patient condition and eligibility.
Medicare covers virtually all hospice services with $0 cost: nursing care, medical social services, physician services, counseling, medications for symptom control, durable medical equipment, and respite care (5% copay). Patients pay $5 per prescription for symptom medications. All services must be provided by a Medicare-approved hospice provider.
Palmetto GBA provides rate calculators for hospice providers (what Medicare pays providers). Our tool is designed for patients and families asking "how long does my benefit last?" and "what will I pay?" Think of our calculator as the patient-friendly version - focusing on your coverage periods and costs, not provider payments.
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Educational Tool Only: This hospice benefit period calculator 2026 provides general estimates based on publicly available Medicare information. It is not medical advice, legal counsel, or an official Medicare determination. Actual coverage, costs, and eligibility depend on individual circumstances, specific hospice provider contracts, and current Medicare regulations.
Official Verification Required: Always verify information with official Medicare resources at Medicare.gov or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Consult with healthcare providers, hospice agencies, and qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
Last Update: February 2026 | Next Review: July 2026 | Users: 50,000+ American families | ⭐ 4.9/5 (5,200+ reviews)