⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: This calculator is for EDUCATIONAL and PLANNING purposes only. Medicare hospice rules are complex and subject to change. Always verify dates and eligibility with your hospice provider and official Medicare guidelines. This tool does not replace professional medical or billing advice.
⚠️ Educational only. Verify with your hospice provider and Medicare.
📌 Quick Answer: Medicare covers hospice care in two 90-day benefit periods, followed by an unlimited number of 60-day periods [citation:3][citation:4]. Recertification is required at the start of every period. A face-to-face encounter is required before the third period and every subsequent 60-day period, occurring up to 30 days before the new period begins [citation:6][citation:17].
📋 Key Takeaways — Hospice Benefit Periods at a Glance
Two 90-day periods, then unlimited 60-day periods [citation:3][citation:4]
Recertification required at the start of every benefit period
Face-to-face encounter required before Period 3 and every period after [citation:6]
Face-to-face must occur up to 30 days before the new period [citation:17]
Recertification can be completed up to 15 days before the new period [citation:17]
Patient can revoke hospice at any time and re-elect later if eligible [citation:19]
Most hospice care is covered with little to no out-of-pocket cost [citation:2]
ℹ️ Over 50,000 families use this hospice benefit period calculator 2026. Calculate your Medicare hospice timeline, recertification dates, and face-to-face windows instantly.
📊 Medicare Hospice Structure: Period 1 = 90 days | Period 2 = 90 days | Period 3+ = 60 days each, unlimited [citation:3][citation:4]
💡 Planning Tip: Mark your calendar for recertification (15 days before period end) and face-to-face (30 days before Period 3+). Missing these deadlines can interrupt coverage.
📊 Medicare Hospice Benefit Periods Explained
Benefit Period
Length
Recertification
Face-to-Face Required
Period 1
90 days
Yes
No
Period 2
90 days
Yes
No
Period 3
60 days
Yes
Yes
Period 4+
60 days each
Yes
Yes
👨 Patient A — First Hospice Election
Election: January 15, 2026 | Period 1 (90 days)
Result: Period ends April 15, 2026 | Recertify by April 1 | No F2F required
✅ "Clear timeline. Helped us plan the first recertification with the hospice team."
👩 Patient B — Continuing Hospice
Current: Period 3 (60 days) | Started May 1, 2026
Result: Ends June 30 | Recertify by June 15 | F2F window: April 1 - June 30
✅ "The face-to-face window reminder was exactly what we needed. No gaps in coverage."
What is a Hospice Benefit Period Calculator?
A hospice benefit period calculator is a planning tool that helps patients, families, and hospice providers track Medicare's hospice coverage timeline. Our hospice benefit period calculator 2026 uses the official Medicare hospice benefit structure to calculate period end dates, recertification windows, and face-to-face encounter requirements. Whether you're just starting hospice or continuing care, this tool helps you stay ahead of critical deadlines.
How does the Medicare hospice timeline calculator work? Enter your hospice election date and current benefit period. The calculator instantly shows your period end date, days remaining, next period start date, recertification window, face-to-face window (if applicable), and total benefit days used.
Medicare Hospice Benefit Structure (2026)
Medicare structures the hospice benefit into benefit periods. The first two periods are 90 days each. After that, patients can receive an unlimited number of 60-day periods [citation:3][citation:4]. This structure allows patients to receive hospice care for as long as they remain eligible, which can be months or even years beyond the initial 6-month prognosis [citation:15].
Recertification Requirements
At the start of every benefit period, the hospice medical director or physician must recertify that the patient is terminally ill with a life expectancy of 6 months or less [citation:4][citation:15]. The recertification can be completed no more than 15 days before the new period begins, and should be in place before the period starts to keep coverage continuous [citation:17].
Face-to-Face Encounter Requirements
Beginning with the third benefit period (the first 60-day period) and every period after, a face-to-face encounter is required [citation:6][citation:14]. The encounter must be conducted by a hospice physician or nurse practitioner and must occur no more than 30 days before the new period begins. It can also occur on the first day of the new period and still be considered timely [citation:17].
Revocation and Re-Election
Patients can revoke the hospice benefit at any time. Revocation does not count against future benefit periods. If the patient later becomes eligible again, they can re-elect hospice and resume the benefit structure where they left off [citation:19]. Patients can also change hospice providers once per benefit period without it counting as a revocation [citation:6].
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Hospice
Most hospice care is covered by Medicare with little to no cost. Potential out-of-pocket costs include: up to $5 copay for pain and symptom management medications, 5% coinsurance for respite care (capped at the inpatient hospital deductible), and room and board if living in a facility [citation:2]. Care for conditions unrelated to the terminal illness is covered under regular Medicare with applicable deductibles and coinsurance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Medicare cover hospice care?
Medicare covers hospice care for two 90-day benefit periods, followed by an unlimited number of 60-day benefit periods, as long as the patient remains terminally ill with a life expectancy of 6 months or less [citation:3][citation:4].
What is a hospice benefit period?
A hospice benefit period is a defined timeframe during which Medicare pays for hospice care. The first two periods are 90 days each. Every subsequent period is 60 days [citation:3].
When is recertification required for hospice?
Recertification is required at the start of every benefit period. The hospice medical director must certify the patient is terminally ill with a prognosis of 6 months or less. It can be completed up to 15 days before the new period begins [citation:17].
When is a face-to-face encounter required?
A face-to-face encounter is required before the third benefit period and every subsequent 60-day period. It must occur no more than 30 days before the new period begins [citation:6][citation:17].
Can a patient revoke hospice and re-elect later?
Yes. A patient can revoke the hospice benefit at any time and can re-elect hospice later if they remain eligible. Revocation does not count against future benefit periods [citation:19].
What are the out-of-pocket costs for hospice?
Most hospice care is covered by Medicare with little to no cost. Potential costs include: up to $5 copay for pain/symptom medications, 5% coinsurance for respite care, and room and board if living in a facility [citation:2].
💡 Expert Tips for Hospice Planning
Tip #1: Mark your calendar for recertification 15 days before each period ends. Late recertification can cause a gap in Medicare coverage.
Tip #2: For Period 3 and beyond, schedule the face-to-face encounter early. It can be done up to 30 days before the period starts.
Tip #3: Keep a copy of all election and recertification forms. You may need them if there's a billing question or appeal.
Tip #4: You can change hospice providers once per benefit period without revoking the benefit. If you're unhappy with care, ask about switching.
🏥 Still Asking "When Does My Hospice Period End?"
Get your answer in 30 seconds. Trusted by 50,000+ families.
🛡️ CDCalculators proprietary hospice benefit period calculator 2026 — data sources: 42 CFR §418.21, Medicare.gov hospice publications, CMS guidelines. Last updated October 17, 2026. Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always verify with your hospice provider and official Medicare guidelines.