Hospice without insurance or with restricted Medi-Cal

Is hospice ever paid for when there is no insurance?

Sometimes. Hospice care is billed to the person unless coverage is found, so the first step is to look for coverage. Many people with a terminal illness and limited income can get Medi-Cal, and some can get Medicare. Some hospices, often nonprofit ones, also give some care at a reduced rate or without charge under their own policies. No law requires a hospice to do this, so ask each hospice.

Before any agreement you receive a written estimate that lists the included services, any excluded charges and the payment terms. We look for coverage options first.

Does restricted-scope Medi-Cal cover hospice?

No. Restricted-scope Medi-Cal, sometimes called emergency Medi-Cal, covers emergency care and care related to pregnancy. Hospice is not one of the services it covers. Full-scope Medi-Cal does cover hospice.

Restricted-scope Medi-Cal can still help around hospice. It can pay for emergency room and hospital care in an emergency, and, for some people, long-term care in a nursing facility. Ask the county which services your Medi-Cal card covers.

What changed for Medi-Cal in 2026?

Since January 1, 2026, adults 19 and older who do not have what Medi-Cal calls a satisfactory immigration status, and who were not already enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal, can get only restricted-scope Medi-Cal. This is a change in state law. It does not apply to children under 19.

People in that group who already had full-scope Medi-Cal before 2026 can keep it if they stay eligible and renew on time. If the coverage ends, DHCS gives them three months to re-enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. After that, only restricted-scope Medi-Cal is available. If someone in your family has full-scope Medi-Cal now, keep it: answer every renewal letter from the county before its deadline.

The state budget changes these rules again in 2027. Check with your county social services office or DHCS for the rules that apply to your family.

Who might pay for hospice?

When there is no insurance, the possible payers are full-scope Medi-Cal, Medicare, a hospice's own reduced-cost or charity policy, or the family. Restricted-scope Medi-Cal does not pay for hospice.

This table is general information, not a benefits determination. Eligibility for Medi-Cal and Medicare is decided by the county and by Social Security.

Can you apply for Medi-Cal during a terminal illness?

Yes. A serious illness does not stop you from applying. Apply through your county social services office, online through the state's application, or by phone. Bring proof of identity, income and where the person lives. A hospice social worker or a hospital social worker can help you start.

If hospice is needed before Medi-Cal decides, tell the hospice that an application is pending. Ask how the hospice handles care while you wait.

What about county programs?

County programs help mainly with hospital and clinic care, not hospice. In Riverside County, the Medically Indigent Services Program (MISP) helps uninsured county residents ages 21 to 64 with care at Riverside University Health System Medical Center and listed clinics. It is not insurance. In San Bernardino County, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has a financial assistance policy for its own charges.

Every California hospital must have a charity care and discount payment policy for patients who qualify. If the person is in the hospital, ask the hospital's financial counselor about it before discharge. The state's Hospital Fair Billing Program lists each hospital's policy.

Does Beta Hospice care for people without insurance?

Beta Hospice reviews each request case by case. We cannot promise admission or a reduced rate before we know the situation. We will listen, look for coverage with you, and tell you plainly what we can and cannot do.

You do not need to tell us your immigration status to ask about hospice. Our social workers can help you look for coverage and start a Medi-Cal application.

If we cannot help, we will tell you where else to ask, such as nonprofit hospices in your county, the county social services office or a hospital social worker. Contact us to ask.

Common questions

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The fuller pages: paying for care, Medi-Cal and hospice, how much does hospice cost?, does insurance cover hospice? and is it time for hospice?.