Issue #2 · September 8, 2026
Big questions are being asked about health care decisions. Here's what families should know.
A few big conversations are happening right now that will shape elder care in the months ahead, and they're worth your attention even if they sound abstract at first.
First, there's a growing public debate about who gets to decide what health care is covered and how much it costs. This question hits home hard for families dealing with hospice and home health, because coverage decisions made by insurers, government programs, and pharmacy benefit managers directly affect the care your loved one can access. KFF recently raised this issue, and it's one that policymakers, patient advocates, and families are all watching closely. The answer matters because it determines whether certain treatments, medications, and services end up affordable or out of reach.
At the same time, artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of the health care system, and not everyone is sleeping well because of it. Health care leaders have been candid about their concerns: the risk of bias in AI tools, the spread of medical misinformation through deepfakes, and the very real possibility that technology could erode the human connection that matters so much in caregiving. For families relying on hospice and home health services, that human connection isn't a nice extra. It's the whole point.
Medicaid enrollment numbers continue to shift, and if your family relies on Medicaid to help cover home health services or nursing facility care, this is something to keep an eye on. Since the end of the pandemic era continuous enrollment requirement, millions of people have cycled off Medicaid rolls, sometimes because they no longer qualify and sometimes simply because of paperwork problems. If your loved one lost Medicaid coverage in the past year, it is worth checking whether they are still eligible and reapplying if so. Many states have streamlined their renewal processes, but errors still happen.
This matters for elder care because Medicaid is the single largest payer for long term care in the United States. Losing coverage, even temporarily, can disrupt home health aide visits, therapy services, and other supports that keep older adults safe at home. If you're unsure about a loved one's status, contact your state Medicaid office or call us and we can help point you in the right direction.
Let's talk about something that confuses a lot of families: what hospice actually costs under Medicare. If your loved one qualifies for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, the good news is that most services are covered with little to no out of pocket cost. That includes nursing visits, aide services, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment like hospital beds and oxygen, and counseling for both the patient and the family. Medicare covers it.
There are a few exceptions to know about. Copays for outpatient prescription drugs related to the hospice diagnosis can be up to $5 per medication. And if your loved one needs inpatient respite care, which gives family caregivers a short break, there is a small daily copay that in 2026 is around $5 to $6 per day. These are modest amounts, but families are sometimes surprised by them. Also, any treatment for conditions unrelated to the hospice diagnosis is billed separately through regular Medicare. If you're unsure what counts as related or unrelated, ask the hospice provider directly. A good provider will walk you through it clearly and make sure you aren't caught off guard.
We started Best Hospice and Home Health because finding the right care for someone you love shouldn't feel like a second full time job. Our service is completely free for families, and we connect you with verified hospice and home care providers across the country. If someone in your life is starting to ask hard questions about care options for a parent, a spouse, or another loved one, please share this newsletter with them. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is pass along a resource at the right moment. We're here when you need us.