Medicare Glossary

Custodial Care

Non-skilled help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Medicare generally does not cover custodial care on its own unless it is part of a covered skilled nursing or hospice stay.

Hospice Care

End-of-life care for people who are terminally ill and have stopped curative treatment. Medicare Part A covers hospice care, including pain relief, symptom management, and emotional support for patients and families. A doctor must certify that the patient has 6 months or less to live if the illness runs its normal course.

Medicare Part A

Hospital insurance. Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Also known as: Hospital Insurance