Hospice Knowledge Center
What is the hospice bereavement benefit?
Every Medicare-certified hospice must provide bereavement services to the family of a hospice beneficiary for up to 13 months after the beneficiary’s death, at no charge. Bereavement is a required program under 42 CFR §418.64 and one of the elements surveyors ask to see.
Bereavement benefit, in one sentence
Hospices must offer bereavement follow-up (typically a mix of phone calls, mailed materials, memorials, and support groups) to bereaved family members for up to 13 months post-death — no additional charge.
Common program design
A typical hospice bereavement program includes: a bereavement assessment during the hospice stay, phone or in-person check-ins at 2 weeks / 1 month / 3 months / 6 months / 12 months post-death, mailed condolence and grief-education materials, community grief support groups, and an annual memorial service.
Who provides bereavement
Most hospices employ dedicated bereavement counselors (often licensed social workers or trained bereavement specialists) plus chaplain support. Volunteers may participate in follow-up calls and memorial services under staff supervision.
Audit considerations
Surveyors verify the bereavement assessment is documented, the bereavement plan is offered, the follow-up cadence is tracked, and families can opt in or out. Missing bereavement-plan documentation is a common citation.
Frequently asked questions
Is bereavement billed to the family?
What if the family declines?
Do we bereavement-follow-up on all deaths?
Sources & further reading
Educational content only. Not a substitute for your organization’s policies, your medical director’s clinical judgment, or current CMS guidance.
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