Hospice care is a specialized type of care for people facing a terminal illness. To qualify for hospice care, a patient must meet the following criteria:

• Terminal Illness: A physician must certify that the patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less.

• Financial Coverage: The patient must be enrolled in Medicare Part A or Medicaid. Some private insurance policies also cover hospice services. Some hospices have foundations that will cover the cost of hospice services for those who do not have a payor source. 

• Acceptance of Palliative Care: The patient and their family must choose comfort-focused care (palliative care) over curative treatment.

If you or a loved one meets these criteria, you may be eligible for hospice care. Speak with your doctor or a hospice provider to learn more about the hospice eligibility process.