Hospice Eligibility

What are the qualifications for Hospice care?

• The patient/family elects or desires Hospice services
• The patient must have a disease for which curative therapy is no longer effective, appropriate, or desired
• The patient's attending physician and the Hospice Medical Director certify that the patient is terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs it's usual course.

How is Hospice paid for?

• Medicare pays the entire cost of hospice services required to manage the patient's symptoms related to the terminal illness
• There is no copay or deductible under the Medicare Hospice Benefit
• Most private insurance plans, HMO's and other managed care organizations include hospice care as a benefit
• There is never a charge to the patient or their family
• Ongoing financial support is often received through local fund raisers, memorial gifts, or voluntary contributions.

Who can assist me in arranging Hospice services?

• Your Physician
• Hospital Staff
• Family & Friends
• Your Spiritual Leader
• A Home Health Care Agency
• Community Agencies