What is the eligibility requirements for Hospice?

To be eligible for hospice a physician must certify the patient to be terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less and treatment for a cure is no longer provided. The focus for the patient has changed to supportive care and quality of remaining life.

Hospice is paid for by private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid Hospice Benefit or personal funds.

Here are the conditions that apply for Medicare Hospice Benefits:

• You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
• Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you’re terminally ill and have 6 months or less to live if your illness runs its normal course.
• You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered benefits to treat your terminal illness.
• You get care from a Medicare-approved hospice program
• You understand that Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that aren’t related to your terminal illness.

Special benefit periods apply to Medicare hospice care and some services do not apply.
Be sure to understand the rules and requirements of Medicare payment before you commit.

Hospice is available to anyone, regardless of age or illness. If Medicare or private insurance is not available, hospice services may be available for low income individuals through grants or charitable donations.