Hospice is a philosophy of care

Hospice is for people with advanced illnesses.
Hospice provides symptom and pain management for
patients with serious illness, no matter their age, culture,
beliefs, or cause of illness.
Hospice can happen anywhere.
Hospice is a service that comes to the patient in the place
they prefer to be for end-of-life care. Patients at home feel
better surrounded by the faces and things they know and love.
Hospice is a choice.
Patients can leave, or “revoke their hospice status,” at any
time for any reason. Patients can also come back to hospice
at any time, as long as they meet hospice eligibility guidelines.
Patients can keep taking some medicines
while on hospice.
Hospice patients are prescribed medicines that manage the
symptoms of their advanced illness and improve quality of life.
Hospice gives medicines as needed to help
with symptoms.
Hospice doctors try to give just enough medicine to
manage symptoms and ease pain.
Family or friends provide care with support
from the hospice team.
Family or friends are a hospice patient’s primary caregivers,
supported and trained by an expert team that makes regular,
scheduled visits. For patients who live in assisted living
communities and nursing homes, the hospice team works
together with the facility staff.
There is no limit to the time a patient can
be on hospice.
Hospice is for patients who have 6 months or less to live
according to a doctor, and it can be extended when
needed. In surveys, family members often say, “we wish
we had known about hospice sooner.”
Hospice provides home medical equipment and
supplies related to the cause of the illness.
This includes shower chairs, oxygen tanks, hospital beds,
toileting supplies, and more.
Hospice supports the family.
After a patient passes, hospice addresses emotional and
spiritual pain suffered by loved ones for more than a year.
Most hospice patients do not have any
out-of-pocket expenses.
Medicare Part A covers up to 100% of the cost
of hospice care related to a hospice-eligible patient’s
illness, with no deductible or copayment.
Private or employer-provided health coverage
can vary. Check with your insurance provider for
details about hospice eligibility, coverage, and
out-of-pocket expenses.
Medicaid provides hospice coverage, but it
varies by state.