Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?

Hospice Care is available to any patient, child or adult, diagnosed with a limited life expectancy of six months or less.  Hospice care is administered when a physician certifies a patient with a terminal illness at which point the physician then collaborates with a hospice team to determine an appropriate care plan to meet all of the patient’s needs.  Hospice care is offered to all terminally ill patients including those with cancer, heart disease, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Some common reasons for opting to choose hospice care can include patient dependency on aid with activities of daily living, increased levels of hospitalizations or emergency room visits, significant or unexpected weight loss, declines in physical and body functions, or just a general choice of comfortable care for the patient.  Hospice care is also available to patients of all ethnic, religious, and financial backgrounds.  Patients can qualify financially for hospice care through Medicare, Medicaid in most states, managed care organizations, HMOs, and most private insurance plans.