Qualifications for Hospice Care

You are eligible for hospice when your doctor and the hospice medical director certify you have a life-limiting illness have a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course, and you agree to receive palliative care verses curative therapy.

Basic Admission

Must meet Medicare hospice criteria for diagnosis.
The patient wishes to receive hospice care.
The patient wishes to receive palliative care rather than aggressive treatment.
A Physician certifies the patient is medically eligible for hospice care.

Hospice Diagnoses Include

Cancer, COPD/Pulmonary Disease, Renal Failure, HIV Disease, Hemorrhagic Ischemic Stroke, Failure to Thrive, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, ALS, Liver Disease, Heart Disease, End Stage CHF

Who is Eligible For Medicare Hospice Benefits?

Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). You are eligible for Medicare hospice benefits when you meet all of the following conditions:
You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), and
Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify you have serious medical condition and a limited life expectancy if the disease runs its normal course, and
You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered benefits for your illness (Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that aren’t related to your hospice diagnosis ), and
You receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice program.

Source: "Medicare Hospice Benefits" – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Publication No. CMS 02154 – July 2003