What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare for patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less. Hospice is primarily a program of care delivered in a person's home, though services can, under certain circumstances, be provided in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and hospitals. Reasonable and necessary medical and support services for the management of a terminal illness are furnished under a plan-of-care established by the beneficiary's attending physician and the hospice team.

A patient can remain in hospice care beyond six months if a physician re-certifies that the patient is terminally ill. This benefit covers all services, medications and equipment related to the illness. These include the hospice team, pain control, control of other symptoms, medical equipment and supplies, continuous care during crisis periods, and bereavement services.

	Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members.
	Hospice addresses all symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling a patient's pain and discomfort.
	Hospice deals with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient's family and friends.
	Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient's death.

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