6 Things to Know About Hospice Care

There are numerous misconceptions surrounding hospice care. We understand the importance of ensuring you have accurate information to guide your caregiving journey effectively. Below, we provide 6 essential insights and clarifications to address common misconceptions and empower you with the facts about hospice care.

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After reading through this list, take a listen to the podcast episode above titled, "Dispelling 5 Hospice Myths" to learn even more about the realities of hospice!

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1. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans.
2. Hospice is an approach to care and is not tied to a specific place. Individuals can receive hospice services anywhere — hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, dedicated hospice facilities or homes, or within the comfort of their own home.
3. A person must receive a terminal illness diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less to live, while also meeting other eligibility criteria that may vary depending on the specific diagnosis.
4. Hospice care isn't a permanent commitment. A person can disenroll from hospice at any time and for any reason. Additionally, they have the option to switch hospice providers if they're unsatisfied with their current provider.
5. If a person's condition improves to the point where their life expectancy extends beyond six months, they may be discharged from hospice services. It's important to note that upon discharge, any equipment provided during their time under hospice care, such as hospital beds, must be returned.
6. A person can continue receiving hospice care as long as the physician recertifies their life expectancy to be six months or less, based on clinical findings and the individual's condition. For example, some individuals have remained under hospice care for periods ranging from one to five years, mainly due to challenges in accurately predicting death and, unfortunately, instances of insurance fraud within the system.