To qualify for hospice care, a hospice doctor and your doctor (if you have one) must certify that you’re terminally ill, meaning you have a life expectancy of
6 months or less. When you agree to hospice care, you’re agreeing to comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure your terminal illness. You also must
sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions.
Coverage includes:
• All items and services needed for pain relief and symptom management
• Medical, nursing, and social services
• Drugs for pain and symptom management
• Durable medical equipment for pain relief and symptom management
• Aide and homemaker services
• Other covered services you need to manage your pain and other
symptoms, as well as spiritual and grief counseling for you and your family.
Medicare-certified hospice care is usually given in your home or other facility where you live, like a nursing home. This care must be in a Medicare-approved facility, like a hospice facility, hospital, or skilled nursing facility that contracts with the hospice.