What is hospice?

Hospice is a way of caring for patients who can expect to live no longer than six months. Patients receive medical, psychological and spiritual help from health professionals and volunteers. The goal of hospice care is to control pain and other symptoms so the patient can have as much peace, comfort and dignity as possible. Hospice also offers support to caregivers and family members.

Patients may receive hospice care at home or in hospice centers, hospitals, or nursing homes.

Many health insurance plans cover hospice care. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for elderly and disabled persons. It pays almost the entire cost of hospice care if the patient is in a Medicare-certified hospice program. This benefit includes some medicines that would not be covered outside a hospice program.

Ask your doctor, your state hospice organization, or your state health department, for information on Medicare-approved hospice programs in your area.

Medicaid, a federal program for people who need help with medical expenses, may cover some of the costs of hospice care. To learn whether your state's Medicaid program covers hospice care, call the welfare office, health department, or Medicaid office in your state.

For more information about hospice care, discussion groups, free publications, and how to find a hospice in your area, call the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at 1-800-658-8898. Staff can answer calls in English and Spanish, and can send free publications in both languages.

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