Who Qualifies for Hospice?

General Eligibility Criteria

Hospice care is for patients who are terminally ill or have a life-threatening illness as determined by a physician. A patient is typically eligible when curative treatment is no longer desired or effective, and the focus shifts to comfort and quality of life.

A physician must certify that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course. However, patients may continue receiving hospice care beyond six months if they continue to qualify.