Who qualifies for hospice care?

Eligibility is the first question most families ask. Here is what qualifies a patient, how a referral works, and what insurance covers.

The Basics

General eligibility criteria

To be eligible for hospice care, a patient must meet two primary criteria.

1

Terminal diagnosis

A physician certifies a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its normal course.
2

Comfort-focused care

The patient (or their representative) chooses to focus on comfort care rather than curative treatment for the terminal condition.

Important

A six-month prognosis doesn't mean your loved one will pass in six months. Many patients live longer and continue to receive hospice care. Patients can also leave hospice at any time if their condition improves.

Our hospice resources page has guides on what hospice covers and what to expect.

Conditions We Serve

Common qualifying conditions

Hospice is not limited to one diagnosis. These are the conditions families ask about most.

Do not see your loved one's illness here? Contact us. We can talk through eligibility for any life-limiting condition.

How It Works

The referral and admission process

Getting started with hospice is simpler than most families expect. Here's how it works.

1

Contact us

Call us at (805) 361-0264 or fill out our contact form. Anyone can make a referral — you, a family member, a doctor, a social worker, or a friend.
2

Initial conversation

A member of our team will discuss your loved one's situation, answer your questions, and determine if an assessment is appropriate. No obligation.
3

Clinical assessment

A nurse visits the patient to conduct a comprehensive assessment. We coordinate with the patient's physician to obtain the necessary certification.
4

Care plan development

Based on the assessment, we create a personalized care plan that reflects the patient's wishes, goals, and medical needs.
5

Care begins

We deliver equipment and medications, and your care team begins visiting, typically within 24–48 hours of admission.

Coverage & Costs

Insurance & payment options

Hospice care is a benefit — not an expense. Most families pay nothing out of pocket.

Medicare Part A
Most common

The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers virtually all hospice-related costs — medications, equipment, supplies, nursing, aides, counseling, and more. Most hospice patients are eligible.
Medicaid (Medi-Cal)
Also covered

Medi-Cal provides hospice coverage similar to Medicare. If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, Medicare is typically the primary payer for hospice services.
Private insurance
Most plans

Most private insurance plans include a hospice benefit. Coverage varies by plan, so our team verifies your benefits and explains what's covered before care begins.
No insurance
No one turned away

We never turn anyone away for inability to pay. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we work with you to explore coverage options and make sure your loved one gets the care they need.

Not sure if hospice is right?

You don't have to have all the answers. That's what we're here for. Call us for a straightforward, no-obligation conversation about your loved one's situation, and we'll help you weigh the options.

Our frequently asked questions cover costs, care, and what to expect.

Call us anytime

(805) 361-0264

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