MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

A patient may qualify for hospice care if a physician determines they have a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less, choose comfort-focused care, and meet Medicare’s medical criteria for their condition. Eligibility is reviewed regularly and may continue as long as criteria are met.

Conditions Commonly Eligible for Hospice Care:

  • Advanced or metastatic cancer that is no longer responding to curative treatment.

  • Advanced heart failure with severe symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.

  • Progressive breathing disorders causing severe shortness of breath and limited daily activity.

  • Advanced cognitive decline with loss of communication, mobility, and ability to perform daily tasks.

  • Severe neurological damage resulting in significant functional decline and dependency.

  • Advanced kidney failure when dialysis is no longer effective or desired.

  • End-stage liver failure with complications such as ascites, confusion, or frequent hospitalizations.

  • Progressive neurological diseases causing severe weakness, swallowing difficulty, or respiratory decline.

  • Overall decline marked by weight loss, weakness, frequent infections, and reduced function.