To be eligible, a physician has to certify that the patient has no more than six months to live. The patient signs a consent form to waive hospital benefits. Medicare pays for the hospice team, as well as any medication or supplies the patient may need. The program also pays for stays in a hospice facility. Also, patients who live more than six months can remain in the program by being recertified by a physician.
Patients can leave the hospice program at any time for any reason.
They also can get back in the program if they choose to do so. Hospice patients living at home sometimes have short stays at in-patient hospice units. This typically occurs when a medication adjustment is needed. Then, the patient is admitted to a hospice unit, usually in a hospital, until the crisis is under control. These patients can be moved home when they are stable.