Hospice providers by state

What is hospice care?

Hospice is care for people with a terminal illness who choose comfort care instead of treatment to cure the illness. A team of nurses, doctors, aides, social workers and chaplains treats pain and symptoms and supports the family, most often at home or wherever the person lives. Medicare covers hospice for people who are eligible. The address below is the hospice’s office: most care is given where the patient lives.

How Medicare rates them

Medicare publishes a family caregiver survey star rating (1 to 5 stars, from the CAHPS Hospice Survey of family members and friends), the share of families who would definitely recommend the hospice, and quality measures such as the Hospice Care Index (0 to 10). Ratings are one piece of information: call, visit, and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.

What to ask when you call or visit

• Is the hospice certified by Medicare, and does it serve the area where the patient lives (home, nursing home or assisted living)?
• How quickly can care start, and how often will a nurse and an aide visit?
• Who answers the phone at night and on weekends, and how fast can a nurse come to the home?
• How does the team manage pain and other symptoms? Which medicines, equipment and supplies are included?
• Does the hospice offer short inpatient stays or respite care to give family caregivers a break? Where?
• Can the patient keep their own doctor? Who leads the care plan, and how is the family included?
• What support is offered for the family: social worker, chaplain, volunteers, grief support after a death?
• Are there staff or interpreters who speak your language?
• Are there any costs you would pay? Ask for the answer in writing.

In a medical emergency, call 911.