What is Hospice?
Hospice, often misunderstood and thought to be "a place" where patients go to die, is, a philosophy of care provided to patients with life limiting illness or injury. While HospiceCare serves most patients in their own private home, services can be provided in a variety of settings. No matter the location, the hospice team works to best serve the patient and family and to provide the best quality care.
Who is Eligible for HospiceCare?
HospiceCare is available to all terminally ill or injured patients and their families regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, faith, sexual orientation, physical condition, or ability to pay. Anyone can refer a patient to hospice.
To be admitted, a patient must:
• Agree to treatment aimed at comfort rather than cure
• Have a life limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course, as certified by a physician.
• Live in Volusia or Flagler counties at the time of service.
Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is covered under Medicare Part A, Medicare HMOs, Medicaid (Florida) and most insurance companies. In those situations where Medicare or Medicaid does not apply, a sliding fee scale is available for those with limited or no financial resources.