There are strict guidelines for who qualifies for hospice care in California. The patient must have sufficient capacity to make the decision for themselves.

Hospice Care in California

The physician must review the patient’s insurance policy to make sure hospice care is covered. The California Department of Health Services does not allow patients to be denied hospice services due to a lack of financial resources. Generally, patients must sign a statement electing to receive hospice benefits and foregoing cure-oriented treatment.

Grimsel Hospiz, Hospice, Hotel, Building

There are also several requirements to qualify for hospice care. Patients must be deceased or close to death, have a clean criminal history, and be unable to live independently hospice care Los Angeles CA. Those who are not eligible for hospice are not able to purchase a hospice and must pay for it out of pocket. Those who qualify for hospice must be residents of California. Despite its limited availability, California has some of the most affordable and accessible hospices in the nation.

While hospice care may be the right choice for a patient, Medicare does not cover hospice care for non-terminal illnesses. Individuals who qualify for hospice need a medical plan that covers the services.

For example, the Medicare program may cover the costs of a hospice hospital stay. Some insurance companies cover the full cost of the service, making it the perfect option for those who want to be independent of a medical professional.