Who is eligible for hospice care?

LifePath Hospice and Good Shepherd Hospice admit patients with a prognosis of one year or less — if the illness takes its natural course — as confirmed by an attending physician. In addition, patients must be primarily interested in a palliative plan of care.

Though most hospice insurance benefits only cover services for the last six months of life, if individuals meet the admission criteria, they will receive care regardless of their ability to pay.

Typically, the primary care physician refers the patient to a Chapters Health hospice program. Other healthcare professionals, family members, friends, clergy or the patients themselves can also initiate the process.

For additional information on admissions, reimbursement or other aspects of our hospice care, please call 1-800-355-8170 in Hillsborough County or 1-800-544-3280 in Polk, Highlands or Hardee County.