Hospice Basics
Foundational information for those new to hospice care.
You're facing something new and difficult. Start here for clear, trusted answers — what hospice is, who it's for, how Medicare works, and how to choose the right provider for you or your family.
If you're here, you or someone you love may be facing a serious illness, and you're trying to understand what hospice means. You're not alone. Most families have never navigated hospice before, and that uncertainty is completely normal.
Hospice focuses on comfort, quality of life, and support for both patients and families when a serious illness reaches an advanced stage. It is not about giving up — it is about choosing to live well, with dignity, in the time that remains.
Most families have the same questions on their mind:
Every section is written and reviewed by a board-certified Hospice & Palliative Medicine physician.
Foundational information for those new to hospice care.
Understanding coverage, costs, and financial considerations.
How to compare and choose the right hospice provider for your family.
Emotional support and resources for caregivers and loved ones.
How hospice care works, who provides it, and what to expect.
Short, practical guides: your first week, checklists, and step-by-step preparation.
Advance care planning, legal documents, and patients' rights.
Information about hospice care for specific illnesses and conditions.
Understanding hospice quality, ratings, and performance.
Local resources, state information, and helpful Texas-specific guidance.
Compare Medicare-certified hospice providers across Texas, review quality ratings, and find contact information — all in one place.
Find & Compare Hospice Providers →Hospice is a specialized type of medical care for people living with a serious, life-limiting illness — typically when curative treatment is no longer working or no longer desired. Rather than focusing on fighting the disease, hospice shifts the focus to comfort, dignity, and the things that matter most. It cares for the whole person, managing pain and symptoms while supporting emotional well-being, spiritual needs, and the practical realities families face every day. For the full picture, read our complete guide on What Is Hospice?
Hospice is available to any person whose physician has determined they have a prognosis of six months or less[1] if the illness follows its expected course. Many families wish they had started hospice sooner and often starting hospice sooner can improve quality of life and maximize time with loved ones. See hospice eligibility requirements, when is the right time for hospice, and the common myths that lead families to wait.
Families often search for hospice care for many different illnesses, including but not limited to:
Browse all of our condition-specific guides for details on what hospice looks like for a particular illness.
Most hospice care happens right where your loved one already lives — at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. A dedicated team comes to you: nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and physicians, all coordinated around your family's needs. If symptoms become very severe, hospice may also be provided in an inpatient setting.
For most eligible patients, Medicare covers hospice care almost entirely, and families pay little to nothing out of pocket. Coverage typically includes:
Medicaid and most private insurance plans generally follow similar frameworks, though details vary — always confirm specifics with your own insurance provider. When you're ready to compare options, our Quality & Ratings section explains how to read Medicare scores, and Planning & Rights covers advance directives and your right to change your mind at any point.
Sources
[1] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Hospice Benefits. medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Hospice Care Overview. nhpco.org
Texas Health and Human Services. Hospice Care. hhs.texas.gov
Independent. Physician Reviewed. Free for Families.