No one can determine the exact time a person will die, so Hospice patients are certainly not obligated to die within six months of coming on Hospice services. Hospice patients have a six month prognosis, meaning that the average patient will probably die within six months or less considering that their illness will run its natural course. Actually, about 20% of terminally ill patients live longer than their estimated six month prognosis. And, the Hospice staff is there to raise the Hospice patient's quality of life.
Are patients taken off service if they live more than six months? No. If your physician continues to certify that you have a life-limiting illness and life expectancy, Medicare and most other insurers will continue to pay for your hospice care.
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