Hospice & Palliative Care Eligibility

Eligibility for hospice care is based on several criteria set by Medicare and other insurance providers. The main requirement is that the patient must have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less should the disease run its natural course.

For patients who may not yet meet criteria for hospice but still require specialized care, we also offer palliative care services.

Key Hospice Eligibility Considerations

A healthcare worker in blue scrubs smiling and holding hands with a senior woman lying in a hospital bed, smiling back. The scene is in a hospital room with artwork on the walls and a sliding glass door.

  1. Terminal Diagnosis

    Confirmed by both the patient’s personal physician and the hospice physician

  2. Acceptance of Hospice Care

    Selects comfort care over curative treatment

  3. Hospice Benefit

    Medicare Part A or related benefit under other insurance

  4. Common Considerations

    Cancer, Heart Disease, COPD, Kidney Failure, Liver Disease, Neurological Disease, Stroke, and Coma

Key Palliative Care Eligibility Considerations

A nurse in purple scrubs smiling and holding the hand of an elderly woman in bed in a hospital room.

  1. Serious Illness Diagnosis

    Confirmed by a physician

  2. Acceptance of Palliative Care

    Comprehensive care coordination while pursuing curative treatment

  3. Insurance Coverage

    Insurance plans vary in their coverage of palliative care services. Please call us if you need assistance. We are here to help.

  4. Common Considerations

    Cancer, Heart Disease, COPD, Kidney Failure, Liver Disease, Neurological Disease, Stroke, and Coma

Steps to Enroll

  • Icon of two overlapping speech bubbles with lines representing text on a teal background.

    Hospice Discussion

    The patient or their family should discuss care options, including hospice or palliative care, with their primary care physician or specialist

  • Icon of a telephone and an envelope representing contacting by call or email.

    Contact Hospice Maui

    Call (808) 244-5555 or email mail@hospicemaui.org

  • Icon of four people connected in a circle with a speech bubble in the center

    Schedule a Meeting

    A Hospice Maui team member will meet with the patient & family for an initial assessment

  • Line drawing of a medical clipboard with a stethoscope on a teal background.

    Determine Eligibility

    Evaluate Prognosis, Medical Condition, Prognosis, Patient/Family Readiness

  • Icon of a handshake over a document, symbolizing agreement or contract.

    Sign Consent Forms

    Enrollment Forms, Patient Rights, Advance Directive/POLST

  • Illustration of two hands holding a heart.

    Start of Care

    Introduction of Hospice Team and development of an individualized Plan of Care

  • Icon of a person within a dotted circle, surrounded by three arrows forming a cycle, representing user or personal data renewal or update.

    Ongoing Support

    Continued Communication & Collaboration, Regular Reassessments

  • Outline illustration of a hand holding a coin with a dollar sign.

    Financial Aid

    As a nonprofit organization it is our mission to provide a dignified death to everyone regardless of their medical coverage through our Kokua Fund

Download Referral Form