Altruistic Hospice Care
Understanding hospice care
Hospice can feel like an unfamiliar word at an already overwhelming time. Here's a plain explanation of what it is, what's included, who qualifies, and how it's paid for — so you can make an informed decision for your family.
Care focused on comfort, not a cure
Hospice care is medical care for people with a terminal illness who have chosen to focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than treatment aimed at curing the illness. It isn't a place — it's a philosophy of care, delivered wherever the patient calls home, by a team built specifically for this stage of life.
A hospice team typically includes a physician, nurses, a home health aide, a social worker, and a chaplain, working together around the patient and family instead of any single provider working alone. The goal at every visit is the same: manage pain and symptoms, support the family, and help each day be as comfortable as it can be.
What's included in hospice care
Hospice is comprehensive by design — it's meant to address the medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that come with a terminal diagnosis, for the patient and the family around them.
Skilled nursing visits
Regular visits from RNs and LVNs to manage pain and symptoms.
Physician oversight
A hospice physician directs the care plan alongside your nursing team.
Medication related to the diagnosis
Medications for pain and symptom control tied to the terminal illness.
Medical equipment & supplies
Hospital beds, wheelchairs, and other equipment needed for comfort and safety.
Home health aide support
Hands-on help with bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility, transferring, toileting, and feeding.
Medical social work
Help navigating logistics, resources, and difficult decisions.
Chaplain & spiritual support
Available for any faith, or none at all — whatever brings comfort.
24/7 on-call support
A nurse is reachable by phone any hour, every day of the week.
Respite & caregiver relief
Short-term relief care so family caregivers can rest.
Wound care
Specialized nursing care for wound management and comfort.
Physical & occupational therapy
Therapy focused on safety, mobility, and comfort in daily movement.
Speech therapy
Support for communication and safe swallowing as needs change.
Case management
One coordinator overseeing the full care plan across every discipline.
Hospice eligibility, explained simply
Hospice isn't limited to any one diagnosis. Eligibility comes down to two things: a physician's prognosis, and the patient's choice of care goals.
General eligibility criteria
- A physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its usual course
- The patient and family choose comfort-focused care instead of curative treatment for the terminal illness
- Care can be recertified and continued if the patient lives longer than six months and still qualifies
- Care is available at home or in a facility, wherever the patient already lives
Common qualifying conditions
- Advanced cancer
- End-stage heart or lung disease
- Advanced dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Kidney or liver failure, ALS, and other advanced illnesses
Not sure if your loved one qualifies? That's a normal question at this stage — call us and we'll walk through it with you, at no cost and with no obligation.
Hospice care is almost always covered
Cost is one of the biggest worries families have going in — and for the large majority of patients, hospice-related care comes at little to no direct expense.
Medicare Hospice Benefit
Medicare Part A covers hospice care almost entirely for patients who qualify, including nursing visits, medication for the terminal diagnosis, equipment, and support services. Most families have little to no out-of-pocket cost for hospice-related care.
Medi-Cal & Medicaid
Medicaid programs, including Medi-Cal in California, generally include a hospice benefit similar to Medicare's for those who qualify.
Private & employer plans
Most private insurance plans include hospice coverage. Altruistic Hospice Care is in network with a majority of major insurance providers, and our team will verify your specific benefits before care begins.
We're in network with:
Health Plans
- Universal Care, Inc., dba Brand New Day HP
- Blue Shield of CA HP
- Health Net of CA
IPAs
- Access IPA
Networks
- America's Choice Provider Network (ACPN)
We also accept Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program). Don't see your plan listed, or not sure if you're covered? Call us — we'll check your specific coverage for you at no cost.
Check your coverage
Tell us who your insurance is with and how to reach you, and a member of our team will confirm your hospice benefits — usually within one business day. There's no cost and no obligation.
Coverage details vary by individual plan. The information above is general and not a guarantee of benefits — our team will confirm your exact coverage before care begins.
Common questions about hospice care
Does Medicare cover hospice care?
Yes. The Medicare Hospice Benefit, under Medicare Part A, covers hospice-related care almost entirely, including nursing visits, medication for the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment, and support services. Most families pay little to nothing out of pocket for hospice-related care.
Who qualifies for hospice care?
A patient generally qualifies when a physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its usual course, and the patient and family choose comfort-focused care over treatment aimed at curing the illness. Hospice applies to any terminal diagnosis, not just cancer.
What happens if a hospice patient lives longer than six months?
Hospice care can continue as long as a physician recertifies that the patient still meets eligibility criteria. Many patients are recertified and remain on hospice care longer than six months.
Is hospice care covered by private insurance?
Most private insurance plans include a hospice benefit, and Altruistic Hospice Care is in network with a majority of major insurance providers. Coverage details vary by plan, so we recommend confirming your specific benefits with our team.
Still have questions? We're here to help.
Every family's situation is different. Call us and we'll walk through eligibility and coverage together — no pressure, just honest answers.
Granada Hills, CA 91344