Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 2026-05-21

These are the questions we hear most often. Each answer is short by design; follow the links for the full picture, and call us any time if you'd like to talk through your situation.

Video Library

All Korean-language videos from across the site are gathered here with reviewed English captions included directly in each video.

Getting Started

When should we consider hospice?

Any time a doctor has indicated the illness is likely to progress in the next six months. Earlier referral usually means better symptom control and more time with the team - hospice is not only for the last few days. See What to Expect for fuller detail.

How do we start hospice care?

Call our 24/7 line or use the Contact form. We coordinate with the attending physician to certify eligibility, and an RN can typically visit within 48 hours. See Hospice Services: How to Start.

How quickly can hospice begin?

In most cases, within 48 hours of the referral. Urgent situations can sometimes be admitted the same day.

Can my loved one keep their own doctor?

Yes. The patient names the attending physician on the hospice election. The hospice medical director coordinates with that doctor.

What if our loved one improves and no longer needs hospice?

Patients can revoke the hospice election at any time and resume curative care. They can re-elect hospice later if needed - there is no penalty. See Insurance & Medicare: Election Process.

About Hospice Care

What does hospice include?

Nursing care, medications related to the terminal illness, durable medical equipment, aide help, social-work and chaplain support, volunteer companionship, and thirteen months of bereavement support for the family. See Hospice Services for the full list.

Where does hospice care happen?

Wherever the patient calls home - house, apartment, assisted living, skilled nursing facility - or, when symptoms cannot be managed at home, in a contracted inpatient setting.

Does hospice provide 24/7 care?

A registered nurse is available by phone 24/7 and can come out for urgent needs. Scheduled visits happen during the day; the family or a private caregiver is typically present overnight unless the patient is at a higher level of care.

Will my loved one be sedated or unconscious?

The goal is comfort, not sedation. Medications are titrated to the symptom; many patients remain alert and responsive for much of their hospice stay.

Does hospice hasten death?

No. Studies consistently show that hospice patients often live as long as or longer than non-hospice patients with the same diagnoses, because symptoms are well managed. See What to Expect: Myths vs. Facts.

Insurance & Costs

How much does hospice cost?

For most patients, the out-of-pocket cost is $0. Medicare Part A and Medi-Cal cover the full hospice benefit when elected; small co-pays may apply for some outpatient drugs (up to $5). See Insurance & Medicare.

Does Medicare cover hospice?

Yes - Medicare Part A covers the full hospice benefit when the patient is certified terminally ill and elects hospice. See Insurance & Medicare: Medicare Part A.

Does Medi-Cal cover hospice?

Yes. Medi-Cal covers hospice services and, for patients in a nursing facility, pays for room and board at at least 95% of the facility rate. See Insurance & Medicare: Medi-Cal.

What about private insurance?

Most private insurers cover hospice; benefits vary. Our admissions team verifies coverage at no cost. See Insurance & Medicare: Comparison.

What if we don't have insurance?

Call us. We help families navigate Medicare and Medi-Cal eligibility and discuss options for those who qualify for neither.

For Families

What does the family have to do?

The family is the primary caregiver in most home-hospice settings, with our team supporting through visits, training, and 24/7 phone access. We teach what you need to know; you are not alone. See For Families & Caregivers for the practical basics.

What if we cannot care for our loved one at home?

Options include arranging more aide or private-caregiver hours, transferring to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility (hospice continues), or moving to a higher level of inpatient care when clinically appropriate. See Hospice Services: Levels of Care.

Is bereavement support included?

Yes - for thirteen months after the death, at no cost. It may include phone check-ins, support-group information, and a contact around the anniversary. See For Families: Bereavement.

Will cultural or religious traditions be respected?

Yes. Our chaplain coordinates with the family's tradition, and the care plan accommodates dietary, prayer, and end-of-life rituals.

Are Korean-language services available?

Yes. Korean-speaking team members are available for admissions and care, and key written materials are available in Korean. See About: Care for Korean-American Families.

Patient Rights & Choices

Can my loved one stop hospice at any time?

Yes. The patient can revoke the hospice election at any time and resume curative care. They can re-elect hospice later. See Insurance & Medicare: Election Process.

What if I disagree with the care plan?

The care plan is yours and the patient's to shape. Talk to the RN case manager; if concerns persist, ask for the hospice medical director or file a grievance. See Hospice Laws: Patient Rights.

How do we file a complaint?

Three paths: directly with our office, with the California Department of Public Health Licensing & Certification at (800) 228-1019, or with the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman at 1-800-MEDICARE. Filing cannot result in retaliation. See Hospice Laws: Complaints.

What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?

Palliative care focuses on symptom relief at any stage of serious illness and can be received alongside curative treatment. Hospice is palliative care for a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less, and replaces curative treatment for that illness.

What is an advance directive?

A written document - typically a Living Will and/or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare - that tells your care team what you want if you cannot speak for yourself. California uses the Advance Health Care Directive form. See Hospice Laws: Advance Directives.