Hospice Care: Quick Answers

Straight answers from the Aspire team. If you would rather talk it through, call (801) 292-0296 and we will walk through it with you.

Who qualifies for hospice?

Under Medicare, you qualify when you have Medicare Part A and all of these are true: your hospice doctor and your regular doctor (if you have one) certify that you are terminally ill with a life expectancy of 6 months or less; you accept comfort care instead of care meant to cure the illness; and you sign a statement choosing hospice care. Hospice is not limited to six months. Care can continue as long as the hospice doctor recertifies that you are still terminally ill.

What does hospice care include?

Aspire's hospice team includes physician services, nursing, hospice aide help, social work, spiritual counseling, grief counseling, and volunteer services, along with music therapy and massage therapy. Your team builds a plan of care with you and your family. Medications and medical equipment related to the terminal illness are part of that plan.

Where is hospice care provided?

Hospice care can be provided at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility. Aspire serves Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, and Utah counties.

How often will the hospice team visit?

Visits follow your loved one's plan of care, which the hospice team builds with you, your family, and the doctors. Aspire offers 24/7 access to care, day or night.

Does Medicare cover hospice?

Yes, when you qualify. Medicare Part A covers hospice care from a Medicare-approved hospice like Aspire. If you qualify, you pay nothing for covered hospice care from a Medicare-approved provider, with a few exceptions: a copayment of up to $5 per prescription for outpatient pain and symptom drugs, 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care, and room and board if you live in a facility. Medicare does not cover treatment meant to cure the terminal illness once hospice begins. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or other insurance, call us and we will help you check your benefits.

How quickly can care start?

When you call Aspire, a live team member answers your questions and helps you understand whether hospice is appropriate. A hospice nurse can often visit the same day to evaluate your loved one.

How do we get started?

1. Call Aspire at (801) 292-0296, or ask your doctor, hospital, or care facility to send a referral. Referral fax: (801) 294-5601.
2. We answer your questions and coordinate with your physician if needed.
3. A hospice nurse comes to evaluate your loved one at home or in a facility.
4. The doctors certify that your loved one is eligible, and you sign a hospice election statement choosing hospice care.
5. Your care team builds the plan of care, and care begins.

You can stop hospice at any time if you decide to pursue other treatment.

Medicare details are from Medicare.gov: Hospice care coverage, last checked October 16, 2026. Your own coverage and costs can differ, so we will confirm your benefits with you.