How to Change Hospice Providers
How to interview a replacement, coordinate the election change, and avoid gaps in medication or equipment.
Start here
A Medicare beneficiary can change hospice providers once during each benefit period. Choose the new hospice first, then coordinate the signed change so records, medications, equipment, and after-hours coverage transfer without a gap.
What to have in front of you
- The notice, bill, decision, or discharge paperwork connected to the problem
- The person’s full name, date of birth, address, insurance information, and identification
- A short timeline with dates, names, phone calls, and what changed
- Copies of medical, school, financial, or care records that directly support the request
What to say when someone answers
“I want to change hospice providers. Please confirm my benefit period, the effective date, and what the current and new hospices must do to prevent a gap in care.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Interview the new hospice about response times, medications, equipment, inpatient contracts, and current symptoms.
- 2
Authorize record sharing and choose an effective transfer date.
- 3
Confirm which hospice supplies medications and equipment on the transfer day and when old equipment will be removed.
- 4
Keep both 24/7 numbers until the new hospice confirms admission and delivery.
What happens next
The beneficiary signs a statement changing the designated hospice, and the new provider assumes the plan of care on the effective date.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If the current hospice pressures you to revoke the benefit instead of transfer, call Medicare and the prospective hospice before signing anything.
Official sources
- Medicare — hospice care coverage
- Medicare Care Compare — hospice
- Florida Health Finder — hospice lookup
Checked August 5, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.