How to Start Hospice Care in Florida
Who can refer, what the six-month certification means, how to compare agencies, and what to ask at enrollment.
Start here
Ask the treating clinician for a hospice evaluation or call a Medicare-certified hospice directly. Hospice can evaluate eligibility, but the required physicians must certify the terminal prognosis before the Medicare benefit begins.
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
“We want a hospice evaluation. Please explain eligibility, how quickly a nurse can assess, what services are available at home, and what the family must provide.”
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
Ask the clinician and at least two hospices for an evaluation; use Care Compare and Florida Health Finder to check quality and licensing.
- 2
Describe current symptoms, hospitalizations, weight loss, functional decline, treatment goals, living arrangement, and caregiver availability.
- 3
Ask who responds nights and weekends, what equipment and medications arrive, and whether the hospice has inpatient contracts.
- 4
Read the election statement and request the non-covered-items addendum before signing.
What happens next
If eligible and elected, the hospice creates a plan of care and arranges covered services related to the terminal illness.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If one hospice says no, ask for the reason and request another evaluation. Palliative care may still be appropriate without hospice eligibility.
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.