Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Top Hospice Care, our directory and hospice in general. For a full explanation of hospice, start with our Hospice Guide.

About this website

Are you a hospice? No. Top Hospice Care is an independent hospice directory and information website. We do not provide care, admit patients, take referrals or employ nurses or doctors. To start hospice care, contact a hospice directly or ask the patient’s doctor.

Is the site free to use? Yes. Searching the directory and reading the guide are free for families. Hospices can pay for enhanced and featured listings, which are always labeled. See our advertising disclosure.

Will a hospice contact me if I use this site? No. We do not collect your contact details for hospices and we never share your information with them. You choose whom to call.

Where does your information come from? Hospice profiles start from public data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Our guides are based on research from official sources such as Medicare.gov, which we cite on each page. Information can change, so always confirm details with the hospice. See our editorial policy.

Is this medical advice? No. Everything here is general information. Talk with a doctor about medical decisions. See our medical disclaimer.

Using the directory

What does “Verified” mean? It means we checked the hospice’s state license and Medicare certification against official records on the date shown, and we re-check monthly. It is not a rating or a guarantee of quality. Payment never buys the badge. Read our verification standards.

What does “Featured” mean? Featured hospices pay to appear at the top of a county page. Featured placement is advertising, not a recommendation.

Why don’t you show reviews? Online reviews of hospices are easy to fake and hard to check. We show official Medicare information instead. You can also compare hospice quality scores and family survey results on Medicare Care Compare.

I found a mistake on a listing. How do I report it? Use the Report button on the profile or email listings@tophospicecare.com. To report suspected Medicare fraud, call the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).

Which areas do you cover? We currently list Medicare-certified hospices in California and are adding more states. Browse California hospices.

Hospice basics

Who pays for hospice? For people with Medicare Part A who qualify, Medicare covers hospice care related to the terminal illness, usually with little or no cost to the patient. Medicaid and most private insurance also cover hospice. See the Medicare hospice benefit.

Who qualifies for hospice? Generally, a doctor certifies that the person has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its usual course, and the person chooses comfort care instead of treatment to cure the illness. See hospice eligibility.

Where is hospice care given? Most hospice care happens wherever the person lives: a private home, an assisted living community or a nursing home. Some hospices also have inpatient units. See the four levels of hospice care.

Can a person leave hospice? Yes. A patient can stop hospice at any time, for example to try a new treatment, and can return later if they still qualify. See leaving hospice.

How do I choose a hospice? Compare a few providers, ask how quickly they respond after hours, which services they offer and how often staff visit, and check their Medicare quality scores. See how to choose a hospice.

For hospices

How do I claim my listing? Find your hospice in the directory and click “Claim this listing.” Claiming is free. See how to claim your listing.

What does a paid plan cost? Verified is $79 per year and Featured is $249 per year per county. Plans renew yearly and you can cancel anytime. We never charge per lead or patient. See plans and pricing.