Vt. Medicaid Hospice Provider Manual § 1

Hospice is a comprehensive, holistic program of care and support for terminally ill members and

their families. Hospice care focuses on comfort care and quality of life instead of care to cure the

member’s illness.

The goal of hospice is to help members live their remaining life fully and comfortably by providing

care to alleviate pain and suffering and to treat symptoms. Hospice care helps a member be

comfortable by addressing issues causing physical or emotional pain or suffering. Hospice care is

provided utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach to address the physical, psychological, social,

and spiritual needs of the member and their family. Hospice services can be utilized by members

of all ages.

Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including the member’s home, the home of

another person, an approved residential care home, assisted living facility, or an approved nursing

home.

All services must be rendered in accordance with Medicaid guidelines and requirements under

Health Care Administrative Rules.