To qualify for general hospice care, what is the maximum timespan for a patient's terminal prognosis?

To qualify for general hospice care, a patient's terminal prognosis must indicate that they are expected to live for six months or less if their illness follows its normal course. This six-month time frame is a standard criterion used by hospice organizations to determine eligibility for care. It serves as a guideline to ensure that those receiving hospice services are in the final stages of a terminal illness, allowing them to focus on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatments. This criterion is consistent with Medicare's hospice benefit and is widely accepted across various healthcare settings, promoting timely access to palliative care for patients and their families.