What is the minimum life expectancy criterion for hospice enrollment?

• A. One year or less
• B. Six months or less
• C. Less than a week
• D. Indefinite

Answer: (B)

Hospice enrollment hinges on prognosis. The standard threshold is that the patient is expected to live six months or less if the illness runs its usual course. This six‑month horizon is what certifies terminal illness for eligibility in most hospice programs, including Medicare. It’s a professional estimate, not a guaranteed countdown, and it signals a shift from curative treatment to comfort-focused care, with emphasis on symptom control and quality of life. The other time frames don’t reflect this eligibility standard, since one year, less than a week, or an indefinite prognosis aren’t what hospice enrollment is based on.