Choosing hospice care is one of the most important decisions a family will ever make. It is a choice that affects not only the comfort and dignity of a loved one, but also the emotional and practical support available to family members.
One question is often overlooked: Does it matter if a hospice provider is nonprofit or for-profit?
A JAMA Internal Medicine study says it does. The findings highlight important differences every family should know before choosing a provider.
What the Study Found
Researchers examined quality metrics and care patterns among thousands of hospice providers across the United States. Their analysis revealed that nonprofit hospices consistently performed better on several measures of quality, including:
- Higher quality-of-care ratings on Medicare Care Compare
- Better continuity of care, with fewer patients leaving hospice before the end of life
- Greater use of volunteers, offering additional emotional, social, grief and spiritual support
- Stronger adherence to best practices for managing transitions and planning care
The study found that for-profit hospices, on average, had higher rates of patient disenrollment and were less likely to meet certain quality benchmarks.
Read the full study here: Nonprofit and For-Profit Hospice Care in the United States
Why These Differences Matter
Behind every statistic is a real family navigating one of life’s hardest chapters. Quality-of-care ratings and best practices reflect whether a hospice provider is truly equipped to honor each patient’s goals, manage symptoms effectively, and ease the stress on loved ones.
For example:
- More volunteer support can mean a hand to hold, a favorite song played, or a moment of respite for a weary caregiver.
- Better care transitions reduce the risk of unnecessary hospital visits and help ensure comfort is maintained.
- Longer, more stable enrollment allows patients and families to build trust with their care team.
The Hosparus Health Difference
As a nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider, Hosparus Health reinvests every dollar into patient and family care. Our mission is to improve quality of life, provide compassionate support, and ensure access for all. This means:
- Serving every community member, regardless of ability to pay
- Offering services beyond medical care, including grief counseling, veteran programs, and pediatric care
- Engaging a network of trained volunteers who provide companionship and caregiver relief
Our palliative care program, provided through Pallitus Health Partners, is available at any stage of a serious illness. Services are offered through telehealth, in community-based clinics, and in the home for qualifying patients. This allows families to receive expert support in the setting that works best for their needs.
Because our mission is rooted in compassion and accessibility, we focus on care that aligns with each patient’s values and goals.
How to Choose the Right Hospice Provider
When you are exploring options for your loved one, consider asking:
- What are your quality scores on Medicare Care Compare?
- How do you support families emotionally and practically, beyond medical needs?
- Will you care for my loved one regardless of insurance or ability to pay?
- What programs or services make your hospice different from others?
We Are Here to Help
Hospice care is most effective when started early. By focusing on comfort, dignity, and personal goals, we can reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and create more time for meaningful moments at home.
Related Reading
Learn more about your options and how to choose the best care for your loved one:
- How Hospice and Palliative Care Help Families Avoid Emergency Room Trips – Learn how our care teams help manage symptoms and keep patients comfortable at home.
- Signs It’s Time to Consider Hospice or Palliative Care for a Parent – Recognize early indicators that it may be time to explore extra support for your loved one.
- Who Pays for Hospice Care? – Understand insurance coverage, Medicare benefits, and how our nonprofit status ensures no one is turned away.
- How Palliative Care is Paid For – Watch this video to learn how our palliative care services are covered and how we bring care to wherever a patient calls home.