Non-Profit vs. For-Profit Hospice: How to Choose

There comes a time when we may be faced with the decision to choose hospice care for a loved one. Choosing hospice means focusing on quality of life rather than quantity of life — seeking comfort, dignity, and peace during a person’s remaining days. It’s a deeply personal choice, and being informed about the agency you select is essential. One key question to ask is whether the hospice is non-profit or for-profit, as there are important differences between the two.

Understanding Hospice Benefits

Anyone who has Medicare is entitled to a hospice benefit, which covers comprehensive, end-of-life care. This benefit includes medical equipment, supplies, medications, nursing services, spiritual care, social work support, volunteer services, and bereavement counseling for families. In other words, the goal is to provide all the support needed for comfort and dignity during the final stage of life.

Understanding these benefits is just the first step. It’s equally important to know how the type of hospice agency — non-profit or for-profit — can influence the quality and philosophy of care provided.

Non-Profit Hospices

The mission of non-profit hospices is to provide compassionate care to all, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. These organizations often receive funding from community donations, fundraisers, and grants, which allows them to offer services to individuals who may not have full insurance coverage or who are underinsured.

Non-profit hospices tend to reinvest their earnings directly into patient care and community programs. As a result, they typically offer a wider range of services, such as palliative care, grief counseling, and volunteer programs. Studies often show that non-profit hospices perform better in areas such as pain and symptom management, emotional support, and family satisfaction.

For-Profit Hospices

While for-profit hospices also aim to provide compassionate care, their business model is designed to generate profit for shareholders or owners. This can sometimes affect which patients they admit or how resources are allocated. For example, some for-profit agencies may be more selective, admitting patients with longer expected stays or those whose care is more financially sustainable — such as individuals with dementia or chronic illnesses rather than rapidly progressing conditions like cancer.

For-profit agencies may spend less on services that are not reimbursed, such as community education or volunteer programs. However, it’s worth noting that many for-profit hospices still deliver excellent, compassionate care, and quality can vary widely from one agency to another.

Making the Right Choice

When a healthcare provider or hospital refers you to a specific hospice, remember that the final choice is yours. Take time to ask questions about each agency’s mission, services, and philosophy of care.

Choosing a hospice that aligns with your loved one’s needs — and your family’s values — can make a meaningful difference during this important time. Whether you select a non-profit or for-profit hospice, what matters most is finding a team committed to providing comfort, dignity, and compassion every step of the way.