<P> With practices largely defined by the Medicare system , a social insurance program in the United States , and other health insurance providers , hospice care is made available in the United States to patients of any age with any terminal prognosis who are medically certified to have less than six months to live . In 2007 , hospice treatment was utilized by 1.4 million people in the United States . More than one - third of dying Americans utilize the service . However , common misperceptions regarding the length of time a patient may receive hospice care and the kinds of illnesses covered may result in hospice being underutilized . Although most hospice patients are in treatment for less than thirty days , care may extend beyond six months so long as a patient 's condition continues to merit such medical outlook . Medical and social services are supplied to patients and their families by an interdisciplinary team of professional providers and volunteers who take a patient - directed approach to managing illness . Generally , treatment is not diagnostic or curative , although the patient may choose some treatment options intended to prolong life , such as CPR . Most hospice services are covered by Medicare or other providers , and many hospices can provide access to charitable resources for patients lacking such coverage . </P>
<P> With practices largely defined by the Medicare system , a social insurance program in the United States , and other health insurance providers , hospice care is made available in the United States to patients of any age with any terminal prognosis who are medically certified to have less than six months to live . In 2007 , hospice treatment was utilized by 1.4 million people in the United States . More than one - third of dying Americans utilize the service . However , common misperceptions regarding the length of time a patient may receive hospice care and the kinds of illnesses covered may result in hospice being underutilized . Although most hospice patients are in treatment for less than thirty days , care may extend beyond six months so long as a patient 's condition continues to merit such medical outlook . Medical and social services are supplied to patients and their families by an interdisciplinary team of professional providers and volunteers who take a patient - directed approach to managing illness . Generally , treatment is not diagnostic or curative , although the patient may choose some treatment options intended to prolong life , such as CPR . Most hospice services are covered by Medicare or other providers , and many hospices can provide access to charitable resources for patients lacking such coverage . </P>
what percentage of deaths in the united states involves a hospice program
what percentage of deaths in the united states involves a hospice program
More than one - third
More than one - third