What is a condition under which Medicare will pay for hospice care?

Medicare provides coverage for hospice care specifically when a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is given a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. This criterion is integral to the hospice benefit, as it focuses on providing comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment.

By recognizing that the prognosis is a key factor, Medicare aims to support patients and families during the end-of-life phase, allowing for management of pain and symptoms in a compassionate setting. The hospice philosophy emphasizes palliative care, which prioritizes the patient's comfort, dignity, and support for their loved ones.

The other options do not align with the criteria set by Medicare for hospice care coverage. For instance, patients do not need to be actively receiving treatment for their illness or be in a hospital setting to qualify for hospice. Additionally, while all age groups can access hospice services, it is not a criterion for eligibility. Thus, the specific requirement regarding a terminal diagnosis and prognosis is what justifies Medicare's coverage for hospice care.