---
title: "Hospice Compare: how to check a hospice"
description: "How to use Care Compare to check a hospice: Medicare approval, family caregiver survey ratings, quality measures, and what to ask next."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/hospice-compare/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: Senior Choice Care
---

How-to

# How to check a hospice on Care Compare

Hospice is chosen quickly, often in a hard week. A few minutes on Care Compare can help.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

Hospice Compare is part of Medicare's Care Compare. Search for hospices by location, then compare quality measures and family caregiver survey results from the CAHPS Hospice Survey. Medicare only covers hospice from a Medicare-approved provider, so confirm that first, then ask each hospice about visits and after-hours help.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

## Step by step

1. **Open Care Compare** Choose hospice care and enter your parent's location.
2. **Shortlist** Pick two or three hospices that serve the area.
3. **Read family ratings** The CAHPS Hospice Survey asks family caregivers about communication, getting timely help, symptom support and the overall rating.
4. **Read quality measures** CMS reports measures from hospice assessments and Medicare claims.
5. **Call** Ask the questions on our [hospice checklist](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/hospice/).

## Questions families ask

### Where can I compare hospices?

On Medicare's Care Compare, under hospice care.

### What does the hospice survey measure?

Family caregivers' experience, including communication, timely help and the overall rating.

### Do all hospices have star ratings?

Ratings need enough completed surveys, so small hospices may not have one.

### Can we switch hospices?

Yes, once per benefit period.

## Sources

- [Medicare.gov Care Compare: nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice and more](https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/)
- [CMS: Hospice Quality Reporting Program](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/hospice)
- [CMS: CAHPS Hospice Survey](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/hospice/cahpsr-hospice-survey)
- [Medicare Hospice Benefits (official booklet 02154)](https://www.medicare.gov/publications/02154-medicare-hospice-benefits.pdf)

## Read next

- [Check a provider](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/)
- [Questions for a hospice](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/hospice/)
- [Hospice and palliative care](https://seniorchoicecare.com/hospice-and-palliative/)
- [Assisted living inspections](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/assisted-living-inspection-reports/)
- [Home Health Compare](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/home-health-compare/)
- [Long-term care ombudsman](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/long-term-care-ombudsman/)
- [Nursing Home Compare](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/nursing-home-compare/)
- [Nursing home inspections](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/nursing-home-inspection-reports/)

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