Which of the following best describes hospice care under Medicare?

Hospice care under Medicare is specifically designed to provide end-of-life care, which focuses on the comfort and quality of life for patients who are terminally ill. This approach allows patients to receive care in a familiar environment, such as their own home, or in a facility that specializes in palliative care. The goal is to manage pain and other symptoms, while also providing support to both the patient and their family during this critical time.

The emphasis on end-of-life care underscores the concept of hospice, which prioritizes making the patient's remaining time as comfortable and meaningful as possible, rather than seeking curative treatments. This encapsulates the Medicare definition of hospice care, which does not align with long-term facility care, inpatient hospital care, or ambulatory care, which serve different purposes in the healthcare continuum.