Patients in Dallas and Fort Worth can change hospice providers. Medicare permits one transfer to a new hospice during each benefit period without loss of coverage, and a well planned transfer involves no gap in care. The patient signs a transfer statement, and the new hospice coordinates records, medications, and equipment. Ameri Hospice manages hospice transfers and admissions across Dallas and Fort Worth, with admissions staff available 24 hours a day.

Selecting a hospice is a significant decision, and in some cases it becomes clear after care begins that a provider is not the right fit. Common concerns include unanswered after hours calls, inconsistent visits, or a patient’s relocation to another part of the Metroplex. Our hospice admissions team assists families with transfers regularly.

Patients are never required to remain with a hospice provider. This guide explains how transfers work under Medicare, what the process involves, and how to maintain uninterrupted access to medications and equipment.

Can Patients Switch Hospice Companies Under Medicare?

Yes. The Medicare Hospice Benefit allows a patient to change hospice providers once during each benefit period. A transfer is different from leaving hospice. The patient remains on the hospice benefit, retains eligibility, and moves care to another Medicare certified hospice care provider.

The benefit is divided into two initial 90 day periods, followed by an unlimited number of 60 day periods. Because each new period includes its own transfer option, a patient who changed providers early in care may be able to change again later. Our guide on who qualifies for hospice care explains how eligibility continues across periods.

Medicaid and most private insurance plans follow similar rules, although some require prior authorization. Our admissions coordinators verify coverage before any change takes effect.

Common Reasons Families Change Hospice Providers

Transfers are often prompted by practical concerns as well as quality of care. The following are among the most frequent reasons, and many relate to the consistency of scheduled home visits:

• Delayed callbacks after hours or on weekends
• Late hospice medications or refills
• Fewer nurse or aide visits than the patient requires
• Pain or shortness of breath that is not well controlled
• Missing or delayed medical equipment
• Relocation to another city or county
• A need for stronger family support and caregiver education

Families may request a care conference with the current hospice before deciding. If concerns continue, a transfer can be arranged through our contact page.

Transferring vs. Revoking Hospice

Transferring and revoking are distinct processes, and understanding the difference protects both coverage and continuity of comfort care.

Transferring Hospice

A transfer moves care from one hospice to another while the patient remains on the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Coverage continues without interruption, and the benefit period does not change. This is the appropriate option for families seeking improved hospice care in Dallas.

Revoking Hospice

Revocation is a decision to stop hospice care entirely, typically to resume curative treatment. Regular Medicare coverage resumes, and any remaining days in the current benefit period are forfeited. The patient may elect hospice again later if eligible, as described in our guide on hospice admissions.

When the goal is better hospice care rather than ending hospice, a transfer is the correct path. Revoking solely to change providers is rarely necessary and may create a gap in coverage, so families should consult our admissions team before signing any forms.

How to Change Hospice Providers

The transfer process is straightforward for most families. The steps below describe a typical transfer to Ameri Hospice.

Step 1: Contact the New Hospice

Families should contact the preferred hospice before notifying the current provider and ask about evaluation timing, medication delivery, after hours nursing, and visit frequency. Our hospice admissions team explains the transfer process during the first call and typically schedules an evaluation within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility and Benefit Period

The new hospice confirms that the patient continues to meet eligibility requirements and identifies the current benefit period. This step prevents coverage issues. The criteria are outlined in who qualifies for hospice care in Dallas.

Step 3: Sign the Transfer Statement

The patient or legal representative signs a statement identifying the current hospice, the new hospice, and the effective date of the transfer. Both providers receive a copy, and revocation is not required. A hospice social worker can review the document with the family.

Step 4: Coordinate Records, Medications, and Equipment

The new hospice requests medical records, the plan of care, and the medication list. Timing is essential, so both providers should confirm who supplies comfort medications on the transfer date and whether existing equipment remains until new medical equipment is delivered.

Step 5: Begin Care With the New Team

On the effective date, a nurse completes an admission visit, updates the plan of care, and reviews pain and symptom management. The family receives a 24/7 clinical phone line and a schedule of home visits.

Documents Needed for a Hospice Transfer

Having the following documents available allows the transfer to proceed efficiently. Our admissions coordinators can request most records directly if any are unavailable.

• Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance cards
• The current hospice’s name and the date care began
• The current medication list with doses and times
• The attending physician’s name and phone number
• Any Medical Power of Attorney or advance directive
• The Texas Out of Hospital DNR form, if applicable

A written summary of specific concerns, such as missed visits, delayed callbacks, or recurring symptoms, allows our skilled nursing team to address those issues from the first visit.

Maintaining Continuity of Care During a Transfer

Continuity of care is the primary objective of any hospice transfer. The plan of care, medication schedule, and equipment in the home should remain in place until the new hospice confirms each item has been assumed. Our skilled nursing team reviews the existing plan of care in detail so that effective treatments continue without change.

Families also receive a single point of contact during the transition, which reduces confusion between providers. Questions about visit schedules, refills, or equipment can be directed to our admissions coordinators at any hour until the first nursing visit is complete.

How Long Does a Hospice Transfer Take?

Most transfers in the Dallas Fort Worth area are completed within a few days of the family’s decision. The timeline depends on how quickly records are shared and the effective date selected. Choosing a date that allows equipment and supplies to arrive first prevents interruptions in care.

For urgent situations, our guide to same day hospice admissions explains how quickly care can begin.

Changing Hospice in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living

Patients residing in a nursing facility or assisted living community in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, or surrounding cities can transfer in the same manner. The facility is notified of the change, and the new hospice coordinates care with facility staff. More information is available on our inpatient and facility hospice care page.

Room and board in a facility are not covered by the hospice benefit, so those arrangements typically remain unchanged. Our social workers can address related billing questions.

Questions to Ask a New Hospice Provider

Asking each provider the same questions allows families to compare responsiveness and services objectively. Experiences shared by other families are available in our hospice reviews.

• How soon can a nurse complete an evaluation?
• How quickly are medications delivered after admission?
• Is a nurse available by phone and in person overnight?
• How often do home health aides visit?
• Is continuous care available during a crisis?
• Is respite care available for family caregivers?
• What bereavement support is offered after a loss?

Changing Hospice Providers in Dallas, TX

Ameri Hospice accepts transfers throughout Dallas County, including Dallas, Garland, Irving, Carrollton, Mesquite, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Highland Park. Our Dallas home hospice care team coordinates directly with the current provider to ensure a seamless transition.

Changing Hospice Providers in Fort Worth, TX

In Tarrant County, patients can transfer to our Fort Worth hospice care team, which serves Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and Keller. Ameri Hospice also serves Collin and Rockwall counties across our full hospice service area.

Why Families Transfer to Ameri Hospice

Families who transfer to Ameri Hospice most often cite faster response times and consistent visits. As a trusted, Medicare certified provider serving North Texas for more than a decade, we answer calls live 24 hours a day and deliver comfort medications within 4 to 6 hours of admission.

Our experienced hospice nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains maintain clear communication with families throughout care. Learn more about Ameri Hospice or review our full range of hospice services.

Request a Hospice Transfer

Patients can change hospice providers without restarting the process or losing coverage. Call Ameri Hospice at 972.499.4757 or contact our admissions team to arrange a transfer in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in our North Texas service area.