All hospices agencies licensed by both the State and by Medicare Part A, and have the same requirements and regulations.

The major difference is how the business license is filed with governing organizations. Hospices that are “for-profit” must pay taxes according to state and federal regulations. Hospices that are “not-for-profit” are not required to pay taxes to either the state or federal governments.

Hospices that are licensed as “for-profit” are not allowed to take charitable donations from the community and utilize those funds for patient care.

Hospices that are “not-for-profit” are allowed to take charitable donations, hold fundraisers, and solicit donations from the community. They can utilize those funds for patient care and for other purposes at the discretion of the hospice.