### Question
How is the "hospice care" defined?


### Answer
The term **hospice care** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 1396d* as follows -

> the care described in section 1395x(dd)(1) of this title furnished by a hospice program (as defined in section 1395x(dd)(2) of this title) to a terminally ill individual who has voluntarily elected (in accordance with paragraph (2)) to have payment made for hospice care instead of having payment made for certain benefits described in section 1395d(d)(2)(A) of this title and for which payment may otherwise be made under subchapter XVIII of this chapter and intermediate care facility services under the plan

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1396d*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER XIX-GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS**

