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Rise in Hospice Care Signals Shift in End-of-Life Choices

2/25/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A national study from Boston University finds that Medicare beneficiaries discharged from ICU to hospice rose from 6% in 2011 to 7% in 2023.
The increase signals a shift toward comfort-focused care rather than aggressive medical intervention.
The study notes more do-not-resuscitate orders, indicating broader discussions about end-of-life care.
Despite a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift toward hospice care resumed by 2023.

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Story summary

A national study from Boston University finds that Medicare beneficiaries discharged from ICU to hospice rose from 6% in 2011 to 7% in 2023.
The increase signals a shift toward comfort-focused care rather than aggressive medical intervention.
The study notes more do-not-resuscitate orders, indicating broader discussions about end-of-life care.
Despite a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift toward hospice care resumed by 2023.