Hospice Care for Veterans Albany, Georgia: 2026 Complete Guide
Veterans in Albany, Georgia can receive hospice care through the VA, Medicare, or Georgia Medicaid. VA hospice care is available to all enrolled veterans with a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less, requires no copays, and does not require the illness to be service-connected. Local providers include Phoebe Hospice and Affinis Hospice.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | End-of-life comfort care, pain management, family support, and bereavement services |
| Eligibility | Veterans enrolled in VA health care with a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less |
| Application | Referral from VA care team, hospice provider, or physician |
| Processing Time | Assessment typically within 24-48 hours |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) |
| Required Forms | Hospice election statement; physician certification of terminal illness |
| Updated For | September 2026 |
What Is VA Hospice Care?
VA hospice care is specialized medical care for veterans in the final months of life. It focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and therapists.
Why it matters for veterans: VA hospice care addresses the unique physical and psychological needs of veterans, including PTSD, traumatic grief, and survival guilt that may resurface at end of life. The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin—which serves the Albany area—has a hospice program that prioritizes the veteran’s quality of life during their final days .
What to do next: If you or a loved one may need hospice care, contact the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center or your VA primary care provider to request a referral.
Who Qualifies for VA Hospice Care?
All veterans enrolled in VA health care qualify for hospice care if they have a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less. The terminal illness does not need to be service-connected .
Eligibility Requirements
To receive VA hospice care, a veteran must:
Be enrolled in VA health care
Have a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course, certified by a physician
Make an informed decision to receive hospice care rather than curative treatment
Who Qualifies for Free Care
VA hospice care is provided at no cost to the veteran. There are no copays for hospice services, regardless of the veteran’s financial situation or disability rating .
Important Notes
No DNR order is required for hospice care
A primary caregiver is not required—hospice teams work to sustain veterans at home as long as possible
Veterans can revoke hospice if their condition improves and they want to resume curative treatment
VA vs. Medicare vs. Medicaid Hospice in Albany
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVeterans in Albany may qualify for multiple hospice benefits. Understanding the differences helps families make informed decisions.
Comparison Table: Hospice Benefits
| Feature | VA Hospice | Medicare Hospice | Georgia Medicaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to Veteran | No copays | No deductible/copay for hospice services | No patient liability for home setting |
| Service Connection Required | No | No | No |
| Concurrent Treatment | Allowed for certain conditions | Not allowed (must forgo curative treatment) | Not allowed |
| Care Settings | Home, VA facility, community hospice | Home, inpatient facility, nursing home | Home or nursing home |
| Bereavement Support | 13 months for family | 13 months for family | Covered through hospice agency |
| Eligibility | Enrolled in VA health care | Medicare Part A + terminal prognosis | Medicaid + terminal prognosis |
VA Community Living Center in Dublin
The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin operates a Community Living Center (CLC) that provides hospice and palliative care for eligible veterans . The CLC is a VA nursing home that resembles a home environment as much as possible.
CLC Hospice Services
Some Community Living Centers provide:
Palliative Care and Hospice Care for end of life
24-hour skilled nursing care
Restorative care
Social work services
Geriatric evaluation and management
Location: Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, 1826 Veterans Blvd, Dublin, GA 31021
Note: Not all VA Community Living Centers provide all services. Contact the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center to confirm hospice availability and eligibility .
Carl Vinson VA Hospice Program
The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center has an established hospice program. In one notable case, hospice staff helped a bedridden Navy veteran fulfill his final wish to go fishing by pushing his hospital bed to a nearby pond on the facility grounds . This reflects the program’s focus on quality of life and honoring veterans’ wishes at end of life.
Community Hospice Providers in Albany
Albany has multiple Medicare-certified hospice providers that serve veterans. These agencies accept VA payment, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Phoebe Hospice
Phoebe Hospice is a Medicare-certified hospice provider serving Albany and surrounding counties .
Location: 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA 31707
Phone: (229) 312-7050
Service Area: Dougherty, Lee, Terrell, Crisp, Worth, Calhoun, Mitchell, Clay, Randolph, Baker, and Quitman counties
Services:
Nursing care
Medical social services
Physician services
Counseling services
Respite care
Home health aide services
Quality Metrics:
Treatment preferences: 100%
Beliefs and values addressed: 97.9%
Pain screening: 92.9%
Dyspnea screening: 100%
Volunteer Program: Phoebe Hospice has dedicated volunteers who provide companionship, support, and assistance to patients and families .
Affinis Hospice, LLC
Affinis Hospice is a Medicare-certified freestanding hospice provider in Albany .
Location: 507 North Jefferson Street, Albany, GA 31702
Phone: (229) 435-2109
Certification: Medicare-certified since March 2010
Services Provided:
Nursing service
Physician service
Home health aide service
Counseling service
Medical social service
Physical therapy (under arrangement)
Occupational therapy (under arrangement)
Speech pathology (under arrangement)
Short-term inpatient care (acute and respite)
How to Apply for VA Hospice Care in Albany
Step 1: Enroll in VA Health Care (If Not Already Enrolled)
Apply online at VA.gov or contact the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center. Enrollment is free.
Step 2: Request a Referral
Contact your VA primary care provider or care team member. Hospice care begins with a referral from a VA physician or care team member.
Who can initiate a referral:
VA primary care provider
VA social worker
VA palliative care consult team
Hospital discharge planner (if currently hospitalized)
Family member or caregiver (who then contacts the VA care team)
Step 3: Clinical Assessment
A VA physician or palliative care specialist will assess the veteran’s condition to determine if hospice eligibility criteria are met (terminal prognosis of 6 months or less).
Step 4: Certification of Terminal Illness
Two physicians must certify the terminal illness—including a VA physician. This certification documents that the veteran’s prognosis is 6 months or less.
Step 5: Hospice Election Statement
The veteran or their legal surrogate must sign a hospice election statement. This document confirms the veteran’s informed decision to receive hospice care.
Step 6: Choose Care Setting
The veteran and family choose where hospice care will be provided:
Home (private residence, assisted living, or family member’s home)
VA Community Living Center (if available at Carl Vinson VAMC)
Community nursing home (contracted with VA)
Inpatient hospice unit (at a VA facility or community hospice)
Step 7: Begin Care
Once the election statement is signed and certifications are complete, hospice services begin.
Georgia Medicaid Hospice Eligibility
Veterans in Albany who are not enrolled in VA health care may qualify for hospice through Georgia Medicaid.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Medicaid hospice in Georgia, an applicant must :
Have a medical prognosis of 6 months or less life expectancy
Be receiving hospice care services from an approved hospice care provider
Meet Length of Stay (LOS) and Level of Care (LOC) basic eligibility criteria
Meet all other basic and financial eligibility criteria
Covered Services
Georgia Medicaid hospice services include :
Nursing care
Medical social services
Physician services
Counseling services
Respite care
Home health aide services
Cost
There is no patient liability or cost share for Medicaid hospice recipients in a home setting. For hospice recipients in a nursing home setting, a patient liability is determined the same as for nursing home residents .
Benefit Periods
Medicaid hospice eligibility is verified at the following intervals :
End of the first 90-day period
End of the second 90-day period
Every 60 days thereafter
Services Covered by Hospice Care
VA hospice care includes comprehensive services at no cost to the veteran.
Medical Services
Physician services
Skilled nursing care
Pain and symptom management
Medications for the terminal diagnosis
Medical equipment and supplies
Support Services
Social work support
Chaplaincy and pastoral care
Psychological counseling
Bereavement counseling for family
Respite care for caregivers
Therapy Services
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech and language pathology
Nutrition support
Family Services
Caregiver education
Family meetings
Bereavement support for 13 months after death
What Hospice Care Does Not Cover
The following services are generally not covered under hospice benefits:
Curative treatment of the terminal illness (except concurrent care under VA policy)
Room and board for hospice care received at home
Custodial care unrelated to the terminal illness
Care for conditions unrelated to the terminal illness (these may be covered under other benefits)
Bereavement Services After Death
VA provides bereavement support to families for 13 months after the veteran’s passing.
What’s Included
Grief counseling (individual or group)
Support for family members and caregivers
Connection to VA survivor benefits
Assistance with burial and memorial benefits
VA Survivor Benefits
Surviving spouses and dependents may qualify for:
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran’s death was service-connected
VA burial benefits including plot allowance and headstone
Survivors’ pension for low-income surviving spouses
Contact the Georgia Department of Veterans Service or visit VA.gov for assistance with survivor benefits .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming the illness must be service-connected. VA hospice care is available to all enrolled veterans regardless of whether the terminal illness is related to military service .
2. Thinking hospice means giving up all treatment. Under VA policy, veterans can receive concurrent palliative care and even certain disease-modifying treatments while in hospice.
3. Not asking about concurrent care. If a veteran wants to continue certain treatments while in hospice, they should specifically discuss this with their VA care team.
4. Waiting too long to request hospice. Hospice is most effective when started early enough to establish comfort and build relationships.
5. Assuming VA and Medicare hospice are the same. The Medicare hospice benefit requires forgoing curative treatment and has copays. VA hospice has no copays and allows concurrent care.
6. Not exploring Medicaid options. Veterans not enrolled in VA may qualify for Georgia Medicaid hospice coverage if they meet income and medical criteria.
Common Questions
Does the veteran’s illness have to be service-connected to get VA hospice care?
No. VA hospice care is available to all enrolled veterans regardless of whether the terminal illness is related to military service. The veteran must be enrolled in VA health care and have a prognosis of 6 months or less .
Can a veteran receive hospice at home in Albany?
Yes. Most veterans receive hospice care at home. VA pays a community hospice agency like Phoebe Hospice or Affinis Hospice to provide services in the veteran’s private residence.
What is concurrent care under VA hospice?
Concurrent care means veterans can receive certain treatments for their terminal illness while enrolled in hospice—something Medicare does not allow. VA policy permits this flexibility.
Does Medicare cover hospice if the veteran uses VA?
Veterans eligible for both Medicare and VA can choose which benefit pays for hospice. Under Medicare hospice, the veteran must forgo curative treatment. Under VA hospice, concurrent care is allowed. The veteran chooses which benefit to use.
How long can a veteran receive hospice care?
Hospice care is provided as long as the veteran meets eligibility criteria. Medicare hospice benefit periods are two 90-day periods followed by unlimited 60-day periods. VA hospice has no time limit—care can last more than 180 days if the veteran continues to meet criteria.
What if the veteran’s condition improves?
If the veteran’s condition improves and they want to resume curative treatment, they can revoke the hospice election. Under VA, the veteran can return to regular VA care.
Does VA pay for hospice in a nursing home?
Yes. VA can pay for hospice services in a community nursing home or state veterans home. The hospice agency provides hospice services, and room and board may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private funds.
What is respite care and how often can it be used?
Respite care provides short-term relief for family caregivers. Medicare limits respite to no more than 5 days at a time. VA respite follows similar guidelines.
Can a veteran change hospice agencies?
Yes. Under Medicare, a patient may change hospice programs one time during each election period. Under VA, veterans can request a change if they are dissatisfied with their hospice agency.
What happens to VA disability compensation during hospice?
VA disability compensation continues during hospice care. Receiving hospice does not affect the veteran’s VA disability rating, compensation payments, or other VA benefits.
Does Georgia Medicaid cover hospice care?
Yes. Georgia Medicaid covers hospice care for eligible individuals with a prognosis of 6 months or less. Services include nursing care, medical social services, physician services, counseling, respite care, and home health aide services .
How do I contact the Georgia Department of Veterans Service?
The Albany Veterans Field Service Office is located at 1206 W Slappy Blvd, Albany, GA 31701. Phone: (229) 430-4006. Services include VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, disability claims, pension applications, education benefits, and burial benefits .
Key Takeaways
VA hospice care is free for enrolled veterans with a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less, regardless of service connection
Concurrent care is allowed under VA hospice—veterans can continue certain treatments that Medicare prohibits
The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin operates a Community Living Center that provides hospice and palliative care
Phoebe Hospice and Affinis Hospice are Medicare-certified providers serving Albany and surrounding counties
Georgia Medicaid covers hospice care for eligible individuals with a prognosis of 6 months or less
No DNR order is required for hospice care
Bereavement support lasts 13 months after the veteran’s death
Veterans can revoke hospice if their condition improves and they want to resume curative treatment
Contact your VA primary care provider or the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center to request a hospice referral
Albany Veterans Field Service Office provides free benefits assistance at (229) 430-4006
Official Resources
VA.gov — Palliative and Hospice Care: va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/palliative-hospice-care
VA Geriatrics and Extended Care: va.gov/geriatrics
Carl Vinson VA Medical Center: va.gov/dublin-health-care
Medicare.gov — Hospice Compare: medicare.gov/care-compare
Georgia Medicaid Hospice Policy: pamms.dhs.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Veterans Service: veterans.georgia.gov
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
