There are several states that allow "debts to die with the deceased" Connecticut is one of them. When the owner of the debt dies, the debt itself cannot be collected from the children, spouse or an estate that has zero funds. I would contact the hospice to see what the rules in your state are. I know in NC where my mom is, they can chase the estate for relief until the estate is closed. Its really a wide gap from state to state what the rules are. I would check it out.