SouthernCare Inc. has agreed to pay the U.S. $24.7 million to settle allegations that the hospice facility submitted false claims to the government, attempting to gain reimbursement for care it had given. Hospice care is designated to be provided for those who have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live. The allegations assert SouthernCare Inc. was providing for those who were not eligible for such care. The settlement is a result of two qui tam suits filed by two former SouthernCare employees.