Source: National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
Question | Palliative Care | Hospice Care |
Who can receive this care? | Anyone with a serious illness, regardless of life expectancy, can receive palliative care | Someone with a serious illness and a life expectancy measured in months not years |
Can I continue to receive treatments to cure my illness? | You may receive palliative care and curative care at the same time | Treatments and medicines aimed at relieving symptoms are provided by hospice. The goal is comfort not cure. |
Does Medicare pay? | Some treatments and medications may be covered by Medicare and private insurers. | Medicare pays all charges related to hospice. Most private insurers also have a hospice benefit. |
Does Medicaid pay? | Some treatments and medications may be covered | In most states, Medicaid pays all charges related to hospice |
Does private insurance pay? | Some treatments and medications may be covered | Most private insurers have a hospice benefit |
Is this a package deal? | No, there is no ‘palliative care’ benefits package | Yes, hospice is a comprehensive benefit covered by Medicare and most Medicaid programs |
How long can I receive care? | This will depend upon your care needs and the coverage you have through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance | As long as you meet the Medicare’s criteria of an illness with a life expectancy of months not years |
What organization provides these services? | Hospitals Hospices Nursing Facilities Healthcare Clinics |
Hospice organizations Hospice programs based out of a hospital Other healthcare organizations |
Where are services provided? | Home Assisted living facility Nursing facility Hospital |
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Who provides these services? | It varies. However, usually, there is a team including doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains, similar to the hospice team. | A team – doctor, nurse, social worker, chaplain, volunteer, a home health aide and others. |