Paying For Palliative Care

Palliative care is used to provide comfort, relieve pain, and alleviate other symptoms for patients both in and out of hospice. It is often used to treat ailments such as nausea, depression, weakness, and anxiety (to name just a few). This type of holistic care is an essential part of many care plans for ongoing conditions or terminal illnesses. If you or a loved one have been prescribed palliative care, you may be wondering, who pays for that?

The answer? Well, that depends. Let’s discuss who covers palliative care and whow to pay.

Medicare

Medicare will cover the cost of any doctor-recommended palliative care that is included in your hospice care plan. This can be anything from physical therapy to medication (though prescription drugs may have a small copay). More on Medicare.

Medicaid

Medicaid will cover the cost of palliative care received as part of a hospice care plan. For Medicaid to pay, the patient must already be receiving Medicaid as well as certified terminally ill. Other eligibility requirements might vary by state. Visit Medicaid.gov to learn about coverage near you.

Private Insurance

Most private insurance companies will cover palliative care. It’s best to check with your policy to know for sure. Some assistance might require copays.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is meant to fill the gaps in between what private healthcare insurance doesn’t cover. If you or a loved one have a private policy that won’t cover palliative care, then check with your LTC insurance provider! Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance here.

Do You Need More Help?

Need more help? Then start with these great resources:

National Institute on Aging

Senior Resource Glossary of Hospice Terms

National Cancer Institute

Click here to find home care near you.

Want to learn more about hospice? Then start here.

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