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 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 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.
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 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.
Need more help? Then start with these great resources:
Senior Resource Glossary of Hospice Terms
Click here to find home care near you.
Want to learn more about hospice? Then start here.
Senior Resource exists to provide aging adults, retirees, and caregivers with applicable, and educational content. We address topics like senior housing, nursing care, and aging in place.
Want to read more great senior living articles? Then check out our Retirement Lifestyle Blog!
Need help with retirement planning? Then check out Bob Carlson’s Retirement Watch!
Originally published July 12, 2022
View this profile on Instagramseniorresource.com (@senior_resource) • Instagram photos and videos
Bob Carlson, America's leading retirement expert, reveals the big secret the IRS won't tell you.