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Palliative Care Questions and Answers
| 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 an illness with 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 |
| Does Medicare pay? | Some treatments and medications may be covered | Medicare pays all charges related to hospice |
| Does Medicaid pay? | Some treatments and medications may be covered | In 47 states, Medicaid pays all charges related to hospice |
| Does private insurance pay? | Some treatments and medications may be covered | Most insurance plans have a hospice benefit |
| Is this a package deal? | No, there is no ‘palliative care’ package, the services are flexible and based on the patient’s needs | Medicare and Medicaid hospice benefits are package deals |
| 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 hospice’s criteria of an illness with a life expectancy of months not years |
| What organization provides these services? |
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| Where are services provided? |
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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, home health aide and others. |
For more information, visit the Center to Advance Palliative Care: www.getpalliativecare.org
Download a state-specific living will or healthcare power of attorney
Free resources on a wide range of
end-of-life topics.
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