Question |
Palliative Care |
Hospice Care |
Who can receive care? | Anyone with a serious illness, regardless of life expectancy, can receive palliative care | Someone with a life-threatening illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Talk with your physician. |
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? | Certain 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? | Certain treatments and medications may be covered | In most states, Medicaid pays all charges related to hospice |
Does private insurance pay? | Certain treatments and medications may be covered | Most private insurers have a hospice benefit |
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? |
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Where are services provided? |
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Who provides Hospice and Palliative services? | Doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists and spiritual counselors. | A hospice team that consists of a medical doctor, nurse, social worker, chaplain, volunteer, home health aide and others. |
For an infographic of the above, please see The difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care.
*Adapted from National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization