Caring for someone on palliative care/hospice
What is palliative care?
Palliative care (pal-ee-uh-tiv care) is special medical support for people living with a serious illness.
Its main goal is to help patients feel better and have the best quality of life possible. It provides an extra layer of support alongside regular medical treatments.
Who is palliative care for?
Palliative care is for anyone living with a serious or long-term illness, as well as the family members and caregivers who support them.
It is available to people of any age—from children to older adults—and can begin at the same time a person is diagnosed.
Who pays for it?
Palliative care is usually paid for through standard health insurance, similar to regular doctor visits or specialist care.
How the care is paid for depends on the type of coverage a person has:
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Medicare: Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers outpatient palliative doctor visits and care management. Medicare Part D helps pay for prescription medications. Standard copays or deductibles may apply.
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Medicaid: For low-income individuals and families, Medicaid covers most palliative care services and doctor visits. Coverage details vary depending on the state.
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Private health insurance: Most private insurance plans, including plans from employers, cover palliative care consultations and care coordination.
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Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits: Veterans can receive palliative care coverage through VA health benefits.
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Out-of-pocket / charity care: If a person does not have insurance or has gaps in coverage, many hospital social workers can help connect families with financial aid or non-profit programs.
The single most helpful tip about palliative care is to ask for it early.
Many people wait until an illness is very advanced, but starting palliative care right when a serious illness is diagnosed gives you the best support.
What is hospice?
Hospice (hos-pis) is special medical support for people who are near the end of their lives.
When treatments can no longer cure a serious illness, hospice shifts the focus from trying to cure the disease to keeping the person as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
Key facts about hospice:
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Focuses on comfort: The main goal is to relieve pain, ease symptoms, and reduce stress so patients can enjoy their remaining time.
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Usually happens at home: Most people receive hospice care in their own home, surrounded by family, but it can also be provided in special hospice centers, nursing homes, or hospitals.
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Supports the whole family: A team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and counselors helps both the patient and their loved ones with medical care, emotional support, and practical needs.
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Includes necessary equipment: Hospice provides medical supplies and equipment—like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and medicines—directly to the home at no cost to the family.
Who is hospice for?
Hospice is for people in the final stages of a serious illness when treatments are no longer working or chosen.
It is designed for patients of any age—from children to seniors—who are expected to have six months or less to live, as well as the family members caring for them.
Who pays for it?
Hospice is usually covered completely by insurance, so families rarely have to pay out of pocket.
Here is how hospice is paid for:
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Medicare: Medicare Part A pays 100% of hospice costs for eligible patients. This includes doctor visits, nursing care, medicines for comfort, and medical equipment like hospital beds or oxygen.
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Medicaid: Medicaid covers full hospice for low-income individuals and families.
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Private insurance: Most private and employer health plans cover hospice with very little or no cost to the family.
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Charity care: If a person does not have health insurance, most hospice providers offer care funded by donations so no one is turned away.
The single most helpful tip about hospice is that it is not about giving up hope—it is about choosing comfort.
Many families wait until the last few days to call hospice, but contacting them sooner gives your loved one months of extra support, comfort, and peaceful time at home.
Reality Check
Hospice means giving up.
Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Palliative care is only for dying patients.
Palliative care can begin at any stage of serious illness.
Hospice is only for the last few days.
Many patients and families benefit from hospice for months.
Hospice means you have to leave home.
Hospice is often provided wherever the patient lives.