Yes, hospice care is palliative care; it too focuses on comfort and support rather than cure. The benefits of palliative care are available to anyone coping with serious illness; hospice is defined as comfort care for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less.
How Long Does Palliative Care Continue?
Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and continue alongside curative care. Hospice care begins when curative therapies no longer control the disease; the patient and the patient’s physician agree that curative treatment is no longer effective and/or that the side effects outweigh the benefits.
Who Pays for Palliative Care?
Most insurance providers offer palliative care coverage. Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) cover only hospice care, during the last six months of life
Where Can I Get More Information?
Ask your primary care physician or specialist whether you would benefit from palliative care. A palliative care consult is free and can determine your customized plan of care.
