WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
Both palliative and hospice care help people with serious illness feel more comfortable and supported, though they serve different needs, depending on where someone is in their care journey.
PALLIATIVE
Palliative care provides expertise for those living with a serious or chronic illness by assisting with managing symptoms and planning for the future. It works alongside your other specialists and care team to support you during each stage of illness and treatment.
WHEN IT’S OFFERED
HOSPICE
Hospice care supports people in the final stage of a serious illness. It begins when treatment is no longer desired or effective and focuses fully on comfort. To qualify, a doctor must determine a life expectancy of six months or less for the patient to be eligible.
WHEN IT’S OFFERED
PALLIATIVE
Palliative care provides expertise for those living with a serious or chronic illness by assisting with managing symptoms and planning for the future. It works alongside your other specialists and care team to support you during each stage of illness and treatment.
HOSPICE
Hospice care supports people in the final stage of a serious illness. It begins when treatment is no longer desired or effective and focuses fully on comfort. To qualify, a doctor must determine a life expectancy of six months or less for the patient to be eligible.
PALLIATIVE
Alongside curative treatment.
- Manages pain and symptoms
- Care planning and guidance
- Connects to helpful resources
- Coordinates with specialists and care team
- Office hours
TREATMENT APPROACH
HOSPICE
Comfort and quality of life.
- Some treatment may continue
- Manages pain and symptoms
- 24/7 support and visits for patient and family
- Emotional and spiritual care
- Alternative symptom management therapies
TREATMENT APPROACH
PALLIATIVE
Alongside curative treatment.
- Manages pain and symptoms
- Care planning and guidance
- Connects to helpful resources
- Coordinates with specialists and care team
- Office hours
HOSPICE
Comfort and quality of life.
- Some treatment may continue
- Manages pain and symptoms
- 24/7 support and visits for patient and family
- Emotional and spiritual care
- Alternative symptom management therapies
PALLIATIVE
Provided in any care setting.
- Home or group home
- Assisted living
- Nursing facility
- Hospital or clinic
LOCATION OF CARE
HOSPICE
Provided in any care settings.
- Home or group home
- Hospice facility
- Assisted living or nursing facility
- Hospital (inpatient only)
LOCATION OF CARE
PALLIATIVE
Provided in any care setting.
- Home or group home
- Assisted living
- Nursing facility
- Hospital or clinic
HOSPICE
Provided in any care settings.
- Home or group home
- Hospice facility
- Assisted living or nursing facility
- Hospital (inpatient only)
PALLIATIVE
Works in collaboration with your primary doctor and specialists to support your care.
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners & RNs
- Social workers
- Chaplains
TEAM INVOLVED
HOSPICE
Alongside your primary care physician, an interdisciplinary team provides whole-person support for the patient and caregivers.
- Physicians & nurses
- Social workers & chaplains
- Hospice aides & volunteers
- Therapists as needed
TEAM INVOLVED
PALLIATIVE
Works in collaboration with your primary doctor and specialists to support your care.
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners & RNs
- Social workers
- Chaplains
HOSPICE
Alongside your primary care physician, an interdisciplinary team provides whole-person support for the patient and caregivers.
- Physicians & nurses
- Social workers & chaplains
- Hospice aides & volunteers
- Therapists as needed
PALLIATIVE
- Usually covered under Medicare Part B and Medicaid (some limits)
- Private insurance is often included; coverage varies by plan
- Some medications or services may have co-pays
COST & COVERAGE
HOSPICE
- Fully covered under Medicare Part A and most Medicaid plans
- Most private insurance plans have hospice benefits that cover most related costs
- Some non-terminal-related items may not be covered
COST & COVERAGE
PALLIATIVE
- Usually covered under Medicare Part B and Medicaid (some limits)
- Private insurance is often included; coverage varies by plan
- Some medications or services may have co-pays
HOSPICE
- Fully covered under Medicare Part A and most Medicaid plans
- Most private insurance plans have hospice benefits that cover most related costs
- Some non-terminal-related items may not be covered
FACTS & FIGURES
Both palliative and hospice care help people with serious illness feel more comfortable and supported, though they serve different needs, depending on where someone is in their care journey.
1.7 MILLION
Medicare beneficiaries receive hospice care each year.
93%
of Medicare spending goes toward people with four or more chronic conditions, which is typical for patients receiving palliative care.
50%
of patients enrolled in hospice are in care 18 days or less.
Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness.
Both services can reduce emergency visits and hospital stays.
Families report better emotional support and lower stress when these services are used.