Palliative care provides continuity of care. It is provided by a team of specialized doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other specialists who work together with a patient’s doctor to provide an extra layer of support. They serve as a bridge between acute care, home healthcare, and hospice care, using clinical and psychosocial protocols to identify prospective patients and facilitate a smooth transition to in-home palliative care.
Who is eligible?
People from ages 18 to older adults with all types of illnesses. For those:
- Living with a serious and/or chronic illness
- Who have skilled needs such as pain and symptom management
- Who may still be receiving active treatment
- Those who may never choose Hospice or don’t meet eligibility criteria
How are services covered?
- Medicare – Physicians and N.P.
- Commercial Insurance with Palliative Benefit
- Medicare Advantage Plans
What coverage is available for medications, supplies, and equipment?
- Medication coverage is determined and paid by the Health Plan
- Equipment is generally covered at 80% with a 20% patient co-pay
- Supplies such as wound care products are generally covered at 100% or as determined by the plan
What services are available?
- Physicians and N.P.
- Registered Nurse/LVN
- Certified Home Health Aide
- Social Worker
- Dependent on Health Plans
- Services have skilled needs such as pain and symptom management