Eligibility and Access to Palliative Care

Who is Palliative Care For?

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Palliative care is designed for anyone suffering from a serious, chronic illness. It is appropriate for patients of all ages and at any stage of illness, whether you are dealing with cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, dementia, or any other serious condition. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family by managing symptoms and providing comprehensive support.

How is Palliative Care Different?

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Palliative vs. Home Health:
While both palliative care and home health services can be provided in the comfort of your home, palliative care focuses on managing complex symptoms and providing holistic support, whereas home health typically focuses on recovery from illness, injury, or surgery and may include physical therapy, wound care, and other medical services.

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Palliative vs. Hospice:
Hospice care is specifically for patients who are nearing the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. It focuses on comfort and quality of life when curative treatments are no longer pursued. Palliative care, on the other hand, can be provided at any stage of illness and can be combined with treatments aimed at curing or managing the disease.

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At Health Link Palliative Care, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that focuses on your comfort and well-being, helping you live as fully as possible while managing your illness.

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Eligibility

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At Health Link Palliative Care, our goal is to provide you with the support and care you need to manage the symptoms and stress of serious illness. We encourage you to reach out to our team if the person you have in mind might benefit from our services and:
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• is an adult
• has a diagnosed serious illness
• desires an improved quality of life
• is experiencing symptoms or stress related to their serious illness.
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If you have any questions or aren’t sure if this person meets our eligibility, feel free to reach out and talk to one of our team members.

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Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover palliative care services. We encourage you to reach out and talk to our team members about your specific plan and coverage, we’d be happy to call your plan for you and ask about the benefits you qualify for. Below is some additional information if you are interested

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1. Medicare Coverage

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• Part B Coverage: Medicare Part B typically covers palliative care services, including physician visits, nursing care, and other necessary treatments related to symptom management. Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and at home.
• Concurrent Care: Unlike hospice care, Medicare does not require you to forgo curative treatments to receive palliative care. You can receive palliative care services while continuing treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis.

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2. Medicaid Coverage

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• State-Specific Programs: Medicaid coverage for palliative care varies by state. Many state Medicaid programs provide coverage for palliative care services, especially for children and adults with serious illnesses. It’s important to check with your state’s Medicaid program to understand what specific services are covered.

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3. Private Insurance

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• Varied Coverage: Most private insurance plans offer coverage for palliative care services. The specifics can vary depending on your plan, so it’s advisable to contact your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage. In general, palliative care services are considered part of your comprehensive care and may include home visits, outpatient services, and coordination with your primary care providers.

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Getting Started with Palliative Care

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If you or someone you care about would benefit from: a team of support while navigating the healthcare system, home visits, or understanding their next steps, complete the “Refer a Patient” form and one of our team members will reach out to you within the next working day

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