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DiscussionCannot die in hospital even if you beg to.
Aging Well | Last Active: May 30 12:44am | Replies (68)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "What is the difference btw Hospice & Palliative Care? And are both covered by insurance? And..."
Great question and I'll do my best to answer--hopefully others will chime in as well.
Hospice is paid for by Medicare. They are pretty much in every county of the United States. You sign up with Hospice (referred perhaps by your PCP or other provider) and then your Medicare dollars go to Hospice and they provide support. It is worth asking about nursing, chaplaincy massage, therapy, and volunteers--all of which may be provided. You have a hospice doctor. You stop some medical treatment (cancer fighting infusions, ER visits) but often stay on your usual meds (thyroid, diabetes). They should be available to talk to 24/7. Talk to one of your doctors about which local hospice they prefer. Palliative care is adjunctive. That is, it is in addition to your medical treatments. It should also be free under Medicare and available to anyone with a life limiting disease. Any oncology center should have a Palliative service. For folks under 65, you'd need to check your insurance as regards Hospice. Often they will provide care to anyone, regardless of payment. This is the best I know. Anyone else? I'd start by googling what is available locally and talk to a doctor you trust.