Palliative care is more available than ever. Here's how to find a quality program near you and how it's covered.
How to find palliative care near you
Start with a referral from your doctor, who can connect you to palliative specialists in your area. Most hospitals and health systems now have palliative care teams, and an outpatient clinic or home-based program may serve your community. The Center to Advance Palliative Care maintains a provider directory at GetPalliativeCare.org where you can search by location. Your insurer's provider list and your local Area Agency on Aging can also point you to nearby programs. Because palliative care coordinates with your existing doctors, choosing a program connected to your current care team often makes for the smoothest experience.
What palliative care near you will cover
Palliative care services, consultations, symptom management, and care coordination, are generally covered by Medicare Parts A and B like other medical care, with standard deductibles and coinsurance. Related prescriptions fall under Part D. Because normal cost-sharing applies, a Medigap plan can meaningfully reduce what you pay out of pocket for palliative visits and treatments. Before starting with a local program, it's worth confirming how your specific Medicare, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage coverage applies. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP and a licensed specialist will explain your benefits in plain English, at no cost to you.