Palliative Care Eligibility: Who Qualifies and How It's Covered
Palliative care is based on what you need, not on a prognosis. If a serious illness is making daily life harder, it’s worth asking about, even early on.
Looking for hospice instead? Hospice has different requirements. See our Hospice Eligibility page.
Who May Benefit
People living with conditions such as:
- Cancer, including during treatment
- Heart disease and heart failure
- COPD and other lung disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's, ALS, and other neurological conditions
- Stroke and other advanced illnesses
How It's Paid For
No. You or your family can call us or send a message through our contact form. We'll schedule a time to assess your needs, talk through what would help, and coordinate with your doctors.
- Medicare and private insurance: Palliative visits are billed to your insurance, much like a doctor visit.
- What you may owe: Deductibles and copays depend on your plan. Medications and equipment go through your own insurance; some supplies may be out of pocket.
- We always verify first: Before care begins, we check your insurance and explain your costs and coverage.
Do You Need a Referral?
No. You or your family can call us or send a message through our contact form. We'll schedule a time to assess your needs, talk through what would help, and coordinate with your doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Palliative care can start at any stage and continues alongside treatment. See our comparison of palliative care and hospice.
No. You can keep seeing your specialists and getting treatment.
Yes. We work alongside your doctors, and our office keeps them updated by fax or electronic health record.
Palliative care is provided at home, in a clinic, or in the hospital. If you live in a senior living community, call us and we'll talk through your options.
It depends on your needs. Typically one or two members of the team visit each month.
Our team is available by phone for emergencies, and calls are answered 24/7.
There's no set time limit. Care continues as long as it helps and your insurance covers it.
No. It means getting extra support for comfort and quality of life while you keep living your life.
Med Partners provides medical care. Care Services provides non-medical help at home, such as bathing, meals, and companionship. Many families use both.
Call (469) 496-5699, send a message through our contact form, or ask your doctor to send a referral.
Part of the LoveWell Family
Palliative Care Starts with a Conversation
It is not always easy to know when palliative care may be helpful. If your loved one is experiencing symptoms, navigating a serious illness, or facing frequent doctor or hospital visits, palliative care can provide an extra layer of support for both patients and families.