When you or a loved one is dealing with a long-term or chronic health condition, you’re preoccupied with many things, including care costs. Finances can be a sensitive subject, especially when your priority is to ensure comfort and dignity in the midst of coordinating medical resources and providers.
The good news? Palliative care provides you with resources, comfort, and dignity in a unique, thoughtful way. Also, you’ll benefit from often-overlooked cost-saving opportunities.
To help you navigate care while managing a challenging health condition, we’re answering common questions about palliative care, how much it costs per day, and the coverage options that might be right for you.
Palliative care manages and supports the complex needs of individuals with serious or chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, motor neuron diseases, and even COVID-19. This holistic approach addresses not only the physical aspects of illness but also the psychological, emotional, and spiritual elements involved for both the patient and their family.
Care providers will treat a variety of symptoms, from pain and nausea to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. Through the coordination of health care providers, palliative care provides a tailored plan that improves quality of life and decreases overall medical costs.
Hospice and palliative share some similarities, but they aren’t interchangeable. The key difference is in the stage of care and the treatment goals.
Hospice care is for individuals nearing the end of life who no longer wish to undergo curative treatments, but instead want comfort-focused care. Palliative care is intended for patients at any stage of a serious illness, whether they’re still pursuing curative treatments or not. The goal is to improve quality of life, ease symptoms, and provide support during the management and treatment of the condition.
Palliative care provides a significant number of resources and benefits to both patients and their family members, including:
When calculating the potential cost of palliative care per day, remember that these expenses will vary based on the unique needs of your or your loved one.
Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including your home, a hospital or skilled nursing clinic, or a senior living community. Where and how the care is provided will affect the involvement of medical team members and, of course, the price.
A complex medical condition that requires ongoing treatments, hospitalizations, or interventions from medical specialists will lead to higher expenses. If your or your loved one’s care needs are simpler — for instance, you’re dealing only with symptom management like pain relief and assistance with daily activities — then daily costs will decrease.
Medication is a key component of palliative care, and the costs will vary depending on the condition. Some medications are covered by insurance, whereas others can be excluded or require a high out-of-pocket price.
To maintain quality of life, the palliative care coordinator will likely recommend therapy services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. These therapies will help with mobility, communication, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Although insurance will cover parts of palliative care, you should prepare for potential out-of-pocket expenses including copayments, deductibles, and non-medical expenses to support overall well-being. Out-of-pocket medical expenses may include medicine and equipment such as oxygen tanks or wheelchairs, whereas non-medical expenses might include services such as meal preparation and housekeeping.
As you’re trying to account for how much palliative care costs per day, factor in the following programs and resources that can help support you and your loved ones.
Both Medicare and Medicaid offer some coverage for palliative care, but the specific amount will depend on your loved one’s eligibility, circumstances, and care needs. Carefully review the benefits available to you or your loved one so you know what services are covered as well as the out-of-pocket costs you’ll be responsible for.
If you’re eligible for Medicare, your benefits will cover aspects of palliative care:
As a joint federal and state program, Medicaid benefits vary by location. Depending on your circumstances and city, you may be eligible for coverage that includes hospice care, pain management, and home health services.
If you qualify for private insurance, whether through an employer or a personal plan, you’re likely eligible for some palliative care coverage. Many policies cover basic aspects of palliative care, including pain management, home health care, and outpatient services. Check with your insurance company and health care provider to determine which out-of-pocket costs you’re responsible for, including copayments and deductibles.
Financial assistance programs can bridge the gap between your insurance coverage and palliative care costs. Resources include:
When you’re looking for information about palliative care, local resources will be a key source of accurate, personalized information. Consider reaching out to:
Navigating palliative care costs may feel challenging, especially as you deal with the emotional and physical demands of illness. Your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones are essential during this process, and the focus should remain on maintaining dignity, compassion, and respect day in and day out.
If you want to ask more questions about palliative care, the costs involved, or your specific circumstances, WesleyLife is here with answers. We offer comprehensive palliative care provided by experts who aim to provide comfort and enhance your quality of life.
Discover more about WesleyLife’s personalized palliative care, and when you’re ready, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Disclaimer: This is a general overview and may not be applicable to all situations. Consult with health care professionals and financial advisors for personalized guidance on the costs and coverage options for palliative care.