Palliative Care · Coverage
Does Medicare cover palliative care at home?
Usually, yes. Here's how it works, what you'll pay, and how it's different from hospice.
Medically reviewed by Allen Naygauzen, MD, MS · Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Short answer
Yes. When a physician comes to your home for palliative care, Medicare Part B covers the visit the same way it covers other doctor visits. In 2026, that means you pay the Part B deductible ($283 for the year), then 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each visit. Many supplemental (Medigap) plans pay some or all of that 20%. You don't need to be on hospice, and you don't need to stop any treatment.
How Medicare pays for palliative care
Original Medicare doesn't have a separate "palliative care benefit." Instead, the pieces of palliative care are covered by the parts of Medicare you already have:
- Part B (medical insurance): physician and nurse practitioner visits at home or by telehealth, symptom management, advance care planning conversations, and medical equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs and oxygen.
- Part D (drug plans): medications for pain, breathlessness, nausea, anxiety and other symptoms, according to your plan's formulary.
- Medicare home health benefit: if you're homebound and need skilled care, part-time nursing and physical, occupational or speech therapy at home. You pay nothing for covered home health services.
Palliative care visits are billed as regular physician visits, so they count toward the same deductible and coinsurance as your other Part B care.
What you'll pay in 2026
- Part B deductible: $283 for the calendar year (once, not per visit or per doctor).
- After the deductible: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each visit.
- With a Medigap plan: most plans cover some or all of the 20%.
- Medicare Advantage: plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but copays, networks and prior authorization rules vary. Call us and we'll check your plan.
- Medicare and Medicaid together: Medicaid may help pay your share. Call us to check your coverage.
- Advance care planning: when it's done as part of your annual wellness visit, you pay nothing. At other visits, the usual Part B cost-sharing applies.
Palliative care vs. hospice: who pays
Palliative care (at home with VisitingMD)
- Covered under Medicare Part B, like other doctor visits.
- Can start at any stage of a serious illness.
- No life-expectancy requirement.
- You can keep all of your treatments.
- Usual Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance apply.
Hospice
- Covered under Medicare Part A.
- Your doctor and the hospice doctor certify a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
- You choose comfort care instead of treatment aimed at curing the illness.
- Covered for two 90-day periods, then unlimited 60-day periods if you still qualify.
- Little or no cost for hospice care related to the illness.
Many people start with palliative care and move to hospice later, if and when that's the right choice. We help families make that decision and arrange the transition.
What Medicare doesn't cover
- 24-hour care at home or round-the-clock nursing.
- Personal care (help with bathing, dressing, meals) when that's the only care you need.
- Prescriptions, if you don't have Part D or other drug coverage.
If you need more help at home, we can point you to local resources.
Who else pays for palliative care?
- Medicare Advantage plans (some offer extra in-home benefits).
- Medicaid / Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, for people who qualify.
- Private insurance and employer plans, which usually cover physician visits like any other office visit.
- VA benefits, for eligible veterans.
Coverage varies. The easiest way to find out is to call us at (267) 412-3165. We check every patient's insurance coverage before care begins.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover palliative care at home?
Yes. Physician palliative care visits at home are covered under Medicare Part B, like other doctor visits. You pay the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), then 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, unless a supplemental plan covers it.
Do I have to be on hospice to get palliative care covered?
No. Palliative care has no life-expectancy requirement and doesn't require stopping treatment. Hospice is a separate Medicare Part A benefit for people with a life expectancy of six months or less who choose comfort care.
Does Medicare Advantage cover palliative care?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, including physician visits at home. Copays, networks and prior authorization rules vary by plan, so call us and we'll check yours.
Is advance care planning covered?
Yes. Medicare covers advance care planning conversations. If they're done as part of your annual wellness visit, you pay nothing. Otherwise, the usual Part B deductible and coinsurance apply.
Does Medicare pay for a caregiver or aide at home?
Generally no. Medicare doesn't cover 24-hour care or personal care like bathing and dressing when that's the only help you need. It does cover part-time skilled nursing and therapy at home if you qualify for home health.
How do I start?
Call (267) 412-3165, or ask your doctor, hospital case manager or home health agency to send a referral. We'll check your coverage and schedule a home visit.
Questions about coverage? Call us.
Coverage information is general and based on 2026 Medicare rules. Your costs depend on your plan. This page is not legal or insurance advice.