Does insurance cover palliative care?

Often, yes. Private health insurance usually covers palliative care services.

Medicare and Medicaid also pay for some kinds of palliative care. For example, Medicare Part B pays for some medical services that address symptom management. Medicaid coverage of some palliative care services varies by state, so what is covered can depend on where you live.

If you do not have health insurance, or you are unsure about your coverage, you do not have to figure it out alone. A social worker or your hospital's financial counselor can help you understand what your plan covers and find options. Asking early can help prevent surprises about payment later on.