Understanding the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice

Based on reporting from UPI Health News and Medical News Today, July 2025

The Confusion is Common

Many people—including healthcare providers—use the terms "palliative care" and "hospice care" interchangeably. But they're actually different types of care with distinct purposes, timing, and eligibility requirements.

Understanding the difference can help you or your loved one access the right care at the right time.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress of a serious illness—at ANY stage.

Key Characteristics of Palliative Care:

Timing:

Goal:

Treatment Approach:

Eligibility:

Examples of When Palliative Care Helps:

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice is specialized care for people with terminal illnesses who have stopped curative treatment and are focusing on comfort.

Key Characteristics of Hospice Care:

Timing:

Goal:

Treatment Approach:

Eligibility:

Examples of When Hospice is Appropriate:

The Key Differences

| Aspect | Palliative Care | Hospice Care |

|--------|----------------|--------------|

| Timing | Any stage of serious illness | End of life (6 months or less) |

| Curative Treatment | Yes, can continue | No, stops curative treatment |

| Prognosis | No requirement | 6 months or less |

| Goal | Improve quality of life alongside treatment | Comfort and dignity at end of life |

| Duration | Can continue indefinitely | Until death or if condition improves |

| Setting | Usually outpatient clinic or consultation | Home, facility, nursing home, hospital |

| Insurance | Covered like other medical care, may have copays | Medicare Hospice Benefit covers 100% |

Can You Transition Between Them?

Yes! The progression often looks like this:

1. Diagnosis → Begin curative treatment

2. Add Palliative Care → Manage symptoms while still treating disease

3. Continue Palliative Care → As disease progresses, treatment becomes less effective

4. Transition to Hospice → When cure is no longer possible and focus shifts to comfort

Important: You can also:

Recent Policy Developments (2025)

The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) was reintroduced in July 2025, representing federal legislative efforts to:

Breaking Down Barriers

Common misconceptions that prevent people from getting help:

Myth: "Palliative care means giving up"

Truth: Palliative care is an extra layer of support WHILE you continue treatment

Myth: "Hospice means death is immediate"

Truth: Many hospice patients live longer than expected with proper symptom management

Myth: "You have to choose between your doctor and palliative care"

Truth: Palliative care works alongside your existing medical team

Myth: "If I start hospice, I can never change my mind"

Truth: Hospice is completely voluntary and reversible

How to Access These Services

For Palliative Care:

For Hospice Care:

Recent Expansion in Access

Southern Maryland Partnership (October 2025):

Chesapeake Supportive Care partnered with Southern Maryland House Calls to enhance palliative care access to Calvert County residents, ensuring seniors experiencing progressive illness receive timely and comprehensive care in their homes.

Massachusetts Facility Opening (May 2025):

Mercy Medical Center launched the Andy Yee Memorial Palliative Care Unit, expanding facility-based palliative care options in the region.

The Bottom Line

The key distinction to remember:

> "Palliative care may be recommended at any stage of a chronic or serious illness, while when a patient decides to elect hospice, they often decide to no longer pursue curative therapies."

Both types of care:

The right time for each:

- Palliative care: When symptoms need management, even while treating disease

- Hospice care: When cure is no longer possible and comfort is the priority

Don't Wait to Ask

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness:

1. Ask about palliative care early → There's no downside to getting symptom support

2. Have honest conversations about goals and wishes

3. Know that hospice is an option when the time is right

4. Understand you can change your mind about either type of care

You deserve comfort and support throughout your illness journey—not just at the very end.

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Sources: UPI Health News, Medical News Today, Center to Advance Palliative Care, National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care