Yes, it's only in straight-up hospice, as Nikki points out, that coverage for "curative" treatment for the qualifying condition is not covered. However, we always want to clarify that Medicare will continue to pay for blood pressure meds, etc. even in hospice.
The hospice agency is paid a flat rate for hospice care and related supplies. That is why it's always wise to look for a not-for-profit hospice, because one that is for-profit has profit to support off that flat rate in addition to its costs.
Kim, pain management/palliative care programs can be somewhat obscure, but here is one
directory and here is
another. Often if you click on a link, you'll land on a home page and have to navigate to the palliative care info.
There is a physician subspecialty and about 7,000 US docs are certified so far.
Since it can be hard to find programs, I have attached the latest lists of programs for palliative care/hospice and pain management that are certified to train residents and fellows -- these aren't the only ones, but if they're not convenient or only work at the hospital level, they may have referrals closer to home for you.