NHPCO Endorses Expanding Access to Palliative Care for Seniors Act

For Immediate Release:
July 28, 2021

A statement from NHPCO upon the introduction of the Expanding Access to Palliative Care for Seniors Act

(Alexandria, Va) – “NHPCO thanks Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) for introducing Expanding Access to Palliative Care for Seniors Act, which directs the implementation of a demonstration model for community-based palliative care,” said Edo Banach, President and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “COVID-19 has highlighted the critical need for additional support for patients and their families across the nation and we appreciate our champions for leading the charge.”

“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, NHPCO has voiced the critical need for a community-based palliative care benefit. The time is now for CMMI to build off the successes of its Medicare Care Choices Model to establish clear criteria for core community-based palliative care services in the U.S. and improve access to needed care for Medicare beneficiaries experiencing serious illness in our most vulnerable communities,” Banach added.

Community-based palliative care provides people with a serious illness with interdisciplinary care in their homes. There is a significant evidence base to support the need for a CMMI supported community-based palliative care effort that would lead to improved quality and cost outcomes for beneficiaries experiencing serious illness. This is especially important for seriously ill patients with comorbidities who are at higher risk when battling conditions such as COVID-19.

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Learn more about palliative care and coping with serious illness on NHPCO’s consumer-focused website CaringInfo.org.

Contact:
Jon Radulovic
Communications
Ph: 571-412-3973