Jenkins works to improve rural access to hospice care

Bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) would address issues within the Medicare system that create barriers to accessing hospice care in rural areas.

The Rural Access to Hospice Act, H.R. 1828, would amend the Social Security Act to allow payments to rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers that provide hospice care services to patients under Medicare.

“The Rural Access to Hospice Act will allow Rural Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers to receive payment for serving as the hospice attending physician,” Jenkins said. “Undoubtedly, this will help grant access to hospice care for more Americans living in rural parts of our country. Many Americans wish to receive care in the comfortable setting of a hospice care center, in communication with their doctor of many years. The Rural Access to Hospice Act will allow those people to do that, and help them get quality, affordable care closer to home.”

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), who introduced H.R. 1828 with Jenkins, said Congress should be making it easier, not harder, for health providers in rural areas to continue treating patients after they enter hospice care.

“For Wisconsinites and families going through the transition to hospice having the same qualified health care professionals treat them all the way to the end offers great comfort and stability,” Kind said.