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$2-5 billion annually! According to a n?e»ent study by Duke University, hospice has reduced Medicare costs bv iin average of over $2,300 per patient- The study concludes that: “Given that hospice has been widely demonstrated to improve the quality of life of patients and families... the Medicare program appears to have a rare situation whereby something that improves quaiitv of life also appears to reduce costs.’ Two successive Medicare Administrators agreed and encouraged expansion of hospice availability to Medicare beneficiaries, which the administration is now trying to reverse with its budget proposal'
The Administration s proposed budg et will undermine both the quality and availability of high quality hospice care in our area. I encourage readers of the Rappahannock News to learn more about this important issue and to write their representatives in Congress to keep the best interests of their terminally- ill con stituents in mind when these' issue's come before them. Please urge them to oppose any bill that includes a reduction in Medicare hospice reimbursement rates.
Nancy Walbridge
Community Relations Director
Hospice of the Rapidan
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