As part of the Health care Affordability Act the concurrent care for children allows for both the hospice benefit and curative treatments to be provided in pediatric patients. States continue to work on how best to apply this, but it is a significant step forward. Although we are excited about this step, we remember it is a small step forward and the need to continue working to improve access and care for children with palliative care needs is vital.
The complete wording of the bill can be found below, as well as the CMS letter regarding hospice for children in Medicaid and CHIP, and a toolkit for hospice and palliative care providers seeking information about legislative changes.
Complete wording of Bill – Sec. 1632. Concurrent Care for Children
CMS letter regarding hospice care for children in Medicaid and CHIP
Implementation Toolkit: Concurrent Care for Children Requirement