Did You Know… Hawaii is First State to Offer Palliative Care Coverage as Part of Community-based Services!?

This groundbreaking development is a huge step forward in healthcare for older adults and those with serious illnesses in Hawai’i nei.

“… The change has the potential to reduce costs, improve health outcomes and the quality of life for patients — and to serve as a model for other states. “

Kaitlyn Levinson, Assistant Editor, Route Fifty

Walker Safety Tips for Seniors – Choosing & Using the Right One

Hawaii first state to offer in-home community based palliative care services.

Let’s Start By Defining What Palliative Care Is…

Palliative Care is focused on improving quality of life for those with serious illness’, including physical symptoms, emotional needs, social support, and other types of care to reduce stress and suffering.

Key Points of Hawaii’s New Policy:

• Palliative Care: Community-based care is available as a preventative service for Medicaid beneficiaries.

• Effective Immediately: The benefit is effective right away, with Med-QUEST developing full implementation plans.

• Improved Access to Care: This policy will bridge gaps in the access to care for vulnerable, eligible individuals with serious illnesses.

“…The new benefit will “prevent suffering for those who receive palliative care at home.”

Judy Mohr Peterson, Dept. of Human Services

What Makes It Unique?

• It was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), ensuring federal support.
• It sets a specific standard of care for all Medicaid patients for both adult and/or pediatric care.
• It creates a standardized payment model as part of the state Medicaid fee schedule.

Positive Community Impact!

The policy is expected to:

• Reduce healthcare costs overall**
• Improve health outcomes
• Enhance quality of life for patients and families

This pioneering effort by Hawaii is the result of multi-stakeholder collaboration over many years. It’s expected to serve as a model for other states looking to improve their palliative care services and coverage.

The success of this initiative is credited to the leadership of individuals like Judy Mohr Peterson, Joy Soares, and Torrie Fields, among others who have dedicated years to this work.

This new benefit will “greatly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for thousands of people who face serious medical conditions in our state”.

~ Governor Josh Green, State of Hawai’i

 

**Researchers found that implementing a palliative care program would be cost neutral to states but show significant improvements to patients’ and their families’ wellbeing.

The policy could reduce costs for patients by between $231 and $1,165 per enrollee per month, according to a 2022 cost analysis conducted by the health care consulting firm CBIS Optumas.

Learn More:

•  Kōkua Mau is the trusted leader of the Hawai’i statewide movement related to hospice care, palliative care, end-of-life care, and advance care planning and serves as the umbrella organization and central hub for local individuals and entities in these fields.

• Kōkua Mau has updated resources available on their website, including videos, FAQs, and interactive activities about palliative care in Hawaii. Visit: Palliative Care for Patients and Families

• Kōkua Mau will conduct informational webinars, in collaboration with MedQuest, for both providers and the public.

These sessions will:

– Explain the new benefit

– Share lessons learned from the implementation process

– Provide guidance on effective messaging for providers and Medicaid recipients 

Did You Know?

Our ‘Never-ending Training’ ensures our Nurse Aides are highly skilled and always learning something new!

AND

We now offer world-renowned Dementia/Alzheimer’s training using the Teepa Snow PAC methods for our team. 

Our classes are taught taught by experienced personnel and industry experts covering topics that range from

Bedcare, Dementia Care, Hospice Care and Safety Techniques to Proper Lifting, Transfers,

Bathing, End-of-Life Care and so much more!

For More Information Check Out the Following Blog-Articles:

Learn Why You Should Ask About Palliative Care.

 OR

End-of-Life Care – What You Need to Know

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