SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2410

BYRepresentatives Anderson, Wolfe, Prentice, Brooks, Locke, Scott, Miller, Wood, Wineberry and Brekke

Extending medical assistance hospice benefits through the end of this biennium.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 15, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 15, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE, FEBRUARY 15, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Hospice care refers to a range of services and assistance to a patient and family which alleviates physical, emotional and spiritual discomfort associated with death and dying.  Recipients of Medicaid hospice services must be categorically needy and have a prognosis of no more than six months of life.

In 1989 Washington State enacted legislation that allowed hospice Medicaid benefits subject to available funding.  The hospice Medicaid benefit is scheduled to terminate on April 1, 1990 unless extended by the Legislature.  The legislation also required the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to prepare a report to the Legislature to assess the cost savings associated with hospice care provided to persons who would otherwise be in hospitals and nursing homes.  The report recommended continuation of the benefit until the end of the biennium.  Cost data, however, was lacking in the report because limited participation resulted in insufficient information for analysis.

SUMMARY:

The Medicaid hospice benefits will continue through the current biennium (June 30, 1991).  DSHS is required to provide the Legislature with a report by December 20, 1990 assessing the cost savings of providing Medicaid hospice services to persons who would otherwise use hospital or nursing home services.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 23, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Gail Toraason McGaffick, Washington State Hospice Organization, Home Care Association of Washington (pro); Jim Peterson, Division of Medical Assistance (pro)