Why the Barriers to Advance Care Planning?
Out-of-pocket costs, government billing rules impede access to those who need it most
March 24th, 2023New health studies argue Medicare rules often result in people having to pay out-of-pocket for advance care planning conversations they would otherwise have free. “Adding a financial cost further impedes access to an important service,” Dr. Deborah Freeland, assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical School, Division of Geriatric Medicine, in Texas said. “This is a health equity issue, with advance care planning cost-sharing disproportionately affecting populations who often lack access to preventive care and adequate financial resources.” Hospice News reports legislation being considered could ease the pain and help providers too.
Read more: Hospice News
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