March 16. 2020. The National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care (Coalition), wrote to urge swift passage in the Senate of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The outbreak of COVID-19 is impacting the work of hospice and palliative care providers, and Coalition member organizations are committed to supporting people diagnosed with this disease while continuing vital services to those with other serious illnesses. Our letter focuses on the three issues/provisions in the House passed legislation of immediate urgency facing health care providers that the Coalition believe are essential elements needed to address this public health crisis and these include 1) COVID-19 testing and waiving of all co-pays 2) Personal Protective Equipment: Ensuring adequate availability for all health care providers as appropriate and 3) Telehealth: Utilize all statutory and regulatory authority to expand access to telehealth to address this crisis. Read more…