WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation with Tom Reed (R-NY) to improve hospice care for patients, families and providers.

The Hospice Care Access Improvement Act of 2015 would help hospice patients receive the care they need by making sure they have access to the resources to make informed decisions about end-of-life-care, all while cracking down on bad actor hospice programs.

“This bill will help make sure patients receive the highest quality hospice services, families have peace of mind they need during difficult times, and providers are able to offer consistent care,” said Thompson. “By cracking down on bad actors, expanding access to information and resources, and making sure payments are made on a timely basis, we can improve the hospice system for patients, families and providers.”

“We are making sure patients and families have access to the best possible, quality care during what can be a very challenging time in their lives,” said Reed. “Our hospice providers do an excellent job providing that care and peace of mind to families in need.  It’s important that we help these providers continue their critical care missions.”

Reed went on to say, “We can’t let a few hospice providers who are cheating the system ruin the great work that most of these providers are doing every day.”

The bill also launches a pilot program to begin testing major payment reforms for the way The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses Hospice providers for care given to patients.

The bill also improves access to Hospice care by increasing the number of health professionals which are able to perform pre-hospice evaluations and counseling services.

Congressman Mike Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.