WASHINGTON D.C. — Concerns raised by NPHI about fraud and abuse of the Medicare hospice benefit by some hospice providers were also the subject of Sunday evening’s episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The program highlighted:
- Exploitation of the System: Oliver discussed how some for-profit hospices exploit regulatory loopholes for financial gain, often compromising the quality of patient care.
- Lack of Oversight: He highlighted the lack of stringent oversight in some states, leading to subpar services being provided to vulnerable patients.
- Patient Rights: The episode emphasized the need for patients and families to understand their rights when choosing hospice care.
NPHI and our members are largely aligned with these concerns and have been working closely with Congress and CMS to tackle these exact issues. That is also why NPHI’s Public Policy Committee is working on a comprehensive initiative to explore options to modernize the Medicare hospice benefit to address many of the opportunities for manipulation raised in the piece. In short, NPHI and our members believe in putting people over profits, ensuring that every patient receives the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.
Our Commitment
We stand firmly against any practices that compromise the integrity of the holistic non-profit model of hospice care. True hospice care is about dignity, compassion, and unwavering support during life’s most challenging moments. Our members are exemplars of hospice at its best – dedicated to delivering the highest quality care, focused entirely on the needs of the patients and families they serve.
As the industry evolves, we remain committed to advocating for oversight to protect vulnerable patients and ensure that hospice care remains a trusted service in our healthcare system. We also call on all providers to uphold the highest standards of care and reject profiteering business practices.
Finding a Quality Hospice Provider
John Oliver suggested key steps to take when selecting a hospice provider, such as asking about the provider’s experience, accreditation, and crisis response times. You can also use the NPHI Provider Locator to find a trusted, well-established care provider in your area. Additionally, the Medicare Care Compare tool is another reliable resource to identify quality providers.
Closing Summary
John Oliver’s segment highlights the importance of vigilance and integrity in the delivery of hospice care. While we must continue to confront the issues within the industry, we also must not lose sight of the extraordinary care that the majority of hospice providers deliver every day. It is this care that defines the true spirit of hospice.
Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of NPHI, stated: “It is true that some fraudulent providers have entered the hospice space, but it’s crucial to remember that the overwhelming majority are delivering high-quality care. The care provided by these organizations is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s important to always remember that anyone caring for someone at the bedside is doing incredible work.”
Carole Fisher, President of NPHI, added: “We acknowledge that there are providers whose pursuit of high-profit margins often compromise the quality of care provided to patients and their loved ones. As John Oliver highlighted, these practices do not represent the whole industry but rather a small, problematic segment that exploits the system.”