Vero Beach, FL (May 27, 2009) – Representatives from the VNA of the Treasure Coast recently joined more than 700 fellow hospice advocates from across the country in urging Congress to protect access to compassionate and high-quality end-of-life care for the 1.4 million patients and families who depend on hospice care each year.
The VNA’s Karen Bolle, Director of Hospice; Shawn Swanson, Director of Education; and Sarah Mondano, Director of Sales, met with Florida Congressman Bill Posey in April 2009 as part of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s annual Capitol Hill Day program. During the meeting, Congressman Posey discussed the value of hospice care in Florida and agreed to sign on to the bipartisan letter spearheaded by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)/Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL). This letter was ultimately signed by 171 bipartisan members of Congress and sent to the President urging his support to stop cuts to Medicare hospice funding which threaten to close the doors of hospice programs, particularly smaller and rural ones, across the country. A similar bi-partisan letter is currently gathering signatures in the U.S. Senate.
“I am very pleased that Congressman Posey recognizes the value that Hospice provides to the healthcare system and that he is willing to support the efforts to maintain the current reimbursement levels,” says Jim Newbrough, President/CEO of VNA of the Treasure Coast.
Time is short for the White House to intervene on behalf of hospice. Without action, hospice reimbursement through Medicare will be reduced by 3.1% on October 1, 2009. The VNA of the Treasure Coast urges you to contact your representatives in congress today to ask for their support in the effort to protect access to high-quality and compassionate end-of-life care.
About the VNA
The VNA of the Treasure Coast is the only licensed hospice provider in Indian River County, offering end-of-life care in patients’ homes, local hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and the VNA Hospice House.
