The Need For A

Medicaid Hospice Benefit

To the Editor:

As a not-for-profit community-based hospice agency, we are very pleased that Governor Rell included a Medicaid Hospice Benefit for Connecticut residents in her budget for 2008-09. We applaud the work of the governor along with Representatives Mary Ann Carson, David Scribner, and Jason Bartlett and all of our local legislators who have helped to bring the issue of the Medicaid Hospice Benefit to the attention of the governor and to the entire General Assembly.

Connecticut is one of only a handful of states that does not offer this important Medicaid program. Connecticut residents who have a diagnosis of life-limiting illness — but are not eligible for Medicare or who may not have private health insurance — should have the option of hospice care included in Medicaid. At Regional Hospice, patients benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to pain and symptom management, spiritual care, emotional support, social work, volunteer support, and bereavement services. We believe that through skilled and supportive care, people can approach a life-limiting illness with comfort and dignity and have the support they need when coping with the loss of a loved one. The time has come for the State of Connecticut to recognize the importance of hospice care for all people, regardless of their ability to pay. We appreciate Governor Rell and others’ support in making this a reality.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Roy Squitieri, MS, LCSW

Executive Director, Regional Hospice

Frank Kelly, President & CEO

Danbury Health Systems

405 Main Street, Danbury                                     February 19, 2008