Health care policy initiatives and opportunities that impact care for people living with serious illness and their families.

National Policy Framework Lays Out Pathway for Pediatric Palliative Care Respite

Framework outlines how pediatric palliative care respite can be covered under Medicaid’s EPSDT benefit.

Federal Spending for Health and Human Services Finalized for 2026

Congress passes several provisions valuable to palliative care professionals.

Federal Spending for Health and Human Services in 2026 Remains Uncertain

Senate agrees to provisions valuable to palliative care professionals.

Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Extends Telehealth Prescribing Flexibilities Through 12/31/26

Published rule will steer clear of "telemedicine cliff" one day before the deadline.

CMS 2025 Year-End Announcements

Releases request for applications for ACCESS alternative payment model and shares state rural health awards.

A Case for How ACOs Can Help Prevent Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Health Affairs Forefront authors urge payment reforms to curb fraud and patient harm in the skin substitutes market and protect ACOs delivering value-based care.

Trends in State Palliative Care Legislation Across the U.S.

State palliative care legislation has grown steadily over the past 15 years, but regional and policy gaps remain—highlighting the need for targeted advocacy and research.

Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Expire Following Missed Congressional Deadline

With no extension passed, federal telehealth policies have reverted to pre-pandemic rules, among other significant disruptions.

New Resources on State Palliative Care Activity

National Academy for State Health Policy provides tracking and Medicaid coverage insights

Congress Passes Reconciliation Act of 2025

Major changes in health care policy included.

Introduction of the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act

Bipartisan bill would test a community-based palliative care model.

PCHETA Lobby Day 2025: Registration Opens, Travel Scholarships Available

Opportunity for champions to educate policymakers on the value of palliative care and PCHETA.

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