BLUFFTON, S.C., July 20, 2026 -- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’s proposal to recognize community-based palliative care under the Medicare home health benefit is one of the most significant federal policy developments we've seen for serious illness care in years. For the first time, the agency is indicating palliative care is becoming an increasingly important part of the Medicare care continuum, and acknowledging the important role these services play in helping patients manage serious illness earlier in their care journey, not just at the end of life.
However, recognition should not come at the expense of clarity. Palliative care is not simply another home health service. It is a specialized, team-based approach led by physicians and advanced practice providers that focuses on symptom management, complex medical decision-making, advance care planning, and comprehensive support for patients and families throughout the course of serious illness. While the Medicare home health benefit may provide an important pathway to expand access, the final policy must preserve the distinct expertise and purpose of community-based palliative care.
We must avoid adding another layer of complexity to an already fragmented healthcare system. Patients and families don't experience healthcare in silos - they experience it as one journey. They shouldn't have to determine whether they need home health, palliative care, hospice, behavioral health, or another service. They need a trusted system that brings the right care, from the right professionals, at the right time.
The future of serious illness care isn't about creating another care model. It's about better connecting the ones that already exist. Home health, palliative care, primary care, specialists, hospice, behavioral health, and community resources each play a distinct role, but they must work together seamlessly around the patient. Recognizing palliative care is an important first step; building a more coordinated system of care must be the ultimate goal.
CMS has opened an important conversation. We encourage providers, clinicians, patients, caregivers, and healthcare leaders to participate in the public comment process to help ensure the final framework expands access while advancing what matters most: a healthcare system that adapts to the patient - not one that requires the patient to navigate the system.”
About MiraSol Health
MiraSol Health is a community-based healthcare organization providing chronic/serious illness management, end-of-life care, and grief care services to patients and families in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. For over 40 years, MiraSol Health has delivered compassionate care and support to those facing serious illness, end-of-life, and grief, regardless of their financial situation. To learn more, visit www.mirasolhealth.org.
Media Contact
Becky Budds
Becky@ascentcomms.com
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