NHPCO President Edo Banach Calls for Bipartisan Unity in Hospice and Palliative Care Advancement Amidst Presidential Transition

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is issuing a call for unity and bipartisan collaboration as the United States navigates a significant presidential transition. In a statement released shortly after the projected outcome of the 2020 presidential election, Edo Banach, President and CEO of NHPCO, emphasized the critical need to set aside political differences to ensure the highest quality of care for individuals facing serious illness, end-of-life, and grief. Banach expressed his organization’s commitment to working with the incoming Biden administration and the 117th Congress to advance vital policy reforms that will expand access to person-centered care.

NHPCO, as the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing hospice and palliative care providers and the millions they serve, views this period of transition as an opportunity to reinforce the inherently bipartisan nature of hospice care, a movement that began with a shared commitment to compassionate end-of-life support. The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly illuminated existing fissures within the American healthcare system, making the evolution and improvement of hospice and palliative care services more imperative than ever.

The Imperative for Enhanced Hospice and Palliative Care

The ongoing global health crisis has underscored vulnerabilities in how the United States addresses serious illness, chronic conditions, and end-of-life care. NHPCO’s advocacy in the coming weeks will focus on several key areas designed to strengthen the infrastructure of care:

• A New, Well-Defined Community-Based Palliative Care Benefit: The absence of a comprehensive, nationally recognized palliative care benefit has been a persistent challenge. This lack of a dedicated benefit often leaves individuals with serious illnesses without access to essential symptom management, advance care planning, and crucial support services outside of the hospice setting. Establishing such a benefit would ensure earlier and more consistent access to palliative care, improving quality of life and potentially reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. Data from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s 2015 report, "Dying in America: Improving Quality and Honoring Self-Determination," highlighted significant gaps in care for individuals with serious illnesses, many of whom could benefit from palliative care services.
• A More Flexible Hospice Benefit: The current hospice benefit, while foundational, may require adjustments to better accommodate the diverse needs of patients and their families in an evolving healthcare landscape. Flexibility could allow for greater adaptation to unique care settings, innovative service delivery models, and improved responsiveness to emerging health challenges, such as those exacerbated by the pandemic.
• A More Equitable and Inclusive Benefit: NHPCO is deeply committed to ensuring that hospice and palliative care services are accessible and culturally competent for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Addressing disparities in access and quality of care is a cornerstone of their mission. This includes understanding and mitigating systemic barriers that may prevent certain communities from receiving the care they need and deserve. Research has consistently shown disparities in hospice utilization among minority populations and rural communities.
• Improved Tools to Track and Incentivize High-Quality Care: NHPCO advocates for robust mechanisms to measure and reward excellence in hospice and palliative care. This involves supporting quality improvement initiatives, transparent data collection, and the development of performance metrics that align with patient-centered outcomes. The organization’s own Quality Connections program is a testament to this commitment, providing resources and frameworks for providers to enhance their care delivery.

A Legacy of Bipartisan Support and a Vision for the Future

The hospice movement in the United States has historically transcended partisan divides. Its roots lie in a shared humanistic desire to provide comfort, dignity, and support to those at the end of life. This legacy of collaboration is what NHPCO intends to build upon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the urgency of NHPCO’s mission. The virus has not only led to immense loss of life but has also strained healthcare systems, exposing critical needs in areas such as home-based care, symptom management for complex conditions, and support for grieving families. The pandemic has also highlighted the essential role of frontline healthcare workers, including those in hospice and palliative care, who have been instrumental in providing care amidst unprecedented challenges.

NHPCO’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Quality Connections program, equity and inclusion activities, and the Community-Based Palliative Care Model, are all designed to operationalize these policy goals. These programs provide practical tools, educational resources, and strategic guidance to hospice and palliative care providers, enabling them to adapt and innovate in response to evolving patient needs and healthcare realities.

Furthermore, NHPCO’s commitment extends to ensuring the safety and well-being of the providers themselves. The organization will continue to advocate for adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), reliable testing and therapeutic options, and ultimately, equitable access to vaccinations for all healthcare professionals and the patients they serve. The health and safety of caregivers are directly linked to their ability to provide consistent and effective care.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

The transition to a new presidential administration and a new Congress presents a pivotal moment for advancing the field of hospice and palliative care. NHPCO’s proactive stance reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By emphasizing unity, focusing on evidence-based policy solutions, and leveraging its extensive network of providers and stakeholders, NHPCO aims to ensure that the needs of seriously ill individuals, those dying, and their families remain a priority on the national agenda.

The organization’s message is one of hope and determination. As Edo Banach concluded, "We look forward to working with all of you. Onward!" This sentiment underscores NHPCO’s readiness to engage collaboratively with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and the public to build a future where high-quality, compassionate, and equitable end-of-life and serious illness care is accessible to every American. The organization’s continued advocacy will be crucial in shaping policies that reflect the evolving needs of a nation grappling with complex health challenges and a growing understanding of the importance of person-centered care at every stage of life. The successful implementation of these policy goals will not only benefit individuals and families but will also contribute to a more resilient and compassionate healthcare system for all.