Rural Hospice Demonstration Evaluation - Phase II

Funded by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Project Period: 10/05 - 09/10

Summary/Abstract

The Rural Hospice Demonstration Evaluation is sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to examine the care needs of persons dying in rural areas. Two hospice agencies, one in Tupelo, MS, and the other in Gainesville, FL, have been selected to participate in the demonstration. The University of Colorado Denver has been selected to evaluate the effects of the demonstration on the quality of hospice care delivery to individuals living in rural areas who are terminally ill, and who lack an appropriate caregiver. The evaluation will test whether providing care under the terms of the demonstration will: 1) improve access and quality of hospice services; 2) provide a benefit to the community; 3) result in a more sustainable pattern of care for hospice beneficiaries; and 4) not increase costs to the Medicare program.

Key Staff: David Hittle, Glenn Goodrich, Andy Kramer, Tiffany Radcliff, Cari Levy, Pat Walker, Evelyn Casiano

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