EASE Act Mandates Hospice Options Info for Discharged Medicare Patients by 2026

The EASE Act of 2025 introduces a straightforward requirement for hospitals handling Medicare patients. Starting January 1, 2026, if a patient is being discharged and seems likely eligible for hospice care, the hospital must provide them with information about hospice programs available in their area that participate in Medicare. The goal is to ensure patients nearing the end of life have easier access to details about supportive care options.

The Discharge Download: Getting the Hospice Lowdown

Think about that moment when you or a loved one is leaving the hospital – it's often confusing and rushed. This bill steps into that moment. Under Section 2, hospitals won't just discharge eligible Medicare patients; they'll be required to hand over a list of local hospice providers who accept Medicare. This isn't optional advice; it's a mandated part of the discharge process starting in 2026.

Connecting Dots to Comfort Care

Why does this seemingly small step matter? It's about information access at a critical time. Finding and understanding hospice options can be tough, especially when dealing with illness and hospital bureaucracy. This bill aims to standardize that process, potentially making it easier for patients and their families to make informed decisions about end-of-life care, rather than having to research options from scratch during an already stressful period. It could lead to more people who qualify for and want hospice care actually enrolling.

Keeping It Helpful

Of course, the quality of the information matters. The idea is solid – give people the info they need. The practical side means ensuring hospitals provide this information clearly and fairly, not just as a checklist item or favoring certain providers. The focus remains on empowering patients with unbiased options for supportive care.