H.R.2437 - End-of-life Access to Supportive and Essential care Act of 2025; EASE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2437, the End-of-life Access to Supportive and Essential care Act of 2025 (EASE Act of 2025), aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill mandates hospitals to provide information on available hospice programs to certain individuals upon discharge under the Medicare program. This requirement is intended to ensure that patients eligible for hospice care are informed about their options.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase awareness and utilization of hospice services among Medicare beneficiaries. By requiring hospitals to provide information, more individuals may opt for hospice care, potentially improving end-of-life experiences. The changes will take effect for discharges occurring on or after January 1, 2026.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Patient Awareness: Patients will be better informed about hospice care options.
- Increased Hospice Utilization: More eligible individuals may choose hospice care.
- Enhanced End-of-Life Care: Access to hospice can improve quality of life for terminally ill patients.
- Better Informed Decisions: Families can make more informed decisions about end-of-life care.
- Streamlined Information: Standardizes the provision of hospice information during hospital discharge.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Administrative Burden: Hospitals may face additional administrative requirements.
- Potential for Misinformation: There is a risk of inconsistent or incomplete information being provided if hospitals are not properly trained.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses information provision, not access to care itself.
- Cost Implications: While hospice is covered under Medicare, increased utilization could raise overall healthcare costs.
- Lack of Enforcement Mechanism: The bill does not specify penalties for non-compliance.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it seeks to improve healthcare access and quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, the Preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).