Gaps in the Availability of Hospice Services, According to National Study

A University of Michigan study released Friday points to gaps in the availability of hospice care across the United States, particularly in communities with lower average incomes and education levels, and more elderly people. Researchers believe the disparity is a result of how hospice care is covered by Medicare and private health insurance. In many cases, the reimbursement rates are lower than hospices actual costs of providing care. Therefore, hospices must look for charity donations and must also use volunteers. The researchers surmise that hospices are more likely to receive this type of financial and volunteer support in higher income areas.