The Decline of State-Based Hospital Rate Setting: Findings and Implications
This paper summarizes the results of a conference in Albany, New York in November 1994 that brought together representatives from the four current and former “all payer” rate setting states of Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.
State-based prospective hospital rate setting has declined from its former position as “the center of the policy paradigm for controlling health care costs” that it held in the 1970s. In 1980, about 30 states had some form of payer or budget regulation of hospitals; today, only six maintain any form of mandatory rate setting or budget controls: Florida, Maine, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia; Arizona and Vermont maintain voluntary systems.
| 1995.May_.decline.state_.based_.hospital.rate_.setting.pdf | 1.3 MB |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
