Why New Hampshire Needs SB 248: Strengthening Palliative and Hospice Care for All
For too long, gaps in palliative and hospice care have left many New Hampshire residents struggling to access the compassionate, high-quality end-of-life care they deserve. SB 248, a new bill establishing a study committee on palliative and hospice care, represents a critical first step in identifying and removing barriers to these essential services.
The Growing Need for Palliative and Hospice Care: New Hampshire’s aging population, veterans, and individuals with chronic illnesses face unique challenges when it comes to receiving appropriate care. Families often find themselves navigating a confusing healthcare system that lacks the resources or coordination to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Palliative care focuses on relief from pain and symptoms for people with serious illnesses, while hospice care ensures dignity and comfort for those in the final stages of life. Both services improve quality of life and provide both patients and families with crucial emotional and logistical support.
What SB 248 Will Do: This bill would help establish a legislative study committee charged with evaluating:
Access to palliative and hospice care across the state
Barriers preventing patients and families from receiving necessary support
Special considerations for people with disabilities, dementia, long-term care recipients, and veterans
Opportunities for improving care coordination and availability
By studying these issues, SB 248 lays the groundwork for real policy solutions that will expand access to care, improve quality, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and healthcare costs.
A Call to Action
The passage of SB 248 is a critical step toward ensuring that all Granite Staters receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve – when they need it most.
Now is the time to urge legislators to prioritize palliative and hospice care over “solutions” like HB 254, the “End of Life Freedom Act.” Let’s advocate for systems that help people live their life in comfort until the end. Investing in these services is the right thing to do. Show your support: SB 248 will go before committee on March 5th: Senate Health and Human Services at 9:45 a.m. Location: Legislative Office Building, Room 101 Time: 9:45 a.m.