HI HR103

Urges the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, private health insurers, and private health providers to adopt principles and health care guidelines regarding end-of-life care from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care.

Cites Dartmouth Atlas findings that over 90 million Americans live with chronic illness and 7 out of 10 deaths result from chronic disease, with 9 out of 10 Medicare deaths associated with nine specific chronic conditions.

Notes that patients in their last two years of life account for approximately 32 percent of total Medicare spending, largely directed toward repeated hospitalizations.

Highlights research showing most patients prefer to die at home but the majority (55 percent) actually die in hospitals, indicating a disconnect between patient preferences and actual care received.

Directs transmission of certified copies to federal health officials, Hawaii state officials, Congressional delegation, and major health insurers operating in Hawaii.