US SB1935

Directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) to develop and implement a 5-year community-based palliative care model for Medicare beneficiaries with serious illnesses, intended to replace the Medicare Care Choices Model

Targets individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A with diagnoses including cancer, heart disease, pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, ALS, and other neurodegenerative diseases

Requires at least one member of the multi-disciplinary palliative care team to be certified in hospice and palliative care, with services coordinated across providers including pain management, symptom management, advance care planning, mental health services, and caregiver support

Allows care in any "home" setting including caregiver residences, extended care facilities, or community settings, with 24/7/365 availability including telehealth, and requires CMI to ensure equitable access in rural and underserved areas

Mandates assessment metrics comparing model participants to non-participants, including impacts on emergency department visits, hospitalizations, ICU stays, hospice election rates, and beneficiary/caregiver care experience