Three state snapshots of pediatric palliative care: California, Massachusetts, and Vermont

Three state snapshots of pediatric palliative care: California, Massachusetts, and Vermont
National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP); by Neva Kaye and Heather Smith; 1/13/25 
Pediatric palliative care is an important component of the system of care for children with serious illness and their families. Palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical needs during difficult times. However, many children and families who could benefit from palliative care are unable to access it. State Medicaid and Title V Maternal and Child Health Service Block Grant programs are working to address this issue. ...

• The California Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) pays for palliative care services provided to both children and adults and oversees managed care organizations’ provision of the services. ...
• The Massachusetts Title V CYSHCN program operates the pediatric palliative care program, ...
• Vermont Medicaid funds program administration and pays for palliative care services authorized by the state’s Title V CYSHCN program. ...