The J-11 Hospice Coalition (Coalition) is comprised of two representatives from the following 16 state hospice associations:  Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.  The primary purpose of the coalition is to provide an open and timely interchange of information between hospice providers and the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).  Meetings are strictly focused on hospice issues and concerns.  Prior to meeting with Palmetto each state association is responsible for soliciting questions from the providers within their state.  These questions are provided to Palmetto GBA one month in advance of each meeting.  Meetings with Palmetto GBA occur three to four times a year.  Prior to the scheduled meeting with Palmetto, the coalition members meet to review the submitted questions and Palmetto GBA’s answers.  The coalition then meets with Palmetto GBA to review the questions and answers and any other agenda items.  Any written materials produced as a result of the coalition activities will be distributed to the hospice community in the individual states by the state association.  The final questions and answers that are posted by Palmetto GBA will serve as the official minutes representing the meeting.   

The Coalition has permitted for the state of Oklahoma to hold 3 seats, with the OHPCA responsible for filling two seats.  The OHPCA has filled one seat, indefinitely, with the OHPCA Executive Director or a member of the OHPCA Board of Directors.  The second OHPCA seat will be filled by a provider agency, who is a current Provider Member of the OHPCA and that has also been approved by the Board of Directors to participate as such.   The Provider Member will serve a two year term, at which time the OHPCA will re-evaluate.