CHAIRMAN RIEGER introduced  CSHB 171(FIN)  (MEDICAID COVERAGE                 
 FOR HOSPICE CARE) as the next order of business.                              
                                                                               
 JUDY MATHIS, staff to Representative Ron Larson, prime sponsor                
 of HB 171, explained the legislation will extend coverage of                  
 hospice service to Medicaid eligible adults who do not qualify                
 for Medicare.  Hospice care is already a Medicaid covered                     
 service for children and is available to people who qualify                   
 for Medicare.                                                                 
                                                                               
 Number 190                                                                    
                                                                               
 RITCHIE SONNER, Executive Director of Hospice & Home Care of                  
 Juneau, voiced her support for HB 171, saying the hospice                     
 method of care is a cost-effective way of treating people who                 
 are terminally ill.                                                           
                                                                               
 There being no further testimony on HB 171, CHAIRMAN RIEGER                   
 asked for the pleasure of the committee.                                      
                                                                               
 SENATOR MILLER moved that CSHB 171(FIN), along with the                       
 accompanying fiscal notes, be passed out of committee with                    
 individual recommendations.  Hearing no objection, it was so                  
 ordered.