National Health Care Decisions Day takes on a new significance this year as COVID-19 sweeps critical illness and death across the country. With demand for hospice and palliative care services on the rise amid the pandemic, providers are adopting new strategies to highlight the benefits of advance care planning for patients and families. Recently updated […]
Hospices often rely on philanthropic donations and fundraisers to support their programs, but many are taking a financial hit from fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite federal funding relief efforts, strained donors, increased costs and cancelled fundraising events are impacting hospice bottom lines. Providers are working to address these issues by adapting their methods and […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recently proposed rule for 2021 hospice payment and Conditions of Participation contained no surprises, reflecting a business as usual approach that contrasts with the significant changes that were implemented for the 2020 fiscal year. The agency has called for a 2.6% payment increase for 2021 that […]
A number of hospices nationwide are hitting barriers to effectively disposing of medications following a patient’s death while remaining in compliance with current law and regulation, according to a report released today by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Proper disposal of medications is a critical factor to preventing drug diversion. Drug diversion — the […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued additional 1135 waivers for hospice, pertaining to training requirements for hospice aides. CMS can issue an 1135 waiver for health care organizations during a federally declared national emergency. These waivers temporarily suspend or modify Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and other requirements to allow […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed a rule that would determine hospice payment rates, payment caps and the wage index for fiscal year 2021. The agency has proposed a 2.6% payment adjustment, totaling an additional $580 million for the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The proposed rule would also raise the annual payment […]
Hospice leaders are adapting to limitations while supporting staff and volunteers as they face roadblocks to providing essential patient services. More than 40 states nationwide have issued stay-at-home orders prohibiting nonessential travel and closing businesses to minimize the exposure and spread of COVID-19. While hospice services are a vital part of the health care continuum, […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has begun distributing the first $30 billion installment of public health funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also called the CARES ACT. An estimated $1 billion is expected to go to hospice and palliative care providers via direct deposit. The CARES Act, enacted […]
As hospices struggle with the fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak, some are finding additional support from their local communities, building relationships that could extend beyond this time of crisis. Supply shortages, staffing and volunteer challenges are some of the issues that communities are addressing as they come together with their local hospice and health care […]
Federal lawmakers have been sparring this week over a potential fourth legislative package to bolster the economy and the health care system amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. Many in the hospice space have their fingers crossed that a bill will come together and bring further financial and regulatory relief. The White House and congressional leaders […]
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