A proposed new requirement in the 2026 proposed hospice rule could lead to “significant” payment clawbacks and claims denials if finalized, according to some stakeholders. The proposed rule contains a provision that hospices provide a “clearly titled” physician or nurse practitioner face-to-face encounter attestation that must include a signature and dates of signing. This would […]
Hospice providers and technology vendors are not ready to transition to the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool by its Oct. 1 implementation date, according to comments on the 2026 proposed hospice payment rule by the National Alliance for Care at Home. The Alliance in its comments recommended that the U.S. Centers for Medicare […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2.4% hospice base rate increase is woefully inadequate, and new physician attestation requirements may place undue burdens on providers, according to comments from the National Alliance for Care at Home. The Alliance on Tuesday released its public comments on the 2026 hospice payment rule, which […]
Lawmakers are bringing greater attention to a pair of bipartisan Senate bills designed to improve access to community-based palliative and hospice care services. Stakeholders in a recent Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus briefing on Thursday focused on two pieces of legislation aiming to integrate more innovative, home-based and person-centered care models for serious and terminally ill […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should delay implementation of the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool, according to three national hospice and palliative care industry groups. LeadingAge, the National Alliance for Care at Home and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) urged CMS to delay the transition […]
Hospice leaders in 2025 are concerned about the rising costs of doing business, regulatory headwinds and the prospect of payment through Medicare Advantage. Currently, coverage for MA enrollees transfers to fee-for-service Medicare when they elect the hospice benefit. Should hospice come under the auspices of MA, it could result in patients dying without support, restricted […]
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill proposing an estimated more than $700 billion in Medicaid cuts during the next decade. The legislation’s potential impacts on community-based hospice care delivery could be significant, according to industry stakeholders. President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes a budget reconciliation process of tax reductions that […]
A bill currently before Congress seeks to overhaul aspects of the Medicare Advantage program. Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) recently introduced the Medicare Advantage Reform Act. If enacted, the bill, numbered H.R. 3467, would make wholesale changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA). A key provision of the bill is a proposed requirement that MA plans pay […]
Building stronger relationships and trust among underserved populations is key to breaking down barriers to hospice care. Having multiple, transparent communication avenues can help hospices develop trust. This is according to a new report from the National Alliance for Care at Home that explores underserved communities’ perceptions about hospice. The Alliance report, dubbed as CONNECT […]
Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) has introduced the Medicare Advantage Reform Act, which among other provisions would require health plans to pay for hospice care. If enacted, the bill, numbered H.R. 3467, would make wholesale changes to the Medicare Advantage program. It would mandate capitated payment models, change risk adjustment methodologies and create new exemptions for […]
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
