🏥Proposed FY 2026 Medicare Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update
Medicare Program; FY 2026 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
Summary
This proposed rule would update the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This rule also proposes changes to the admission to hospice regulations and the hospice face-to-face attestation requirements under the certification of terminal illness regulations. This proposed rule also includes a technical correction to the regulatory text and provides updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program requirements. Finally, this proposed rule solicits comments regarding requests for information surrounding future measure concepts for Hospice Quality Reporting Program.
Agencies
- Health and Human Services Department
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The proposed rule outlines updates to Medicare hospice payment rates and quality reporting requirements, directly impacting financial aspects for hospice providers. Compliance with new attestation rules and potential payment reductions for not meeting reporting standards further necessitates attention from business owners in the healthcare industry.