💰Medicare Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update for FY 2026
Medicare Program; FY 2026 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
Summary
This final rule updates the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This rule also finalizes changes to the admission to hospice regulations and the hospice face-to-face attestation requirements under the certification of terminal illness regulations and includes technical changes to the hospice telehealth policy and wage index. This final rule also includes a technical correction to the regulatory text and provides updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program requirements.
Agencies
- Health and Human Services Department
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The content outlines significant updates to hospice payment rates and regulations under Medicare, specifically affecting hospice providers. Changes to the wage index, payment updates, and certification requirements directly influence financial operations, compliance requirements, and service delivery, making it crucial for hospice organizations to adapt.