Medicare Program; FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
What happened
Signed by Donald Trump, this final rule updates the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for fiscal year 2027. It mandates hospices provide a hospice election statement addendum to all Medicare beneficiaries and makes conforming changes to hospice discharge and face-to-face encounter regulations. These regulations are effective on October 1, 2026.
Why it matters
This policy directly impacts how much hospices are paid by Medicare, which affects the financial stability of hospice care providers. It also clarifies patient rights and responsibilities by requiring specific statements at the time of hospice election, helping beneficiaries make informed health decisions. Changes to discharge and face-to-face encounter rules may streamline administrative processes and care delivery.
Who it affects
- ›Medicare beneficiaries receiving hospice care
- ›Hospice care providers and agencies
- ›Physicians and medical staff involved in hospice
- ›Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The receipts are official. The summary is ours.
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