CMS proposes updated hospice payment rates for FY 2024, requests information on utilization and other issues

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today issued its proposed rule updating hospice payments for fiscal year 2024. CMS proposes a 2.8% ($720 million) estimated net increase to payments compared with FY 2023 payments. This update is the result of a 3% update to the market basket, reduced by a 0.2% productivity adjustment. This would result in an updated payment cap per patient of $33,396.55. In addition to these payment updates, CMS provides an analysis of hospice utilization and spending trends, and includes a request for information from stakeholders on access restrictions, utilization, ownership transparency, non-hospice spending during benefit periods, the hospice election process, and health equity in the hospice program. 

CMS also proposes to update its requirements around physician certification for the hospice benefit, which it says will be part of an ongoing effort this year to address fraud, waste and abuse in the hospice program. Finally, CMS is proposing updates to its regulatory text in anticipation of the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, including extending the ability to conduct face-to-face physician recertifications remotely.