CMS proposes 2.7 percent payment increase for hospices in FY 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today issued a proposed rule to update the payment rates for hospices for fiscal year 2020. CMS proposes a net increase to payments of $540 million, compared to FY 2019. This includes a 3.2 percent market-basket update, offset by a statutorily-required reduction of 0.5 percent for productivity. The rule also would rebase the rates hospices are paid for certain types of care. In addition, the rule would modify the beneficiary hospice election statement by adding more information on the coverage implications of electing the benefit. CMS will accept comments on the rule through June 18.