CMS issues FY 2024 hospice provider final rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services July 28 issued its final rule updating hospice payments for fiscal year 2024. CMS finalized a 3.1% ($780 million) net increase to FY 2024 payments as compared with FY 2023. This update includes a 3.3% market basket, reduced by a 0.2% productivity adjustment. CMS also finalized an updated payment cap per patient of $33,494.01. In addition, the agency finalized its proposal to require that physicians who certify hospice eligibility be enrolled as a Medicare provider or validly opted out. Lastly, CMS finalized its proposal to extend the ability to conduct face-to-face physician recertifications remotely.