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.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Feb. 25 released a request for information on potential regulatory changes in a possible future…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Feb. 23 announced the development of its Medicare App Library. As part of the agency’s Health Technology…
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The Congressional Budget Office has projected that the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will have sufficient funds to pay full benefits until 2040 — 12 years…
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The AHA Feb. 17 submitted a comment letter responding to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed rule that would prohibit hospitals…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Jan. 26 released proposed changes to Medicare Advantage plan capitation rates and Part D payment policies for…
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The AHA Jan. 20 made recommendations to Congress on modernizing the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Among the proposals, the AHA recommended…