Medicare Hospice Care Reform: Accountability, Integrity, and Enhanced Oversight
This Act introduces strict measures to combat fraud within the Medicare Hospice Program, including a 5-year moratorium on new provider enrollment. For citizens, this means greater transparency regarding facility ownership, improved quality control, and new rules for certifying terminal illness. Payment changes are also introduced to enhance access to specialized palliative care and facilitate the use of respite care services at home.
Key points
A 5-year nationwide moratorium on new hospice enrollment in Medicare to curb fraud, with exceptions for areas lacking sufficient access to care.
Mandatory public disclosure of hospice ownership information (including private equity interests) to increase transparency and accountability.
Introduction of paid, short-term home respite care (up to 120 hours per 90 days, starting 2028) to support caregivers.
Ensuring independence in terminal illness certification: the certifying physician cannot be employed by or have significant financial ties to the hospice (starting 2026).
Expired
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