On July 30, CMS released the FY2025 Hospice Wage Index final payment rule. CMS finalized a 2.9% payment update which is slightly higher than the 2.6% that was in the proposed rule. LeadingAge appreciates the increase, but it is still insufficient to cover ever increasing costs.
Additionally, CMS finalized the decision to begin collecting the HOPE standardized patient level data collection tool on or after October 1, 2025, and finalized the two new quality measures assessing pain impact and on-pain symptom impact. LeadingAge asked CMS to delay in reporting the two new quality measures to ensure validity – CMS declined this suggestion. For the HOPE timepoint visits, LPNs and LVNs will be allowed to do the visits, but the visits must be done in person – no telehealth allowed. CMS summarized all the comments on the high intensity palliative services but gave no indication with regards to next steps.
CMS also finalized proposed changes to the Hospice CAHPS, including removal of and changes to several survey items as well as changes to administration timelines and modes of survey delivery. CMS also finalized the Hospice CAHPS implementation date of January 1, 2025 – LeadingAge had asked for a delay to allow hospices more time to implement these changes, but CMS is moving ahead with this date. LeadingAge will review the rule in more detail and report out additional items of interest to members next week. Link to the final rule here. Read LeadingAge’s comments on the proposed rule here.
