Newly-Proposed CMS Hospice Payment Update Could 'Jeopardize Access to Care'

Home-based care providers that also offer hospice services face a proposed 2.4% increase in per diem payments – a figure likely insufficient to meet rising operational costs and growing patient demand. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Friday announced its proposed hospice payment rule featuring the payment increase, which was lower than the 2.9% hike the agency approved in its 2025 final rule.