CMS Offers Hospices Three-Month Grace Period on Addendum Rule

Hospices are now required to give every patient an addendum to the election statement explaining what is and isn't covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, a requirement that took effect October 1, 2026 under the FY2027 hospice payment rule. Previously, hospices only had to provide the addendum upon request. CMS announced it will exercise enforcement discretion through December 31, 2026, during which Medicare Administrative Contractors will not deny claims solely for a missing or incomplete addendum, instead focusing on provider education. After that date, hospices that fail to comply face claim denials and increased regulatory scrutiny. Advocacy group NPHI has raised concerns that the mandate creates undue administrative burden with limited patient benefit.

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