Federal Policy
Husch Blackwell Podcast Reviews CMS FY2027 Hospice Final Rule
In a Husch Blackwell podcast episode, attorneys Bryan Nowicki, Andrew Brenton, and Brooke Griffin discuss CMS's Fiscal Year 2027 hospice final rule, covering its new Service and Spending Variation Index and revisions to the hospice election statement addendum. The episode also highlights CMS requests for information on community palliative care and medical aid in dying, which the hosts say signal the agency's future regulatory priorities. The rule applies to Medicare-certified hospices and takes effect under the standard Medicare hospice payment rule cycle. Hospice providers, including those serving dually eligible Medicaid beneficiaries, should review the changes to prepare for updated billing and documentation requirements.
Why it mattersHospice providers need to update election statement documentation and billing practices ahead of the new payment year to avoid claims and compliance issues.