Hospice Reimbursement: Seesaw Financial Future for Hospice

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights proposed Medicare hospice reimbursement changes that could affect payment levels, cap management, cash flow timing, and compliance processes. It also explains why CMS is collecting additional data before making broader payment reform decisions, which is important for hospice organizations planning operational and financial strategy.

Article Sections

1. Proposed 2015 hospice payment update

   Discusses the proposed annual hospice payment update and the factors CMS says are affecting the overall reimbursement outlook. It also notes the potential impact of broader federal payment adjustments.

2. Hospice aggregate cap and overpayment timing

   Covers the proposed hospice aggregate cap for the fiscal year and CMS’s suggested changes to the timing of cap determinations and overpayment remittance. The section also addresses the agency’s stated rationale for moving the process earlier.

3. Claims data and cost report changes for future reform

   Explains CMS’s focus on collecting additional hospice claims and cost report information to support future payment reform analysis. It also describes the general policy areas CMS is studying before proceeding further.