Hospice & Home Health News 2026Apr17

Summary: FY27 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Proposed Rule

LeadingAge has prepared an article reviewing key details of the proposed FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements Proposed Rule. The rule was published on the Federal Register April 6, 2026.

Hospice Long Length of Stay: Compliance Strategies

In this 29-minute QuickCast, LeadingAge offers practical guidance on reducing aggregate hospice cap risk and strengthening documentation practices for patients who are on hospice services for longer periods.

Hospice Webinar on Medicare Cost Report E-Filing System

On Wednesday, April 22 from 1–3 pm ET the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting a webinar to support hospices to understand the new and upcoming functionality for Medicare Part A cost reports and hospice cap determinations in the Medicare Cost Report e-filing (MCReF) system, including: Ready-made Provider Statistical & Reimbursement summary reports on the home page, new dashboard for tracking hospice cap status, review dates, and documentation for cap determinations, tips and reminders on common questions, like how to e-file Home Office Cost Statements, get feedback on cost report exhibits, and avoid common problems, and quick refresher on how to e-file one cost report or many. The webinar will include a live Q&A session and an opportunity to provide feedback. You may also send questions in advance to OFMDPAOQuestions@cms.hhs.gov with “MCReF Webinar” in the subject line. We’ll answer your questions during the webinar or use them to develop educational materials. Register for this webinar here.

Here is your weekly  Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly  Hospice Weekly Recap from National.