Hospice Providers Brace for Medicare Wage and Rate Updates in 2026
Published Date: 8/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting in FY 2026, hospices will see updated payment rates and wage indexes, meaning changes in how much Medicare pays for hospice care. New rules also tweak how patients get admitted and update quality reporting to keep care top-notch. These updates affect hospices nationwide and aim to improve care while adjusting payments starting October 1, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
FY2026 Hospice Payment and Wage Index
The rule updates the hospice wage index, payment rates, and the aggregate cap amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, effective October 1, 2025. These changes alter how Medicare pays hospices nationwide starting on that date.
Changes to Hospice Admission and Attestation
The rule finalizes changes to the regulations governing admission to hospice and the hospice face-to-face attestation requirements under the certification of terminal illness. These regulatory changes take effect for FY 2026 beginning October 1, 2025, and apply to Medicare hospice admissions and certification processes.
Updates to Hospice Quality Reporting
The rule provides updates to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program requirements for FY 2026, effective October 1, 2025. These updates change what hospices must report to Medicare about quality measures and program participation.
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Key Dates
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