Rural Hospice and Palliative Care – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
CMS: Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Federal Register
Sep 9, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) modifying an existing system of records maintained by CMS titled "Hospice Item Set (HIS) System." The amended System of Records Notice (SORN) reflects changes to now include real time data collection at the time of patient assessments to improve the understanding of patient care needs and care coordination. CMS is also changing the name of the system of records to "Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE)." This modified system of records notice is effective on September 9, 2026, with the exception of the routine uses, which are effective October 9, 2026. Comments are due within 30 days of the publication of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 8, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding that hospice use declines as communities become more rural. Offers recommendations to journalists reporting on rural and urban differences in hospice access including variation in access within rural areas.
Source: Association of Health Care Journalists
Aug 31, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid have recalculated the fiscal year 2027 hospice wage index values for all CBSAs and rural areas. A correction notice with updated rates will be posted on the FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements webpage.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
CMS: Medicare Program; FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
Federal Register
Aug 3, 2026 - Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for fiscal year 2027. Among other things, this rule finalizes conforming regulation text changes to discharge from hospice care regulations and the face-to-face encounter regulations. This rule also summarizes comments received in response to requests for information regarding community-based palliative care; the construction of a hospice-specific wage index; and the overlap between hospice and medical aid in dying laws. These regulations are effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register