Volume 22.03
On September 25, 2022, CMS revised the Hospice Cost & Data Report to add a new non-reimbursable cost center to accumulate costs associated with suicide accomplished with aid of a physician in those states that allow assisted suicide. Federal funds cannot be used to provide or pay for any health care item, service, or health benefit coverage for the purpose of causing, or assisting to cause, the death of an individual including mercy killing, euthanasia, or assisted suicide.
These costs, where incurred, must be segregated and reported in the new cost center for cost reporting years ending on or after February 28, 2022. Because these costs are non-reimbursable, they should be excluded from allowable costs on cost reports for earlier reporting periods even though a separate cost center was not provided on the cost report.
The following states, and Washington D.C., have authorized medical aid in dying:
- Oregon
- Washington
- Montana
- Vermont
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- Maine
- New Mexico
Additionally, hospices are not required to separately report Volunteer Coordination costs during the period of the Public Health Emergency. The volunteer coordination requirements under Conditions of Participation have been temporarily waived. We recommend that hospices continue to report Volunteer Coordination costs as incurred, even though the requirement has been waived.
We thank the National Association for Home Care & Hospice for bringing the changes to our attention.
THE HEALTH GROUP TO EXHIBIT AT NAHC MEETINGS IN 2022
The Health Group, LLC will be exhibiting at both the 2022 National Association for Home Care & Hospice Financial Management Conference and Expo (Las Vegas on July 24-26, 2022) and Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo (St. Louis on October 23 – 25, 2022). Information can be secured, as available, here. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to schedule an introduction or meeting with any of our professional staff in attendance.
NAHC has published notice of future events as follows:
2023
- Financial Management Conference & Expo: July TBD
- Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo: October 15-17, Gaylord National Harbor, National Harbor, Maryland
2024
- Financial Management Conference & Expo: July 24-26, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo: October 20-22, Tampa, Florida
- Don’t forget the NHPCO 2022 Leadership and Advocacy Conference is scheduled for March 7-9, 2022, in Washington D.C. Registration is still available.
Although not exhibiting at this meeting, The Health Group, LLC will be attending.