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Volume 23.08

The 2024 Proposed Hospice Rule is only one indicator of the increased focus by CMS and federal legislators on hospice program integrity.

CMS, in the 2024 Proposed Rule, has reported significant information regarding hospice utilization trends and other data signaling potentially inappropriate behavior by some hospice providers and organizations.  CMS is becoming increasing concerned regarding:

  • The number of beneficiaries using the hospice benefit and increasing Medicare costs,
  • Live discharge rates by hospices,
  • Reported diagnosis on hospice claims,
  • Non-hospice spending for hospice patients,
  • Hospice ownership and related transparency,
  • Physicians certifying hospice care,
  • Large number of new hospice providers, especially in certain locations, and
  • Increasing waste, fraud, and abuse.

Additionally, hospice providers are increasingly concerned regarding the inadequate increase in payment rates to meet service and inflationary pressures on hospices.

National associations are encouraging CMS to increase oversight of hospices to protect hospice patients and their families as well as most hospice providers that focus on observing Medicare and Medicaid laws and regulations.  The Proposed Rule and related Fact Sheet are available at Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Hospice Payment Rate Update Proposed Rule (CMS-1787-P) | CMS.  Comments on the proposed rule are due on or before May 30, 2023.

2023 HOSPICE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Registrations are now being accepted for the 2023 Hospice Financial Management and Administration Conference.  The program, scheduled for November 9-10, 2023, is being held at the Lago Mar Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  As always, our programs are limited in size to better ensure the interactive nature of the program and networking among attendees.  Early registration is recommended, and early registration discounts are available.  Details are available here and at www.healthgroup.com.

The two-day program will focus on Hospice Integrity, especially as it relates to financial administration and reporting.  Specifically, topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Financial integrity initiatives and direction,
  • Increasing claim review,
  • Hospice and Medicare Advantage,
  • Cost reporting post-COVID,
  • Hospice CAP initiatives, reporting and special considerations, and
  • Increase focus on enrollment, including hospice ownership.

We encourage interested individuals to secure hotel reservations early.  The hotel will sell out for these dates.  Special rates have been secured with the Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club; however, to secure these rates, call (855) 829-2923 and inform the hotel that you are attending “The Health Group, LLC Hospice Financial & Administration Conference” or online at https://lagomar.com.

When making reservations online, go to reservations, click on group code, and enter 2311THEHEA.  Select the dates you will be staying, even if the dates are indicated as not available, select them and your room type.  All attendees are offered Executive One Bedroom Suites at $235/night.  Resort fees have been waived for our attendees.  If you have a problem, please call the hotel.  The hotel is making the $235/night available for two (2) days prior and two (2) days after the program dates.