The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Friday announced its proposed 2026 hospice payment rule, which includes a 2.4% increase in per diem payments alongside evolving quality reporting measures.
The increase represents an estimated $695 million rise in total hospice payments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. It is also lower than the 2.9% hike CMS approved in its 2025 final rule.
The proposed hospice cap amount for FY 2026 is $35,292.51, slightly up from $34,465.34 this year. The payment update reflects a 5% annual wage index update, rising inpatient care costs alongside the potential financial impacts of new quality standards, according to the agency…