Hospice CARE Act Set To Reform Hospice

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) announced draft legislation, the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement (Hospice CARE) Act, on June 13, 2024, aiming for transformative reforms to hospice payment systems and regulatory oversight.  The hope is to be introduce the bill in Congress later in 2024.

A key element of the Hospice CARE Act is the proposed innovative payment mechanism tailored for high-acuity palliative services, reflecting the complex needs of patients requiring intensive care.  Additionally, it seeks to overhaul the current per-visit payment structures, aligning them more closely with the services provided.  These financial reforms are expected to incentivize higher quality care and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to hospice beneficiaries.

Blumenauer’s initiative also includes provisions to empower Nurse Practitioners, enabling them to certify hospice patients.  This change is anticipated to streamline processes and enhance access to hospice care, particularly in underserved areas.

Another component of the bill is a temporary moratorium on new hospice provider enrollments into Medicare.  This pause aims to address and mitigate fraudulent activities within the system, ensuring that new providers meet rigorous standards.  Furthermore, the bill mandates the submission of quality data, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement among hospice providers.

Additionally, this bill includes improvements to auditor education requiring medical review contractors to have specialized knowledge and training in hospice and increased transparency into the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulatory practices around hospice audits.

Hospice providers are strongly encouraged to engage with Blumenauer’s office by sharing their experiences, insights, and feedback.  This collaborative approach aims to refine the legislation, ensuring it meets the practical needs of those at the frontline of hospice care while ultimately improving care quality for vulnerable patients.

In summary, the Hospice CARE Act represents a significant advancement in the hospice care landscape, with its focus on payment reform, fraud prevention, and quality enhancement.  It also aims to protect the integrity of the existing hospice benefit.  By participating in the legislative process, hospice providers can help shape a future where terminally ill patients receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.

Link:  Contact Representatives – Earl Blumenauer