Medicare payment rate for hospices should not rise in 2014, MedPAC says
The Medicare payment rate for hospices should not increase in 2014, according to recommendations to Congress announced Monday by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commision (MedPAC).
The final recommendation reflects what was in a December draft. That recommendation pointed out that 10.2% of hospice facilities exceeded the 2010 payment cap, which was a lower number than in previous years, indicating adjustment to the cap, according to the Bureau of National Affairs. Additionally, MedPAC said strong growth in the hospice sector showed capital is available.
MedPAC's recommendation to extend 2013 hospice payment levels through 2014 does not take into account sequestration cuts – including a 2% cut in Medicare payments to providers – now scheduled to take effect in March.
The rate of Medicare payments to long-term care hospitals will also remain unchanged in 2014 if Congress adopts MedPAC's recommendations.
