April 2, 2026 Washington, DC — Comment from Linda Couch, senior vice president, policy, LeadingAge, on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements Proposed Rule, issued April 2, 2026:
“The rule’s proposed payment rate update of 2.4% barely keeps up with inflation. Payment that scarcely covers the cost of services delivered threatens the ability of quality-focused, mission-driven providers to deliver needed care and potentially limits access for those who seek it.
We are still reviewing other aspects of the proposed rule, including new transparency measures and changes to regulations and quality programs. We generally support the agency’s efforts to increase transparency as part of their focus on enhancing oversight and strengthening program integrity. Increased transparency and a focus on quality will help beneficiaries to choose high quality providers like LeadingAge members.
And we are incredibly grateful that CMS has decided to grant a waiver to all Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) assessments dated October 1, 2025-December 31, 2025 and consider these as timely. Both independently and in collaboration with other associations, LeadingAge has urged CMS to take such action.”
About LeadingAge:
We represent more than 5,300 nonprofit and mission-driven aging services providers serving older adults and touching millions of lives every day. From our national headquarters in Washington, DC, and in collaboration with our state partners representing members active in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, we use advocacy, education, applied research, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership encompasses the entire continuum of aging services, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, affordable housing, retirement communities, adult day programs, hospice, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and home-based care. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information, visit leadingage.org.
