The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the end of the Value Based Insurance Design (VBID) Hospice Benefit Component as of December 31, 2024. CMS stated the decision came “after careful consideration of recent feedback about the increasing operational challenges of the Hospice Benefit Component and limited and decreasing participation among Medicare Advantage Organizations that may impact a thorough evaluation…”

CMS further clarifies this decision “does not indicate whether the test has met its goals,” and the agency plans to continue evaluation of the component separately. CMS will not accept Requests for Application for the CY2025 Hospice Benefit Component of the VBID Model released late last year. More information will be released later in 2024 to support beneficiaries currently enrolled in the program to maintain seamless care.

As more information becomes available on the decision, LeadingAge will update members.