Regulation | United States |
Hospice election statement addendum now required for every patient
Since October 1, hospices must give each electing patient a written addendum explaining what the hospice will not cover.
Under the FY 2027 final rule, hospices must now provide a written election statement addendum to every Medicare beneficiary at election, not only on request. The addendum lists items, services and drugs the hospice considers unrelated to the terminal illness, and explains the patient's right to appeal through the BFCC-QIO.
CMS is exercising enforcement discretion from October 1 through December 31, 2026. During that window, Medicare Administrative Contractors will not deny claims solely because the addendum is missing or incomplete.