CMS Finalizes Medicare Hospice Payment Increase and New Patient Disclosure Rules for FY 2027

A hospice nurse speaks with a patient and family member during an in-home visit. CMS has finalized fiscal year 2027 Medicare hospice payment updates, expanded patient disclosure requirements, and revised quality reporting policies that take effect October 1, 2026. Rido/Shutterstock

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule updating Medicare hospice payment rates, the hospice wage index, and quality reporting program requirements for fiscal year 2027. According to an official announcement published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2026, the changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Medicare Hospice Payments Will Increase in FY 2027