As we look toward 2026, policy changes on the horizon promise meaningful improvements in hospice care. With new regulations and support systems coming into focus, patients and caregivers stand to benefit from enhanced access, smoother processes, and strengthened quality of care. Here’s a look at the key legal changes and practical tips to prepare.
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The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 final rule finalized by CMS includes a 2.6 % increase in hospice payment rates, equating to an estimated $750 million additional funding for hospices nationwide compared to 2025 .
The hospice payment cap – which limits total Medicare payments to a hospice each year – is raised to $35,361.44 for FY 2026, up from $34,465.34.
A bipartisan bill currently in Congress – the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act (H.R. 1720) – would extend telehealth flexibility for hospice face-to-face (F2F) recertifications under Medicare and create a modifier for telehealth-based recertification. The F2F encounter is performed by a physician or nurse practitioner to evaluate the patient and collect clinical information used in determining continued eligibility for hospice.
Impact for families:
The FY 2026 final rule clarifies that both the medical director and any hospice physician who’s a member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) can now refer patients for hospice admission and certify eligibility. This specification lays out new clarity about who may officially authorize care.
The advantage:
The final rule also simplifies documentation: the clinical note from the face‑to‑face hospice encounter, when signed and dated by the clinician, now fulfills the formal attestation requirement. This avoids separate paperwork requirements.
What this means for workflow:
Hospice legal changes are encouraging, but to make the most of them, consider this guidance:
Ask about expanded services
Explore whether your hospice is using the increased funding to offer extra services like counseling, art therapies, or extra caregiver support. If such offerings are available, they can be invaluable relief.
Clarify admission authority
Inquire whether your hospice has streamlined admission via any IDG physician or the medical director. Clear communication can help expedite care initiation.
Prepare for telehealth recertifications
If telehealth flexibility is enacted:
Consolidate documentation
If you’re a provider or a caregiver working with hospices, verify that the clinical note from a face-to-face encounter suffices as formal attestation to avoid extra steps.
Plan for financial changes
More funding or a higher payment cap doesn’t guarantee extended coverage – but it may mean less out-of-pocket expense or access to additional support. Ask your hospice about financial assistance programs or sliding scales.
The suite of updates effective in 2026 reflects a thoughtful policy shift toward more efficient, patient-focused hospice care. Increased funding, streamlined recertifications, and simplified documentation have the potential to reduce stress and improve quality. For caregivers and patients, being informed – and proactive – can make all the difference.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Home Care & Hospice Network
Hospice News
National Alliance for Care at Home
