Hospice Final Rule 2025: Key Updates and How SimiTree Can Help 

The Hospice Final Rule for Fiscal Year 2025, released by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on July 30, 2024, outlines significant changes impacting hospice providers. That’s an estimated increase of $790 million in payments from fiscal year 2024. The proposed payment update released in March was 2.6%. Let’s break down the key updates and explore how SimiTree can support your hospice in navigating these changes. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the experts at SimiTree that you need to know, also outlined in Home Health Line: 

Hospice Payment Increase and Cap 

• Hospices will see a 2.9% increase in payments, translating to an estimated $790 million increase compared to FY 2024. 

• The finalized hospice payment cap for FY 2025 is $34,465.34. 

Hospice providers will receive a 2.9% payment increase in FY 2025, amounting to an estimated $790 million increase compared to the previous year. The finalized hospice payment cap for the upcoming fiscal year is set at $34,465.34. While this increase offers some financial relief, it’s crucial to understand how it impacts your bottom line. 

New Hospice Quality Measures 

Two new process measures are being added to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP): 

• Timely Follow-up for Pain Impact 

• Timely Follow-up for Non-Pain Symptom Impact 

• These measures will be collected using the new HOPE instrument starting in October 2025. 

CMS has introduced two new process measures to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP): Timely Follow-up for Pain Impact and Timely Follow-up for Non-Pain Symptom Impact. These measures will be collected using the HOPE instrument starting in October 2025. Implementing effective strategies to meet these new quality standards is essential for hospice providers. 

CAHPS Hospice Survey Updates 

The CMS has delayed the final implementation of CAHPS Hospice Survey changes until April 2025. The updated survey includes modifications such as a web-mail option, a shortened format, and revised administration protocols. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for maintaining high patient satisfaction scores. 

• The implementation of changes to the CAHPS Hospice Survey will be delayed until April 2025. Updates include: 

• • Web-mail survey option 

• • Shortened and simplified survey 

• • Modified administration protocols 

• • New Care Preferences measure 

• • Revisions to existing measures 

• • Removal of specific items 

Additional Resources 

• Full Final Rule: Link to the final rule 

How SimiTree Can Help 

Need help navigating the changes?  

If you are a hospice agency concerned about the changes coming in 2025, we can help. Our team of experts can help you understand the final rule and develop a plan to adapt to the changes.  Do you have questions that need answers today? Email us at contactus@simitreehc.com, give us a call at 800-949-0388, or schedule a meeting with us, and someone will reach out to you today.  

SimiTree offers a comprehensive suite of services to help hospices stay compliant and optimize their operations under the new rule. We can assist with: 

• Understanding and implementing the new quality measures 

• Optimizing documentation processes to ensure compliance 

• Analyzing payment changes and their impact on your organization 

• Developing strategies to improve efficiency and profitability 

Complimentary Webinar 

Stay tuned! We will have a webinar this week to discuss the hospice final rule and its implications. Look for our emails and social media posts to register and watch at your convenience. If you miss it live, it will be available on our webinars page.  

By partnering with SimiTree, you can ensure your hospice thrives under the new regulations and continues to deliver exceptional care to patients and families.