We have been receiving the below question often, so we thought it best to give our written response for your peace of mind and information.
Q: Will MedForms update the Hospice Election Statement and create the new addendum in accordance with the new requirements outlined in the Hospice Fiscal Year 2020 payment rule?
A: Yes. MedForms’ regulatory staff continuously monitor new regulations issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), state licensing departments and accrediting bodies. Our primary goal is to provide clients with timely recommendations, including new forms, to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and standards. Updates for the election statement and the addendum will be available to our hospice clients based on current and potential new rule making activity by CMS as soon as CMS confirms there are no additional changes.
CMS published the Fiscal Year 2020 payment rule titled, “Medicare Program; FY 2020 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements” on August 6. The final rule includes significant changes to the patient election statement and the addition of an addendum titled, “Patient Notification of Hospice Non-Covered Items, Services, and Drugs” to ensure greater transparency regarding non-covered hospice services. The election statement modifications will apply to all hospice election statements, but the addendum will only be furnished to beneficiaries, their representatives, non-hospice providers or Medicare contractors who request such information. CMS is delaying the effective date for implementation of the election statement modifications and the addendum until October 2020 (FY 2021) to allow more time to fully investigate the details regarding operational and auditing processes, training and education. CMS may engage in rule making for FY 2021 as necessary to seek any additional comments on any operational or logistical proposals.
Contact us with any further questions, as we are happy to clarify anything!
