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<title>Updates &amp; News</title>
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<description><![CDATA[  
 
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<lastBuildDate>Wed, 8 Jul 2026 03:22:31 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
<copyright>Copyright &#xA9; 2026 Arizona Hospice &amp; Palliative Care Organization</copyright>
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<title>Alliance Member Resources: Home Health and Hospice Moratorium</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=729251</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=729251</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>On May 13, CMS announced a six-month nationwide moratorium on the enrollment of new home health agencies and hospice providers into Medicare, as part of the Agency’s crackdown on fraud in these benefits. See the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-aggressive-nationwide-crackdown-fraud-six-month-hospice-home-health-agency-enrollment" target="_blank">Agency’s press release</a></span>. CMS cites concerns
    regarding fraudulent billing activity and geographic concentrations of suspect activity as the basis for nationwide. See the Alliance’s analysis. <br /><br />The Alliance strongly opposes a nationwide moratorium, and we have instead advocated for
    targeted, tailored program integrity measures to protect beneficiaries and the Medicare Trust Fund without restricting access in regions where legitimate provider growth is needed to meet patient demand. We are both concerned and alarmed at CMS’s
    action, given the heightened concentration of fraudulent activity in certain geographic regions, and the lack of nationwide data supporting such an approach.<br /><br /></p>
<h3>The following resources can help members understand and respond to the national moratorium announcement.</h3>
<ul>
    <li><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/protected-file/?file=152996" target="_blank">Moratorium Flow Chart: Does it Apply to You?</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/protected-file/?file=152561" target="_blank">Alliance FAQ Document</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/Community-Talking-Points-Home-Health-Hospice-Provider-Enrollment-Moratoria.pdf" target="_blank">Community Talking Points- Moratorium Announcement</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/protected-file/?file=152070" target="_blank">CMS Home Health Moratoria Letter to the Editor Templates and Best Practices</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/protected-file/?file=152069" target="_blank">CMS Hospice Moratoria Letter to the Editor Templates and Best Practices</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/hh-hospice-moratorium-faqs.pdf" target="_blank">CMS FAQ’s</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-15/pdf/2026-09717.pdf" target="_blank">Home Health Federal Registrar Document</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-15/pdf/2026-09718.pdf" target="_blank">Hospice Federal Registrar Document</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://myalliance.allianceforcareathome.org/events/event-details/?id=6a6fe02a-c45a-f111-89e7-7c1e52931aff&amp;reload=timezone" target="_blank">Understanding the 2026 Home Health and Hospice Moratorium (Recording).</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #0000ff;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/resource/alliance-member-resources-home-health-and-hospice-moratorium/?_zs=KsITp&amp;UserId=bce2c0f3-168b-f011-8151-6045bd81deca&amp;sso=d5cd15c0-0274-4975-0dc1-08dec93f4bdd">Read the Article<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></a>
    </span>
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<hr />
<p style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #262626;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #262626;"><span style="font-kerning: none; color: #0000ff;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/">National Alliance for Care at Home</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC) &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; font-kerning: none; font-size: 10px;">(*Member Login may be required)</span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Support Permanent Telehealth Access</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728755</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728755</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.quorum.us/campaign/118751/" target="_blank">The CONNECT for Health Act </a></span>(S.1261 / H.R. 4206) is bipartisan legislation to permanently expand access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries. While Congress continues to pass temporary extensions of key Medicare telehealth flexibilities, patients, families, and providers still lack the long-term certainty needed to fully rely on telehealth as a permanent part of care delivery.&nbsp;<br /><br /><h3>Why This Matters<span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;">&nbsp;</span></h3><p>Telehealth has become an essential part of our healthcare system. It allows patients to receive care when in-person visits are difficult or impossible due to distance, mobility challenges, or health risks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Take action today! Click <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.quorum.us/campaign/118751/" target="_blank">Act Now!</a></span></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2026 01:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Ways &amp; Means Committee Advances the Protecting Seniors and Stopping Fraudsters Act</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728754</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728754</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>On May 10, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne introduced the&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8883/text" target="_blank">Protecting Seniors and Stopping&nbsp;Fraudsters Act</a></span>&nbsp;(H.R. 8883). The U.S. House Ways &amp; Means Committee, on a bipartisan vote, advanced the legislation on May 21.</p><p><br />Focused on hospice providers and home health agencies, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://vanduyne.house.gov/_cache/files/6/6/66f30871-7f57-4c39-83de-6640d28ee975/CEBD4B242B20E2796F0A5F6E329C85CC8A3A81A58C0BEE9E365B3FB1393CB154.pih-hospice-hha-fraud-01-xml-78-.pdf" target="_blank">the&nbsp;legislation</a></span>&nbsp;increases survey frequency and&nbsp;screening requirements for certain providers in high-risk areas or displaying aberrant behavior, adds additional oversight for accreditation organizations, mandates beneficiary enrollment notifications for hospice, and increases the penalty for providers that fail to submit quality data.</p><p><br />The introduction of this legislation follows the Alliance’s&nbsp;ongoing&nbsp;efforts to root out fraud. Many of these provisions were included in the&nbsp;Alliance’s <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/Joint-PI-Letter-3.25.26-1.pdf" target="_blank">response to CMS’ Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Health (CRUSH) RFI</a></span>,&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Alliance-and-LeadingAge-Home-Health-and-Hospice-Program-Integrity-Recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">recent communication with Administrator Oz</a></span>, and even date back to the&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/Hospice_Program_Integrity_Ideas_Hospice_Industry_Consensus-2.pdf" target="_blank">34 program integrity recommendations</a></span>&nbsp;created by&nbsp;legacy organizations&nbsp;NHPCO and NAHC in January 2023.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/ways-means-committee-advances-the-protecting-seniors-and-stopping-fraudsters-act/" target="_blank">Read the Article</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2026 01:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>How to Download Your PEPPER: Staff End User (SEU) Access</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728753</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728753</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Per the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Hospice PEPPER will be available through the PEPPER Portal in early June 2026. To ensure providers can successfully access their reports, please follow the instructions below.<br /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Hospice PEPPER will be available through the PEPPER Portal to Authorized Officials (AOs), Access Managers (AMs), and Staff End Users (SEUs) who have been granted the PEPPER business function in the CMS Identity &amp; Access Management (I&amp;A) System.Authorized
    Officials and Access Managers can find step-by-step instructions in the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/IAWebContent/Quick_Reference_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">I&amp;A&nbsp;Quick Reference Guide</a></span>&nbsp;and
    <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/IAWebContent/FAQs.pdf" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a></span>.<br /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If users need help identifying their AO or AM, or have questions about their request, they may contact the&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://eus.cms.gov/home" target="_blank">PECOS External User Services (EUS) Help Desk</a></span>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/how-to-download-your-pepper-staff-end-user-seu-access/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2026 01:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Latest Hospice Provider Preview Reports Released</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728752</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728752</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Hospice providers can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports via <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://iqies.cms.gov/iqies" target="_blank">iQIES</a></span>. These reports include provider performance scores for quality measures that will be published on the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=Hospice" target="_blank">Compare Tool on Medicare.gov</a></span> and the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/topics" target="_blank">Provider Data Catalog (PDC)</a></span> during the August 2026 refresh.<br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>The Provider Preview Reports include:</h3><ul><li>Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) measure scores based on hospice-submitted data reported to CMS for Quarter 4, 2024, to Quarter 3, 2025.</li><li>CAHPS® measure scores reflecting data submitted to CMS for Quarter 4, 2023, to Quarter 3, 2025.</li><li>CAHPS Star Ratings based on survey data submitted to CMS for Quarter 4, 2023, to Quarter 3, 2025.</li><li>Claims-based measures based on Medicare claims data for Quarter 1, 2023, to Quarter 4, 2024.</li></ul><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/latest-hospice-provider-preview-reports-released-3/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>The Alliance Voices Concerns to CMS in Response to the FY 2027 Hospice Proposed Rule</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728751</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728751</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The Alliance submitted&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Alliance-FY2027-Hospice-Proposed-Rule-Comment-6.1.26.pdf" target="_blank">comments</a></span>&nbsp;in response&nbsp;to the (CMS) Fiscal Year <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06604.pdf" target="_blank">(FY) 2027 Hospice Wage Index proposed rule</a></span>, which proposes payment and regulatory updates under the Medicare hospice benefit.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Alliance-FY2027-Hospice-Proposed-Rule-Comment-6.1.26.pdf" target="_blank"></a></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Alliance-FY2027-Hospice-Proposed-Rule-Comment-6.1.26.pdf" target="_blank">The&nbsp;letter</a></span>&nbsp;states&nbsp;that the proposed 2.4%&nbsp;hospice payment update for FY 2027 will not&nbsp;adequately account for the cost pressures hospice&nbsp;providers&nbsp;face&nbsp;in today’s healthcare delivery market. Healthcare sector inflation&nbsp;remains&nbsp;above historical norms,&nbsp;and the rising cost of care continues to surpass the proposed total payment update&nbsp;at a time when prior payment rules have failed to adequately forecast market pressures.&nbsp;In order for&nbsp;providers to continue&nbsp;to deliver care&nbsp;amid increased demand, it is critical that CMS consider these factors and adjust the payment update accordingly.<br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Alliance recommends CMS&nbsp;use&nbsp;the most recent data available to&nbsp;more accurately align the FY 2027 payment update&nbsp;with rising cost pressures&nbsp;and&nbsp;actual inflationary increases. Further, the Alliance urges&nbsp;CMS&nbsp;to explore all available avenues to address the proposed&nbsp;rule’s&nbsp;forecast error&nbsp;limitations, such as through a one-time adjustment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/national-alliance-for-care-at-home-voices-concerns-to-cms-in-response-to-the-fy-2027-hospice-proposed-rule/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CMS Announces 80-Hour Medicaid Work Requirement Amid Home Care Concerns</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728750</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728750</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>CMS has announced an interim final rule that requires certain adult Medicaid beneficiaries to meet an 80-hour work requirement. Experts have cautioned that 80-hour work requirements could compromise home care workers’ access to health care and lead to unmet needs for home care recipients.<br />&nbsp;<br />Under the Working Families Tax Cut (WFTC) legislation, adults ages 19 through 64, with several exceptions, will be required to demonstrate work requirement activities such as employment, education, work programs or community services. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11094.pdf" target="_blank">The rule</a></span>, which states are required to implement by Jan. 1, 2027, is designed to promote economic stability and independence, according to CMS.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://homehealthcarenews.com/2026/06/cms-announces-80-hour-medicaid-work-requirement-amid-home-care-concerns/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><h3 style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 11px;">Source: Home Health Care News, By Morgan Gonzales, June 1, 2026</span></em></strong></h3>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CMS Clarifies Telehealth Policy During Enrollment Moratorium</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728749</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=728749</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Hospices will continue to be able to use telehealth for face-to-face recertifications during the hospice and home health enrollment moratorium, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services’ (CMS).<br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>CMS implemented the six-month moratorium on May 13. The temporary pause is intended to prevent a wave of fraudulent operators from entering the hospice or home health sectors. While some hospice stakeholders have applauded the move, others have said it threatens patient access and could inhibit hospice growth, particularly in underserved areas.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://hospicenews.com/2026/05/21/cms-clarifies-telehealth-policy-during-enrollment-moratorium/" target="_blank">Read the Article</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><h3 style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 11px;">Source: Hospice News, By Jim Parker, &nbsp;May 21, 2026</span></em></strong></h3>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>New Research Shows Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare Over $1 Billion Annually</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=727327</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=727327</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><span style="font-size: 12.000001px;">A new analysis commissioned by the </span><span style="font-size: 12.000001px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://researchinstituteforhomecare.org" target="_blank">Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute)</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.000001px;"> reveals that if Medicare beneficiaries elected hospice care just five days earlier, the program could save between $1.19 billion and $1.50 billion annually. The </span><span style="font-size: 12.000001px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://researchinstituteforhomecare.org/our-research/new-research-and-reports/" target="_blank">analysis</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.000001px;">, conducted by ATI Advisory, demonstrates how modest, clinically appropriate changes in hospice timing could generate significant Medicare savings while improving patient outcomes.</span></p><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;">&nbsp;</p><h3>Opportunities to Learn More<span style="font-size: 12.000001px;"></span></h3><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;">The complete analysis and methodology are available in the full report.</p><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/new-research-shows-earlier-hospice-election-could-save-medicare-over-1-billion-annually/?_zs=MuFVp&amp;_zl=oU4l3" target="_blank"><strong>Learn More and Access the Full Report</strong></a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 00:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CMS Announces 6-month Enrollment Moratoria</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=727211</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=727211</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<h4 style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">AHPCO Provider Members:&nbsp; Login to the <a href="https://www.ahpco.org/page/RegulatoryCenter"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Regulatory Center</span></a> to view additional information about this moratoria including FAQs. Contact the AHPCO Office for assistance or submit a Regulatory Question online in the&nbsp;Regulatory Center.</h4><h3>CMS Announces Aggressive Nationwide Crackdown on Fraud with Six-Month Hospice and Home Health Agency Enrollment Moratoria</h3><p>Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking decisive action to protect Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars through implementation of a six-month, nationwide data-driven moratoria on new Medicare enrollment for hospices and home health agencies (HHAs). </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Read the CMS Press Release <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-aggressive-nationwide-crackdown-fraud-six-month-hospice-home-health-agency-enrollment" target="_blank">here</a></span></strong>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>The Alliance Responds to CMS’s Announcement of Nationwide Enrollment Moratoria on Hospice and Home Health Providers</h3><p>The Alliance for Care at Home strongly opposes a nationwide moratorium, and has instead advocated for targeted, tailored program integrity measures to protect beneficiaries and the Medicare Trust Fund without restricting access in regions where legitimate provider growth is needed to meet patient demand. [The Alliance] is both concerned and alarmed at CMS's action, given the heightened concentration of fraudulent activity in certain geographic regions, and the lack of nationwide data supporting such an approach. A blanket nationwide moratorium risks penalizing legitimate providers operating in good faith and limiting beneficiary choice, without addressing existing fraudulent actors already operating in these benefits.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Read the Alliance's Press Release <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/the-alliance-responds-to-cmss-announcement-of-nationwide-enrollment-moratoria-on-hospice-and-home-health-providers/" target="_blank">here</a></span></strong>.</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 17:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Payment Suspensions – The Latest Tool Deployed by CMS in its Fight Against Fraud</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=727210</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=727210</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for CMS, announced that the Agency had suspended 447 hospice providers and 23 home health agencies in California as part of ongoing efforts to address fraud. In an April 28 Paragon Health Institute discussion, Dr. Oz reported that CMS has turned off payments to roughly 450 hospices, with an updated figure expected this week, and estimated approximately $600 million in fraudulent billing has been averted this year. He also noted the problems extend beyond California, and indicated plans to look into the rapid increase in hospices in Texas. This could mean more suspensions or other actions for providers there.<br /><br /><br /><h3>What Triggers a Medicare Payment Suspension?</h3>There are several regulatory bases upon which CMS can impose a payment suspension. The suspension letters, issued through the Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC) Qlarant, indicate the suspension is <strong>based on a credible allegation of fraud.</strong> Many of the hospice notifications cite a pattern or practice of submitting claims that do not meet Medicare requirements, <strong>specifically a live discharge rate that is materially higher than national hospice live discharge patterns</strong>, with an effective date of suspension prior to notification. The national average live discharge rate is 19.1% for FY 2025[1]. The suspension notifications cite live discharge rates, including transfers, ranging from 37% to 74%. Some providers have reported receiving notifications citing other credible allegations of fraud such as co-location (i.e. same address) with another hospice(s).<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Recommendations for Providers</h3><p>If a provider receives a suspension notice, the Alliance strongly urges that legal counsel experienced in these matters be engaged immediately. Counsel can assist in filing a timely and strong rebuttal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>For More Information</h3><p>More information about payment suspensions can be found at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-405/subpart-C/subject-group-ECFRcb4be12070a402f/section-405.372" target="_blank">42 CFR §405.372</a></strong></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/guidance/manuals/downloads/pim83c08.pdf" target="_blank">Chapter 8</a></strong></span>, Section 8.3 of the Medicare Program Integrity Manual.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/payment-suspensions-the-latest-tool-deployed-by-cms-in-its-fight-against-fraud/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></strong></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 16:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>AHPCO Celebrates National Nurses Week!</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=726929</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=726929</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<h2>Happy National Nurses Week to all Arizona Hospice &amp; Palliative Care Nurses!</h2>The Arizona Hospice &amp; Palliative Care Organization (AHPCO) recognizes the thousands of nurses providing compassionate care at the bedside and behind the scenes in homes and settings across the state!&nbsp; You make a remarkable difference everyday in Arizona!&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />We thank you for your unwavering commitment to your patients, colleagues and communities!<br /><br /><h3>Do you know an amazing hospice or palliative care nurse?&nbsp;</h3>If you are an AHPCO Member, you may nominate a nurse from your organization for our Heart Hero recognition program.&nbsp;<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ahpco.org/page/HeartHeroes"> Learn More</a></span></strong>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 6 May 2026 17:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Do You Know a Heart Hero? Nominate them Today!</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=606843</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=606843</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>This Annual Program was developed to recognize individuals in palliative care and hospice who serve with their hearts and stand out among their peers.&nbsp; They personify the qualities of compassion, inspiration, inclusion, responsiveness and empowerment and truly make a difference in the lives of the patients and loved ones they interact with everyday.&nbsp; Nominees are invited to attend the Home Health &amp; Hospice Awards Program being held in conjunction with the Annual Conference.&nbsp; We will recognize all nominees and announce the Finalist for each category at the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Finalists will also receive a $250 scholarship to be used towards a professional development program of their choice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h1>Nominations are Due May 15.</h1><p><a href="https://www.ahpco.org/page/HeartHeroes">Visit this page</a> to submit a nomination through our easy-to-use online portal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Interested in being sponsoring one of the awards as a Heart Hero Champion? <a href="https://www.ahpco.org/page/HeartHeroChampion">Learn More</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="" src="https://www.ahpco.org/resource/resmgr/images/ads/ahpco-heroaward.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: 32%;" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Alliance Publishes Proposed FY 2027 Hospice State and County Medicare Rate Charts </title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=725366</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=725366</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The Alliance has <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/resource/medicare-and-medicaid-reimbursement-rates/" target="_blank">published</a></span> our Medicare State and County Rate Chart for the federal fiscal year (FY) 2027. This chart provides Medicare payment rate information for hospice care across states and counties nationwide, reflecting the proposed <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-for-service-providers/hospice/hospice-regulations-and-notices/cms-1851-p" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">wage index adjustments</span></a> issued by CMS in the FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-06/pdf/2026-06604.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">proposed rule</span></a>. Members can access the charts to review proposed rates in anticipation of the upcoming FY 2027 federal fiscal year. Note that payment rate information is subject to change in the final rule, which will be issued later this year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/alliance-publishes-proposed-fy-2027-hospice-state-and-county-medicare-rate-charts/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>HHS Issues Final Rule on Health Care Claims Attachment Standards</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=724339</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=724339</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>On March 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Secretary issued a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/24/2026-05676/administrative-simplification-adoption-of-standards-for-health-care-claims-attachments-transactions" target="_blank">final rule</a></span>, titled ‘Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures.’ <br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This final rule establishes for the first time HIPAA-adopted standards for health care claims attachments transactions. The rule mandates the electronic exchange of clinical and administrative documentation to support claims-related processes, replacing fax and other manual methods. The rule also adopts a standard for electronic signatures to be used in conjunction with health care claims attachments transactions. The rule applies to all HIPAA-covered entities, including health plans, health care providers, and clearinghouses that conduct electronic transactions. <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">The final rule is effective May 26, 2026, and compliance is required by May 26, 2028.</span></strong><br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>IMPACT</h4><p>For providers delivering care in the home, this rule directly affects claims-related workflows involving the submission of supporting clinical documentation to health plans. Organizations currently relying on fax, mail, or portal uploads to transmit documentation in support of claims will need to transition to the newly adopted electronic standards by May 26, 2028.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/hhs-issues-final-rule-on-health-care-claims-attachment-standards/" target="_blank">Read More</a></p><hr /><p><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CMS Updates Key Beneficiary Notices for Home Health and Hospice</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=724337</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=724337</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>CMS announced&nbsp;the long-anticipated&nbsp;updates to several Medicare beneficiary notices through this&nbsp;week’s <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/mln-connects-newsletter-march-19-2026#_Toc224733325" target="_blank">MLN Connects newsletter</a></span>, with&nbsp;additional&nbsp;details&nbsp;available on the&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/forms-notices/beneficiary-notices-initiative" target="_blank">Beneficiary Notices Initiative (BNI) webpage</a></span>. These update impact providers in home health&nbsp;and&nbsp;hospice and&nbsp;include&nbsp;important compliance timelines.</p><p><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/mln-connects-newsletter-march-19-2026#_Toc224733325" target="_blank">Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage&nbsp;(ABN): Updated Form</a></span></p><p><br />CMS has released an updated ABN (<a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicare-general-information/bni/downloads/abn-forms-english-and-spanish-incl-large-print.zip">Form CMS-R-131</a>), used when a provider expects Medicare may deny payment and the beneficiary could be financially responsible.&nbsp;This form applies broadly to providers, including home health agencies, hospices, physicians, and suppliers. This form is used to transfer potential financial liability to the beneficiary when services may not be covered.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>Updated Timeline:</h4><ul><li>Effective:&nbsp;March 2026</li><li>Mandatory use by:&nbsp;May 12, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>Expiration:&nbsp;March 31, 2029</li></ul><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/cms-updates-key-beneficiary-notices-for-home-health-and-hospice/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr /><p><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CLIA Completed it&apos;s Transition to a Paperless System</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=721765</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=721765</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program, managed by CMS, officially completed its transition to a fully paperless system on March 1, 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>CMS no longer mails CLIA certificates or paper fee coupons. Additionally, all CLIA certification and survey fees must be paid online (payments by paper check are no longer accepted).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>If you’ve already made the switch to paperless, we thank you. No further action is required.</h4><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">Laboratories must have a valid email address on file to get electronic CLIA certificates, fee coupons, and other CMS communications. Without a valid email address, you may experience billing or certification issues. Note: This doesn’t apply to CLIA-exempt states or state licensure.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Need help?</h3><ul><li>Contact your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/legislation/clia/downloads/cliasa.pdf?utm_source=MarketingCloud&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=030326+-+LEA+-+Laboratories+must+switch+to+email+notifications&amp;utm_content=State+Agency" target="_blank">State Agency</a></span>&nbsp;or Accreditation Organization (for accredited laboratories).</li><li>Refer to the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/clia-paperless-faq-sheet.pdf?utm_source=MarketingCloud&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=030326+-+LEA+-+Laboratories+must+switch+to+email+notifications&amp;utm_content=FAQs+about+the+Transition+to+Paperless" target="_blank">FAQs about the Transition to Paperless</a></span>, which provide key information to support your laboratory following the transition.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Visit the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments?redirect=/clia&amp;utm_source=MarketingCloud&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=030326+-+LEA+-+Laboratories+must+switch+to+email+notifications&amp;utm_content=CLIA+website" target="_blank">CLIA website</a>&nbsp;for more information.</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 7 Mar 2026 00:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CMS Releases 2025 CERT Rate Report</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=721482</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=721482</guid>
<description><![CDATA[CMS has&nbsp;released the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/nov-2025-medicare-ffs-supplemental-improper-payment-data-2025922.pdf" target="_blank">2025&nbsp;Comprehensive Error Rate Testing Report (CERT)</a>, providing a detailed analysis of improper payments throughout the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) program. For the 2025 reporting period, the overall improper payment rate decreased to 6.55% from 7.66% in the previous year&nbsp;—&nbsp;the lowest rate recorded since 2021. This improvement reflects intensified oversight efforts aimed at reducing unnecessary spending across the Medicare program.<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Findings</span></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>CMS found&nbsp;that for&nbsp;the&nbsp;2025&nbsp;reporting&nbsp;period, the primary drivers of Medicare FFS improper payments are skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), hospital outpatient, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and hospice.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Hospice&nbsp;improper claims,&nbsp;including&nbsp;both non-hospital based and hospital-based, account for&nbsp;5.9% of overall improper payments. The predominant root cause for hospice errors was “Medical Necessity,” with 23 sampled claims showing that documentation did not meet accuracy&nbsp;requirements that support medical necessity for the services or items billed.&nbsp;<br /><br />For home&nbsp;health the error pattern closely mirrors&nbsp;that of&nbsp;hospice, with “Insufficient Documentation” and “Medical Necessity”&nbsp;being&nbsp;the dominant error categories.&nbsp;Notably, home&nbsp;health only&nbsp;represents&nbsp;3.6% of&nbsp;overall&nbsp;improper payments.&nbsp;Together,&nbsp;home&nbsp;health and&nbsp;hospice account for 9.8% of the overall Medicare FFS improper payments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/cms-releases-2025-cert-rate-report/" target="_blank">Continue Reading</a></p><hr style="font-size: 12.000001px;" /><p style="font-size: 12.000001px;"><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 4 Mar 2026 15:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Telehealth Update</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718586</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718586</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<h5>Update from The Alliance for Care at Home:</h5><p>"As of January 30,&nbsp;Congress is close to finalizing an agreement to continue funding the government.&nbsp;However, inking the deal will not happen in time to completely avoid a shutdown.&nbsp;Therefore, the telehealth flexibilities will end tonight. It is likely the shutdown will be short-lived, with House members anticipated to return next week for a vote. As we previously recommended, we encourage you to inform your home health agencies and hospice members to prepare for the telehealth&nbsp;flexibilities&nbsp;to end on&nbsp;January&nbsp;30. While it is anticipated that there would be a retroactive approval of the telehealth flexibilities that covers the anticipated short shutdown period, it is not guaranteed."&nbsp; </p><ul><li>For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/" target="_blank">https://allianceforcareathome.org</a>/&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Ensure you are covered for both Federal (Medicare) and State (Arizona) news, updates and regulation advocacy - join both AHPCO and The Alliance.</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Prior news:</p><p>As of January 15, 2026, there remains no consensus in Congress on how or how long to extend telehealth flexibilities,&nbsp;which expire at the end of the month. While a partial shutdown, including a lapse in telehealth flexibilities, remains a possibility, the situation appears better than last fall.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Until an agreement is reached and enacted, the Alliance continues to recommend that home health agencies and hospices <strong>prepare for the telehealth flexibilities to end on January 30.</strong><br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/telehealth-update/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr /><p><strong>NEWS PROVIDED BY</strong></p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Alliance Responds to MedPAC Vote on Home Health and Hospice Payment Recommendations</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718583</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718583</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is alarmed by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s (MedPAC) most recent vote to approve <strong>draft recommendations that would significantly reduce home health payment rates by 7% for calendar year 2027 and eliminate payment updates for hospice care in fiscal year 2027</strong>.&nbsp;<br /><br />“MedPAC’s&nbsp;dangerous and misguided&nbsp;recommendations&nbsp;to reduce the Medicare home health base payment rate by 7% for CY 2027&nbsp;and eliminate the update to the 2026 Medicare base payment rate for hospice&nbsp;do not reflect&nbsp;both home health and hospice&nbsp;agencies’ operating realities&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;the cumulative impact of recent policy changes.&nbsp;For home health agencies, any cut – let alone one of such great&nbsp;magnitude&nbsp;– will threaten&nbsp;the ability&nbsp;to meet&nbsp;individuals’&nbsp;healthcare&nbsp;needs. Yet again,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;is&nbsp;failing to understand&nbsp;the operating reality providers face and the potential patient harm that any further payment cuts pose,”&nbsp;said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO for the Alliance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/alliance-responds-to-medpac-vote-on-home-health-and-hospice-payment-recommendations/" target="_blank">Read Article</a></p><hr /><p><strong>NEWS PROVIDED BY</strong></p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CMS Launches Online Provider Complaint Form for Medicare Advantage Plans</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718581</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718581</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>CMS has launched a new online provider complaint form for reporting issues with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. According to a&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/wp-content/uploads/CTM_Provider_Complaint_HPMS_Memo_12222025.pdf" target="_blank">CMS memo</a></span>, this form is intended to streamline how provider complaints are submitted and routed within CMS.<br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Under this process, providers who wish to submit a complaint about an MA plan can do so directly through an online form. Once submitted, complaints will be transmitted into CMS’s Health Plan Management System (HPMS) Complaints Tracking Module (CTM), where CMS will review them before assigning a contract number. This process now shifts initial review of complaints submitted by providers to CMS, rather than routing complaints directly to plans.<br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Provider Complaints Form can be <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/provider-complaints-form" target="_blank">accessed here</a></span>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/cms-launches-online-provider-complaint-form-for-medicare-advantage-plans/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr /><p><strong>NEWS PROVIDED BY</strong></p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CAHPS Hospice Survey Participation Exemption For Size Form Available</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718579</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=718579</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.hospicecahpssurvey.org/en/participation-exemption-for-size/" target="_blank">Participation Exemption for Size Form</a></span>&nbsp;for the calendar year (CY) 2026 CAHPS Hospice Survey data collection and reporting requirements is available to complete and submit. Hospices that served fewer than 50 survey-eligible decedents/caregivers in CY 2025 (January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 [or from assignment of CCN]) can apply for an exemption from participation in the CAHPS Hospice Survey for CY 2026.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The exemption request must be made online and the online form will be available until December 31, 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h5>Please note, exemptions on the basis of size are active for one year only. If a hospice continues to meet the eligibility requirements for this exemption in subsequent years, the organization will need to again request the exemption.</h5><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/cahps-hospice-survey-participation-exemption-for-size-form-available-3/" target="_blank">Read Article</a></p><hr /><p><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Fourth Temporary Extension of Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=717550</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=717550</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>On December 30, the DEA jointly with HHS issued a fourth extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications through <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/31/2025-24123/fourth-temporary-extension-of-covid-19-telemedicine-flexibilities-for-prescription-of-controlled" target="_blank">December 31, 2026</a></span>. These flexibilities were set to expire on December 31, 2025. With this extension, the telemedicine flexibilities that have been in place since March 2020 for prescribing controlled substances via the practice of telemedicine are available to prescribers for another year.<br /><br />Earlier this year, DEA issued a notice of <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/17/2025-01099/special-registrations-for-telemedicine-and-limited-state-telemedicine-registrations" target="_blank">proposed rulemaking</a> to establish a special registration process for telemedicine prescribing under the Ryan Haight Act. The DEA has not yet finalized that rule and indicated in this most recent extension of the telemedicine flexibilities that the extension will provide time for DEA to promulgate a final set of regulations, to ensure a smooth transition for patients and providers that have come to rely on the availability of telemedicine to prescribe controlled substances to patients for whom they have never had an in person medical evaluation, and allow sufficient time for providers to come into compliance with any new DEA registration, recordkeeping, or security requirements eventually adopted in a final set of regulations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/fourth-temporary-extension-of-telemedicine-prescribing-flexibilities/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr /><p><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 6 Jan 2026 21:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Introduction of the Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025 </title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=716619</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=716619</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>On December 10, 2025, Congressman Rulli (R-OH-6), Congressmen Stanton (D-AZ-4), and Pappas (D-NH-1) announced the introduction of the&nbsp;Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025, aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of skilled nursing care under Medicaid. This House bill complements Senate Bill 1920, introduced earlier this year by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH).&nbsp;<br /><br />The Continuous Skilled Nursing Quality Improvement Act of 2025 was developed with input from the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) and the Alliance, leading national organizations&nbsp;representing&nbsp;skilled and in-home care providers. The legislation modernizes outdated Medicaid policies, improves oversight, and&nbsp;establishes&nbsp;consistent quality standards to ensure families who rely on continuous skilled nursing services can access the care they need in their homes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/the-alliance-supports-the-introduction-of-the-continuous-skilled-nursing-quality-improvement-act-of-2025/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p><hr /><p><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>MedPAC Holds December Meetings</title>
<link>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=716618</link>
<guid>https://www.ahpco.org/news/news.asp?id=716618</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>On December 4-5, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) held its public meetings covering a range of topics, including, among other things, post-acute care trends, payment adequacy, broader Medicare payment policy, and a congressionally mandated report on the home health Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM). Discussions addressed access to care, quality, and the growing influence of Medicare Advantage (MA) on provider behavior and patient experience. &nbsp;MedPAC meeting slides along with a transcript are publicly accessible on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.medpac.gov/meeting/december-4-5-2025/" target="_blank">MedPAC’s webpage</a></span>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/medpac-holds-december-meetings/" target="_blank">Read the Article</a></p><hr /><p><strong><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">NEWS PROVIDED BY</span><br style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://allianceforcareathome.org/login-hub/" target="_blank" style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">National Alliance for Care at Home</a><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;">&nbsp;(fka NAHC)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><em>(*Member Login may be required)</em></span></strong></p>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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