The legislation modifies existing requirements under the Social Security Act to strengthen oversight of hospice care. Key measures include increased frequency of evaluations for newly enrolled programs and a mandate for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement more stringent criteria regarding ownership changes of hospice programs. These amendments are expected to enhance the quality of care provided to patients while potentially limiting the number of programs that might contribute to fraud and abuse within the Medicare system. Moreover, the bill mandates that hospice care plans be reviewed by qualified nephrologists or oncologists, thereby aiming to improve the medical oversight of care decisions.
Summary
House Bill 7966, known as the Hospice CARE Act of 2026, aims to enhance the accountability and integrity of hospice care within the Medicare program. The bill introduces several reforms, including a nationwide temporary moratorium on the enrollment of new hospice programs for five years, with certain exemptions for programs serving areas with insufficient access to hospice services. This moratorium seeks to ensure that existing programs meet quality standards before additional providers can enter the market, effectively managing the rapid expansion of hospice services that have been triggered by perceived abuses within the system.
Contention
Discussion surrounding HB 7966 indicates a divide among stakeholders regarding the implications of the enrollment moratorium. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard patient care and ensure that only qualified providers are allowed to operate, which in turn could reduce instances of fraud and lower costs within the Medicare program. Conversely, critics express concerns that imposing stricter controls may limit patients' access to vital hospice services, particularly in underserved areas, thereby amplifying healthcare disparities. Overall, the implications of this bill on access to hospice care and the administrative burden it places on existing providers raise significant points of contention among healthcare advocates and legislators.
A bill for an act relating to health care decisions related to palliative care, hospice programs, life-sustaining procedures, out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate orders, durable power of attorney for health care, and probate court guardianship reports. (Formerly HF 708.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.