CMS Seeks Feedback on Palliative Blood Transfusion in Proposed FY24 Hospice Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking feedback on palliative blood transfusion as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update proposed rule.

In an April 4 Federal Register notice, CMS stated that the agency has heard from beneficiaries and families their understanding that palliative therapies such as dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation and blood transfusions are not options upon election of the hospice benefit.

As CMS continues its focus on improved access and value within the hospice benefit, the agency is soliciting public comment on the following questions, among others:

• Are there any enrollment policies for hospices that may be perceived as restrictive to those beneficiaries that may require higher-cost end-of-life palliative care, such as blood transfusions, chemotherapy, radiation or dialysis?
• What continued education efforts do hospices take to understand the distinction between curative treatment and complex palliative treatment for services such as chemotherapy, radiation, dialysis, and blood transfusions as it relates to beneficiary eligibility under the hospice benefit?

CMS is accepting comments on the proposed rule through May 30.