On February 28, 2025 Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) and five colleagues: Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Don Davis (D-NC), Aaron Bean (R-FL), and Joe Morelle (D-NY) re-introduced the Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act. The bill would allow the hospice face to face recertification to take place via telehealth through December 31, 2027, and establish a claims code to track telehealth recertification. Telehealth flexibilities for hospice are currently authorized through March 31, 2025. Virtual visits are crucial for access to services, especially in rural areas.
According to Hospice News, “telehealth has enabled short-staffed hospice providers to address patient needs more quickly, provide extra layers of support and avoid unnecessary home visits.” Many stakeholders want to see these flexibilities become permanent. Hospices should have a plan in place for patient care after March 31, 2025 in the event the telehealth extension is not passed.
