NHPCO and We Honor Veterans Welcome CMS Clarification Regarding Medicare Hospice Benefit for Dually Eligible Veterans

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued Change Request 13523, which updates the Medicare Benefit Manual to clarify that a Veteran beneficiary who elects hospice services under the Medicare benefit may still receive services that are not included in the hospice plan of care and are furnished and paid under the beneficiary’s VA benefits, in addition to hospice services. This is a much-needed clarification that NHPCO and WHV have advocated for to help ensure eligible Veterans get the best possible care with access to the full suite of benefits to which they are entitled. It is also an important demonstration of how concurrent care can optimize the patient experience.