Medicare Hospice Care for Beneficiaries in Nursing Facilities
The OIG has issued two reports regarding Medicare hospice services for beneficiaries in nursing facilities based on a sample of 2006 claims. The first report concentrates on Medicare coverage requirements for hospice services in nursing facilities. Based on its review, the OIG concludes that 82% of hospice claims for beneficiaries in nursing facilities did not meet at least one Medicare coverage requirement, and Medicare paid approximately $1.8 billion for these claims. The OIG recommends that CMS provide more education and guidance to hospices and strengthen monitoring in this area. The second report outlines the types and frequency of hospice services provided to beneficiaries residing in nursing facilities.
