The 2026 Hospice Final Rule, released on August 1, confirmed the implementation of the HOPE tool. Starting October 1, all new admissions must include the HOPE Assessment Tool, completed according to each required time parameter.
In April, the confirmed content for the HOPE was released, along with updated information in the HOPE guidance manual. Please review the HOPE guidance manual to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
A few weeks ago, information was released about accessing iQIES. Currently, the HIS is transmitted through the QIES system, but starting October 1, hospices will transition to the iQIES for submission of HOPE. You will need to access the iQIES system, designate a provider security official, and establish or obtain access to be a Hospice HOPE submitter.
There have been many questions about iQIES access and whether additional steps are needed for home health agencies that already have iQIES access and a designated security official. The answer is yes—if you plan to begin submitting HOPE in October, you must still log in to request and confirm the IDs that will submit the HOPE. After completing this process, you will receive an email confirming your access to the iQIES system, with the understanding that the functionality to transmit HOPE will not be available until October 1.
There have been several questions regarding HIS. You will continue submitting HIS through your current system, and that access will remain available until February 2026. While HIS will stay in the existing system, HOPE will transition to the iQIES system.
The importance of reviewing the submission guidelines in the new guidance manual needs to be emphasized. As you know, at least 90% of HOPE transmissions must be within the 30-day timely filing requirement. This measure is tied to the annual payment update, and failure to meet the 90% threshold could result in a 4% payment reduction in future years. The tracking of HOPE transmission accuracy will begin October 1 and continue through December 31 of this year, impacting the annual payment update.
Currently, HIS requires transmission within 30 days of admission and within 30 days of discharge. This same requirement will apply to HOPE. However, HOPE also includes update visits, and the two required update visits within the first 30 days of care will use their completion dates as the 30-day transmission benchmark. It’s important to be familiar with these dates and ensure all transmissions are completed on time.
As with HIS, it is recommended to transmit data to the database at least every other week rather than only once a month. Some organizations choose to transmit weekly, which is also perfectly acceptable. Remember that the CASPER reporting system includes a report specifically for monitoring transmission timeliness, allowing you to track your standing within the 90% compliance requirement on a daily basis—currently for HIS and soon for HOPE.
As always, HPS is here to support you in any way we can. Whether you need education, guidance, or assistance with understanding the requirements for accessing iQIES, for any assistance you might need regarding HOPE, please reach out to us.
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