Our Aging Population

Every day, more Americans turn 65 than ever before, and that number continues to rise. As our population ages, the demand for palliative, hospice and home health care is increasing significantly. This population growth is reshaping the healthcare landscape—prompting innovation in how care is delivered, reimbursed and coordinated.

More patients are electing hospice services and aging into eligibility for palliative care. In response, we’re seeing the early development of new care models designed to provide coverage through evolving Medicare programs. One of the most notable examples is a pilot program currently underway that integrates hospice coverage directly into Medicare Advantage plans. 

A Glimpse Into the Future: Hospice in Medicare Advantage

Historically, hospice care has been carved out of Medicare Advantage, requiring patients to disenroll and return to traditional Medicare to access the benefit. But that’s starting to change. Through Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) and other pilot programs, hospice is being tested as a covered benefit within Medicare Advantage, allowing for more streamlined care and better patient experiences.

This shift isn’t just about policy—it’s about meeting patient needs more effectively. Insurance providers and CMS are working together to explore how they can deliver high-quality, cost-conscious care while improving continuity and coordination across services. These new models aim to ensure patients receive compassionate, consistent care from familiar caregivers, which improves both outcomes and satisfaction.

At Advanced Revenue Cycle Management, we’re staying on top of these changes so that the agencies we support are prepared for what’s next. As these models expand, we’re committed to helping you navigate new billing requirements, eligibility protocols and reimbursement structures. 

Contact us to see how we can help your agency.