On Monday, May 6, 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a final rule (the Rule) that amends the reimbursement structure for non-VA providers of home health and hospice services that have not specifically contracted with the VA for these services.

Non-VA providers of home health services and hospice care will  receive a payment that is the lower of the Medicare fee schedule or prospective payment system amount, unless VA negotiates a specific amount with such providers.

The Rule takes effect November 15, 2013.