03/10/2026

CMS Shares New Updates on HOPE Implementation and Reporting Timeline

CMS provided several new updates on the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool during its February 26 Hospice Quality Reporting Program Forum — the agency’s first hospice quality forum in more than a year.

The updates offer early insight into how HOPE data will be reported, when quality measures will appear publicly, and how CMS is transitioning hospice reporting systems.

Key updates from CMS:

• Nearly 2 million HOPE assessments submitted. CMS reported that approximately two million HOPE assessments were submitted during the first quarter of implementation, representing roughly 750,000 patients across more than 5,600 hospices nationwide.
• Hospice quality reporting moving to iQIES. CMS confirmed that hospice quality reporting is transitioning from CASPER to iQIES:

  • March 15, 2026: Hospice quality measure reports will begin appearing in iQIES.

  • May 2026: Provider Preview Reports will move to iQIES and will include previews for the August 2026 Care Compare refresh.

Public reporting timeline for HOPE data. CMS also clarified when HOPE-based data will begin appearing publicly:

• February 2027: First Care Compare refresh that includes HOPE data (combined with legacy HIS data).

• November 2027: First refresh based entirely on HOPE data.

  • This refresh is also expected to include two new HOPE-based quality measures:

    • Timely Reassessment of Pain

    • Timely Reassessment of Symptoms

Updated HQRP guidance issued

CMS released an updated Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) Quality Measure User’s Manual clarifying several areas, including Hospice Care Index exclusions and record selection for the new HOPE measures.

LeadingAge also used the forum to raise member concerns with CMS about HOPE implementation, including questions about symptom follow-up visit guidance and the need for clearer operational instructions.

Why it matters

HOPE implementation is still in its early stages, and CMS continues to refine reporting systems and guidance. The shift to iQIES and the upcoming public reporting timeline will affect how hospices access performance data and monitor quality metrics.

At the same time, CMS’s continued focus on HOPE reporting accuracy reinforces the importance of strong internal processes for timely assessment completion and submission.

What to do

• Prepare quality and compliance teams for the transition of hospice reporting from CASPER to iQIES.

• Monitor CMS updates to the HQRP User’s Manual and HOPE guidance.

• Continue reviewing internal processes to ensure HOPE assessments and follow-up visits are completed and submitted on time.

LeadingAge Ohio will continue monitoring CMS guidance and will share updates as HOPE implementation evolves.