Rule change
CMS clarifies palliative care under home health benefit
In the Calendar Year 2027 Home Health final rule materials, CMS states Medicare’s existing home health benefit can cover skilled palliative care, including pain and symptom management at home. CMS says this is not a new benefit and remains distinct from hospice care. Eligibility still depends on meeting Medicare home health criteria.
- Who it covers
- Everyone
- Official source
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Checked on
- November 12, 2026. We opened the official page and confirmed the wording and every number.
existing home health benefit can cover skilled palliative care