MedicaidDocumentationMedium impact
Updated Hospice Services Billing Guide
Washington Apple Health·WA · Palliative Care·Billing Guide
Effective date
May 21, 2026
We identified it
Jul 1, 2026
Summary
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has restored the definition of 'brief period' to the Updated Hospice Services Billing Guide after it was inadvertently removed from the previous edition. 'Brief period' is defined as six days or less within a 30-consecutive-day period. Hospice providers billing Apple Health (Medicaid) in Washington must ensure their billing practices align with this restored definition, which is also codified in WAC 182-551-1010.
Action Required
By May 31, 2026: Billing team must review and update hospice billing procedures to ensure compliance with the restored 'brief period' definition (six days or less within a 30-consecutive-day period). 1) Access the updated Hospice Services Billing Guide from the HCA Provider billing guides and fee schedules page. 2) Audit current billing practices to identify any claims or billing patterns that may not align with this definition. 3) Update billing software, templates, and provider education materials to reflect the correct definition of 'brief period' for hospice services billing. 4) Train billing staff on the restored definition and its application to hospice claims. Ensure all hospice-related claims submitted to Apple Health (Medicaid) comply with this definition to prevent claim denials or billing compliance issues.