The Self-Determined Hospice Cap (SDHC) Report

The Self-Determined Hospice Cap (SDHC) report for the 2024 cap year is due by February 28, 2025.

This annual report, based on the Oct. 1 – Sept. 30, 2024, period, must be filed with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to determine if reimbursement exceeded the statutory limit. Key details regarding the hospice cap report deadline:   

Due Date: The report must be submitted no later than 5 months after the end of the cap year (October 31), which falls on February 28 (or Feb. 29 in leap years).

Cap Year Period: The reporting period covers claims from October 1 to September 30.

Early Filing: The report cannot be filed earlier than 3 months after the end of the cap year (i.e., not before January 31).

Consequences of Late Filing: Failure to meet the deadline can result in a "Past Due" letter from the contractor, potential reimbursement holds, and increased scrutiny.

Applicability: All Medicare-certified hospices, including those that may not owe money, must submit this report.

Exception: For the 2025 cap year, some guidance indicates the deadline might be adjusted to March 2, 2026 for specific contractors.

For the most up-to-date reporting forms and instructions, it is essential to check the specific Palmetto GBA or other Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) website.