CMS has released the FY 2025 Hospice PEPPER reports, and they are now available for download through the PEPPER portal. What Is PEPPER? The Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) is a free comparative data report that summarizes hospice-specific Medicare claims data in target areas identified by CMS as potentially at risk for…
CMS has released the FY 2025 Hospice PEPPER reports, and they are now available for download through the PEPPER portal.
What Is PEPPER?
The Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) is a free comparative data report that summarizes hospice-specific Medicare claims data in target areas identified by CMS as potentially at risk for improper payments.
PEPPER is designed to help hospice leaders identify billing and utilization patterns that differ from state, Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) jurisdiction, and national benchmarks. The report serves as a valuable compliance and operational tool, helping organizations prioritize auditing, monitoring, and quality improvement efforts.
Why Hospice Leaders Should Review It Now
PEPPER provides three years of historical data, allowing organizations to evaluate trends over time and identify areas that may warrant closer review.
The report can help hospices:
- Monitor billing and utilization patterns
- Identify changes in length-of-stay trends
- Evaluate performance against state, MAC jurisdiction, and national benchmarks
- Prioritize internal auditing and monitoring activities
- Identify potential coding, documentation, or billing vulnerabilities
- Demonstrate proactive compliance oversight
As regulators continue to rely on data analytics to identify potential fraud, waste, and abuse, the same patterns highlighted in PEPPER are often the focus of external reviews and audits. Reviewing your report, understanding the underlying drivers, and addressing any unusual findings can help reduce organizational risk and strengthen compliance efforts.
Who Can Access the Report?
The following users may download the FY 2025 Hospice PEPPER report through the CMS Identity & Access (I&A) System:
- Authorized Officials (AOs)
- Access Managers (AMs)
- Staff End Users (SEUs) with the PEPPER business function assigned
Helpful Resources
Hospice PEPPER User Guide
Provides detailed explanations of each target area and guidance on interpreting your hospice’s results.
PEPPER Webinar | June 24 at 1:00 PM ET
Learn more about the FY 2025 report and how to effectively use PEPPER data within your compliance program.
I&A Quick Reference Guide and FAQs
Step-by-step instructions for Authorized Officials and Access Managers on accessing and managing PEPPER permissions.
Hospice PEPPER Demo Spreadsheet
Review a sample FY 2025 PEPPER report to better understand the report structure and available data.
CMS Enterprise User Administration (EUA) Support
Website: https://eus.cms.gov
Phone: 1-866-484-8049
Email: EUS_Support@cms.hhs.gov
PEPPER is more than a report card. It is an opportunity to evaluate performance, identify potential risks, and strengthen your organization’s compliance and auditing strategy. If you have not downloaded your FY 2025 report yet, now is the time to take a closer look.
