What’s happening: CHA DataSuite has issued a hospital-specific analysis of the final data for wage index and occupational mix. The analysis is intended to provide hospitals with a comparative review of the wage data that will be used to develop the upcoming federal fiscal year (FFY) 2027 Medicare hospital wage index.
(more…)CHA DataSuite Releases Analysis of FFY 2027 Wage Index and Occupational Mix Final Data
CHA DataSuite Releases Analysis of FFY 2027 Long-Term Care Hospital Proposed Rule
What’s happening: CHA DataSuite issued a hospital-specific analysis of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2027 Medicare long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system (PPS) proposed rule. The analysis is intended to show providers how Medicare fee-for-service payments may change from FFY 2026 to FFY 2027 based on the policies set forth in the proposed rule.
(more…)DHCS Launches 30-Day Comment Period for Renewal of CalAIM Waiver
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched 30-day public and Tribal comment periods — closing June 20 — on the planned submission of a five-year renewal application for the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Section 1915(b) Waiver, which is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2026.
(more…)State Resubmits Hospital Fee Program 9, Draft Model Available for Members
What’s happening: On May 15, the state submitted the payment policies for the next iteration of the Hospital Fee Program (Program 9) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This is the final piece needed for CMS to review the full application.
(more…)Comments Due in July for CMS’ Medicaid Supplemental Payments Proposal
What’s happening: Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule outlining changes to Medicaid supplemental payments, including managed care state-directed payments. This is some of the implementation rulemaking associated with the payment reductions Congress enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
(more…)EDs Encouraged to Complete Pediatric Readiness Survey
What’s happening: All emergency departments (EDs) are encouraged to take part in the 2026 National Pediatric Readiness Program Assessment. This nationwide assessment, which is completed every five years, is open until May 30.
(more…)Reminder: Hospital APOT Reduction Protocols Due June 30
What’s happening: As a reminder, all hospitals must submit an ambulance patient offload time (APOT) reduction protocol — required under Assembly Bill (AB) 40 (2023) — to the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) annually on or before June 30. CHA recommends hospitals submit their protocols as soon as possible.
(more…)CHA DataSuite Analysis Shows Impact of FFY 2027 IPPS Proposed Rule
What’s happening: CHA DataSuite has released a hospital-specific analysis of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2027 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) based on the proposed rule.
(more…)CHA DataSuite Releases Analyses for Three Proposed Rules
What’s happening: CHA DataSuite has issued hospital-specific analyses of three prospective payment system proposed rules for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2027: inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPF), inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF), and skilled-nursing facilities (SNF). Analysis descriptions, which provide detailed information on the sources and methods, are available for the IPF, IRF, and SNF proposed rules.
(more…)CDPH Notifies SNFs of Poster Requirements
What’s happening: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued All Facilities Letter AFL 26-14, which outlines requirements for posting information related to the State Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman in skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs).
(more…)