What’s happening: CHA DataSuite has released a hospital-specific analysis of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 Medicare inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule that shows hospitals how Medicare inpatient fee-for-service payments may, based on policies set forth in the proposed rule, change from FFY 2025 to FFY 2026.
What’s happening: On May 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his May Revision budget proposal for 2025-26, which diverts much of the funds from Proposition (Prop) 35 away from their intended purpose — provider payment increases — to address a $12 billion projected budget deficit.
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued proposed changes to the Medicaid health care-related tax rules that present significant risks for California’s managed care organization (MCO) tax and Hospital Quality Assurance Fee Program — both of which hospitals rely on to deliver patient care. Comments on the proposed rule are due to CMS by July 14.
What’s happening: On May 14, the House Energy and Commerce Committee finalized bill language that proposes major cuts and policy changes to the Medicaid program (Medi-Cal in California) that would severely impact California’s health care system.
What’s happening: On May 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PT), the Proposition (Prop) 35 “Protect Access to Health Care Act” Stakeholder Advisory Committee will hold its second meeting at the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) in Sacramento. This meeting is open to the public, and registration for virtual attendance is open.
What’s happening: Starting July 1, providers diagnosing or treating patients with neurodegenerative diseases — such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s — are required to report each case to the California Neurodegenerative Disease Registry, run by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
What’s happening: On May 13, the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) will host a webinar on effective alarm management for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
What’s happening: Last week, members of the Senate subcommittee that oversees the Office of Health Care Affordability’s (OHCA’s) budget expressed deep concern with the agency’s work. Committee Chair Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) noted that, “At the end of the day, something has to give. Either [the hospitals] won’t make it and be penalized, or they have to cut services — and either way, the people who will pay are the patients.”
What’s happening: By Sept. 30, California hospitals are required to submit detailed health equity reports under Assembly Bill 1204 (2021) — a process that is daunting and tedious, with dozens of measures and hundreds of required fields. The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) can help.
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS’) revised Community Supports Policy Guide reflects extensive feedback from managed care plans, providers, and other stakeholders.