About Medicare
The federal Medicare program is an essential pillar of the state’s health care system, supporting more than 6 million Californians over the age of 65 and younger Californians with disabilities. One in five hospitals is at risk of closing, in part because Medicare reimbursement rates are far lower than the cost of providing care. It’s essential that future federal Medicare policy protects patient care.
CHA Urges Two Key Changes in CY 2027 MA Proposed Rule
What’s happening: On Jan. 26, CHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year (CY) 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) proposed rule.
Positive News and Looming Threats from the Nation’s Capital
Federal lawmakers are back in Washington, D.C., this week with just over three weeks left to finish funding the government before current spending laws run out on Jan. 30.
Summaries Available for CY 2026 Home Health, End-Stage Renal Disease Payment Final Rules
What’s happening: Summaries of the calendar year (CY) 2026 home health prospective payment system (PPS) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) PPS final rules are available for CHA members.
Summary of CY 2026 PFS Final Rule Includes Impact Analysis for 100+ Medicare Specialties
What’s happening: A summary of the calendar year (CY) 2026 physician fee schedule (PFS) final rule is available for CHA members.
CMS Proposes Changes to MA and Part D Star Ratings for Contract Year 2027
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the contract year 2027 proposed rule for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans.
CMS Updates Hospital Surveyor Guidance to Address Discharge Planning, Notification Requirements, and More
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised Appendix A of the State Operations Manual to include new interpretive guidelines and survey processes.
CHA Issues Summary of CY 2026 OPPS Final Rule
What’s happening: A detailed summary of the finalized provisions of the calendar year (CY) 2026 outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) final rule is available for members.
IRF Review Choice Demonstration to begin in CA in 2026
What is happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it will be expanding the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Services to California, beginning May 1, 2026.
House Passes Five-Year Extension of Hospital-at-Home Program
What’s happening: On Dec. 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CHA-supported Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313) which would extend the Hospital-at-Home program for five years, through Sept. 30, 2030.
CMS to Decrease Home Health Payments 1.3% in 2026
What’s happening: On Nov. 28, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the calendar year (CY) 2026 home health prospective payment system final rule.