Medicare

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.

Executive Briefing: Federal and State Budget Impacts to Medi-Cal

On May 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom released the May budget revision, which included proposals to pull away $1.6 billion in funding dedicated to health care organizations through last year’s Proposition 35. This came just days after the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a proposal to cut more than $715 billion from Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California).  […]

Upcoming Webinar to Detail IPPS Proposed Rule’s Impact

What’s happening: On May 21, CHA will host a members-only webinar to discuss the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule, which includes a net 2.4% payment rate increase — far below what hospitals need to keep up with rising costs and health care needs.    

CMS Finalizes Medicare Advantage, Part D Rule for 2026

What’s happening: In its finalized changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D prescription drug programs for contract year 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) struck most of the Biden-era proposals and declined to finalize additional insurer accountability provisions.  

What else to know: The rule, which did not address several other proposals (detailed below), is effective Jan. 1, 2026.