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.
Summary, Specialty Impact Analysis of Physician Fee Schedule Proposals Available for Members
CHA Issues Summary of CY 2026 End-Stage Renal Disease PPS Proposed Rule
Physicians to See Increased Payments Under CMS Proposal
CMS Proposes to Expand Site-Neutral Provisions, Sunset Inpatient-Only List
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its calendar year (CY) 2026 outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule, which would establish an inadequate payment update of 2.4%, apply site-neutral payment to certain drug administration services, and phase out the inpatient-only list.
CMS’ Home Health PPS Proposed Rule for CY 2026 Would Cut Payments by 6.4%; Rule Summary Released
What’s happening: The estimated 6.4% payment reduction in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) calendar year (CY) 2026 home health prospective payment system (PPS) proposed rule equates to roughly $1.13 billion less than CY 2025 payments. Comments are due to CMS by Sept. 2.
CHA Supports Legislation Improving Rural Access to Care
What’s happening: In a June 30 letter to the California congressional delegation, CHA urges members to cosponsor and support the Preserving Emergency Access in Key Sites (PEAKS) Act (S. 1960/H.R. 3778).
CMS’ Medicare Advantage Data Collection, Audit Proposals ‘Will Help Protect Beneficiaries,’ CHA Writes
What’s happening: On June 30, CHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in support of data collection and audit proposals that would increase Medicare Advantage Organization (MAO) transparency and accountability, ensuring appropriate and timely access to Medicare services.
Executive Briefing: Federal Legislation Updates and State Implications
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, becoming the law of the land—ushering in unprecedented cuts to Medicaid that will significantly impact the health care landscape. Join CHA for an overview of the OBBBA. We’ll unpack what’s changed, identify the major cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) […]
CHA Supports the ‘Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act’
What’s happening: In a letter sent June 12, CHA urged all members of the California congressional delegation to support bipartisan legislation that would improve access to care for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
MedPAC Releases Report to Congress on Medicare, Health Care Delivery System
What’s happening: The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s (MedPAC’s) June 2025 Report to the Congress: Medicare and the Health Care Delivery System, released June 12, covers improvements to Medicare payment systems, issues affecting the Medicare program, and changes to both health care delivery and the market for health care services.