What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the calendar year (CY) 2026 physician fee schedule final rule.
As your association looks to the coming year to advance policies that support the critical services California hospitals provide, three key areas are coming into sharper focus:
With just a couple of months left in 2025, last week’s meeting of the CHA Board of Trustees was an important opportunity to reflect and learn from all that’s happened this year — from monumental federal policy changes to a strong showing at the state level — and to look toward the work for next year and beyond
What’s happening: On Nov. 3-4, California hospital finance experts will gather at CHA’s members-only Hospital Finance & Reimbursement Conference to examine the fiscal impact of state and federal regulations and policies on hospitals.
What’s happening: CHA created an infographic on the looming 4% Medicare sequester cut that could go into effect Feb. 1, 2026, if Congress does not act. The sequester would apply to all traditional Medicare payments including inpatient, outpatient, and physician fee schedule services.
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) clarified that Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) should process certain claims dated Oct. 1 or later, including Medicare physician fee schedule claims, ground ambulance transport claims, federally qualified health center claims, and telehealth claims that CMS can confirm are for behavioral health services.
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has instructed Medicare administrative contractors to continue to hold certain claims dated Oct. 1 or later for services impacted by the federal government shutdown.
What’s happening: Hospitals are required to adjust their Medicare cost reports to eliminate the portion of association membership dues related to certain unallowable lobbying expenses, as defined by Medicare. Each year, CHA calculates the unallowable-cost portion of association dues, which differ by geographic region and by tax status.
What’s happening: On Nov. 3-4, California hospital finance experts will gather at CHA’s members-only Hospital Finance & Reimbursement Conference to examine the fiscal impact of state and federal regulations and policies on hospitals.
What’s happening: CHA has issued a summary detailing the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) final rule.
