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.
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.
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.
CHA Comments on IPPS Proposed Rule
What’s happening: CHA submitted comments in response to the federal fiscal year 2026 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule, highlighting the inadequate proposed net payment update.
CHA Issues Summaries of IPPS, LTCH PPS Proposed Rule
What’s happening: Summaries of the federal fiscal year 2026 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) and long-term care hospital (LTCH) PPS proposed rule are now available, and on May 21, CHA will host a complimentary, members-only webinar on the IPPS provisions.
Hospital Leaders Take Message on Threats to Medicaid, Medicare to Capitol Hill
What’s happening: As part of the American Hospital Association Annual Meeting held in Washington, D.C., this week, California hospital and health system leaders participated in more than 20 meetings with the California congressional delegation.
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.
Members-Only Summaries Detail Post-Acute Care, Psychiatric Facility Payment Provisions for FFY 2026
What’s happening: Summaries of the inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) prospective payment system (PPS), skilled-nursing facility (SNF) PPS, hospice wage index, and inpatient psychiatric facility (IPF) PPS proposed rules are now available.