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’ Final Post-Acute Care, Psych Payment Rules Effective Oct. 1
New 340B Rebate Pilot Program to Launch Jan. 1, 2026
Upcoming Webinar Will Help Hospitals Prepare for TEAM Participation
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 Aug. 29.
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.