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.
Medicare IRF Review Choice Demonstration – What You Need to Know
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expanding the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Services to California, forcing all California IRFs to choose between either 100% pre-claim review or 100% post-payment review. That decision must be made by April 14.
Medicare IRF Review Choice Demonstration – What You Need to Know – Participant Information
Thank you for registering. Below are important instructions and materials you will need to participate in the briefing.
Date: March 27, 2026Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
Insurance Companies Play Blame Game, But They Have Much to Answer For
Late last month, the chief executives of some of the nation’s largest insurance companies — UnitedHealth, CVS, Cigna, Elevance, and the California Blues — trekked to Capitol Hill for a day of hearings where federal lawmakers probed one of the most pressing issues of the day: health care affordability.
Federal Spending Deal Includes Key Wins for Hospital Care
Hospitals and health systems are getting some financial relief and operational predictability, thanks to a bipartisan health care spending bill signed by President Trump earlier this week.
CHA Urges Two Key Changes in CY 2027 MA Proposed Rule
What’s happening: On Jan. 26, CHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year (CY) 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) proposed rule.
Positive News and Looming Threats from the Nation’s Capital
Federal lawmakers are back in Washington, D.C., this week with just over three weeks left to finish funding the government before current spending laws run out on Jan. 30.
Summaries Available for CY 2026 Home Health, End-Stage Renal Disease Payment Final Rules
What’s happening: Summaries of the calendar year (CY) 2026 home health prospective payment system (PPS) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) PPS final rules are available for CHA members.
Summary of CY 2026 PFS Final Rule Includes Impact Analysis for 100+ Medicare Specialties
What’s happening: A summary of the calendar year (CY) 2026 physician fee schedule (PFS) final rule is available for CHA members.
CMS Proposes Changes to MA and Part D Star Ratings for Contract Year 2027
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the contract year 2027 proposed rule for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans.
CMS Updates Hospital Surveyor Guidance to Address Discharge Planning, Notification Requirements, and More
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised Appendix A of the State Operations Manual to include new interpretive guidelines and survey processes.