{"description":"Documents matching 'risk adjustment data equivalent medicare'","count":1431,"total_pages":50,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=risk+adjustment+data+equivalent+medicare&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), and Medicare cost plan regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, drug coverage, enrollment processes, special needs plans, and other programmatic areas.","document_number":"2025-21456","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/28/2025-21456/medicare-program-contract-year-2027-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare-advantage-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-28/pdf/2025-21456.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-21456.pdf?1764105313","publication_date":"2025-11-28","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"actuarial judgment and discretion may be used, including taking into account information such as changes in legislation (such as changes in <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> benefits), <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> payment policy, trends over several years of <span class=\"match\">data</span>, and external variables (such as public health emergencies); selecting among different approaches (such as weighting for utilization and using average or median values); and in selecting <span class=\"match\">data</span> or <span class=\"match\">data</span> samples. \n Calculation of the Annual Percentage Increase in Drug Expenditures \n Section 1860D-2(b)(6) of the Act defines the API for each"},{"title":"Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 and Certain Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule revises the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), and Medicare cost plan regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, drug coverage, enrollment processes, special needs plans, and other programmatic areas.","document_number":"2026-06600","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06600/medicare-program-contract-year-2027-and-certain-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-06/pdf/2026-06600.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06600.pdf?1775160908","publication_date":"2026-04-06","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"Threshold <span class=\"match\">Adjustment</span> (§ 423.104(d)(2)(iv)(B)) \n We annually calculate a minimum dollar-per-month threshold amount to determine which drugs are eligible, based on relative high cost, for inclusion on the specialty tier. This cost threshold is <span class=\"match\">adjusted</span> to maintain approximately 1 percent of Part D drugs as specialty-tier eligible. In the final rule titled “<span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2022 Policy and Technical Changes to the <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Advantage Program, <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicaid Program, <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Cost Plan"},{"title":"Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would codify the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (\"Negotiation Program\") and would establish certain new policies for the Negotiation Program and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program as required by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This proposed rule would also propose a modification to the fixed combination drug policy.","document_number":"2026-12059","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/16/2026-12059/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-and-medicare-prescription-drug-benefit-program","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-16/pdf/2026-12059.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-12059.pdf?1781295308","publication_date":"2026-06-16","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"charges from Original <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> (OM) Part B claims <span class=\"match\">data</span> (inclusive of beneficiary coinsurance and <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> payment) and a comparable amount calculated using <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Advantage (MA) encounter <span class=\"match\">data</span> for Part B items and services, which would reflect the amount that would have been applicable under OM. Then, we would sum total expenditures under Part B based on OM Part B claims <span class=\"match\">data</span> and total expenditures under Part B for MA encounter <span class=\"match\">data</span>. To allow a reasonable time for providers and suppliers to submit OM Part B claims <span class=\"match\">data</span> and <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Advantage Organizations"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; Correction","type":"Rule","abstract":"This document corrects typographical and technical errors in the final rule that appeared in the November 5, 2025 Federal Register titled \"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program\" (hereinafter referred to as the CY 2026 PFS final rule), specifying finalized changes to the Medicare physician fee schedule (PFS) that is applicable for calendar year (CY) 2026, and other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies.","document_number":"2026-04797","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/12/2026-04797/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2026-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-12/pdf/2026-04797.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-04797.pdf?1773233110","publication_date":"2026-03-12","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"outcomes assessed after the encounter. Thus, we decided that <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> made at quality ASM performance category level would undermine our core aim to promote direct accountability and high-quality outcomes for all beneficiaries. We note that we will maintain any <span class=\"match\">risk</span> <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> in required quality measures whose specifications include <span class=\"match\">risk</span> <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span>.”. \n 44. On page 49672, first column, first partial paragraph, line 5, the phrase “using <span class=\"match\">data</span> from <span class=\"match\">data</span> from the” is corrected to read “using <span class=\"match\">data</span> from the”. \n 45. On page 49675, first column, third full"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"This major final rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of establishment of new policies for: the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; the Ambulatory Specialty Model; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program.","document_number":"2025-19787","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/05/2025-19787/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2026-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-05/pdf/2025-19787.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19787.pdf?1761945018","publication_date":"2025-11-05","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"developed from their supplemental survey <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n Consistent with our past practice, the previous indirect PE/HR values from the supplemental surveys for these specialties were updated to CY 2006 using the <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Economic Index (MEI) to put them on a comparable basis with the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n We also do not use the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span> for reproductive endocrinology and spine surgery since these specialties are not separately recognized by <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>, nor do we have a method to blend the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span> with <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>-recognized specialty <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n \n Previously, we established PE/HR"},{"title":"Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would implement the Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model to test a new Medicare payment model under section 1115A of the Social Security Act. The model proposes a test of an alternative payment method for calculating inflation rebates for certain Part D drugs and biological products. The proposed GUARD Model would test whether changing the calculation of the Part D inflation rebate would reduce costs for the Medicare program while preserving or enhancing quality of care for Part D enrollees.","document_number":"2025-23705","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/23/2025-23705/guarding-us-medicare-against-rising-drug-costs-guard-model","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-23/pdf/2025-23705.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-23705.pdf?1766178910","publication_date":"2025-12-23","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"gov/reports/prescription-drug-supply-chains \n (Accessed: 10 December 2025).\n \n \n \n \n 55 \n  Centers for <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> &amp; Medicaid Services. (2017). \n <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Part D—Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR). \n U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. \n https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/<span class=\"match\">medicare</span>-part-d-direct-and-indirect-remuneration-dir \n (Accessed: 10 December 2025).\n \n \n B. The <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Prescription Drug Benefit (<span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Part D) \n \n The <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program, also known as Part D, is a federal prescription drug"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This major proposed rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of establishment of new policies for: the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; the Ambulatory Specialty Model; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program.","document_number":"2025-13271","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/16/2025-13271/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2026-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-16/pdf/2025-13271.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-13271.pdf?1752524111","publication_date":"2025-07-16","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"developed from their supplemental survey <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n Consistent with our past practice, the previous indirect PE/HR values from the supplemental surveys for these specialties were updated to CY 2006 using the <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Economic Index (MEI) to put them on a comparable basis with the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n We also do not use the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span> for reproductive endocrinology and spine surgery since these specialties are not separately recognized by <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>, nor do we have a method to blend the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span> with <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>-recognized specialty <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n \n Previously, we established PE/HR"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule revises the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to prescription drug coverage, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), Part C and D Star Ratings, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This final rule also codifies existing sub-regulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs.","document_number":"2025-06008","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/15/2025-06008/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-04-15/pdf/2025-06008.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06008.pdf?1743797708","publication_date":"2025-04-15","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"payment determination. Lastly, we are finalizing our proposal to restrict plans' ability to use information gathered after the inpatient admission has taken place when reviewing the appropriateness of the admission itself. \n 8. <span class=\"match\">Risk</span> <span class=\"match\">Adjustment</span> <span class=\"match\">Data</span> Updates \n We are finalizing a series of provisions related to <span class=\"match\">risk</span> <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> <span class=\"match\">data</span> updates. First, we are finalizing a technical change to the definition of Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs) to remove the reference to a specific version of the ICD, while maintaining a reference to the ICD in general"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program Updates; DMEPOS Accreditation Requirements; Provider Enrollment; and Other Medicare and Medicaid Policies","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule sets forth routine updates to the Medicare home health payment rates in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. In addition, this final rule finalizes permanent and temporary behavior adjustments and recalibrates the case- mix weights and update the functional impairment levels; comorbidity subgroups; and low-utilization payment adjustment (LUPA) thresholds for CY 2026. This final rule also finalizes changes to the face-to-face encounter policy and changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP) and the expanded Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model requirements. In addition, it updates the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). Lastly it finalizes: a technical change to the HH conditions of participation; updates to DMEPOS supplier conditions of payment; updates to provider and supplier enrollment requirements; and changes to DMEPOS accreditation requirements.","document_number":"2025-21767","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/02/2025-21767/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-calendar-year-2026-home-health-prospective-payment-system-hh-pps-rate","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-02/pdf/2025-21767.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-21767.pdf?1764364516","publication_date":"2025-12-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> factor to be applied to the base payment rate for that year. The temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> factor is based on an estimated number of 30-day periods in the rate setting year using historical <span class=\"match\">data</span> trends, and as applicable, controls for any permanent <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> factor, case-mix weight recalibration neutrality factor, wage index budget neutrality factor, and the home health payment update. The temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> factor is applied last since the <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> applies only to the respective year. That is, the temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> is not permanently"},{"title":"Calendar Year 2027 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the Expanded HH Value-Based Purchasing Model; Medicare Provider Enrollment, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and DME, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Policies","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would set forth routine updates to the Medicare home health payment rates in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. In addition, this proposed rule discusses the behavior adjustment and proposes a temporary behavior adjustment and proposes to recalibrate the case-mix weights and update the functional impairment levels; comorbidity subgroups; and low- utilization payment adjustment (LUPA) thresholds for CY 2027. Additionally, this proposed rule discusses the provision of home health palliative care services and includes a request for information (RFI) on a home health specific wage index. This rule would also propose changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP) and summarizes potential initiatives to improve alignment between the HH QRP and expanded Home Health Value Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model. Lastly, the rule would--clarify the application of the DMEPOS face-to- face encounter requirements for the replacement of DMEPOS items; make changes to the provider and supplier enrollment requirements; make changes regarding DME benefit expansion for infusion pumps and drugs; and discuss collection of information requirement changes regarding the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) country of origin.","document_number":"2026-13602","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/06/2026-13602/calendar-year-2027-home-health-prospective-payment-system-hh-pps-rate-update-requirements-for-the-hh","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-06/pdf/2026-13602.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-13602.pdf?1782936912","publication_date":"2026-07-06","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"this proposed rule uses the most complete <span class=\"match\">data</span> available at the time, it is considered preliminary and, as more <span class=\"match\">data</span> become available from the latter half of CY 2025, we will update our analysis in the final rule. The CY 2027 HH PPS final rule would use the complete CY 2025 <span class=\"match\">data</span> to determine any permanent and temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> needed to the CY 2027 payment rate. However, while the claims <span class=\"match\">data</span> and the permanent and temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> results would be considered complete for CY 2027, any <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> to future payment rates may be subject to"},{"title":"Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program: Updated Methodology To Determine Full-Time Equivalent Resident Count","type":"Notice","abstract":"This notice seeks public comment on updating the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Payment Program's method of determining an eligible children's hospital (as defined within the Public Health Service Act) weighted allopathic and osteopathic full- time equivalent (FTE) resident count when a children's hospital's weighted allopathic and osteopathic FTE resident count exceeds its direct graduate medical education (GME) FTE resident cap in order to be consistent with the methodology used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) beginning in the fiscal year (FY) 2026 application cycle.","document_number":"2024-31240","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/30/2024-31240/childrens-hospitals-graduate-medical-education-payment-program-updated-methodology-to-determine","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-30/pdf/2024-31240.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-31240.pdf?1735307157","publication_date":"2024-12-30","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Health Resources and Services Administration","name":"Health Resources and Services Administration","id":222,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-resources-and-services-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/222","parent_id":221,"slug":"health-resources-and-services-administration"}],"excerpts":"osteopathic residents that a hospital may count for purposes of direct GME payment in a cost reporting period. \n Alignment of CHGME and <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> GME Policy \n \n For more than two decades, HRSA has followed CMS's approach to calculating the FTE resident count. [See March 1, 2001, \n Federal Register \n \n Notice \n (66 FRN 12940), “\n The Department follows <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> rules regarding the use of the initial residency period. The <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> rules reduce counts for all hospitals that train residents beyond their initial residency period (i.e., fellows) with regard to"},{"title":"Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment systems (IPPS) for operating and capital- related costs of acute care hospitals; make changes relating to Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals; update the payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals (LTCHs); update and make changes to requirements for certain quality programs; and make other policy-related changes.","document_number":"2026-07203","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/14/2026-07203/medicare-program-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-systems-for-acute-care-hospitals-ipps-and","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-14/pdf/2026-07203.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-07203.pdf?1775852113","publication_date":"2026-04-14","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"30-Day, All-Cause, <span class=\"match\">Risk</span>-Standardized Mortality Rate Following Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Hospitalization measure; (2) Hospital 30-Day, All-Cause, <span class=\"match\">Risk</span>-Standardized Mortality Rate Following Heart Failure Hospitalization measure; (3) Hospital 30-Day, All-Cause, <span class=\"match\">Risk</span>-Standardized Mortality Rate Following Pneumonia Hospitalization measure; (4) Hospital 30-Day, All-Cause, <span class=\"match\">Risk</span>-Standardized Mortality Rate Following Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hospitalization measure; and (5) Hospital 30-Day, All-Cause, <span class=\"match\">Risk</span>-Standardized Mortality"},{"title":"Medicare Program; FY 2026 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System-Rate Update","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule updates the prospective payment rates, the outlier threshold, and the wage index for Medicare inpatient hospital services provided by Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPFs), which include psychiatric hospitals and excluded psychiatric units of an acute care hospital or critical access hospital. This final rule also revises the payment adjustment factors for teaching status and for IPFs located in rural areas. These changes will be effective for IPF discharges occurring during the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. We are finalizing changes to measures used in the Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Quality Reporting (IPFQR) Program, updating and codifying the Extraordinary Circumstances Exception policy, and summarizing comments received through requests for information regarding future changes to the IPFQR Program.","document_number":"2025-14781","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/05/2025-14781/medicare-program-fy-2026-inpatient-psychiatric-facilities-prospective-payment-system-rate-update","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-08-05/pdf/2025-14781.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-14781.pdf?1754079306","publication_date":"2025-08-05","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"significant. In FY 2025, we adopted revised patient age <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> derived from the regression model using a blended set of 2019 through 2021 <span class=\"match\">data</span> (89 FR 64612 and 64613). For FY 2026, we proposed to use the patient age <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> currently in effect for FY 2025. \n \n We did not propose any changes to the patient age <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> factors, and we are retaining the existing patient age <span class=\"match\">adjustment</span> factors for FY 2026, as shown in Addendum A of this final rule (see \n https://www.cms.gov/<span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>/<span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>-Fee-for-ServicePayment/InpatientPsychFacilPPS/tools"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings; and Hospital Price Transparency","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for calendar year 2026 based on our continuing experience with these systems. We also describe the changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment systems. This proposed rule would also update and refine the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program, Rural Emergency Hospital Quality Reporting Program, Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting Program, Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating, and hospitals to make public their standard charge information and enforcement of hospital price transparency. This rule also contains requests for information on measure concepts regarding Well-Being and Nutrition for consideration in future years for all three programs (OQR, REHQR, and ASCQR; expanding the method to control for unnecessary increases in the volume of covered OPD services to on- campus clinic visits; software as a service; and adjusting payment under the OPPS for services predominately performed in the ambulatory surgical center or physician office settings.","document_number":"2025-13360","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/17/2025-13360/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-hospital-outpatient-prospective-payment-and-ambulatory-surgical","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-17/pdf/2025-13360.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-13360.pdf?1752610509","publication_date":"2025-07-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"},{"raw_name":"Office of the Secretary"}],"excerpts":"Changes \n D. Proposed Statewide Average Default Cost-to-Charge Ratios (CCRs) \n E. Proposed <span class=\"match\">Adjustment</span> for Rural Sole Community Hospitals (SCHs) and Essential Access Community Hospitals (EACHs) Under Section 1833(t)(13)(B) of the Act for CY 2026 \n F. Proposed Payment <span class=\"match\">Adjustment</span> for Certain Cancer Hospitals for CY 2026 \n \n G. Proposed Hospital Outpatient Outlier Payments\n \n \n H. Proposed Calculation of an <span class=\"match\">Adjusted</span> <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Payment From the National Unadjusted <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Payment \n I. Proposed Beneficiary Copayments \n III. Proposed OPPS Ambulatory Payment Classification"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program Updates; DMEPOS Accreditation Requirements; Provider Enrollment; and Other Medicare and Medicaid Policies","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would set forth routine updates to the Medicare home health payment rates in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. In addition, this proposed rule proposes permanent and temporary behavior adjustments and proposes to recalibrate the case-mix weights and update the functional impairment levels; comorbidity subgroups; and low-utilization payment adjustment (LUPA) thresholds for CY 2026. Lastly, this proposed rule proposes policy changes to the face-to-face encounter policy. It also proposes changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP) and the expanded Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model requirements. In addition, it would update the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). Lastly it proposes: a technical change to the HH conditions of participation; updates to DMEPOS supplier conditions of payment; updates to provider and supplier enrollment requirements; and changes to DMEPOS accreditation requirements.","document_number":"2025-12347","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/02/2025-12347/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-calendar-year-2026-home-health-prospective-payment-system-hh-pps-rate","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-02/pdf/2025-12347.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-12347.pdf?1751314517","publication_date":"2025-07-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"health claims <span class=\"match\">data</span> available at the time of rulemaking. While the CY 2024 analysis presented in this proposed rule uses the most complete <span class=\"match\">data</span> available at the time, it is considered preliminary and, as more <span class=\"match\">data</span> become available from the latter half of CY 2024, we would update our analysis in the final rule. The CY 2026 final rule would use the complete CY 2024 <span class=\"match\">data</span> for determining any permanent and temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> needed to the CY 2026 payment rate. However, while the claims <span class=\"match\">data</span> and the permanent and temporary <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> results would"},{"title":"Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Announcement of Nationwide Temporary Moratoria on Enrollment of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Medical Supply Companies","type":"Notice","abstract":"This notice announces the imposition of a 6-month nationwide moratorium on the Medicare enrollment of DMEPOS supplier medical supply companies.","document_number":"2026-03971","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/27/2026-03971/medicare-medicaid-and-childrens-health-insurance-programs-announcement-of-nationwide-temporary","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-27/pdf/2026-03971.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-03971.pdf?1772054108","publication_date":"2026-02-27","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"prospect of implementing a Medicaid- or CHIP-based (or both) DME moratorium in their jurisdictions. \n F. <span class=\"match\">Data</span> Analysis \n 1. <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> \n \n Our review of <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> payment and enrollment <span class=\"match\">data</span> supports the need for a national moratorium on medical supply companies. As background, CMS <span class=\"match\">data</span> indicates that small DMEPOS suppliers drive overall <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> DMEPOS payments despite serving roughly the same number of beneficiaries as large suppliers.\n 28 \n \n In fact, <span class=\"match\">data</span> from 2023 to 2025 reflects that about 85 percent of DMEPOS supplier payments from 2023 to present"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would revise the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicaid, Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, agent/broker compensation, health equity, drug coverage, dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), utilization management, network adequacy, and other programmatic areas, including the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This proposed rule also includes proposals to codify existing subregulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs.","document_number":"2024-27939","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/10/2024-27939/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-10/pdf/2024-27939.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-27939.pdf?1732656194","publication_date":"2024-12-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"enrollee to provide the plan's payment to the provider for the covered item or service. \n 10. Improving Access—Enhancing Rules on Internal Coverage Criteria \n \n In the final rule titled “<span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Program; Contract Year 2024 Policy and Technical Changes to the <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Advantage Program, <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Cost Plan Program, <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly,” which appeared in the April 12, 2023, \n Federal Register \n (88 FR 22120) (hereinafter referred to as the “April"},{"title":"Medicare Program; FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would update the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. This proposed rule also includes an analysis of Medicare non-hospice spending, including details regarding a hospice service and spending variation index (SSVI), and proposes to require that hospices provide the hospice election statement addendum to all Medicare beneficiaries at the time of hospice election. Additionally, this rule proposes conforming regulation text changes to discharge from hospice care regulations; regulation text changes to the face-to-face encounter regulations; and includes requests for information on community palliative care services; the construction of a hospice specific wage index; and the overlap between hospice and medical aid in dying (MAID). Finally, this rule proposes changes to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program.","document_number":"2026-06604","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06604/medicare-program-fy-2027-hospice-wage-index-and-payment-rate-update-and-hospice-quality-reporting","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-06/pdf/2026-06604.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06604.pdf?1775160907","publication_date":"2026-04-06","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"ways to improve the accuracy of <span class=\"match\">data</span> sources and methods used for making the <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span> to payment to reflect geographic variation in labor prices.\n 14 \n \n \n \n \n 11 \n  MedPAC, Report to Congress, 2007, p.124-125.\n \n \n 12 \n  MedPAC, Report to Congress, 2023, p.386.\n \n \n \n \n 13 \n  MaCurdy et al., Revision of <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Wage Index.\n \n \n \n \n 14 \n  Committee on Geographic <span class=\"match\">Adjustment</span> Factors in <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Payment; Board on Health Care Services; Institute of Medicine; Edmunds M, Sloan FA, editors. Geographic <span class=\"match\">Adjustment</span> in <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Payment: Phase I: Improving"},{"title":"Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2027 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would update the prospective payment rates for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2027. As required by statute, this proposed rule includes the classification and weighting factors for the IRF prospective payment system's case-mix groups and a description of the methodologies and data used in computing the prospective payment rates for FY 2027. It also continues the third year of the 3-year phaseout of the rural adjustment, which began in FY 2025. This proposed rule includes a solicitation for public comments on alternative data sources for the IRF PPS wage index; proposes to require all therapy treatments or therapy evaluations to begin within 36-hours from midnight on the day of admission; proposes to require a patient's current functional status be documented on the preadmission screening; proposes requirements for the initial Interdisciplinary Team meeting; and includes a request for information on potential future IRF PPS payment reform. Additionally, the proposed rule includes updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program. Furthermore, the proposed rule includes changes to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Competitive Bidding Program.","document_number":"2026-06642","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06642/medicare-program-inpatient-rehabilitation-facility-prospective-payment-system-for-federal-fiscal","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-06/pdf/2026-06642.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-06642.pdf?1775160907","publication_date":"2026-04-06","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"the case exceeds the <span class=\"match\">adjusted</span> outlier threshold. We calculate the <span class=\"match\">adjusted</span> outlier threshold by adding the IRF PPS payment for the case (that is, the CMG payment <span class=\"match\">adjusted</span> by all of the relevant facility-level <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span>) and the <span class=\"match\">adjusted</span> threshold amount (also <span class=\"match\">adjusted</span> by all of the relevant facility-level <span class=\"match\">adjustments</span>). Then, we calculate the estimated cost of a case by multiplying the IRF's overall Cost-to-Charge Ratio (CCR) by the <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> allowable covered charge. If the estimated cost of the case is higher than the <span class=\"match\">adjusted</span> outlier threshold,"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of establishment of new policies for, the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act); update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; updates to the diabetes payment structure and PHE flexibilities; expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Parts C and D Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act.","document_number":"2024-25382","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/09/2024-25382/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2025-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-09/pdf/2024-25382.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-25382.pdf?1730492138","publication_date":"2024-12-09","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"developed from their supplemental survey <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n Consistent with our past practice, the previous indirect PE/HR values from the supplemental surveys for these specialties were updated to CY 2006 using the <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span> Economic Index (MEI) to put them on a comparable basis with the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n We also do not use the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span> for reproductive endocrinology and spine surgery since these specialties are not separately recognized by <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>, nor do we have a method to blend the PPIS <span class=\"match\">data</span> with <span class=\"match\">Medicare</span>-recognized specialty <span class=\"match\">data</span>. \n \n Previously, we established PE/HR"}]}