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Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Health
News by Topic: Medicare

Jan 26, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing the 2026 meetings of the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), which will include discussion and voting on proposals for physician-focused payment models (PFPMs). The 2026 meeting dates are: February 23-24, June 15-16, September 14-15, and December 8-9.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 22, 2026 - Notice from the Indian Health Service (IHS) announcing the calendar year 2026 reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient medical care provided by IHS facilities to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal program beneficiaries. The updated rates apply to all qualifying services provided on or after January 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 13, 2026 - Discusses reasons for labor and delivery department closures across Pennsylvania including challenges with recruiting and retaining obstetricians and gynecologists and low reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid. Also notes poor health outcomes associated with maternal healthcare deserts. Describes potential solutions including increasing access to and the scope of practice for nurse midwives and certified midwives
Source: The Pennsylvania Independent
Jan 9, 2026 - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is accepting nominations for appointment to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) by February 6, 2026. Appointments are effective May 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 23, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a proposed rule implementing the Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing Model ("GLOBE Model"), a new Medicare payment model under section 1115A of the Social Security Act. The GLOBE Model would test whether a payment model that uses an alternative method for calculating Part B inflation rebate amounts for certain separately payable Part B drugs and biological products reduces costs for Medicare fee-for service (FFS) beneficiaries and the Medicare program while preserving quality of care. Comments are due by February 23, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 23, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a proposed rule implementing 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. Comments are due by February 23, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 22, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) CMS Plan Benefit Package (PBP) and Formulary CY 2027; and 2) Medicare Part C and Part D Program Audit and Industry-Wide Part C Timeliness Monitoring Project (TMP) Protocols. Comments are due by February 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 19, 2025 - A notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revising the requirements of participation for Medicare and Medicaid certified hospitals. The proposed rule prohibits Medicare-participating hospitals from performing certain procedures associated with gender dysphoria on children. Comments are due February 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 17, 2025 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on an information collection titled "Requirement for Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS) for a Covered Part D Drug Under a Prescription Drug Plan or an MA-PD Plan." The EPCS exception requires a waiver if a prescriber is unable to conduct EPCS due to circumstances outside the prescribers control. Comments are due January 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 17, 2025 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical and typographical corrections to the August 5, 2025, final rule titled " Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program."
Source: Federal Register