Rural Healthcare Payment and Reimbursement – News

CMS: 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 Federal Register

Mar 12, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the November 5, 2025, final rule. This correction is effective March 12, 2026.

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Why Are Some Rural Medicare Patients Paying More than Patients at Bigger Hospitals?

Mar 10, 2026 - Highlights the increased cost of healthcare for rural Vermont residents due to Medicare reimbursement policy for Critical Access Hospitals. Notes that policymakers are investigating solutions that equitably distribute cost while supporting CAHs that may be negatively impacted by budget changes.

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Financial Fix, Quality Flaw: Lessons From Pennsylvania's Rural Health Model

Feb 11, 2026 - An evaluation of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model, describing changes intended to improve care quality, increase access to preventive services, and address local community health needs.

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IHS: Reimbursement Rates for Calendar Year 2026 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.

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