CMS Seeks Public Input on Making Hospital Prices Easier to Compare
CMS is seeking public comments on clearer hospital price files, bundled services and online estimates before the August 31, 2026, deadline.
CMS
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CMS’s ACCESS model adds an Aug. 17 start date. What Medicare patients should know
CMS’s ACCESS model adds a participant start date on August 17, but availability, costs and results still depend on providers, location and track.
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CMS Delays Medicaid HCBS Advisory Enforcement Until 2029
CMS will not anticipate enforcement against states missing Medicaid HCBS advisory deadlines until 2029, delaying public input on rates and access.
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CMS links 50 Medicaid providers to $203.3 million in enforcement
CMS says 50 high-risk Medicaid providers were tied to $203.3 million in payments subject to federal or state action, not necessarily proven fraud or recovered cash.
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CMS proposes Medicare outpatient-payment changes to reduce site-of-care cost differences
The proposed changes would affect Medicare payments to hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers beginning in calendar year 2027, but rates are not final.
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CMS Plans Stricter Medicaid Waiver Spending Tests for 2027
CMS plans tougher financial reviews for Medicaid Section 1115 demonstrations beginning January 1, 2027, potentially limiting states’ waiver flexibility.
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GAO: Federal Marketplace Controls Left Consumers Vulnerable to Plan Changes
A GAO report says weak CMS safeguards may have allowed unauthorized Marketplace changes, putting coverage, premiums and tax credits at risk for consumers.
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CMS Proposes Medicare Oversight and Home-Health Payment Changes
CMS proposes broader Medicare enrollment enforcement and a projected 2.4% aggregate home-health payment increase for 2027. Comments are due August 31.
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CMS will use shorter surveys for some nursing homes starting Sept. 8
CMS will begin shorter routine surveys for some high-performing nursing homes on September 8, but complaints and safety concerns can still trigger traditional inspections.
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States face a January deadline as Medicaid work-rule systems move into implementation
CMS is helping states build Medicaid work-rule systems before January 1, 2027, including data checks, notices and exemption reviews for affected adults.
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California Faces $867.5 Million Medicaid Deferral as IHSS Review Reaches Deadline
CMS is withholding $867.5 million in federal Medicaid funds from California while reviewing in-home-care claims. The state says IHSS services continue.
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CMS Will End Part D Premium Stabilization After 2026
CMS will end a temporary premium stabilization program for stand-alone Medicare Part D plans after 2026. Final 2027 plan premiums are expected in September.
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GAO: CMS control gaps allow unauthorized ACA Marketplace agent actions
GAO says CMS’s ACA Marketplace still has gaps in consent checks, enrollment-record access, and change notifications—recommendations include stronger verification.
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GAO: HealthCare.gov safeguards may not stop unauthorized agent/broker changes—what to do
GAO says CMS safeguards on HealthCare.gov don’t fully stop unauthorized agent/broker actions. Here’s what to verify in your account now.
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CMS proposes lower Medicare payments for 340B drugs at hospital outpatient departments
CMS proposed a 2027 Medicare rule that would reduce payments for certain 340B-acquired drugs at hospital outpatient departments, with the agency saying the change could lower costs for some beneficiaries if finalized.
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CMS Medicaid work rule faces lawsuit over medical-frailty exemption
A multistate lawsuit says CMS’s new Medicaid work-requirement framework could make exemption checks harder before the Jan. 1, 2027 rollout.