HHS Keeps Penalties Frozen—Because Inflation Didn't Trigger an Increase

2026-20848, Use of Salt Substitutes To Reduce the Sodium Content in Standardized Foods

The FDA is changing food rules to allow salt substitutes in many standardized foods, helping companies make lower-sodium options. This move aims to cut heart disease risks by reducing sodium without changing how foods basically taste or look. The new rule kicks in December 14, 2026, and food makers have until November 12, 2026, to raise any concerns, with no big costs expected.

2026-20447, Transparency in Coverage

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer, easier-to-understand price info for medical services and drugs. This helps you see what in-network and out-of-network costs really look like, with more details and better updates. These changes affect most group and individual health plans and kick in with new reporting rules to make healthcare pricing more transparent and fair.

2026-20281, Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Model

Starting November 30, 2026, Medicare will use the new GLOBE Model to help lower the cost of certain drugs for people on Original Medicare. This model changes how drug price increases are calculated, aiming to save money for both patients and the Medicare program without cutting care quality. If you’re on Medicare Part B, expect smarter drug pricing that helps keep your healthcare affordable.

2026-20131, Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2027 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program; Correction

This correction fixes some technical mistakes in the Medicare payment rules for inpatient rehab facilities starting October 1, 2026. It mainly affects hospitals and rehab centers by clarifying how wage data and payments are calculated, ensuring fairer payment rates for fiscal year 2027. No big changes in money, but it keeps everything accurate and on track.

2026-19959, Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2027; Correction

This correction fixes some technical mistakes in Medicare payment rules for skilled nursing facilities starting October 1, 2026. It mainly affects how hospital data is used to calculate payments, making sure no current hospitals are wrongly excluded. These tweaks help keep Medicare payments fair and accurate for providers and patients.

2026-20067, Medicare Program; FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements; Correction

This correction fixes some technical mistakes in the FY 2027 hospice payment and wage index rules that were first published in August 2026. It mainly affects hospice providers by updating how their payments are calculated, making sure the numbers are accurate starting October 1, 2026. These changes help ensure hospices get the right payment amounts based on the latest hospital wage data.

Previous: 2026-21523, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in November 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding who gets funding. Scientists and small businesses applying for grants should note these important review dates to stay in the loop.

Next: 2026-21525, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in November 2026 to review important grant applications related to health research. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding which projects get funding. Scientists and small businesses applying for grants will be affected, with no changes to timing or money announced.