CMS Proposes 2026 Home Health Payment and Quality Rule Changes

2026-14709, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program; Correction

This correction fixes some typos and technical mistakes in the 2027 health insurance rules under the Affordable Care Act. It mainly affects people and organizations involved in health coverage plans by clarifying when the rules take effect and restoring some important regulation details. These fixes take effect on July 20, 2026, ensuring smoother and clearer health plan operations next year.

2026-12069, Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflicts of Interest, and Related Provisions

This new rule makes sure the groups that check Medicare providers play fair and follow clear rules to avoid conflicts of interest. It updates how psychiatric hospitals are reviewed and tightens rules for providers who lost their Medicare status but want back in. These changes affect Medicare providers and accrediting groups, start June 16, 2027, and aim to keep care safe and trustworthy.

2026-10890, Medicare Program; Alternative Payment Model Updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model

Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare is updating the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model to help kidney transplant hospitals do even better at getting more people transplanted and improving care quality. These changes affect hospitals involved in kidney transplants and aim to make the process smoother and more effective, with new payment rules that reward success. This update is part of a 6-year plan running through 2031 to save more lives and boost patient experience.

2026-10292, Medicaid Program; Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-for-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments

This proposed rule changes how states can pay Medicaid managed care plans and certain doctors to make sure payments are fair, efficient, and encourage enough providers to offer quality care. It affects states, Medicaid managed care organizations, and targeted Medicaid practitioners, aiming to keep payments balanced and services available. Comments on these changes are open until July 21, 2026, so stakeholders have time to weigh in before it’s finalized.

2026-10050, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program

Starting in 2027, health insurance plans on federal and state marketplaces will see new rules to make coverage fairer and easier to use. These changes affect insurance companies, agents, and people buying plans, including new fees, penalties, and better protections for those with hardships. Expect updates on plan quality, dental coverage limits, and longer-term catastrophic plans, all aiming to keep your health coverage solid and affordable.

2026-07205, Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, and Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges

This new rule will help Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and health plan companies share patient info more easily and speed up drug approval requests. It affects Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, and health plans on federal exchanges, aiming to make care smoother and faster. These changes will start soon and could save time and money by cutting red tape.

Previous: 2025-12721, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Liquid-Burning Flares; Correction

The FMCSA is cleaning up its rules by removing old references to liquid-burning flares, which aren’t used anymore. This update fixes some paperwork errors from earlier announcements, making sure everything’s clear and correct. Truckers, safety inspectors, and companies should note these changes, but there’s no new cost or deadline to worry about right now.

Next: 2025-12786, System for Regulating Rates and Classes for Market Dominant Products

The Postal Service asked for more time to gather feedback on their rate rules, and the Commission said yes! Now, everyone has extra days to share their thoughts, plus a new deadline to reply to comments. This means more chances to weigh in before any changes happen.