The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on July 14 released the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule for public inspection.

This annual update sets Medicare Part B reimbursement rates for physician services and outpatient therapy, among other services, and to update or amend other Part B payment and coverage policies effective on or after January 1, 2026. These rates apply to Part B services furnished in a variety of settings, such as physician offices, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other post-acute care settings, hospices, and patients’ homes.

This year’s proposed rule includes a temporary rate increase, which is statutorily required by a provision included in the recently enacted Budget Reconciliation bill. CMS has also included telehealth provisions that will be of importance to aging services providers, such as a permanent removal of frequency limitations on furnishing services via telehealth for subsequent nursing facility visits, as well as proposed changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

A CMS statement regarding the proposal, with links to a series of fact sheets, is available here.

LeadingAge will analyze the proposal, provide additional information for members, and submit comments to CMS. The rule will be open for public comment through September 12.