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 (CMS-1832-P)

Key Points

• 1Updates payment rates that Medicare reimburses doctors and healthcare providers for patient care in 2026
• 2Modifies rules for the Shared Savings Program, which rewards healthcare providers who reduce costs while maintaining quality care
• 3Adjusts the prescription drug inflation rebate program that requires drug manufacturers to pay Medicare when drug prices rise faster than inflation
• 4Changes affect Medicare beneficiaries (seniors and some disabled people), healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies
• 5Public comment period closes July 18, 2025, before the rule becomes final

Key Dates