CMSFinal Rule

Medicare Program: FY 2026 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System—Rate Update

HealthcareFinance & Banking

Summary

This regulation sets how much Medicare will pay psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities for treating patients in fiscal year 2026. The payment updates affect how much money these facilities receive, which can influence the quality and availability of mental health care services across the country.

Key Points

  • 1Medicare is updating the payment rates it gives to inpatient psychiatric facilities (hospitals specializing in mental health treatment) for 2026
  • 2The new rates determine how much money these hospitals receive per patient based on diagnosis and treatment costs
  • 3These payment changes can affect hospital budgets, staffing levels, and the services available to patients with mental health conditions
  • 4The rule applies to psychiatric facilities that treat Medicare patients (primarily seniors and some disabled individuals)
  • 5Hospitals and mental health facilities must implement these new payment rates starting in October 2025 for the 2026 fiscal year

Key Dates

Published

August 5, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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