Medicare/CMSMedium ImpactReimbursement
2025-12-03 - 2026 Medicare Participation Announcement
Published January 12, 2026Effective January 1, 2026
AI Summary
CMS announced the 2026 Medicare Participation updates with key focus on reducing administrative burden and improving program integrity. Home Health agencies will see an aggregate 1.3% decrease ($220 million) in Medicare payments for 2026 due to various adjustment factors despite a 2.4% base rate increase.
Action Required
By January 1, 2026: Billing team should review the full CMS participation letter at https://www.cms.gov/medicare-participation for detailed guidance on administrative burden reduction initiatives. Home Health billing teams must prepare for 1.3% aggregate payment decrease and review the final Home Health PPS rule for specific rate changes and outlier payment adjustments.
Plan Types
Traditional Medicare
Specialties
all-specialties