Hospitals Push Back on ‘Burdensome’ Medicare Payment Proposal (1)

A Trump administration proposal to revamp and increase oversight of Medicare payments sparked pointed backlash from hospital groups who contend the measures would burden facilities coming to terms with looming financial pressures.

On Tuesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services released its 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center proposed rule (RIN 0938-AV51). The plan includes a 2.4% reimbursement increase for ambulatory surgical centers, as well as a slew of new policies that aim to “equalize” Medicare payments made for services performed in and out of hospitals, require hospitals post their real prices ...