CMS Modernizes Payment Accuracy and Significantly Cuts Spending Waste

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is increasing quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries while significantly reducing unnecessary spending and promoting payment accuracy. The calendar year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule advances primary care management through improved quality measures, reduces waste and unnecessary use of skin substitutes, and introduces a new payment model focused on improving care for chronic disease management.

“The new Medicare fee schedule delivers a major win for seniors, protects hometown doctors, and safeguards American taxpayers,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “It realigns doctor incentives and helps move our country from a sick-care system to a true health care system.”