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HHS/CMS RIN: 0938-AV51 Publication ID: 2026 
Title: CY 2026 Hospital Outpatient PPS Policy Changes and Payment Rates and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates (CMS-1834)(Completion of a Section 610 Review) 
Abstract:

This annual final rule revises the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system to implement statutory requirements and changes arising from our continuing experience with this system.  The rule describes changes to the amounts and factors used to determine payment rates for services.  In addition, the rule finalizes changes to the ambulatory surgical center payment system list of services and rates.  This rule also updates and refines the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program and the ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program.

 
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services(HHS)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: Yes  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt 
RFA Section 610 Review: Completion of a Section 610 Review 
CFR Citation: 42 CFR 416    42 CFR 419   
Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1395hh    42 U.S.C. 1302   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Statutory  By statute, rule must be effective by January 1 annually.  01/01/2026 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/17/2025  90 FR 33476   
NPRM Comment Period End  09/15/2025 
Final Action  11/25/2025  90 FR 53448   
Final Action Effective  01/01/2026 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: YES  Government Levels Affected: Federal 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
David Rice
Director, Division of Outpatient Care
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Center for Medicare, 7500 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone:410 786-6004
Email: david.rice1@cms.hhs.gov