United StatesMedicare doctor payment updates would follow its economic index
Starting in 2026, Medicare would use one payment calculation factor for doctors and update it yearly based on the estimated increase in its economic index.
What it does
Starting in 2026, Medicare would use one factor to calculate payments to doctors. Its yearly update would equal the government’s estimated percentage increase in the Medicare Economic Index.
Argument forTying yearly payment updates to a named economic index could make Medicare payment changes easier for doctors to anticipate.
Argument againstUsing one payment factor could limit Medicare’s flexibility to give different groups of doctors different yearly payment updates.
More detail
Medicare would use one conversion factor, a number used to calculate payments to doctors. The rule would cover payments under Medicare’s physician fee schedule. The update would apply in 2026 and each later year.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Nov 19Introduced in HouseLatest
- Nov 19Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.Introduced
Healthcare