(June 6, 2025) – HHS Releases FFY 2026 Budget In Brief
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the federal fiscal year 2026 budget in brief. According to the brief, HHS is seeking $94.7 billion in discretionary budget authority for 2026, a decrease of 24.9 percent or $31.4 billion from 2025. The brief contains details about "making Americans the healthiest in the world while achieving a goal of transforming the bureaucracy." Included in the proposal is moving oversight of the 340B Drug Pricing Program from the Health Resources and Services Administration to CMS.
CMS Releases Proposed FFY 2026 Medicare Inpatient PPS Correction Notice
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a correction notice for the federal fiscal year 2026 inpatient prospective payment system payment and policy updates. The corrections revise the estimated total Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital payments from $15.682 billion to $15.791 billion for FFY 2026. This correction resulted in an increase of $49.6 million in the Medicare DSH uncompensated care payment pool that would be distributed to eligible hospitals.
CDC Provides Updated Immunization Schedules, COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an updated pediatric immunization schedule and adult immunization schedule that reflect current COVID-19 vaccine guidance. The new guidance states that all children, unless directly contraindicated, may be vaccinated with shared decision-making. Despite previous announcements, this change would compel insurers to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines for children and adults.
MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews: