AHA Statement on CY 2027 OPPS Final Rule

Ashley Thompson
Senior Vice President, Public Policy Analysis and Development
American Hospital Association

November 4, 2026

CMS’ Medicare outpatient hospital payment rate does not adequately take into account the financial challenges facing hospitals today. These challenges are amplified for hospitals serving rural and underserved communities, many of which are already making hard decisions about how they will maintain access to healthcare services in their communities.

The AHA is also disappointed that CMS finalized another expansion of site-neutral payment policies and continued phase out of the inpatient-only list. Both policies are misguided and overlook the unique role hospital outpatient departments play in delivering care to patients in communities nationwide. Hospital outpatient departments treat sicker and more complex groups of patients than independent physician practices, including those with higher rates of disability and who are more likely to come from low-income and rural communities.

Finally, we remain deeply concerned about CMS’ continued assault on the 340B program by the reduction of reimbursement rates and accelerated clawback of funds from hospitals, both of which will further stress hospitals’ ability to care for their patients. 

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