WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association (AHCA), representing more than 15,000 nursing homes and other long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released a statement today in response to the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System for fiscal year (FY) 2026 proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The following statement is attributable to AHCA President and CEO Clif Porter:
“We applaud CMS for proposing a net Medicare increase of 2.8 percent for skilled nursing facilities this next fiscal year. America’s nursing homes work hard every day to deliver the highest quality care, but they rely on government funding to be able to meet residents’ needs – of which Medicare is an essential part. As costs for goods, services, and labor continue to rise, skilled nursing providers need reliable resources and government rates to keep pace.
“While today’s proposed payment update focuses on Medicare fee-for-service rates, let’s remember that nearly two-thirds of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid, and an increasing percentage of short-term patients are now on a Medicare Advantage plan. We will continue to encourage policymakers to consider this tapestry of government programs that contribute to our providers’ ability to maintain access, enhance quality care, and invest in improvements. Our nation’s leaders must ensure that our Medicare and Medicaid programs are strong, so that nursing homes can continue to care for America’s seniors and the most vulnerable.”