On April 7, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a proposed rule affecting Medicare payments for inpatient psychiatric facility (IPF) services. While the new guidelines would offer increases to base rates for these services, they would also delete certain requirements to report quality metrics data concerning alcohol and tobacco use. The proposed rule also outlines a new standardized tool for admission into IPFs.
On May 29, 2026, APA Services filed a response to the fiscal year 2027 inpatient psychiatric facility payment proposed rule (PDF, 179KB)opens in new window emphasizing the need for the current administration to support not only inpatient treatment for short-term crisis management, but also the entire spectrum of behavioral health treatment. Advocates are also concerned that the removal of quality metrics data reporting requirements concerning tobacco and alcohol use without an improved alternative could have unintended consequences. The response also highlights foundational problems with the proposed admission tool and urges the administration to work alongside stakeholders to develop an informed alternative.
For more information, email Andrew Strickland.