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CMS Announces 2026 PDPM Rate Updates: Net 2.1% Increase with Case-Mix Recalibration
CMS released the FY 2026 payment rule for SNFs under PDPM, including a 2.1% market basket increase and updated case-mix weights. The overall impact for SNFs differs based on patient acuity.
Why this matters: The rate update affects all Medicare Part A payments starting October 1, 2026. Facilities with higher acuity patients may see above-average increases.
What's to be expected: Most facilities will see a net positive impact, but case-mix recalibration means some categories will see larger increases than others.
What's next: CMS will release final rule details in August 2026. Facilities should review their case-mix distribution to estimate impact.
Federal Staffing Mandate Implementation Timeline: What SNFs Need to Know for 2026
The national minimum staffing requirements for SNFs are set to phase in through 2026, with compliance deadlines varying by facility size and location. Operators must prepare now for the financial and operational impacts.
Why this matters: Non-compliance will result in financial penalties and potential exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid programs.
What's to be expected: Facilities in rural areas and those with current staffing below requirements face the greatest challenges.
What's next: CMS will begin enforcement in phases, starting with larger facilities in urban areas.
Nurse Staffing Crisis Deepens: Agency Rates Up 15% in Q4 2025, Expected to Continue
Agency nursing rates increased an average of 15% in Q4 2025, with some markets seeing 25%+ increases. The trend is expected to continue into 2026 as facilities compete for limited nursing talent amidst federal staffing mandates.
Why this matters: Rising agency costs directly impact operating margins, with some facilities reporting 20-30% of labor costs going to agency staff.
What's to be expected: Facilities are exploring retention strategies, including sign-on bonuses, improved benefits, and flexible scheduling.
What's next: Industry groups are advocating for increased Medicare reimbursement to offset rising labor costs.
Recent Signal
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Five-Star Rating System Updates: New Quality Measures Effective January 2026
CMS updated the Five-Star rating methodology with new quality measures that will impact facility ratings starting in 2026.
Read full analysisSNF Occupancy Rates Stabilize at 78.3%: Regional Variations Highlight Market Dynamics
National occupancy rates have stabilized, but significant regional variations reveal different market conditions across the country.
Read full analysisMedicaid Reimbursement Updates: State Budgets Show Mixed Signals for 2026
State budget proposals for 2026 show varying approaches to Medicaid reimbursement, with some states increasing rates while others maintain flat funding.
Read full analysisValue-Based Purchasing Program Expands: New Measures and Payment Adjustments
CMS expanded the Value-Based Purchasing program with additional quality measures that will affect Medicare payments.
Read full analysisSNF Operations Report Reveals Pressure: Labor Costs Outpace Revenue Increases
A new industry report shows that labor cost increases are outpacing revenue growth, putting pressure on operating margins.
Read full analysisNew Federal Mandates on Staff Training and Competency Requirements
New federal requirements for staff training and competency assessments will take effect in 2026, requiring facilities to update their training programs.
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