The Medicare Payments Advisory Commission (MedPAC) held its first meeting of the 2026–2027 meeting cycle on Sept. 3–4, providing a general overview of the program and its current financial status.
MedPAC typically meets publicly seven times per cycle while developing its statutorily required semiannual reports to Congress. Discussion signaled future steps the commission could recommend in these reports.
Specifically, the commission heard presentations on:
- Context for Medicare payment policy
- Issues and potential policy directions for Medicare Part D
- The status of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), beneficiaries’ access to care at ASCs, and a review of ASC quality
- The use of post-acute care services in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- The accuracy of Medicare Advantage risk adjustments
During discussion, commissioners expressed significant concerns regarding Medicare spending growth and its impact on beneficiary premiums. Commissioners discussed interest in further exploration of ASCs in future MedPAC reports, as well as market penetration of Medicare Advantage. The Commission is not contemplating changes in payments under so-called “site-neutral” frameworks, members noted.
Members of the America’s Essential Hospitals Federal Action Network (FAN) can access a full summary of both discussions on our FAN Resource Center. To access these summaries and other policy resources, join the FAN today.
Contact Director of Policy Rob Nelb, MPH, at rnelb@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
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