When you partner with DataGen and use our Medicare fee-for-service policy analytics solution, you receive Medicare IPPS proposed rule payment briefs, along with additional essential Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) updates and materials throughout the year.   DataGen provides an overview of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 proposed rule for the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS)    Overview of policies for the FFY 2026 IPPS new proposed rule The DataGen Medicare FFS policy analytics team summarized and analyzed the following policy changes in the new proposed rule:  utilizing FFY 2024 Medicare Provider and Review (MedPAR) and FFY 2023 Hospital Cost Reporting Information System (HCRIS) data for standard calculations;  updates to the Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment policies, including hospital eligibility for DSH Uncompensated Care (UCC) payments in FFY 2026 being...

 SCNs and the value-based care mandate in New York state New York’s 1115 Medicaid waiver represents a pivotal opportunity for providers to engage in value-based care models that improve outcomes and reduce costs. At the heart of this transformation are Social Care Networks (SCNs) — a state initiative designed to address health-related social needs (HRSN) such as food insecurity, housing instability and transportation barriers for Medicaid recipients.  SCNs are central to New York’s long-term strategy for integrating clinical and non-clinical care. For primary care providers (PCPs), engaging with SCNs offers not only a chance to better serve vulnerable populations but also to receive enhanced reimbursement through the waiver, particularly when paired with the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition .  What are Social Care Networks (SCNs)?  SCNs are regional networks of community-based organizations (CBOs) an...