August 3, 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the FY2027 SNF PPS final rule last week, effective October 1, 2026. Here is what was finalized.
COVID-19 Vaccination Measures Removed from the SNF QRP
Both the Healthcare Personnel (HCP) and resident COVID-19 vaccination measures were removed from the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) beginning FY2028.
Importantly, removal from the QRP does not end all COVID-19 obligations. CMS confirmed that separate requirements under 42 CFR 483.80 remain in force, including F887 documentation requirements and ongoing NHSN respiratory illness reporting under §483.80(g). Facilities should continue to comply with both and expect continued surveyor enforcement.
Advance Care Planning: No Measure Adopted
CMS will consider request for information (RFI) feedback for future rulemaking for the SNF QRP: advanced care planning (ACP), but is not adopting an ACP measure now.
Other Provisions
- Payment rates: 2.4% net increase; estimated $882.74 million more to SNFs in FY2027.
- PDPM: No changes now, but CMS flagged significant case-mix coding increases it believes do not reflect true patient acuity.
- MDS deadlines tighten (FY2029): Submission window reduced from 4.5 months to approximately 45 days after each quarter.
- All-payer MDS (FY2031): MDS required for all residents regardless of payer.
- SNF VBP: Estimated $203.6 million reduction in aggregate VBP payments for FY2027.
PALTmed submitted formal comments in June 2026, raising concerns over the removal of both COVID-19 vaccination measures and responding to the ACP RFI. CMS acknowledged our comments and indicated it may consider PALTmed's feedback as part of future measure development.