CMS Takes Steps On Site-Neutral Payments in Proposed Rule

Washington, D.C. (July 8, 2026) — Building on progress made last year to implement site-neutral payment reforms, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took another important step forward in lowering health care costs for Medicare patients and taxpayers in their latest proposed rule. The proposed provision to implement site-neutral payments for certain imaging services would eliminate skewed payment incentives that shift routine imaging care to higher-cost settings, encourage further consolidation, and raise costs for patients. 

These policies help protect patients from unfair billing practices, where costs for the same routine services can vary drastically based on the location the patient receives care. 

We commend the Administration for continuing to take meaningful steps to lower health care costs. And while the Administration continues to make progress on site-neutrality through rulemaking, we also look forward to working with both Congress and the Administration to enact comprehensive site-neutral payment reform to reduce the cost of care for patients, taxpayers, and employers.