CMS Releases Proposed 2027 MPFS with Rural Updates

On July 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published its Fact Sheet summarizing its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year (CY) 2027. The proposed changes for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) include expanding preventative services by recognizing Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) as qualified under the RHC benefit. Under the proposed MPFS, these services would be covered at the all-inclusive rate as stand-alone billable visits, aligning RHC payment policies with FQHCs and physician offices, thereby expanding access in rural areas. The proposed MPFS would also provide that in-person visit requirements for mental health visits not apply to any services furnished through Dec. 31, 2027, in conformity with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.