Medicare Part B Updates for 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made numerous changes to Medicare Part B in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. CMS recently released RVU files that include the two newly introduced conversion factors for 2026: one file contains the conversion for qualifying APM participants (QPs), while the other file includes the conversion factor for non-QP participants. 

See MGMA Government Affairs’ Medicare Outlook Webinar for more information about what is changing in Medicare for 2026, along with our Analysis of 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.

Medicare Telehealth Extension and Upcoming Expirations

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, issued an extension of COVID-era telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications through December 31, 2026, which were previously set to expire on December 31, 2025. This extension is intended to give the DEA time to finalize telemedicine prescribing regulations to ensure a smooth transition for patients and providers. Absent Congressional action, other COVID-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities will expire on January 30, 2026, including:

• The ability to see a patient in their home, regardless of geographic location
• An expanded list of eligible practitioners

MGMA has long advocated for expanding coverage and reimbursement of virtual services to increase patient access to care. Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to extend these telehealth flexibilities and work toward a permanent solution.

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