CMS Issues Final Access Rule: Key Provisions and Implications

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the publication of its final access rule last week. The final rule spans over 1,000 pages and addresses various provisions aimed at enhancing access to care while addressing quality metrics and transparency. Read ANCOR’s Press Release on the Access Rule.

Among the notable aspects of the final rule are provisions focused on improving transparency for payment rates and waiting lists. Additionally, the rule includes measures to streamline processes for filing grievances and reporting critical incidents. One key aspect of the final rule is the decision not to extend the requirement for 80% of payments for direct care compensation to habilitation services.

To provide stakeholders with comprehensive information about the final rule, CMS has released a fact sheet detailing its key provisions. Additionally, a chart indicating the effective dates for each provision has been made available, offering clarity on implementation timelines. ANCOR will continue to add resources to our members-only Access Rule Resource Center.