Washington, D.C. (July 14, 2025) – Ann Greiner, President and CEO of the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC), has issued the following statement in response to the release of the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule issued today:
“After an initial review, we are encouraged CMS aims to tackle many of the core reasons Medicare — and the broader health system — has consistently underinvested in primary care and prevention. PCC will be reviewing the details of the NPRM with our members and responding by the September deadline.”
“Modernizing payment for Medicare primary care is vital, not just for seniors and disabled beneficiaries, but for all Americans. As the nation’s largest payer, Medicare’s payment priorities influence the payment policies of every other health care payer.”
“America clearly needs a reinvigorated national conversation about prioritizing preventing chronic disease and its complications, with whole-person primary care leading the way,” Greiner added.
PCC is ready to engage with CMS on the announced proposals, including those that:
- Build on the Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) services, with new proposals to promote behavioral health integration in advanced primary care
- Rebalance payment for cognitive-reliant services vs. procedures though a proposed “efficiency adjustment” and a new focus on empirical analysis of clinician time
- Change practice expense reimbursement — shifting resources from facility-to community-based practices
- Make adjustments to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program and request comment on ways to improving wellness, prevention and chronic disease management