Comment on CMS-2026-1256-0002

Summary: The Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) opposes the proposed FY 2027 Medicare payment rates, arguing that the 2.4% increase is insufficient to cover rising operational costs like inflation and labor. They specifically criticize the reduction in Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments, the narrowing of low-volume hospital eligibility, and the discontinuation of the low-wage index policy, which they claim will disproportionately harm rural and safety-net providers.