Comment on CMS-2026-1916-0001

Summary: Legal Council for Health Justice opposes the proposed rule on state directed payments (SDPs) and fee-for-service (FFS) targeted payments, arguing that it will slash Medicaid funding and harm healthcare access for vulnerable populations. The organization expresses concern that these cuts will increase uncompensated care costs for hospitals and potentially drive hospitals toward private equity ownership, leading to service reductions or closures.