In late 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) issued a final ruling on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2026. It primarily focused on updating payment systems and expanding access to care. Effective January 1, it is part of a broader strategy “to create a health care system that results in better quality, efficiency, empowerment, and innovation for all Medicare beneficiaries,” according to CMS.
The main areas affecting psychologists and their patients are about telehealth, reimbursement rates, and updated behavioral health codes.
The general view of the Medicare policy changes is positive in its long-term improvement with t...
