Money moves
CMS Proposes FY2027 SNF PPS Rate Adjustment of 2.8%
CMS released its advance notice projecting a 2.8% net increase in SNF payments for FY2027, driven by a 3.4% market basket update offset by a 0.6% productivity adjustment.
Policy watch
Staffing Mandate Phase-In Timeline Gets New CMS Guidance
CMS published a memo clarifying that facilities in rural areas can apply for a two-year hardship exemption from the 3.48 HPRD minimum, with applications due by March 1, 2026.
Heads up
Texas Chain Hit With $1.2M in CMPs After Survey Blitz
A 14-facility chain in East Texas received civil monetary penalties totaling $1.2M after immediate jeopardy citations at three locations for medication management failures.
Deal watch
Sabra REIT Acquires 22-Facility Portfolio in Midwest
Sabra Health Care REIT announced a $310M acquisition of 22 SNFs across Ohio and Indiana, adding 2,640 beds to its portfolio at roughly $117K per bed.
The bottom line
A busy Wednesday with CMS setting the table for FY2027 rates, staffing exemption deadlines crystallizing, and capital still flowing into Midwest beds.