Insights: Policy

Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Reimbursement

As part of the FY26 SNF proposed rule, CMS is proposing to increase SNF payments by 2.8% ($1b) relative to FY25.

Medicare Inpatient Hospital (IPPS) Reimbursement

As part of the FY26 IPPS proposed rule, CMS is proposing to increase inpatient hospital payments by 2.4% ($4b) relative to FY25.

Medicaid Reimbursement

CMS has informed states it will not approve new or extend existing requests for federal dollars on designated state health programs (DSHPs) and designated state investment programs (DSIPs). DSHPs and DSIPs represent ~$2.7b in Medicaid spending in CY25.

Student Lending

Following the release of President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) directing the “dismantling” of the Department of Education (DoEd), key Republicans in Congress – including Senate HELP Chair Cassidy (R-LA) – indicated they would introduce legislation to effectuate the closure of the agency. Meanwhile, with the passage this week of the House/Senate...

Crypto (Stablecoins/Market Structure)

Senate Banking Committee (SBC) Chair Scott (R-SC) said this week that he foresees stablecoin legislation coming to the floor for a vote in May, and that he’s working on a compromise version of the bill with House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) Chair Hill (R-AR) before this occurs. The SBC passed stablecoin legislation (the GENIUS Act) by a...

Bank Capital/Liquidity

Secretary Bessent gave a speech this week in which he indicated Treasury plans to play a central role in re-shaping financial regulation. He outlined his views generally and signaled direction on a number of issues, including Basel III, SLR, and stress tests/SCB. Bessent’s speech builds on Trump’s comment that, “The Fed has done a terrible job...