Medicare May Cut Imaging Cost Gaps

A federal proposal for 2027 would expand site-neutral payments for some imaging at hospital-owned outpatient facilities, including standard X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
The goal is simple: beneficiaries should not pay higher premiums or cost-sharing for the same care solely because it was delivered in a hospital-owned setting.
The federal agency estimated the change could cut program spending by ~$260M in 2027, plus ~$70M lower premiums and ~$70M lower cost-sharing.
The policy would pay qualifying imaging like a physician's office rate, while exempting Rural Sole Community Hospitals and leaving broader access concerns under debate.
The proposal was released recently for public comment, and a final 2027 rule will follow after the federal agency reviews feedback from stakeholders.