Public Notice Regarding Reimbursement Rates for Ventilator Facilities (July 1, 2026) - PDF

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services issued Transmittal No. 26-0004 pursuant to 42 CFR 447.205, providing public notice of a proposed State Plan amendment affecting reimbursement rates for ventilator facilities. The proposed effective date is January 1, 2026, and the amendment is being made to comply with the 2026 Kentucky State Budget (HB 500). The amendment increases the all-inclusive daily payment rate for hospital-based ventilator-dependent facilities that operate a distinct part ventilator unit with more than 100 beds and a dedicated pediatric unit with 12 or more beds. The daily rate increases from $982.00 to $1,220.00, and the change is made to comply with 907 KAR 1:025(6). The Department estimates the total fiscal impact of the rate increase at $8,587,401. The proposed change is subject to approval by CMS and may be modified or revised during the federal approval process. Interested parties may submit written comments or questions to the Division of Healthcare Policy at DMSSPAS@KY.GOV within 30 days of the publication date of the notice. The notice is also available for public review at the Department for Medicaid Services.