Estimated Impact of the Medicare PPS Proposed Rule

closeup of a Medicare health insurance card with a paperclip

As previously announced, the proposed Medicare rule for rates effective October 1, 2023, include a market basket increase of 3.7%. However, changes in the wage index for each county also impact the actual change in rate realized by providers. In looking at the changes in the proposed North Carolina wage index, there are 12 urban counties with a wage index increase, 38 urban counties with a wage index decrease, and 50 rural counties with a wage index decrease. However, none of the wage index decreases are enough to place any providers in a position to have an estimated Medicare rate reduction. The minimum increase is .26% whereas the maximum increase is 6.69%.  

To access an Excel file with the estimated impact of the proposed Medicare rule, click here.