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SCOTUS to Weigh In on Medicaid Beneficiaries’ Right to Choose their Provider

Client Alert

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently granted a petition filed by the state of South Carolina to determine whether Medicaid recipients have the right to choose their provider without state interference. Section 1902(a)(23) of the Social Security Act generally requires state Medicaid programs to permit Medicaid beneficiaries to seek care from any institution, agency, community pharmacy, or provider that is qualified and willing to deliver care to beneficiaries.

South Carolina filed its petition in response to a Fourth Circuit ruling that prevented South Carolina’s Medicaid program from terminating its provider agreement with Planned Parenthood. In the Fourth Circuit case, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic argued that Section 1902(a)(23) of the Social Security Act gives Medicaid beneficiaries the right to seek care from any qualified and willing provider and that it was not Congress’ intent for states to intrude on a Medicaid patients’ personal decisions about medical care. Arguments will take place this spring; SCOTUS will consider the merits of the case and issue a decision by the end of the summer.

If you have questions about the Supreme Court’s decision to determine whether a Medicaid beneficiary has an enforceable right to challenge a state’s determination that a provider is unqualified, please contact Member Daphne Kackloudis at dlkackloudis@bmdllc.com, Attorney Jordan Burdick at jaburdick@bmdllc.com, or Attorney Kate Crawford at khcrawford@bmdllc.com.


New Florida Law: Patient Overpayments Must Be Refunded Within 30 Days

Effective January 1, 2026, Florida Senate Bill 1808 requires health care facilities and practitioners to refund patient overpayments within 30 days after an overpayment is identified. The law applies to overpayments tied to claims submitted to government programs or private insurers and introduces fines and disciplinary consequences for noncompliance. Providers should review billing and payment practices now to prepare for the new requirements.

USCIS Policy Change Impacting Work Authorization: Advisory for Employers and Human Resources

USCIS has issued a policy memorandum pausing immigration benefit processing for individuals from 19 high-risk countries and requiring a re-review of certain previously approved cases. This change may affect work authorization, employment verification, and workforce stability. Employers and HR teams should review impacted employees and update compliance procedures.

CMS Releases CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule with Key Payment and Telehealth Updates

CMS issued the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule on October 31, 2025, with changes effective January 1, 2026. The Final Rule includes increases to the conversion factor, a new efficiency adjustment, updates to practice expense methodology, permanent telehealth policy changes, revised payment for skin substitutes, expanded rules for Part B drugs and biologicals, enhanced policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers, and new care management and behavioral health services.

Ohio Department of Medicaid Updates: Key Changes to Physician Reimbursement Rates in Early Parenthood

The Ohio Department of Medicaid has proposed amending Ohio Administrative Code Rule related to covered Medicaid reimbursements for physicians. Beginning on January 1, 2026, they are proposing an increase to rates for prenatal care, childbirth, and infant care and provider visits.

Name, Image, and Likeness Agreements in Healthcare

For example, some healthcare providers have begun to utilize "Name, Image, and Likeness" agreements to promote the brand they have created through their healthcare practice.  We have seen the most healthcare NIL activity with longevity and wellness providers, as well as orthopedics.