Pulse development · 2 cited sources · August 17, 2026
CMS Rules and a New Quality Icon
A final skilled nursing rule changes payment and reporting, while Care Compare will add a high-performing icon for some homes.
CMS is changing both the rules used to govern skilled nursing facilities and the public signal families may see while comparing them. Its FY 2027 skilled nursing facility payment rule has changes that take effect October 1, 2026. It removes two COVID-19 vaccination measures from the Quality Reporting Program, revises data-submission deadlines to improve the timeliness of public reporting, and requires Minimum Data Set data on all residents receiving skilled care, regardless of payer. The Value-Based Purchasing program withholds 2% of skilled nursing payments and redistributes a portion based on performance.
CMS also plans a public signal for Care Compare. Under its risk-based survey model, homes marked high-performing will carry a gold trophy icon. CMS plans to implement the icon on the back end by Sept. 8 and display it publicly on Sept. 30. The report says just 12% of homes currently meet all the criteria. Eligibility includes a Five-star overall rating and a Three-star staffing rating, among 11 requirements. Facilities that qualify will undergo surveys that take half the time and require fewer surveyors. Providers told Skilled Nursing News that the icon could influence family decisions, but a home without it may still be the best option for a person who needs a particular service.
Evidence
Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.
- CMS released a final rule for Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Payment Rates for FY 2027.
- The rule has payment updates and finalizes changes to the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program.
- The rule is effective October 1, 2026.
- The rule removes two COVID-19 vaccination measures, revises data-submission deadlines, and requires Minimum Data Set data on all residents receiving skilled care, regardless of payer.
- The Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing Program withholds 2% of SNF payments and redistributes a portion based on performance.
- Nursing homes will be marked as high-performing with a gold trophy icon on Care Compare.
- Michelle Stuercke said the icon will be a strong indicator for families and drive family decision-making.
- CMS plans to implement the icon on the back end by Sept. 8 and display it publicly on Sept. 30.
- Just 12% of facilities currently meet all the criteria.
- Eligibility includes no less than a Five-star overall rating and no less than a Three-star staffing rating, among 11 requirements.
- Qualifying high-performing facilities will undergo surveys that take half the time and require fewer surveyors.
- Sector leaders warn that facilities without the icon may still be the best option for a resident needing a particular service.
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