There is no single national Medicaid fee schedule. Each of the 50 states plus DC sets its own Medicaid payment rates, and most states typically pay 30-40% less than Medicare for the same service.
This guide links you to every state’s official fee schedule and explains what’s changing for 2026 and 2027.
Quick Answer
- Medicaid operates 51 separate fee schedules (50 states + DC) — there is no national Medicaid rate.
- Most states move to new fee schedules around July 1, the start of state fiscal year 2027, though some update in January, October, monthly, or quarterly instead.
- Under federal rules, states must publish all fee-for-service Medicaid rates on a public website and compare select rates to Medicare every two years. This is phasing in on a staggered schedule through 2030, not all at once.
- Idaho is extending a 4% Medicaid provider pay cut into FY 2027, and Colorado’s governor has proposed reductions to Medicaid reimbursement rates in the FY 2026-27 budget.
- Use the state directory below to go straight to your state’s official, current fee schedule.
- ✅ marks a confirmed rate update with a source. ⏳ marks a state where no rate change has been independently verified yet — the link goes to that state’s official rates page so you can check directly.
What Is a Medicaid Fee Schedule?
A Medicaid fee schedule lists the payment amount for each covered service. It tells providers how much they’ll be reimbursed.
Each state creates its own schedule, and rates typically change based on:
- Location (urban vs. rural)
- Service type (office visit, surgery, etc.)
- Patient age (child vs. adult)
- Provider specialty
Example: A doctor visit in Virginia pays more in Northern Virginia than in the rest of the state, because Medicaid rates account for regional cost differences.
Federal Transparency Requirements: What’s Actually in Effect
The relevant federal rule is CMS’s Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services final rule (CMS-2442-F), finalized in April 2024. It isn’t new for 2026 — it has 13 separate provisions with different compliance dates running from July 2025 through July 2030, so what applies depends on which part of the rule you mean.
For fee-for-service payment specifically, the rule requires states to:
- Publish all FFS Medicaid fee schedule payment rates on a public, accessible website.
- Compare their FFS rates for primary care, OB/GYN, and outpatient mental health/substance use disorder services to Medicare rates, and publish that comparison every two years.
- Publish the average hourly rate paid for personal care, home health aide, homemaker, and habilitation services, also every two years.
Source: CMS — Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Final Rule (CMS-2442-F) Fact Sheet
How Medicaid Rates Compare to Medicare
Medicaid typically pays less than Medicare for the same service — often 30-40% less, though the gap varies widely by state and by service type.
States are now required to publish their own comparison to Medicare rates for primary care, OB/GYN, and behavioral health services every two years under the Access Rule described above.
State-by-State Fee Schedule Directory
| State | Status | Rate Period | Latest Confirmed Update | Official Fee Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ⏳ | — | — | Alabama Medicaid Fee Schedules |
| Alaska | ⏳ | — | — | Alaska Medicaid |
| Arizona | ✅ | FFY27 (Jul 1 / Oct 1, 2026) | FFY27 fee schedules being released; behavioral health outpatient rates updated Jul/Aug 2026 | AHCCCS Fee-For-Service Rates |
| Arkansas | ⏳ | — | — | Arkansas Medicaid |
| California | ⏳ | — | — | Medi-Cal Rates |
| Colorado | ✅ (proposed) | FY 2026-27 (budget proposal) | Governor’s FY 2026-27 budget proposes reductions to Medicaid reimbursement rates to address cost growth of nearly 9% a year | Health First Colorado |
| Connecticut | ⏳ | — | — | CT HUSKY Health / DSS |
| Delaware | ⏳ | — | — | Delaware Medicaid (DMMA) |
| District of Columbia | ⏳ | — | — | DC Medicaid |
| Florida | ⏳ | — | — | Florida Medicaid (AHCA) |
| Georgia | ⏳ | — | — | Georgia Medicaid |
| Hawaii | ⏳ | — | — | Med-QUEST |
| Idaho | ✅ | FY 2027 (Jul 1, 2026) | Extending the 4% across-the-board Medicaid provider rate cut into FY 2027, part of $45 million in proposed Medicaid budget reductions | Idaho Medicaid |
| Illinois | ⏳ | — | — | Illinois Medicaid (HFS) |
| Indiana | ⏳ | — | — | Indiana Medicaid (IHCP) |
| Iowa | ⏳ | — | — | IA Health Link |
| Kansas | ⏳ | — | — | KanCare |
| Kentucky | ⏳ | — | — | Kentucky Medicaid (DMS) |
| Louisiana | ⏳ | — | — | Healthy Louisiana |
| Maine | ⏳ | — | — | MaineCare |
| Maryland | ⏳ | — | — | Maryland Medical Assistance |
| Massachusetts | ⏳ | — | — | MassHealth |
| Michigan | ⏳ | — | — | Michigan Medicaid (MDHHS) |
| Minnesota | ⏳ | — | — | Minnesota Medical Assistance |
| Mississippi | ⏳ | — | — | Mississippi Division of Medicaid |
| Missouri | ⏳ | — | — | MO HealthNet |
| Montana | ⏳ | — | — | Montana Medicaid |
| Nebraska | ✅ | SFY27 (Jul 1, 2026) | LTACH fee schedule holds rates flat — no rate increase appropriation for SFY27 | Nebraska Practitioner Fee Schedules |
| Nevada | ⏳ | — | — | Nevada Medicaid |
| New Hampshire | ⏳ | — | — | New Hampshire Medicaid |
| New Jersey | ⏳ | — | — | NJ FamilyCare |
| New Mexico | ⏳ | — | — | Turquoise Care (HSD) |
| New York | ⏳ | — | — | New York State Medicaid |
| North Carolina | ✅ | Jul 1, 2026 (partial; FY27 budget pending) | Rate schedules effective Jul 1–Sep 30, 2026 posted; direct care worker rate increases; full FY26–27 biennial budget not yet finalized | NC Medicaid Rates & Fee Schedules |
| North Dakota | ⏳ | — | — | North Dakota Medicaid |
| Ohio | ⏳ | — | — | Ohio Medicaid |
| Oklahoma | ⏳ | — | — | SoonerCare (OHCA) |
| Oregon | ⏳ | — | — | Oregon Health Plan |
| Pennsylvania | ⏳ | — | — | PA Medical Assistance (HealthChoices) |
| Rhode Island | ⏳ | — | — | Rhode Island Medicaid |
| South Carolina | ⏳ | — | — | Healthy Connections |
| South Dakota | ✅ | SFY27 (Jul 1, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027) | SFY27 fee schedules posted by category of service | SD Medicaid Provider Fee Schedules |
| Tennessee | ⏳ | — | — | TennCare |
| Texas | ⏳ | — | — | Texas Medicaid (HHSC) |
| Utah | ⏳ | — | — | Utah Medicaid |
| Vermont | ⏳ | — | — | Vermont Medicaid |
| Virginia | ✅ | Jul 1, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027 | CMS-approved state-directed payment increases: nursing facility rates (under-21) and NEMT rate increase | Virginia Medicaid (DMAS) |
| Washington | ⏳ | — | — | Washington Apple Health |
| West Virginia | ⏳ | — | — | West Virginia Medicaid |
| Wisconsin | ⏳ | — | — | Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus / Medicaid |
| Wyoming | ⏳ | — | — | Wyoming Medicaid |
Only the rows marked ✅ reflect a specific rate change confirmed against an official source. States marked ⏳ link to the correct official fee-schedule page, but the current rate-update month and change amount haven’t been independently verified yet — check that link directly for the latest figures. We update this table as more states confirm their FY 2027 rates.
FY 2027 Rate Changes to Watch
Most states finalize their next Medicaid provider rates around July 1, 2026, the start of state fiscal year 2027. Two states have confirmed proposals that would reduce, rather than raise, provider pay:
- Idaho — the governor’s FY 2027 budget plan extends a 4% across-the-board Medicaid provider rate cut for another year, as part of $45 million in proposed Medicaid budget reductions, according to reporting by Idaho Capital Sun.
- Colorado — Gov. Jared Polis’s FY 2026-27 budget proposal includes reductions to Medicaid reimbursement rates, which the administration says are needed to address Medicaid cost growth of nearly 9% annually, per CBS News Colorado.
Other states may propose changes as their FY 2027 budgets move through the legislative process. Check your state’s official fee schedule link above for the most current figures.
How to Find Your State’s Fee Schedule
Step 1: Visit Your State Medicaid Website
Search “[Your state] Medicaid fee schedule,” or use the directory above.
Step 2: Look for Provider Resources
Common page names:
- Provider Rates
- Fee Schedules
- Reimbursement Information
- Billing and Coding
Step 3: Select Your Provider Type
Categories include:
- Physician services
- Dental services
- Behavioral health
- Hospital services
- Home health
- Transportation
Step 4: Download the Schedule
Most states offer Excel spreadsheets, PDF documents, or online lookup tools.
Why Rates Vary by State
Geographic differences: Cities typically pay more than rural areas, based on practice costs. Virginia, for example, uses two rate regions; Arizona uses four.
Population differences: Rates vary by patient age — pediatric (under 21), adult (21+), and geriatric (65+) rates often differ.
Provider type differences: Payment varies by office-based vs. hospital-based settings, independent vs. hospital-owned practices, and specialty.
Update schedule differences: States update rates at different times of year — January, July, October, monthly, or quarterly, depending on the state’s fiscal calendar and program.
Key Terms to Know
Fee-for-Service (FFS): Payment for each service provided.
Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI): Adjustment for regional cost differences.
Managed Care Organization (MCO): A private company that manages Medicaid benefits on the state’s behalf.
State Plan Amendment (SPA): Official approval process for a state Medicaid rate change.
CPT Codes: Procedure codes used for billing.
HCPCS Codes: Healthcare procedure coding system used alongside CPT codes.
Telehealth Payment
Telehealth coverage and payment rules vary by state. Many states cover telehealth visits, though not always at the same rate as an in-person visit, and most require documentation of:
- Medical necessity
- Visit type (phone or video)
- Patient location
- Patient consent
Check your state’s fee schedule and telehealth policy directly for current rates, since this is one of the areas most likely to change as states update their programs.
FAQs
Q: When do 2026 and 2027 Medicaid rates take effect?
It depends on the state. Some states update rates in January, others in July or October, and a few update monthly or quarterly. Check your state’s official fee schedule link above for exact dates.
Q: How much less does Medicaid pay than Medicare?
Medicaid typically pays 30-40% less than Medicare, though the gap varies by state and by service type. Some states pay closer to Medicare rates; others pay significantly less.
Q: Are Medicaid provider rates going up or down for 2027?
It varies by state. Most states haven’t finalized FY 2027 rates yet. Idaho and Colorado have confirmed proposals to reduce provider rates; other states may announce increases or decreases as their budgets are finalized.
Q: Where can I find my state’s current fee schedule?
Use the state directory above, or visit your state Medicaid agency’s website and look for “Provider Rates” or “Fee Schedules” in the provider section.
Q: Do all states have the same Medicaid rates?
No. Each state sets its own rates. Payment amounts vary by state, region, provider type, and service — there is no national Medicaid fee schedule.
Q: What are the federal transparency requirements for Medicaid rates?
Under CMS’s Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services rule (CMS-2442-F), states must publish all fee-for-service Medicaid rates online and compare select rates to Medicare every two years. Different parts of the rule take effect on different dates between 2025 and 2030.
Q: How often do Medicaid rates change?
Most states update rates once a year, tied to their fiscal year. Some states update quarterly for drug rates, and California updates monthly. Check your state’s schedule for exact timing.
Bottom Line
Medicaid fee schedules are set state by state, so there’s no single number that applies everywhere. Use the directory above to go straight to your state’s official rates, and check back as more states finalize their FY 2027 fee schedules — we update the confirmed (✅) entries as new official rate changes are verified.
Next steps:
- Find your state in the directory above and visit its official fee schedule page.
- Check the effective date for the current rates.
- Review rates for your specific provider type or service.
- If your state is marked ⏳, check back or contact your state Medicaid provider services department for the latest figures.
- Watch for FY 2027 budget finalization in your state, since several states have proposed rate changes that haven’t been confirmed yet.
Need help? Contact your state Medicaid provider services department directly — they can confirm the exact, current rate for your service and provider type.
Last Updated: August 22, 2026
Sources:
- CMS — Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Final Rule (CMS-2442-F) Fact Sheet
- Idaho Capital Sun, via Yahoo News — Idaho FY 2027 Medicaid provider pay cuts
- CBS News Colorado — Colorado FY 2026-27 Medicaid rate cut proposal
- Individual state Medicaid agency websites (linked in the directory above)
- Medicaid.gov State Resources
Disclaimer: CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. For an official rate or eligibility decision, contact your state Medicaid agency.
