On April 25, CMS published a proposed rule updating the Medicare IRF PPS for FY 2009. Due to statutory requirements in the MMSEA, CMS will freeze IRF payment rates for FY 2009. The rule also would, among other things, rebase IRF rates using FY 2006 (rather than 2003) data, reduce high-cost outlier payments, and continue a current requirement that 60% of a facility’s patient population have one of 13 specified qualifying conditions (with comorbidities counting towards the threshold). CMS estimates that the proposed changes will result in an estimated decrease in aggregate IRF payments of $20 million for FY 2009. CMS will accept comments on the proposed rule until June 20.