The Patients First Act of 2026 aims to reform the Medicare payment system to enhance patient access to healthcare and ensure fair compensation for primary care providers. Set to take effect in 2027, the legislation introduces a new payment model that adjusts physician payments based on a formula linked to the Medicare Economic Index, which reflects the costs of care. A key feature is the establishment of a hybrid payment model for primary care, allowing qualifying providers to receive a monthly payment per patient rather than being compensated for each service rendered.