The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Jan. 10 proposed a 4.3% payment increase to Medicare Advantage plans for calendar year 2026, amounting to approximately $21 billion. CMS also proposed to complete its implementation of a three-year phase-in of changes to the MA risk adjustment model and growth rate calculation related to medical education costs in addition to other technical improvements. In addition, out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for individuals with Medicare Part D will be capped at $2,100 in 2026.  
 
CMS is accepting comments through Feb. 10 on the advance notice of proposed changes. The agency expects to publish the final 2026 rate announcement by April 7.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 6 released the Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement for calendar year 2027. The rate…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 2 released a final rule on policy and technical changes to Medicare Advantage, the Medicare Prescription…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services March 30 announced that C2C Innovative Solutions will replace Maximus in reviewing and processing appeals of…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments by May 11 on its proposed revisions to data reporting requirements for Medicare Advantage…
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The Joint Economic Committee March 10 released a report that found Medicare Part B premiums rose last year due to Medicare Advantage overpayments. The…
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A JAMA study published Feb. 18 found that 10% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries — approximately 2.9 million — have needed to find other health coverage for…