The comment period for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed rule for policies governing the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs for contract year 2027 ends Jan. 26. Within the proposal, CMS seeks changes to the Quality Rating System (Star Ratings) measure set and health plan marketing practices but is not attempting to change the risk adjustment model. Instead, the proposed rule includes several requests for information seeking public input on potential improvements to modernize the MA program, including changes to the risk adjustment and quality bonus payment systems; oversight of chronic condition special needs plans serving dually eligible individuals; and coverage of well-being and nutrition policies, among other issues. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov.

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Medicare Advantage now covers more than half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries, making its impact on hospitals, health systems and patients impossible to…
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The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission June 15 released its June report to Congress that estimated the association between Medicare Advantage enrollment and…
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The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General June 11 released two reports on high rates of coverage denials by Medicare Advantage…
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Members of Congress and hospital and health system leaders today gathered for a briefing in Washington, D.C., to discuss how payment delays in Medicare…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 28 issued a final rule making changes to the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model beginning July 1.…
Perspective
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Approximately 35 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, and that number is expected to grow to about 45 million MA enrollees by…