CMS Proposes 2027 Updates to Medicare Advantage and Part D Policies

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed rule for the 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D policies, inviting public comments by January 26, 2026. Key provisions in Medicare Part D include codifying statutory changes from the Inflation Reduction Act, while Medicare Advantage updates focus on refining STAR rating metrics, expanding special enrollment flexibilities, and revising health equity mandates related to utilization management and quality improvement programs. CMS also proposes enhanced access to risk-adjusted MA data, aligning MA data availability closer to fee-for-service data standards, a move supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).