CMSGov

CMS is simplifying how Medicare Advantage (MA) and prescription drug plans are rated, strengthening financial protections in Part D, and cutting unnecessary red tape for plans and providers. These changes are part of the Contract Year 2027 MA and Part D final rule. More: go.cms.gov/4vaNLU8

ICYMI: The CMS Medicaid team was recently at #QualCon26 to meet with providers and health industry professionals from across the nation to listen to their ideas and insights. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

CMS has issued a proposal to update Medicare payment policies and rates for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPF) under the IPF Prospective Payment System for fiscal year 2027. The rule proposes annual updates to the prospective payment rates updates to the IPF Quality Reporting Program. More: go.cms.gov/4sPuje9

Today, CMS proposed a rule for updates to Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities under the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System for fiscal year 2027. CMS is proposing the removal of two COVID-19 measures, revising the data submission deadline, and requiring the submission of Minimum Data Set data on all SNF residents receiving covered skilled care in a SNF, regardless of payer. Learn more: go.cms.gov/4drOn1d

Today, CMS has unveiled a new transparency approach to highlighting hospice providers with potentially concerning behaviors in the Fiscal Year 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements Proposed Rule. CMS is making a new, publicly available hospice scoring system based on indicators of possible program integrity and compliance issues. More: go.cms.gov/48nmdks

CMS has issued a proposed rule to update Medicare payment policies and rates for inpatient rehabilitation facilities under the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System and the IRF Quality Reporting Program for fiscal year 2027. More: go.cms.gov/4tph5Ey

Save the date, 4/13, 2:30-3:30P ET: Join us for a virtual listening session focused on patient experiences in health care for improving access, transparency, and affordability. Submit your questions in advance and register today ➡️ go.cms.gov/4bEsvwU

Reminder: The webinar for the Short-Term Acute Care PEPPER is in five days. Please be sure to register to attend using this link: go.cms.gov/4rL3Ugd and submit your questions to CMS_CBRPEPPER@cms.hhs.gov.

CMS, through the CMS Innovation Center, announced that eligible organizations participating in ACO REACH and Enhancing Oncology Models may begin offering optional Substance Access Beneficiary Engagement Incentive starting April 1, 2026, and will be available to participants in the LEAD Model beginning in 2027. Through this optional incentive, eligible hemp-derived products can be incorporated into patient care plans under clinician guidance, consistent with model requirements and applicable law. More: go.cms.gov/4m8lJob

ACOs can now apply to participate in the LEAD Model—an important step forward in the Innovation Center’s accountable care work to support a broader mix of health care providers and Medicare beneficiaries. Learn more: go.cms.gov/4m3XfMS

CMS’s Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Dan Brillman joined @MHPA’s #PALF26 last week to talk about how CMS is working with states to advance managed care and smoothly implement new federal policies.

Learn more: go.cms.gov/4uZtO2r

Given the scale of Medicare’s investment in inpatient care, it is the responsibility of CMS to encourage hospital food and nutrition services to incorporate the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which reflects the latest federal nutrition policy. Today, CMS sent a memorandum reminding hospital providers of their obligations related to patient food and nutrition services.

CMS has extended the deadline for the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Drug Acquisition Cost Survey to April 7, 2026. Hospitals paid under the OPPS are to complete the survey by the extended deadline. Additional information is available at: go.cms.gov/4bQkXHI

@HHSGov Learn more: go.cms.gov/4mcQFUt

Today, @HHSGov and CMS are proud to announce the members of the Healthcare Advisory Committee, a federal advisory body composed of leaders from across healthcare who will help modernize and strengthen the U.S. healthcare system.

If you couldn’t join us for the 2026 CMS Burden Reduction Conference, you can now view the sessions online! Hear from CMS leadership and health innovators about how we can transform care to put Patients over Paperwork! Watch now: go.cms.gov/4sBoqkA

CMS is working to accelerate pediatric innovation with a whole-child, whole-family approach. Our new ASPIRE model moves away from the siloed fee-for-service care model by incentivizing care teams to coordinate, prioritize prevention, and demonstrate genuine improvements in efficiency, quality of care, and health and functional outcomes. statnews.com/2026/03/24/cms…

Our public health programs are failing the children who need them most. When communication between providers breaks down, kids miss out on the treatments they need. That’s why CMS has announced a new pilot program, ASPIRE, to turn this shoddy patchwork of care into a seamless tapestry: statnews.com/2026/03/24/cms…

CMS announces the Accelerating State Pediatric Innovation Readiness and Effectiveness (ASPIRE) Model — a new opportunity for states to strengthen behavioral + physical health supports for high- and rising-risk children. Learn more: go.cms.gov/ASPIRE