CMS finalizes CY 2026 Medicare Advantage, Part D rates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 7 released finalized payment rates for calendar year 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Payments to MA plans are projected to result in an increase of 5.06%, or more than $25 billion. This is an increase of 2.83% since the CY 2026 Advance Notice, which CMS attributes to an increase in the effective growth rate. The AHA is continuing to review the rate announcement and recent policy rule and will provide members with more information soon.