Statement on the Contract Year 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Program Final Rule

By Soumi Saha, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Premier Inc.

Premier applauds the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule for closing loopholes and games played by Medicare Advantage payers that left unchecked place Medicare beneficiaries in a continual nightmarish loop of prior authorization. Premier is especially thrilled to see CMS crack down on plans' ability to retroactively deny approved hospital stays-because once medically necessary care is given, it shouldn't be up for debate.

But let's be real: while these reforms are a step in the right direction, Medicare Advantage plans can still shortchange the providers who actually care for patients. If we want to keep Medicare strong for the long haul, it's time to fix the broken system. Premier is ready to work with policymakers to make sure hospitals and clinicians aren't left holding the bag.