Parts C and D Proposed Rule 2027
CMS, on November 19, 2025, released proposed new policies for MA and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs for calendar year 2027. Again, this is just a proposal, and it does not go into effect until January 1, 2027. Also, there will be a Rate-Setting proposal. The 465-page proposed rule, which was published in the Federal Register on November 28, includes significant changes to Star ratings quality measures. The agency uses the measures to rank Medicare Advantage and drug plans. These have been a source of controversy from major health plans such as United and Humana . High-performing plans qualify for coveted quality bonus payments and may use the additional payments to cover the cost of supplemental benefits, reduce cost-sharing, or provide extra benefits not covered by traditional Medicare. Comments are due by January 26, 2026. Among the proposed changes announced in the rule, CMS said it wants to possibly implement these: Streamline Star ratings by removing measures focused…
