CMS finalized its Contract Year 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D rule on April 2, 2026. The rule affects how plan quality is measured, how certain supplemental benefits are administered and how existing Part D financial protections are reflected in the regulations.
Star Ratings are being refocused
CMS is streamlining the Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings measure set, removing some measures that CMS says provide little meaningful distinction between plans and keeping the focus on clinical quality, outcomes and patient experience. CMS also described a new Part C depression screening and follow-up measure for a future measurement period.
Part D protections are being codified
The final rule codifies changes to the redesigned Part D benefit, including elimination of the coverage-gap phase, an annual out-of-pocket threshold and no enrollee cost sharing in the catastrophic phase.
Supplemental benefits receive additional attention
CMS also finalized clarifications related to debit cards used for certain Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits, with the stated goals of consistency, informed beneficiary choice and reducing fraud, waste and abuse.
Your plan still needs an individual review
Federal rules shape the Medicare market, but they do not make all plans alike. Networks, formularies, premiums, copays, supplemental benefits and service areas can still differ substantially from one plan to another.
As 2027 plan information becomes available, review the plan documents that apply to your location and situation. Your doctors, prescriptions and anticipated use of benefits should remain central to the comparison.