The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule, “Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; Basic Health Program” (the 2027 Payment Notice final rule) that sets standards for the Health Insurance Exchanges, as well as for health insurance issuers, and agents, brokers, and web-brokers who connect millions of consumers to Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.

Please see the following links:

• Press Release: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-final-rule-lowers-costs-cracks-down-fraud-expands-state-control
• Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-notice-benefit-payment-parameters-2027-final-rule
• Final Rule: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cms-9883-f-patient-protection.pdf

This HHS-approved document will be submitted to the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) for publication and has not yet been placed on public display or published in the Federal Register. The document may vary slightly from the published document if minor editorial changes have been made during the OFR review process. The document published in the Federal Register is the official HHS-approved document.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the expansion of electronic prior authorization as part of its Health Tech Ecosystem initiative.

Building on efforts that began in January 2026, CMS is strengthening collaboration among health plans, providers, and certified electronic health record (EHR) vendors to streamline prior authorization for medical items and services. The expanded initiative brings together health systems, hospitals, physician practices, EHR vendors, and digital health developers—alongside payers—to enable end-to-end, consistent electronic prior authorization workflows across the healthcare system. Participants will also align with CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule requirements, focusing on closing workflow gaps and improving technical coordination across stakeholders.

Full implementation of electronic prior authorization infrastructure is expected by January 1, 2027.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that beginning July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare beneficiaries will have access to GLP-1 medications for $50 per month.

Eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan will be able to access these medications through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration, which will run through December 31, 2027. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge operates under the Secretary’s authority to test new approaches to care delivery under Medicare and is supported by CMS, including centralized processes for claims adjudication and payment to pharmacies. Part D sponsors will not bear financial risk for eligible GLP-1 drugs provided under the demonstration and will not be required to opt in for their enrollees to access these medications.

CMS will continue to work with stakeholders—including providers, pharmacies, and manufacturers—to support implementation and ensure all partners have all information prior to the demonstration’s launch.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a toolkit with resources for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to apply for the upcoming cycle of the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

Applications will be accepted through the ACO Management System from June 9 through noon ET on June 23. For more information, visit the Application Types & Timeline webpage. Email questions to SharedSavingsProgram@cms.hhs.gov.

Application deadline is noon ET June 23, 2026.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the upcoming launch of the “Medicare GLP-1 Bridge,” a time-limited demonstration project that will provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 medications for $50 per month beginning July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The initiative is designed to expand affordable access to innovative, evidence-based weight-loss treatments that may improve long-term health outcomes for seniors managing obesity and related conditions. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz stated that the demonstration aims to make these medications more affordable and accessible for Medicare beneficiaries, while supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing barriers to care. CMS will continue working with providers, pharmacies, and manufacturers ahead of the program launch and encourages beneficiaries to speak with their health care providers to determine whether a GLP-1 medication is appropriate for their care needs. Additional program details are available on the CMS website.
 
CMS Press Release and Fact Sheet Summaries – find all press releases and fact sheets here: https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/contact/newsroom