American Hospital Association April 4, 2025
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 4 finalized changes to the Medicare Advantage and prescription drug programs for contract year 2026. The rule finalizes proposed clarifications requiring MA and Part D plans to honor medical necessity decisions rendered as part of a prior authorization process, closes loopholes in MA appeals processes by explicitly defining organizational determinations eligible for appeal, and codifies requirements designed to improve enrollee experience interacting with dual eligible special needs plans. The administration deferred finalizing several...