Summary of CY2026 Final Rate Announcement & CY2026 Final Part D Redesign Instructions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies, which finalizes important changes in plan payments, risk adjustment and other financial and regulatory requirements for 2026. In tandem, CMS released the ‘Final CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions’, finalizing guidance on CY2026 treatment of changes enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act. Wakely summarizes key changes that will affect Medicare Advantage pricing for CY2026.