Shutdown
Washington was focused this week on the potential shutdown. Absent an approved budget, the federal government will shut down at midnight. While essential programs and services will continue, non-essential services will be closed. This often means that even essential services are diminished (i.e., it’s recommended to get to the airport early as getting through TSA may take longer). However, Medicare/Medicaid/ACA payments will continue regardless of whether a shutdown happens.
Medicare Advantage Regulation
CMS finalized a regulation that requires MA plans to disclose their provider directories on Medicare Plan Finder for 2027 Open Enrollment.
Catastrophic Plan Updates
CMS announced that catastrophic plans will automatically show up for consumers who lose tax credit coverage if they sign up for Exchange coverage through Healthcare.gov. This could dramatically increase catastrophic plan enrollment. Issuers, in many states, are currently considering changing their catastrophic plan premiums given the expanded eligibility.
