Wakely Wire
January 15, 2026
New Insights
Whitepapers, briefs, press releases and more
When Stars Realign: Understanding CMS’s 2027 Proposed Rule
This white paper provides an overview and impact analysis of the Star Rating changes proposed in the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed Rule issued by CMS. Findings include: • Key components of the proposed Star Rating changes • Analysis of impacts across major parent organizations and the market as a whole • Brief ... Continue reading
Week in Washington – 1/15/26
Congress -The Senate bipartisan group working on extending enhanced premium tax credits failed to reach agreement. The key sticking point on negotiations are around abortion coverage. -Several outlets reported that some Senators were focusing their efforts on rules governing pharmacy benefit managers and other health care savings items. The potential changes could include things like ... Continue reading
Events & More
2027 ACA Considerations: Proposed NBBP and Other Key Changes and Trends
WAKELY WEBINAR:
Upon the release of the CMS final 2027 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters and the accompanying Letter to Issuers in January, health plans and state policymakers will face critical decisions that shape the next phase of the individual and small group markets.
Join experts from HMA and Wakely for a timely discussion unpacking what the proposed rule means in practice and how stakeholders can begin preparing now. This webinar will provide a clear overview of the final 2027 NBPP and Letter to Issuers, highlight the most significant policy changes and clarifications, and explore the operational and strategic implications for states. Speakers will focus on how the final policies may influence market stability, affordability, program administration, and longer-term planning for 2027 and beyond.
Newsworthy Findings
House Votes to Revive Enhanced ACA Subsidies
The House voted 230-196 to extend the financial assistance, which lapsed on Dec. 31, for three years. The measure is not expected to pass the Senate.
UnitedHealth ‘Aggressively’ Gaming Medicare Advantage, Senate Investigation Finds
Staffers for Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, dove into 50,000 pages of documentation from UnitedHealth for the new report, which accuses the company of maintaining a workforce dedicated to upcoding.
HHS Reverses Layoffs at CDC’s Work Safety Research Division
Workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health affected by the layoffs last spring received emails yesterday that their reduction-in-force notices have been revoked.
Utilization, Intensity Drove US Health Spending to $5.3T in 2024: CMS
The U.S. spent 7.2% more on healthcare in 2024 — not due to higher healthcare prices but instead greater use and more intensity of medical goods and services, especially in hospitals.
Lilly, Novo Test Direct-to-employer Approach That Could Cut Out PBMs and Lower Costs
The GLP-1 giants are the first to try out this new model, but more companies may follow.
Bonus Article
Veteran Becomes First Double-Amputee to Climb Highest Peak on Every Continent: Conquering the 7 Summits
Just for Fun
Math Joke
Why is being an actuary a metalhead’s dream job?
Prior Week
Q: Why did the obtuse angle bring sunscreen?
A: Because it was going to be over 90 degrees
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