CMS Finalizes 2.48% Medicare Advantage Payment Increase & Updates Star Ratings For 2027

For the 2027 Medicare Advantage plan year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized policies that are projected to increase payments to plans by 2.48%. The advance notice had projected a payment increase of 0.09%. CMS is also streamlining and refocusing measures for the Medicare Advantage Star Ratings to highlight measures that help beneficiaries distinguish differences in performance and quality between plans.

These changes to the Star Ratings are intended to highlight clinical care, outcomes, and beneficiary experience where meaningful performance differences exist across contracts. A new depression screening and follow-up measure will be added . . .