APMA Urges Safeguards in Medicare Advantage Proposed Rule Comment Letter

APMA submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Contract Year 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed Rule, urging the agency to preserve plan accountability measures that protect timely access to care.

In its comments, APMA expressed concern that proposed changes to the Star Ratings program (particularly the removal of appeals- and complaint-related measures) could weaken incentives for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to resolve denials promptly, especially at a time when prior authorization barriers remain widespread. APMA also supported the CMS proposal to strengthen beneficiary protections when providers leave MA networks and called for more robust public reporting of prior authorization data to better assess access barriers for patients requiring time-sensitive foot and ankle care, including those with diabetes and chronic wounds.

To read this letter and other comment letters in full, visit https://www.apma.org/CommentLetters. Contact the APMA Advocacy Department with any questions at [email protected].