What: On November 28, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking guidance on the proposed rule to revise the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), and Medicare cost plan regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, drug coverage, enrollment processes, special needs plans, and other programmatic areas. The proposed rule includes several changes that would improve the programs for contract year 2027 and also codify existing sub-regulatory guidance.
Why: CMS’s RFI solicits public input on approaches and opportunities to streamline regulations and reduce administrative burdens on providers, suppliers, beneficiaries, and other interested parties participating in the Medicare program. For example, the RFI seeks the following:
- Comments on ways to further simplify and modify the Star Ratings program to further drive improved quality of care and reduce regulatory burden.
- Feedback on dually eligible individual enrollment plans as well as on potential policy solutions related to both chronic condition special needs plans and institutional special needs plans.
- Effective solutions to Medicare Advantage program concerns, including, data transparency for beneficiaries to facilitate optimal plan selection, improved quality, enhanced competition, taxpayer savings, and minimizing fraud, waste, and abuse.
Action: CMS’s Request for Information is published in the Federal Register. Comments are due to CMS on or before January 26, 2026.
PROPOSED RULE:
SUBMIT COMMENTS ON MEDICARE REGULATORY RELIEF:
CONTACT: Will Purcell
EMAIL: will.purcell@sba.gov
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.