Medicare Advantage 2026 Payment Increase: How much will be the higher-than-expected rate hike?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has concluded its three-year adjustment to Medicare Advantage payment rates with a larger-than-expected increase. The agency aims to narrow the gap between rising treatment costs and government benchmark payments. In a statement, CMS emphasized that the annual adjustments to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part DPrescription Drug Programs are designed to protect beneficiaries and taxpayers from waste, fraud, and abuse. These adjustments will ensure that Medicare Advantage continues to provide access to essential health services efficiently and responsibly, strengthening the program's ability to serve beneficiaries, the statement said.How much is the increase?In its Advance Notice last January, the government announced a 2.83% increase, but it has now opted for a 5.06% hike. The change stems from a higher-than-expected growth rate-9.04% compared to the initial 5.93% projection. The revised rate is primarily due to […]
