Policy & Regulatory Changes

Centene sued HHS and CMS over its 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, arguing $448 million is at stake—an immediate signal that MA quality measurement, bonus payments, and contract economics remain high-risk flashpoints for plans and provider partners in VBC arrangements (Hoodline). CMS also advanced a proposed ACA marketplace subsidy verification rule implementing H.R. 1 provisions for 2028 open enrollment, which HFMA warns could reduce enrollment and disrupt continuity for returning subsidized members—raising payer/provider concerns about coverage churn, uncompensated care, and population health attribution stability (HFMA). Meanwhile, attention to AI chatbot safety and rural health transformation funds underscores a widening regulatory focus on technology governance and capital allocation that could shape future care delivery and value-based infrastructure.