Insights: Policy

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Boozman (R-AR) indicated earlier this week that he will be holding a hearing to consider the Farm Bill on August 6. Individuals close to the negotiations have indicated that the bill will include language allowing the year-round sale of E15.

Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Reimbursement

CMS released the final FY27 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System rule, which takes effect October 1. CMS finalized a 2.4% payment-rate increase, comprising a 3.3% market-basket update minus a 0.9% productivity adjustment, which is projected to increase aggregate SNF payments by approximately $883m. Notably, CMS did not make...

Medicare Advantage (MA) Star Ratings

In response to the Clover ruling, CMS recalculated Clover’s PY26 Star Rating from 3.5 to 4.5 stars and voluntarily extended a partial recalculation to the broader MA market. On July 21, CMS appealed the decision to the Eleventh Circuit.

Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration

The Trump administration announced it will terminate the Part D premium stabilization demonstration after 2026.

Medicaid Payments (OBBBA, Provider Taxes)

CMS released a proposed rule implementing OBBBA’s new restrictions on states’ use of health care provider taxes to finance Medicaid. Comments are due September 21.

CLARITY Act (Crypto Market Structure)

Bipartisan negotiations on the CLARITY Act (crypto market structure legislation) remain intense, particularly on the three priority issues that need to be resolved prior to passage. Sen. Tillis (R-NC) has been working with Sen. Gallego (D-AZ) on a new bipartisan proposal for an ethics provision to the bill that has reportedly been submitted to...