This technical assistance tool highlights key dates in (1) the CMS bid and contracting process for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans (including D-SNPs), (2) the processes used to develop material templates for MA plans (including integrated material templates for applicable integrated plans), and (3) the Medicare Advantage enrollment process.
In April 2024, CMS released new rules at 42 CFR §422.514(h) for D-SNPs with affiliated Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). This ICRC tip sheet provides (1) an overview of those new requirements, which take effect in 2027 and 2030, and a summary of rule exceptions, (2) illustrative examples and options for D-SNP compliance with each rule provision, and (3) action steps for states in working with D-SNPs to ensure compliance with these new rules.
States can allow or require D-SNPs that meet certain requirements to use default enrollment to align Medicare and Medicaid coverage for dually eligible individuals. Under default enrollment, D-SNPs may automatically enroll individuals who are enrolled in a comprehensive Medicaid managed care organization offered by the same parent organization as the D-SNP when those individuals first become eligible for Medicare Parts A and B (at the same time) due to age or disability.
Late July - Early August 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
CMS releases the Part D national average monthly bid amount, the Medicare Part D base beneficiary premium, the Part D regional low-income premium subsidy amounts, the MA regional PPO benchmarks, and the de minimus amount.
August – September 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
Plan preview periods of Part C & D Star Ratings in HPMS.
Plan preview periods of Part C & D Star Ratings in HPMS.
August 1, 2026 | Key Medicare Advantage dates
If, on or before this date, CMS issues a termination notice to an MA organization with an effective date of December 31, 2026, the MA organization must issue notices to the affected plan enrollees at least 90 days prior to the effective date of the term.