Monday Morning Rounds with CMS
In case you missed it, this is recent communication from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Subscribe to their email lists to keep up to date on all press and news releases.
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The High Stakes of Information Blocking: Compliance, Competition, & Consequences
By Mary Griskewicz – Enforcement of information blocking has moved from concept to practice. On September 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release signaled an active enforcement posture and directed more resources to curb practices that interfere with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information.
Rural Health Transformation: A $50 Billion Opportunity With Tight Deadlines And Hidden Risks
By Russell Teague – Rural care in America just got a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and a stress test. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has launched the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion, five-year initiative aimed at helping states reimagine rural care delivery.
CMS Launches Landmark $50 Billion Rural Health Transformation Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled details on how states can apply to receive funding from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program created under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to strengthen health care across rural America.
Changes to AHEAD Model to Improve Quality, Promote Transparency, and Decrease Costs
CMS announces changes to Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) Model to improve quality, promote transparency, and manage costs
Model Participants Drive Value-Based Cancer Care
First reconciliation results for the CMS Innovation Center’s Enhancing Oncology Model showed cost savings for more than three quarters of participants; more than half were also rewarded for quality of care.
Proposed Changes to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program
CMS proposed changes will expand reach of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) to achieve MAHA goals. Deadline to comment is 9/12/2025.
Submit Comments on the CY 2026 CMS Proposes Policy Changes for QPP
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued its Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, which includes proposed policies for the Quality Payment Program.
CMS Star Ratings: Keeping up with the 2026 Final Rule
By Marge Ciancetta – Among the most impactful changes released by CMS each year in the Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule are adjustments to the Star Ratings program. As a result of the most recently finalized changes, CMS projects a 0.69% decline in overall quality bonus payments for 2026.