The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Nov. 15 released its proposed standards for qualified health plans offered through the health insurance marketplaces for 2025. Beginning in plan year 2025, the proposed rule would require state-based marketplaces (SBM) to comply with time and distance network adequacy standards for qualified health plans that are at least as stringent as those for the federally facilitated marketplace. CMS also proposes several other changes to standardize and streamline marketplace operations, particularly SBM operations, such as changes related to call center standards and SBM eligibility and enrollment platforms. CMS also proposes policies intended to make it easier to enroll in coverage and improve access to services such as dental benefits and prescription drugs. At the same time, CMS released the draft letter to issuers, proposed 2025 actuarial value calculator, and premium adjustment percentage guidance for the 2025 benefit year.     
 

Headline
Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittee on Health, spoke with Mike Abrams, president and CEO of…
Headline
Americans across 43 states enrolled in health plans from the nation’s four largest commercial health insurers face potential disparities in finding in-network…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 10 released a proposed rule that would establish electronic standards for drug prior authorizations.…
Perspective
Public
Few patient populations are more vulnerable to the shifting winds around health care today than Medicare beneficiaries who need specialized, high-acuity and…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services April 8 issued guidance on implementing a provision within the reconciliation bill passed in July 2025 regarding…
Headline
Average out-of-pocket premiums for Health Insurance Marketplace enrollees increased $65 per month in 2026 compared to 2025, going from $113 to $178, according…