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April 8, 2026
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CMS Quality Conference 2026: CMS Signals a Faster Path from Policy to Practice in Quality
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)convenedthe at a moment when healthcare quality policy is increasingly being shaped through formal rulemaking as well as informal policy signals and implementation vehicles. The discussions reflected CMS’s core priorities—wellness and prevention, digital infrastructure, patient safety, and program integrity—and reinforced a broader theme that CMS intends to continue to move faster to advance these priorities than traditional regulatory timelines allow.
(HMA) experts attended QualCon and are working with healthcare organizations as they interpret these signals and prepare to implement the policy priorities highlighted during the conference. This article describes these cross-cutting issues and highlights strategies and actions healthcare entities can take now.
MovingFasterRequiresDifferentApproaches toPolicy andImplementation
CMSAdministratorDr.Mehmet Ozemphasized CMS’sincreasinguse ofvoluntary commitments, public-private collaboration,Requests for Information (RFIs),andotherinformal policy tools asalternatives orprecursors to formal requirements,creating an imperative forearly stakeholder engagement.
- CMS leaders highlighted stakeholder convenings as a key vehicle to drive change outside of regulatory processes, including the pledge by health plans to streamline and improve requirements.These commitmentsmaysignalfuture regulatorymandatesand shifts in the marketplace.
- Theprovidesthe foundation for quality initiatives.TheCMSAdministratorhighlightedthe 600-plus organizations that have committed to the goals oftheCMS Health Tech Ecosystem,including companiesthatsupport conversationalartificial intelligence (AI)assistantsthatwould makeingestionand sharing of data with healthcare providers easier through the “Kill the Clipboard” efforts, andhave pledgedto support interoperability.
- CMSis usinglistening sessionsandRFIstoshapethe directionand drive qualitypolicy.The agencyleaders invitednew ideasand reinforced the value of feedback receivedthroughRFIs, citing examples such as the, Medicare Advantage improvements, and the RFIon. CMS leaders also convened sessions pertaining to patient safety, dialysis care, and best practices for medication for treatment of opioid use disorder, signaling these are areas under consideration for policy development.
Health andWellnessPositioned as aCoreComponent ofQualityEfforts
QualConprominently featuredCMS’scommitment topromoting health and wellness.Dr.Oz discussedunderutilization of existing benefits, such asannualwellnessvisits,andCMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare, Chris Klomp,focused on community-based approaches to prevention. Mr. Klomp also spoke of ongoing interest in moving physician payment toward primary care and away from specialty procedures.
CMS officials highlightednewCenter forMedicare and Medicaid Innovation (Innovation Center)models, such asand,which are aligned withtheAdministrator’spolicy priority of empowering patients.CMS officials alsoacknowledged challengestobehavioralchangeandtheleversCMS is employingin new models,including technologyandincentives for beneficiaries, partnerships,andcommunity health workers.
DigitalInfrastructureFramed asNecessary forQualityReforms
QualConalsoemphasizedmaking quality measurement fully digital, specifically usingFHIR® (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources)specifications.Agency officialsreportedhavingFHIR specifications for 70+ measures andcharacterizedFHIR as the standard for new measures. Use of FHIR aligns withbroaderinteroperability rules, includingrequiring state Medicaid programsand payersparticipatingin public programs to use FHIR for electronic priorauthorization by January 2027.
Quality measurement leaders spoke about the value of integrating quality datain realtimeand themovefrom “lagged scorecards” to “continuous intelligence.”Notably,attendees expressedenthusiasmabout the potential for AI to support measurement and personalization ofquality,measures addressingtrajectories of care over time,andnew approachesto risk adjustment.
Application of AI toPatientSafetyIs on theHorizon
Patient safety discussions focused on the potential for AI‑enabled tools to identify risk earlier and prevent harm, particularly with regard to medication safety and error prevention. CMS speakers emphasized that realizing these gains depends on intentional governance, standardized workflows, and patient involvement in AI development and deployment. Rather than positioning AI as a substitute for clinical judgment, sessions framed it as an augmentation tool requiring clear safeguards and accountability.
Avoiding Fraud, Waste,and Abuse
CMSleadersnotedthe potential toavoidfraud, waste, and abusethroughacross-functionalfraud detectioncenterthat cananalyzeclaims in realtime.CMS also discussed collaboration with states and private insurers andencouraged external input.
Medicaid Discussions
Medicaidreceived more limitedattentionatthisconference.CMS Medicaid officials reiterated interest in havingfewer quality measuresand engaged in discussion withstate leaders on how tofocusquality efforts.Theyhighlighted learningsaboutthe Medicaid early, periodic, screening, diagnosis,and treatment (EPSDT)program andfromCMS Innovation Centermodelscentered onmaternal healthandsubstance use disorder care.
WhatWe’reWatching Next
FollowingQualConHMA experts are continuing to follow several federalquality-relatedinitiatives thataffect plans, health systems, states,and otherhealthcaredeliveryorganizationsinclude:
- How CMS translates voluntary commitments andHealth Tech Ecosystem initiatives intolastingpolicy expectationsfor transforming quality
- The pace at which digital quality measurement shifts from pilot to standard practice
- How AI governance frameworks evolve alongsideadditionalreal-worlduse cases in quality and safety
Connect with Us
HMA, including Leavitt Partnersand Wakely,work with healthcare organizations to navigate the transition to digital quality measurementand act upon digital quality data to improvehealthcare delivery.
Wakelyusesanalytics-driven operating design andreturn on investment (ROI)analysis, clinical data acquisition models and tools, and pilot-based validation of measure rates and processing performance to support scalabledigital quality measurement (dQM)adoption, as outlined inthe.
Leavitt Partners is working withfederal agenciesona number ofactivities related to the CMS Health Tech Ecosystem and interoperability, including the Kill the Clipboard initiative,which wasinformed bya seminal. In addition, Leavitt Partnersconvenesthe,whichis working to solve both technical and policy issuesin digital quality measurement.
Fordetails, contactandJodi Pekkala.
Federal Policy News
Fueled By Weekly Health Intelligence
FY 2027 HHS Budget Proposal: Deep Cuts, Structural Shifts, and a Renewed MAHA Vision
On April 3, President Trumphis fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget request to Congress, with$111.1 billionrequested in discretionary budget authority for HHS for FY 2027, a$15.8 billionor 12.5 percent decrease from the FY 2026 enacted level. The President’s budget for HHS continues to advance the Administration’s MAHA vision through proposals toestablishthe Administration for a Healthy America andeliminateprograms that are viewed as inconsistent with MAHA goals.
As with the FY 2026 budget request, HHS once againto reorganize the department in the FY 2027 budget request, though the approach varies slightly from that proposed last year. As previously proposed, HHS seeks to consolidate the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and several centers and programs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). Under this proposal, AHA would receive$14.7 billionin discretionary funding, reducing the funding of theconsolidatedprograms by a total of$5 billion. Additionally, as in the FY 2026 budget, the FY 2027 budget proposes to combine the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) into a new Administration for Children, Families, and Communities (ACFC) with$28.7 billionin funding, a reduction of$7 billionfrom the current combined levels for the two programs.
Differing from last year’s proposed organization, the budget proposes to consolidate the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and National Center for Environmental Health, FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research, and the NIH’s National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences into a new “National Center for Chemicals and Toxins.” The Center would receive$1 billionin funding. The budget also differs from last year’s proposal in that it funds ASPR and ARPA-H as their own divisions.
As currently organized, the budget proposes the following amounts in discretionary funding for key HHS agencies:
- $3.3 billionfor FDA, a decrease of 3.3 percent from FY 2026;
- $5.3 billionfor CDC, a decrease of 42 percent from FY 2026;
- $9.1 billionfor IHS, an increase of 14 percent from FY 2026; and
- $41.2 billionfor NIH, a decrease of 11 percent from FY 2026.
Notably, HHS is not proposing to reorganize the current structure of NIH as it did in the FY 2026 budget request. However, the budget does propose to eliminate the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the Fogarty International Center, and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and to consolidate the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism into a new National Institute of Substance Use and Addiction Research.
In response to the budget, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins issued a, saying,“The President’s Budget Request is just that, a request…. While there are some improvements over last year’s domestic discretionary budget request, including full support for the Pell Grant program, the request has several shortcomings. For example, the proposal includes unwarranted funding cuts in biomedical research.After careful review, Congress decisively rejected these particular cuts last year.While the Administration proposes a budget, Congress holds the power of the purse. The Senate Appropriations Committee will now hold hearings with cabinet members and agency heads to review these recommendations and to explore other fiscally responsible proposals.”
In addition to appropriations hearings, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is expected to testify before the House Ways and Means Committee on April 16, followed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 21, and the Senate HELP and Finance Committees on April 22.Additionalhearings are expected to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
What the New Drug Tariffs Mean for Pricing, Manufacturing, and Trade Policy
On April 2, President Trump issuedaimposing a 100 percent tariff on certain patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients.The proclamation states that, through this investigation, the Secretary of Commerce has determined “the present quantities and circumstances of imports of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients threaten to impair the national security and economy,” via overreliance on foreign supply chains. As such, the proclamation imposes a 100 percentad valoremduty rate on the import of certain patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients, listed inof the proclamation, and “except as otherwise detailed” in the proclamation, which goes on to make several specific categorical exceptions.
Companies that have fully executedwith the White House to provide for “most-favored-nation” pricingand toonshore domestic manufacturing of their products are fully exempt from the tariffs. Those that have not made these full agreements but have plans to onshore production of their products will see a 20 percentad valoremduty rate on imports of pharmaceuticals and APIs. Rates for these companies will increase to 100 percent four years after the date of the proclamation.
Additionally, the proclamation recognizes “pharmaceutical-related commitments in existing trade deals with the European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein jointly, as well as a future pharmaceutical-related deal with the United Kingdom (on which the United States and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement in principle as of December 1, 2025).” The White Houseaccompanyingthe proclamation clarifies that products from the EU, Japan, Korea, or Switzerland and Liechtenstein will see a rate of 15 percent, while “a lower tariff” will apply to the U.K.
Finally, the proclamation makes a broad exception for generic pharmaceuticals and APIs, including biosimilars from tariffs, which the fact sheet states will be reassessed in one year. The proclamation also institutes exemptions fora number ofspecific product types, including orphan drugs with exclusively orphan indications, nuclear medicines, plasma-derived therapies, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, and medical countermeasures, among other categories.
The tariffs will go into effect on July 31, 2026, for larger companies listed in, and September 29, 2026, for smaller companies.
Rising MA Payments with Increased Oversight in the 2027 CMS Rate Announcement
On Monday, April 6, CMSthe Calendar Year (CY) 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Rate Announcement, finalizing policies that “are projected to result in an increase ofor over$13 billionin payments to MA plans in CY 2027,” in contrast with the much more modest 0.09 percent increase the agency had proposed in its initial Advance Notice.Despite a higher rate increase, however, CMS didfinalizecertain policies expected to reduce payments for certain plans, including by excluding diagnoses from unlinked chart review records from risk adjustment, subject to an exception for enrollees transitioning to new plans.
Additionally, on April 2, CMS issued several annual payment rules, including:
- The, which revises the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D), and Medicare Cost Plan Program for CY 2027. Notably, in the final rule, CMSfinalizedproposed MA and PD Star Ratings changes that are projected to result, on net, in anadditional$18.56 billionpaid to plans between 2027 and 2036. CMS alsofinalizedseveral changes intended to reduce administrative burden,in accordance with, such as by rescinding the requirement that MA plans send certain mid-year notices about unused supplemental benefits.
- The, which proposes to increase IPF PPS payment rates by 2.3 percent;
- The, which proposes to increase SNF PPS rates by 2.4 percent;
- The, which proposes in increase IRF PPS rates by 2.4 percent; and
- The, which proposes to increase the hospice payment rate by 2.4 percent.
New Federal Effort Targets Microplastics with Measurement and Removal Strategy
On April 2, ARPA-Hthe launch of thetodevelop tools for measuring, researching, and removing microplastics andnanoplasticsfrom the human body.The program is structured in two phases. The first phase will focus on developing “gold-standard” measurement methods for microplastics in human organs, including a clinical test to quantify individual microplastic burden at scale, as well as a risk stratification mechanism to rank plastic materials by biological harm. CDC will serve as an independent validator of the measurement methods. The second phase will focus on developing interventions to remove harmful microplastics from the body, drawing on pharmaceutical biology and bioremediation science. ARPA-H noted that, while researchers have detected microplastics in human lungs, arterial plaques, and brain tissue, current measurement techniques produce inconsistent results across laboratories, limiting the ability to develop targeted interventions. The program is designed to prioritize tools that are affordable andbroadly available, with particular focus on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, patients with chronic disease, and highly exposed workers. ARPA-H is seeking multidisciplinary performer teams and has opened a solicitation, withinitialsummaries due Monday, May 6 and full proposals due Monday, June 22. ARPA-H will hold a “Proposers’ Day” event on April 22 for proposers to learn more about the opportunity.
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Idaho
Idaho Reinstates Medicaid Mental Health Mobile Treatment, Peer Support Services Programs. The Idaho Capital Sun on April 3, 2026, that the Idaho Governor enacted legislation to reinstate the Medicaid mental health mobile treatment program, called the Assertive Community Treatment program, and peer support services, which help individuals navigate mental health treatment. The legislation follows two lawsuits and multiple patient deaths.
Missouri
Missouri House Approves Medicaid Food is Medicine Program Legislation. The Missouri Independent on April 3, 2026, that the Missouri House approved bipartisan legislation directing the state to seek federal approval for a Medicaid “Food is Medicine” program. The program would allow healthcare providers to prescribe medically tailored meals, fresh produce, and nutrition services for individuals with diet-related chronic conditions. The program is estimated to cost $3.2–$3.4 million annually once implemented and is intended to improve health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Pennsylvania
PennsylvaniaCourt Order Cancels CommunityHealthChoices Awards. The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania filed on April 2, 2026, a court order canceling the CommunityHealthChoices(CHC) managed care procurement and awards. Judge Michael Wojcik sided with protests, saying that the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS)failed tofollow the law and that the awards were because of how the bids were scored. The August 2024 awards were to CVS/Aetna Better Health of Pennsylvania, Health Partners Plans, Centene/PAHealthand Wellness, UPMC For You, and Vista Health Plan (AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania CHC and Keystone First CHC). Gateway/Highmark and UnitedHealthcare filed protests. CHC is the mandatory managed long-term services and supports(LTSS)program, which serves five CHC zones that cover all 67 counties in thecommonwealth. CHC serves individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and/or those who are enrolled in LTSS at either a nursing home or through a waiver at home.
Texas
TexasAG Investigates Medicaid Providers for Fraud Using DOGE Data. KERA News on April 7, 2026, that Texas Attorney General(AG)Ken Paxton launched new investigations targeting Medicaid providers using data released by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The investigations, which focus on home health and occupational therapy providers, will alsoleverage internal claims data and Civil Investigative Demands.
Utah
Utah Audit Finds DHHS Misused Medicaid Funds in Nursing Home Program. ABC4 on April 1, 2026, that a Utah state audit found that less than half ofnearly$1 billionof Medicaid funds reached nursing facilities in the Skilled Nursing Facility Upper Payment Limit Medicaid program between 2016 and 2024. Approximately $450 million was used for patient care, whilenearly $500 millionwasretainedby affiliated entities as administrative fees. The auditidentifiedoversight failures within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), including excessive administrative charges and funds not being directed to facilities asrequired. Recommendations include strengthening oversight, limiting administrative fees, and ensuring both state and federal funds are used for direct patient care.
Private Market News
Fueled By
CVS Health Opens Pharmacy-only Locations as It Rightsizes Store Footprint
CVS Health openednearly 20with plans to expand as part of its healthcare-focused strategy.CVS plans to expand pharmacy-only locations nationwide to improve access to essential pharmacy services. Each site will include a full-service pharmacy along with a tailored selection of over-the-counter products.This move is part of the company’s broader effort to reshape its pharmacy business and realign its retail footprint to better meet patient needs and adapt to changes in the industry.
Carina Health Network, Innovaccer Partner to Deploy Healthcare Intelligence Cloud
Innovaccer and Carina Health Network are engaged inato support Carina’s transition to value-based care across a Colorado-wide network of community health organizations with over 1,200 providers servingmore than1.5 million people, ornearly40percentof the state’s Medicaid population.
Sage Health Secures Investment to Expand as a Medicare-focused, Full-Risk PCP
Trinity Capitala $50 millioninvestmenttohelp SageHealthaccelerate its expansion as a full-risk primary care provider focused on Medicare-eligible seniors, with plans toroughly doubleits footprint by opening about 11 new health centers in underserved markets across multiple states in 2027. Founded in 2022, Sage currentlyoperates 11 centers in four states and emphasizes smaller patient panels, integrated care teams, and access to services like cardiology and behavioral health. With total funding now at $170 million, the company says it is on track to reach cash-flow breakeven later this year.
Our Insights
Fueled By Experts Across Our HMA Companies
2026 Georgia State of Reform Health Policy Conference | April 15, 2026
The inaugural 2026 Georgia State of Reform Health Policy Conference will be taking place in-person on April 15th,2026at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.
2026 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference | May 5, 2026
The 2026 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference will be taking place in-person on May 5th,2026at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center!Managing constant change in healthcare takes more thanjust hardwork. It takes a solid understanding of the legislative process and knowledge aboutintricaciesof the healthcare system.ճ’swhereStateof Reform comes in.
2026 Maryland State of Reform Health Policy Conference | May 21, 2026
The 2026 Maryland State of Reform Health Policy Conference will be taking place in-person on May 21st, 2026 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront! Managing constant change in healthcare takes more than just hard work. It takes a solid understanding of the legislative process and knowledge about intricacies of the healthcare system. ճ’s where State of Reform comes in.
Wakely
The Value Shift: VBID After the Sunset
This paper is part three of Wakely’s TheValue Shift series, which examines how evolving policy and market forces are reshaping value in Medicare Advantage. The sunset of the Medicare Advantage Value Based Insurance Design (VBD)Model at the end of 2025eliminatedkey flexibilities that plans used to target benefit design based on chronic conditions, low-income status, and/or area deprivation index. Using Wakely’s WMACAT and SMART tools, this analysis evaluates how plans adjusted 2026 benefit designs in response, balancing affordability with member disruption.
Impact of the 2027 Federal Actuarial Value Calculator Updates
The 2027 Federal Actuarial Value Calculator (AVC), released on February 25, 2026,maintainsa methodologyconsistent withpreviousversions, though it incorporates partially updated underlying data and revised Platinum continuance tables. Inflation continues to drive hightrend, pushing many plans beyond the upper thresholds of the de minimis ranges and putting them out of compliance. Offsetting this, the 2027 Maximum Out of Pocket (MOOP) limit increased sharply – from $10,600 in 2026 to $12,000 in 2027 – the largest MOOP jump to date. The proposed 2027 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) alsosuggeststhe possibility of even higher MOOP limits for Bronze and Catastrophic metaltiersup to 130%.In this paper, Wakelyconsultantsdescribethecombined effects of these adjustments, and their implications for plan compliance and value.Wakely iscontinuing to helpissuers understand how the 2027 AVC affects their plan portfolio and ACA strategy.
Save the Date: October 5-7 | New Orleans
HMA Conference: U.S. Healthcare 2026 – Signals, Signs & Flashing Lights
RFP Calendar
RFP Calendar
| Date | State/Program | Event | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date: February 2026 - DELAYED | State/Program: Illinois | Event: Awards | Beneficiaries: 2,400,000 |
| Date: April 10, 2026 | State/Program: Hawaii Community Care Services | Event: Awards | Beneficiaries: 5,500 |
| Date: May 1, 2026 | State/Program: Nevada Children's Specialty | Event: Proposals Due | Beneficiaries: NA |
| Date: May 12, 2026 | State/Program: Nevada CO D-SNP | Event: Awards | Beneficiaries: 88,000 |
| Date: June 24, 2026 | State/Program: Wisconsin LTC GSR 3 | Event: Awards | Beneficiaries: 56,000 (all GSR) |
| Date: Summer 2026 | State/Program: Illinois Foster Care | Event: RFP Release | Beneficiaries: 33,000 |
| Date: July 1, 2026 | State/Program: Hawaii Community Care Services | Event: Implementation | Beneficiaries: 5,500 |
| Date: July 28, 2026 | State/Program: Nevada Children's Specialty | Event: Awards | Beneficiaries: NA |
| Date: August 2026 | State/Program: Indiana | Event: RFP Release | Beneficiaries: 1,400,000 |
| Date: January 1, 2027 | State/Program: Illinois | Event: Implementation | Beneficiaries: 2,400,000 |
| Date: January 1, 2027 | State/Program: Nevada CO D-SNP | Event: Implementation | Beneficiaries: 88,000 |
| Date: January 1, 2027 | State/Program: Wisconsin LTC GSR 3 | Event: Implementation | Beneficiaries: 56,000 (all GSR) |
| Date: January 1, 2027 | State/Program: Illinois Tailored Care Management Program | Event: Implementation | Beneficiaries: 22,400 |
| Date: July 1, 2027 | State/Program: Nevada Children's Specialty | Event: Implementation | Beneficiaries: NA |
| Date: January 1, 2028 | State/Program: Wisconsin LTC GSR 4,6 | Event: Implementation | Beneficiaries: 56,000 (all GSR) |
| Date: Fall 2027 | State/Program: Oregon | Event: RFP Release | Beneficiaries: 1,200,000 |
| Date: 2028 | State/Program: North Carolina | Event: RFP Release | Beneficiaries: 2,200,000 |
| Date: 2029 | State/Program: California | Event: RFP Release | Beneficiaries: NA |