Better Medicare Alliance Statement on Policy and Technical Changes to Medicare Advantage for 2026
WASHINGTON — Better Medicare Alliance (BMA), the nation’s leading research and advocacy organization supporting Medicare Advantage, responded today to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program:
“Putting Medicare Advantage provider directory information into Medicare Plan Finder is a commonsense step that will make plan comparisons simpler and more reliable for seniors,” said Mary Beth Donahue, President & CEO, Better Medicare Alliance.“Beneficiaries rely on these listings to find in-network care close to home, so accuracy and timely updates matter. We support the new requirements, including a yearly accuracy check, and will continue convening stakeholders to ensure information is clear and easy to use for seniors and people with disabilities.”
Beyond these 2026 changes, BMA has consistently advocated for beneficiary-focused provider directory reforms, including:
- A national, centralized provider directory to streamline reporting and access.
- Standardized plan–provider processes for roster/personnel updates.
- Stronger oversight and timely updates—with a special focus on mental and behavioral health providers.
- Independent audits by plans and CMS, with publicly posted results.
- More accessibility-related information (e.g., languages spoken, accessibility features) in directories.
BMA looks forward to working with CMS to support successful implementation through timely, clear guidance and reasonable flexibility for real-world changes in provider participation.
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Better Medicare Alliance is a community of more than one million grassroots beneficiaries and 200+ ally organizations working to improve health care through a strong Medicare Advantage. Learn more at www.bettermedicarealliance.org.