CMS just gave our industry a huge reason to be grateful this Thanksgiving.

Its 2027 MA and Part D proposed rule, released yesterday, would deliver real wins for beneficiaries and brokers. Two big ways that the rule would help clients:

1. New SEP if their doctor leaves the network → A mid-year provider change can drastically derail continuity of care. Now beneficiaries would no longer be stuck on a plan if their doctor unexpectedly goes out of network.

2. Part D donut hole fully closed → More predictable drug costs, thanks to clearer rules on drug manufacturer discounts and how costs count toward IRA’s $2k OOP cap. This should lead to better adherence to care — and better health outcomes. Just as importantly, CMS is recognizing the indispensable role that brokers play in helping beneficiaries navigate care.

Several proposed changes would make it easier for them to support beneficiaries actively seeking guidance:

1. More sensible event & SOA rules → No more waiting periods between educational and marketing events at the same place, or between SOAs and client meetings, to name just a few.

2. More flexible TPMO disclaimers → They simply need to be given before discussing benefits instead of the first 60 seconds of a client meeting.

3. Reasonable call-recording requirements → Retention period would be shortened to 6 years for marketing and sales calls. It’s great to see CMS actively soliciting industry feedback, particularly around marketing guidelines.

Stronger oversight is widely welcomed across the ecosystem. There’s more reform needed, but this is easily the most exciting proposed rule that I’ve seen in years. If passed, the proposed rule would give beneficiaries greater choice and control, and brokers better tools to deliver a quality client experience — a potential win-win we don’t often get to celebrate.

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