Washington, D.C. (April 4, 2025) – ACHP President and CEO Ceci Connolly released the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ final rule for CY2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D:
“The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) commends the Administration’s rejection of the proposed coverage expansion of weight-loss drugs in Medicare and Medicaid in the final MA Rule for 2026. While these drugs offer hope for many, the excessive costs carry enormous consequences for consumers, taxpayers and employers. ACHP was the leading national payer organization to speak out against the proposed expansion, which would have been irresponsible without further long-term efficacy and safety studies and economic analysis. It’s time for policymakers to break the Big Pharma stranglehold and get to realistic pricing for consumers, taxpayers and employers.
“Finally, we appreciate that the Administration recognized the flaws in the proposed Biden-era Health Equity Index. We welcome the careful review and continue to call for its elimination and reinstatement of the reward factor to incentivize all health plans to compete in every community to close gaps in care.”
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About ACHP
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) represents the nation’s best local, nonprofit health plans, providing high-quality coverage to tens of millions of Americans in 40 states and D.C. ACHP is the only national organization advancing a unique partnership model of coverage and care that fosters a truly competitive market.
We believe Americans deserve the best health care in the world. Our members are on the ground in your communities, delivering innovative and competitive coverage. ACHP’s model brings together clinicians and health plans to deliver value for patients, employers and taxpayers.
