The rule refines the existing transparency framework by focusing on usability through simplified files and harmonized consumer disclosures. Organizations have until February 21, 2026 to comment on operational and technical details that could shape the final requirements.
The expansion of MFN pricing agreements marks a significant federal intervention into prescription drug pricing, combining Medicaid access, direct-to-consumer purchasing, and domestic manufacturing incentives. While immediate impacts will be most pronounced within Medicaid programs and for the specific drugs named, the broader policy signal may influence payer strategy, pricing negotiations, and regulatory expectations moving into 2026.
CMS is testing whether international reference pricing can be operationalized within Medicare Part B without degrading access or quality. If finalized, the GLOBE Model would become one of the most consequential mandatory drug pricing demonstrations implemented to date.
The executive order allows federal AI policies to supersede those of individual states. However, specific exceptions may be made for child safety, data center regulation, and state procurement.
On December 4, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a proposed Citizen Bill of Rights for Artificial Intelligence, signaling a clear regulatory shift toward tighter oversight of AI use in healthcare, insurance operations, and consumer-facing technology.
Imaging AI is moving into routine emergency care. Avicenna.AI and Ferrum Health formed a nationwide partnership that expands access to AI-supported CT tools for stroke, PE, trauma, and spine cases. Learn how this development affects payer costs, utilization trends, UM workflows, and independent external review.
A bipartisan group of U.S. House members has introduced legislation to stop the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model, a six-year demonstration scheduled to begin January 1, 2026.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has named six vendor participants for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, set to launch January 1, 2026. These organizations will partner with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to conduct technology-enhanced prior authorization and pre-payment medical reviews in selected states.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model beginning January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2031. This pilot applies to Original Medicare only, not Medicare Advantage, and operates in six states: Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded the first-ever National Priority (NP) Vouchers to nine sponsors as part of its new Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) Pilot Program. These vouchers provide priority review for future submissions, supporting the rapid advancement of treatments in areas of public health importance such as antimicrobial resistance, rare diseases, and domestic manufacturing resilience.
