CMS issues regulations implementing the Medicare Improvements to Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008

On August 26, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued regulations implementing MIPPA provisions and finalizing revisions to Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare Part D, and section 1876 cost plans. The revisions together conform "changes to the MA regulations to implement statutory requirements regarding special needs plans (SNPs), private fee-for-service plans (PFFS), regional preferred provider organizations (RPPO) plans, and Medicare medical savings accounts (MSA) plans, cost-sharing for dual-eligible enrollees in the MA program and prescription drug pricing, coverage, and payment processes in the Part D program, and requirements governing the marketing of Part C and Part D plans." These regulations are set to go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, which is slated for Sept. 1, 2011.

Since then, the final rule has been issued and is now available on the Public Inspection Desk. The rule finalizes revisions to regulations governing Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare Part D, including "This final rule will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, which is slated for Sept. 1."