CMS announces healthcare payment changes taking effect in 2027

The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released new healthcare rules that will take effect in 2027. One major change involves prior authorization, the process where doctors must get insurer approval before treating patients. Insurers will need new technology by January 2027 to handle these requests electronically. Eight additional medical services will also require prior authorization under Medicare, including certain injections. For patients, the changes bring some direct benefits. California will limit insulin copayments to $35 per month, and New York will cap costs for asthma inhalers. The rules also adjust who can receive tax credits through the ACA health insurance marketplace, limiting eligibility to citizens and some legal immigrants.