The US federal government is turning to fresher data to curb upcoding in the Medicare Advantage program. CMS is taking a new approach to limit the ways insurance companies increase profits in this program. In 2026, the maximum out-of-pocket cost limit for in-network services will drop to $9,250 from $9,350 in 2025[3]. The average eligible senior has 32 Medicare Advantage plans with drugs in 2026, down two from 34 in 2025[5]. In 122 counties in 13 states, about 391,000 eligible people will not have access to these plans, up from 250,000 in 2025[5]. CMS issued a final rule on April 4, 2025 with changes for Medicare Advantage including integration of ID cards and health risk assessments for dual eligible plans through 2027[2]. Most plans (89%) include drug coverage, and 67% require no additional premium above the Part B premium of $202.90 per month[4].