In April 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a significant increase in the final rates paid to insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans for the 2026 fiscal year. The average rate hike will amount to 5.06%, far exceeding the preliminary 2.09% figure proposed in January. This decision has sparked intense discussion within the private health insurance sector, as it affects both major industry players and millions of beneficiaries.