In brief: CMS ups MA payments, Sleep Cycle sees interest, Soleo Health expands

WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has set a net average increase of 2.48% for Medicare Advantage plans in calendar year 2027, representing more than $13 billion in additional payments.

Earlier this year, CMS had proposed a net average increase of 0.09%, representing $700 million in additional payments.

CMS touts improved payment accuracy

In a new rate announcement, the agency says this expected increase includes consideration of the various elements that impact MA payments, such as growth rates of underlying costs, 2026 Star Ratings for 2027 quality bonus payments, and risk adjustment updates.

“CMS’s vision for Medicare Advantage and Part D is clear: a great choice for seniors and a smart deal for taxpayers,” said Chris Klomp, director of Medicare and chief counselor of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The Rate Announcement improves payment accuracy and strengthens competition based on quality—not on coding practices—helping put the program on a more sustainable path for the long term.”

Three principles for new system for MA risk adjustment

CMS says the policies in the rate announcement address coding differentials between MA and Original Medicare for CY 2027. The agency says it is working toward an MA risk adjustment system guided by three principles:

1. Simplicity to reduce day-to-day administrative burden for both plans and providers;
2. Competition for all plans irrespective of size or resources, creating greater value for patients; and
3. Achieving payments that accurately reflect beneficiary health risk and facilitate the efficient use of healthcare resources, enhanced program integrity, and greater accountability.

For more information

• The CY 2027 MA and Part D Rate Announcement may be viewed at: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2027-announcement.pdf.
• A fact sheet discussing the provisions of the CY 2027 MA and Part D Rate Announcement can be viewed at: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2027-medicare-advantage-part-d-rate-announcementv.

Soleo Health expands in Austin metro area with new AIC

FRISCO, Texas – Soleo Health has opened an ambulatory infusion center (AIC) in Austin, Texas, expanding access to advanced medications and clinical expertise for patients in the Austin metro area, including Georgetown, San Marcos and surrounding communities. “By complementing our extensive Texas footprint, we are helping patients in the Austin metro area receive the complex therapies they need in a setting that is more convenient and accommodating to their daily lives,” said Craig Vollmer, chief commercial officer at Soleo Health. Soleo Health has 28 pharmacy locations with national nursing coverage and pharmacy licensure in 50 states. It is accredited by URAC for Specialty Pharmacy, ACHC for Specialty Pharmacy, with a Distinction in Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs, Ambulatory Infusion Centers, Home Infusion Therapy, and Infusion Pharmacy, and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Additionally, the company operates more than 30 infusion suites and centers throughout the U.S.

• Related: Soleo Health makes move in Missouri

DiabeticBuyBack marks two-year anniversary

BEND, Ore. – DiabeticBuyBack.com is celebrating its two-year anniversary with milestones that reflect both its financial impact and deeply personal mission. The company, which was founded by a woman whose family lives with diabetes, has paid more than $5 million to buy back test strips from more than 4,500 sellers and has made available nearly 100,000 boxes of diabetic supplies to those who couldn't afford high retail prices. "Diabetes runs in our family, so we know exactly what people are going through," said a company spokesperson. "Every box we move is one less family stressing about affording their supplies. That's what gets us up in the morning." To mark the milestone, DiabeticBuyBack has also launched a redesigned website, making it easier to sell diabetic supplies and help fellow diabetics in need.

NCPA debuts media studio, ramps up podcast

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has announced the grand opening of its first-ever media studio at its headquarters in Alexandria, Va. “This studio will allow us to meet our members where they are; that's what NCPA is all about,” said NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey. “NCPA members consume media in a variety of ways, and the studio allows us to produce content specific to the varied interests of NCPA membership.” One big benefactor of the studio will be the NCPA podcast, Independent Rx Forum, which launched in 2021. With the new studio, NCPA will be able to add a visual element to the podcast and produce more frequent episodes. “The demand for content very quickly outpaced the monthly production schedule,” said Hoey. “Now, we produce two episodes per week, because there is a steady stream of information that our members need. The way people are consuming media has changed dramatically, and the podcast is just one of the ways we are keeping up with those changes.” Independent Rx Forum is hosted by pharmacist and former NCPA Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives John Beckner. Joining the lineup this year will be new hosts Sam Manas, editor of the NCPA daily newsletter, qAM, and Brooklyn Morgan, associate director of state government affairs for NCPA. To watch the first in-studio episode of Independent Rx Forum, click here.

Permobil appoints Ana Lopez as COO

LEBANON, Tenn. – Permobil has named Ana Lopez as COO effective April 15 to lead the company’s end-to-end supply chain. “Ana brings an exceptional combination of global operational leadership experience, advanced manufacturing expertise and a strong purpose-driven mindset,” says Chuck Witkowski, CEO of Permobil. “Creating the global COO role is a pivotal step in our transformation, helping us strengthen quality, deliver better products faster and navigate an increasingly complex global supply chain. I am confident Ana will play a key role in helping us accelerate innovation and better serve our customers and end-users worldwide.” Lopez joins Permobil from Unilever, where she most recently served as senior vice president, North America Foods Supply Chain, leading end-to-end supply chain operations supporting more than $6.5 billion in sales. “I’m truly excited to join Permobil and be part of a company with such a strong purpose and values,” says Ana Lopez. “Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by building operations that work better not just for businesses, but for people. Permobil’s mission resonates deeply with me, and I’m looking forward to working closely with teams around the world to strengthen our operations, support innovation, and help deliver high-quality solutions that make a real difference in the lives of end-users.”

Sleep Cycle reports early interest ahead of launch

GOTHENBURG, Sweden – More than 150,000 people have registered interest in an upcoming sleep apnea risk detection solution from Sleep Cycle ahead of its commercial launch. The AI-powered sleep tech company says strong early demand underscores a significant need within sleep health and supports is strategic expansion into medical technology and scalable digital health solutions. “Sleep apnea remains significantly underdiagnosed, despite its serious impact on long-term health and quality of life,” said Erik Jivmark, CEO of Sleep Cycle. “Seeing more than 150,000 individuals register their interest ahead of commercial availability reinforces our conviction that there is clear demand for more accessible solutions for early detection of sleep apnea risk.” The interest group consists primarily of users in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a balanced gender distribution and a clear overrepresentation of adults aged 45 and above – a demographic disproportionately affected by undiagnosed sleep apnea, Sleep Cycle says. Globally, the condition is estimated to impact nearly 1 billion people, with the majority remaining undiagnosed.

Henry Schein to change board make-up

MELVILLE, N.Y. – Henry Schein will reduce the size of its board of directors and designate Stanley Bergman as chairman emeritus during its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 21, 2026. Bergman is retiring after 45 years at Henry Schein. In addition, Joseph L. Herring, Robert J. Hombach, Scott Serota, and Bradley T. Sheares will not stand for reelection at the meeting. Accordingly, the board has approved a reduction in size from 15 to 10 members. The incumbent directors nominated for election at the meeting are: Mohamad Ali, William K. “Dan” Daniel, Deborah Derby, Carole T. Faig, Kurt P. Kuehn, Philip A. Laskawy, Max Lin, Frederick M. Lowery, Anne H. Margulies, and Reed V. Tuckson. The board believes this slate of directors will continue to enable robust dialogue and debate in the boardroom, while maintaining the right mix of perspectives, experience and skills.