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Agent Insights

Medicare Updates February 2026


Medicare Updates

Each year, Medicare issues updated rules and regulations for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug plans (Part D). The process begins with the release of a proposed rule, during which CMS requests feedback from plans on the suggested changes. A subsequent release provides the final rule, and only at that point do changes, requirements, or oversight updates become valid and enforceable. 

The latest proposal includes continued focus on:

  • Strengthening beneficiary protections and marketing oversight
  • Enhancing prior authorization transparency
  • Reviewing supplemental benefit requirements
  • Ongoing emphasis on Star Ratings and quality performance
  • Oversight of TPMOs and broker activities

At this stage, these changes are proposed and not yet final.

What this means for you

No immediate action is required.

The most important steps you can continue to take: 

  • Use only approved Select Health marketing materials to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
  • Complete a Scope of Appointment when required, following CMS guidelines. 
  • Review all benefits at the time of sale by using the required PreEnrollment Checklist to confirm the member understands the plan they are selecting.

These steps help reduce the risk of rapid disenrollment and support a stronger member experience, improved retention, and greater overall satisfaction.

We are actively reviewing the proposal and will communicate any updates once CMS releases the Final Rule.

Visit www.cms.gov to view the proposed rule.

*This section reflects the Medicare Proposed Rule. It is not final. Once the Final Rule is released, any new requirements related to sales, marketing, or the act of enrollment will be communicated.

2026 update for NovumHealth eligibility

Behavioral health and substance use challenges can feel overwhelming to members, but help is available. Select Health works with NovumHealth to make it easier for Utah members to access the care they need, at no additional cost.

New in 2026: Medicare Advantage D-SNP plan members are now eligible for NovumHealth services. Other eligible plans include Individual, Large Employer, Small Employer, Medicare, Medicaid (Integrated), FEHB, and CHIP.

Smart retention tips before OEP ends

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period ends March 31. Now is the perfect time to check in with your Select Health Medicare members to reduce confusion and prevent avoidable disenrollments.

Consider checking in on:

  • New AEP enrollments to confirm they received ID cards and onboarding materials
  • Members who may not have selected a PCP
  • Members who have not scheduled their Annual Wellness Visit
  • Members who have not yet used key additional benefits like dental or Silver&Fit

A short conversation with you can:

  • Reinforce benefit understanding
  • Clarify pharmacy or provider questions
  • Strengthen member confidence
  • Protect your book of business

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to serving Select Health Medicare members.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Medicare Advantage Agent Support (MAAS) line at 801-442-7320, or email MAAS@selecthealth.org.

Helping members maximize their Select Health benefits

Many members enroll in Select Health Medicare for the additional benefits beyond Original Medicare. We want to make sure members have a great experience using those benefits. March is a great time to remind your clients about the additional benefits included in their specific plan, like:

  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Hearing Aids
  • Transportation
  • Silver&Fit: Healthy Aging and Exercise program
  • Benefits and incentives accessed through their Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card (Flex Card)
  • Wellness Your Way
  • Food and Produce
  • Over-the-Counter (OTC)
  • Healthy Living rewards opportunities

Encourage your clients to:

  • Log into their Select Health account.
  • Log into their NationsBenefits account to check their balances.
  • Review their Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or Member Guide.
  • Contact Select Health Medicare Member Services with questions.

Medication adherence: why it matters

Medication adherence remains one of the most important Medicare Star Rating measures. We are evaluated on how well members manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. 

Small reminders from you can make a meaningful difference in both health outcomes and overall plan performance. Remind your clients to:

  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Refill prescriptions on time
  • Speak with their provider before stopping a medication
  • Reach out if they have cost or coverage questions

If members have concerns, remind them they can contact Select Health Medicare Member Services for assistance. Our team is here to help them with resources and answers.

CAHPS survey season is here

The CAHPS survey (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) has begun and runs through May. Medicare plan members may be contacted to share their experiences with Select Health plans.

What is CAHPS?

CAHPS is a member experience survey used by CMS to understand how members feel about their health plan and the care they receive. The survey covers topics such as customer service interactions and how quickly members are able to get appointments or care from a doctor. Survey results play an important role in Star Ratings and help plans identify opportunities to improve the member experience.

What should members expect?

Members selected to participate may be contacted by mail, phone, or email and will be asked to share feedback about their experiences with their plan and providers.

How you can help

If your Medicare clients are selected, encourage them to respond promptly to the survey—whether by email, mail, or phone. Their feedback will help us improve and deliver the best care possible.

Members can also always share feedback anytime by emailing us talktous@selecthealth.org. Thanks for helping prepare members and supporting a strong member experience!

Select Health Medicare plan Documents in one place

Looking for a fast way to reference plan details? The Plan Documents page is your go-to resource for current, plan-specific materials, all in one place.

You can quickly access:

  • ANOC
  • Evidence of coverage (EOC)
  • Summary of benefits
  • Member guides

This is a helpful tool when preparing for appointments, answering member questions, or double-checking plan details throughout the year. Bookmark it for easy access when you need reliable, up-to-date information.

MAAS spotlight: 2,718 agent calls supported during AEP

This past annual enrollment period (AEP), the Medicare Advantage Agent Support (MAAS) team handled 2,718 agent calls. Each one focused on helping you serve your Select Health Medicare clients with confidence.

Support that continues all year

While AEP may be over, MAAS support is available year-round. As we move through OEP and into the spring season, the MAAS team can assist with:

  • Enrollment and application status questions
  • Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug System (MARX) lookups
  • Benefit information
  • Provider lookups
  • Formulary searches
  • Commissions help
  • Select Health Link support
  • Compliance and process guidance

How to reach us

If you’re unsure where to start, our MAAS team is here to help.

Phone: 801-442-7320

Email: MAAS@selecthealth.org

Hours: Weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (MT)