Beta Testing for CY 2026 Medicare Bid Pricing Tools
Relevant to: PDP, Part D
Each week, we scan the latest CMS memos to find the most important ones that apply for PACE programs. Below is a summary of what you need to know.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this site is a summary for informational purposes only, and Grane PBM, Inc. assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the site’s content. The information does not constitute legal or regulatory advice or replace the original CMS memo. Readers are advised to consult the CMS memo in its entirety and to verify information independently before making any decisions based on this information.
Click here to read the full CMS HPMS Memo.
Introduction
CMS is set to conduct beta testing for the Contract Year 2026 Bid Pricing Tools (BPTs) from February 18 to March 1, 2025. Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Sponsors can download the draft materials for testing from the HPMS site. Any feedback on these drafts must be submitted by March 1 to facilitate development for the planned April release.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Announcement Date: February 7, 2025
- Beta Testing Start Date: February 18, 2025
- Beta Testing End Date: March 1, 2025
- Comments Submission Deadline: March 1, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST
- Expected Production Release Date: April 11, 2025
PACE Compliance
This memo is relevant to PACE programs because of its implications on the Bid Pricing Tools (BPTs) used in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. As PACE programs often align with these plans, understanding and aligning their pricing submissions with the finalized BPTs is crucial for compliance.
Plans must use the Bid Pricing Tool (BPT) to ensure compliance. Non-compliant submissions may be suppressed on the Medicare Plan Finder.
It is important for PACE program participants to take note of the beta testing and updates to ensure their future submissions align with the production release specifications due by April 11, 2025. While the beta version includes placeholders and may lack complete 2026 parameters, keeping track of these changes is essential for ensuring accurate and compliant submissions once the final version is released.
Required Actions
Download the draft CY 2026 bid pricing materials from the HPMS landing site between February 18, 2025, and March 1, 2025.
Submit any comments on the draft materials via the provided survey link by the deadline of 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on March 1, 2025.
Ensure the add-in file (BPT2026.xlam) is saved under the specified directory: C:\BPT\BPT2026\.
FAQs
- “What is the purpose of the Contract Year 2026 MA and Part D Bid Pricing Tool beta testing?”
- “Where can I download the draft CY 2026 bid pricing materials?”
- “What should I do if I have comments on the draft materials?”
- “Can the beta Bid Pricing Tools be used for uploading bids to HPMS?”
- “Are there any limitations in the draft versions of CY 2026 bid pricing materials?”
