Submit comments to CMS on CY 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the Contract Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D proposed rule. This proposed rule includes policies to remove unnecessary barriers to care stemming from the use of inappropriate prior authorization by clarifying requirements for plan use of internal coverage criteria and proposing guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect access to health services. The proposed rule also would expand access to transformative anti-obesity medications under the Medicare Part D and Medicaid programs, helping to ensure more Americans have access to these medications. The proposed rule would promote access to behavioral health care providers and improve the administration of MA supplemental benefits. Other elements of the proposed rule would take steps to ensure that MA and Part D plans compete on the things that matter to Medicare consumers such as further addressing marketing practices that are misleading to seniors and persons with disabilities and improving consumer tools on Medicare.gov.
Action opportunity: LEAD Coalition member and allied organizations, advocates, and other interested parties are encouraged to review the proposed rule and
submit public comments by the January 27 deadline.
Provide input on NIA Strategic Directions for Research, 2026-2030 – Draft Framework
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is developing the latest iteration of its strategic plan to guide the institute’s research priorities for 2026-2030 (for context about the NIA’s current goals and priorities, see the
NIA’s Strategic Directions: 2020-2025). The first draft framework for the
NIA Strategic Directions for Research, 2026-2030 was developed by integrating feedback from multiple sources, including a public request for information and input from staff across NIA’s extramural and intramural research programs. The draft framework consists of these 10 broad goals (each of which is associated with 3-10 more specific objectives):
Goal A: Better understand the biology of aging and its impact on the prevention, progression, and prognosis of disease and decline of function.
Goal B: Better understand the effects of personal, interpersonal, environmental, and societal factors on aging, including the mechanisms through which these factors exert their effects.
Goal C: Develop effective interventions to maintain health, well-being, and function and prevent or reduce the burden of age-related diseases, disorders, and disabilities.
Goal D: Improve our understanding of the aging brain, Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Develop interventions to address Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurological conditions.
Goal E: Improve our understanding of the consequences of an aging society to inform intervention development and policy decisions.
Goal F: Understand health disparities related to aging and develop strategies to improve the health status of older adults in diverse populations.
Goal G: Support the infrastructure and resources needed to promote high-quality research.
Goal H: Support the development and application of new tools and technologies to study aging, including imaging, engineering, modeling, and AI- and machine learning-based approaches, and encourage secondary analyses of existing datasets.
Goal I: Reach and engage multiple audiences with evidence-based information about aging, aging research, and science advances.
Goal J: Effectively steward public resources.
To inform the next iteration, NIA is seeking input on a draft framework from researchers in academia and industry, health care professionals, patient advocates, and health advocacy organizations, scientific or professional organizations, federal agencies, and all other interested members of the public. Questions and general comments about the draft framework may be directed to
niaplanning@nia.nih.gov.
Action opportunity: LEAD Coalition member and allied organizations, advocates, and other interested parties are encouraged to
provide input by the January 31 deadline.
Apply for ADvancing States Next Gen HCBS Leaders program
ADvancing States is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort of the Next Gen HCBS Leaders program (Next Gen). The Next Gen program offers networking and learning opportunities with a curriculum tailored to those wishing to deepen their knowledge and refine their skills in management, leadership, and content development in the Medicaid, aging, and disability arenas. The 2025 Next Gen program will include:
- An introduction to the Next Gen program, an introduction to ADvancing States, and a high-level overview of how aging and disability services are provided throughout the nation
- Full scholarships to attend the ADvancing States Spring Meeting in April and the HCBS Conference in August
- The opportunity to be paired with a mentor to receive personalized support in developing leadership skills
- Exclusive learning opportunities, including the to participate in a first-of-its-kind HCBS Certificate program, offered in partnership with the Gillings School of Global Public Health through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Next Gen program is available for staff members of state Aging and Disability agencies or state Medicaid agencies. Previous cohorts were highly competitive and those who were not selected previously are encouraged to resubmit an application this year. For additional details,
click here.
Action opportunity: Eligible individuals are encouraged to
submit an application by the January 31 deadline.
Submit comments to FDA on draft guidance for accelerated approvals
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published the draft guidance, “
Expedited Program for Serious Conditions — Accelerated Approval of Drugs and Biologics,” which proposes updates to certain agency policies and procedures regarding accelerated approval. Topics addressed by this guidance include how FDA determines which products are candidates for accelerated approval, standards for granting accelerated approval (including post-marketing requirements), and the statutory procedures for withdrawing a product approved under the accelerated approval program. The draft guidance largely is consistent with the information on accelerated approvals contained in the
FDA’s 2014 guidance, Expedited Programs for Serious Conditions, with some clarifications and updates to address changes introduced by the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. For additional details, see the Federal Register (
Docket No. FDA-2024-D-2033).
Action opportunity: LEAD Coalition member and allied organizations, advocates, and other interested parties are encouraged to
submit comments by the February 4 deadline.
Respond to CMS RFI on Medicare Beneficiary Identifier Lookup Tools
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) a request for information
(RFI) on using Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) Lookup Tools related to certain topic areas. MBIs are 11-digit randomly generated unique identifiers without connection to the beneficiary’s Social Security Number. MBIs are confidential and considered Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Providers and suppliers can use a secure MBI lookup tool to look up a beneficiary’s MBI if they do not have their Medicare card or know their MBI. Other external entities, such as state Medicaid agencies, Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations, and private third-party businesses (e.g., clearinghouses), also host similar MBI lookup tools. Unfortunately, MBIs have been targeted by individuals seeking to commit Medicare fraud, including using MBI lookup tools to commit MBI theft. As a part of CMS efforts to protect beneficiaries, the agency is considering whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent the misuse of MBI lookup tools. CMS is soliciting comments to inform future decision-making regarding how to protect MBIs and Medicare beneficiaries best.
Submit public comments on the draft framework for the NIH Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research for 2026-2030
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit feedback on the draft framework for its Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research FY26-FY30 (
NOT-OD-25-038). NIH is committed to promoting the health and well-being of people with disabilities. Through investments in research, training and career development, and resources and infrastructure, NIH seeks to advance disability health research and improve disability inclusion in the biomedical and behavioral research ecosystem. The success of these efforts requires a well-coordinated approach that includes input from a wide range of individuals and organizations. The NIH Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI) launched the agency-wide strategic plan development process in September, 2024. Between October and December, 2024, DPCPSI hosted a series of community roundtable discussions and a town hall to obtain input from people with disabilities and interested individuals and organizations regarding disability health research priorities. This input was utilized to develop a draft framework for the strategic plan. Responses to the current RFI will be used to help shape the framework and the ensuing strategic plan.
All comments are welcome, but NIH specifically requests input and feedback on the following:
- The appropriateness of the draft framework’s cross-cutting themes and additional themes to consider.
- The appropriateness of the draft framework’s strategic goals and potential opportunities, including potential benefits, drawbacks, or challenges, and additional goals or opportunities to consider.
- Suggestions for indicators to measure progress on the draft strategic goals.
- Suggestions for ways NIH can share its strategic plan and communicate progress, success, and impact.
Action opportunity: LEAD Coalition member and allied organizations, advocates, and other interested parties are encouraged to submit public comments by the March 12 deadline.
Nominate candidates to serve on the USPSTF
The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking nominations for new members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). To qualify for the USPSTF and support its mission, an applicant or nominee should demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and national leadership in:
- the critical evaluation of research published in peer-reviewed literature and in the methods of evidence review
- clinical prevention, health promotion and primary health care
- implementation of evidence-based recommendations in clinical practice including at the clinician-patient level, practice level, and health-system level.
Nominated individuals will be selected for the USPSTF on the basis of how well they meet the required qualifications and the current expertise needs of the USPSTF. It is anticipated that new members will be invited to serve on the USPSTF beginning in January, 2026. All nominated individuals will be considered; however, strongest consideration will be given to individuals in the areas of Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Behavioral Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. To obtain a diversity of perspectives, AHRQ particularly encourages nominations of women, members of underrepresented populations, and persons with disabilities. In addition, AHRQ seeks candidates who have experience in public health, health equity and the reduction of health disparities, the application of science to health policy, decision modeling, and the communication of findings to various audiences.
AHRQ will retain and may consider for future vacancies nominations received this year and not selected during this cycle. Some USPSTF members without primary health care clinical experience may be selected based on their expertise in methodological issues such as meta-analysis, analytic modeling, or clinical epidemiology. For individuals with clinical expertise in primary health care, additional qualifications in methodology would enhance their candidacy.
Action opportunity: LEAD Coalition member organizations and allies are encouraged to submit nominations by the March 15 deadline. For additional information, click here.
Respond to AHRQ RFI on impact of ageism in healthcare
The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking information from the public to understand the impacts of ageism on healthcare quality, including aspects related to safety, timeliness, patient-centeredness, equitable distribution, care outcomes, and how the effects of ageism differ across different population groups. Additionally, AHRQ is interested in identifying efforts and innovative strategies and programs that address and mitigate ageism to optimize older adults’ health.
Action opportunity: LEAD Coalition member and allied organizations, advocates, and other interested parties are encouraged to respond to the RFI by the March 15 deadline (see the Federal Register for submission instructions and additional details, including 14 specific questions from AHRQ).
Submit LOI for PCORI funding opportunity on the mental and behavioral health challenges of individuals living with AD/ADRD and their care partners
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to release a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on April 1, seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. The preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient, community and partner input on potential studies; and create responsive, high-quality proposals. All applications must align the proposed research with at least one of PCORI’s National Priorities for Health described within the PFA. PCORI’s Research Project Agenda includes a set of Topic Themes. Applicants have the option to choose up to three Topic Themes within the Research Project Agenda based on how their proposed research aligns with the themes. However, aligning with a Topic Theme is not required. The National Priorities for Health and Topic Themes will assist PCORI in determining the optimal review pathway for the proposed research. The preannouncement highlights this PCORI special area of interest:
- Addressing the Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges of Individuals Living With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and Their Care Partners: PCORI seeks to fund high quality, patient-centered CER to improve the mental and behavioral health outcomes of individuals living with ADRD and their care partners. PCORI is interested in studies that compare behavioral, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to manage mental or behavioral symptoms of ADRD. These interventions are required to be efficacious or in widespread use and may include comparisons of care coordination approaches or other models of care delivery for individuals living with mental or behavioral health symptoms of ADRD. Of particular interest are large, multi-site, randomized studies of interventions in various settings such as community-based settings, long-term care facilities or other healthcare settings. Although not required, interventions targeting historically under-resourced and/or marginalized populations are encouraged.
Action opportunity: Qualified applicants are encouraged to respond to review the full announcement once it is published on April 1, attend the applicant virtual town hall on April 8, and submit the required Letter of Intent (LOI) by the May 13 deadline. (LOI status notifications will occur on June 10 and the final applications will be due by September 3.) Investigators interested in applying to this research PFA are encourage email PCORI at pfa.org regarding proposal ideas and questions; Program Officers will be happy to respond or schedule a time to discuss.
