CMS Finalizes 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Payment Policies

CMS released the Calendar Year 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement, finalizing payment policies projected to result in a net average increase of 2.48%, representing over $13 billion in additional MA payments. The finalized policies address coding differentials between MA and Original Medicare and establish three guiding principles for risk adjustment: simplicity, competition, and payment accuracy.

2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement

CMS released the CY 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement, finalizing capitation rates and payment policies. The final policies result in a 2.48% average payment increase, representing over $13 billion in additional payments to Medicare Advantage plans. The announcement includes risk model revisions, Star Ratings changes, and updated normalization factors affecting plan payment calculations.

Chuka Anene v. Eve Nwoekabia - Appeal Dismissed

The Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed a direct appeal filed by Chuka Anene from a divorce judgment because the appellant failed to follow Georgia's mandatory discretionary appeals procedure. Appeals from divorce, alimony, and domestic relations cases must be made by application for discretionary appeal under OCGA § 5-6-35(a)(2). The court lacked jurisdiction to consider the direct appeal.

HB2165 passes, Hawaii unemployment benefits amended, effective 4/1/2027

HB2165 passes, Hawaii unemployment benefits amended, effective 4/1/2027

Research Activities Tax Credit Amendments

Hawaii HB2546 has passed both chambers, amending the state's research activities tax credit for qualified high technology businesses. The bill removes prior-year expense requirements, changes the submission deadline from March 31 to March 1, and increases the annual statewide cap amount. When the cap is reached, credits will be divided proportionally among all qualified applicants. The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) must establish an annual application period and notify applicants of certified credit amounts.

HB2329 - Conformity to the Internal Revenue Code

Hawaii House Bill HB2329 passed the Senate and House, conforming state income, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax laws to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended through December 31, 2025. The bill was sponsored by Representative Nadine Nakamura and passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee with a 12-0 vote. Taxpayers, estate planners, and tax professionals in Hawaii must ensure compliance with updated IRC provisions for 2025 tax filings.

Emergency Appropriation for Food Assistance - HB2310

Hawaii HB2310 was enacted as an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services, replacing general fund allocations redirected to provide emergency food assistance during the 2025 federal government shutdown. The bill passed the Senate unanimously with a 12-0 vote and the House with a single dissenting vote. This measure ensures continuity of food assistance programs for eligible Hawaii residents affected by the federal shutdown.

SB2054 restricts Hawaii National Guard deployments

Hawaii Senate Bill 2054 passed the legislature, prohibiting the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or the National Guard of any other state operating in Hawaii when the Governor has objected to such deployments. The bill cleared both chambers with amendments and was transmitted to the Governor for signing. The bill relates to public safety and state authority over National Guard operations.

SB3917 - Illinois Environmental Protection Act PFAS Testing Requirements

Illinois Governor signed SB3917 into law, amending the Environmental Protection Act to mandate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) testing under NPDES wastewater discharge permits. The law requires major facilities and POTWs to conduct periodic influent, effluent, and biosolids sampling for PFAS compounds with accredited analytical methods. New permit applications and land application permits for sludge or biosolids must include comprehensive PFAS characterization.

Mobile County Probate Judge Appointments Amended

Alabama Senate Bill SB343 was enacted on April 6, 2026, amending provisions related to the appointment of temporary judges of probate in Mobile County. The bill modifies the existing statutory framework for how temporary probate judges are appointed in Mobile County, a coastal Alabama county. The legislation passed with unanimous support in both chambers and was signed into law without any stated compliance requirements or penalties.