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This rule is being finalized in two rules.  The first rule finalizes changes to the Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plan, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) regulations to implement changes related to Star Ratings, marketing and communications, agent/broker compensation, health equity, dual eligible special needs plans (DSNPs), utilization management, network adequacy, and other programmatic areas. This final rule also includes provisions to codify existing sub-regulatory guidance in the Part C and Part D programs. The second rule finalizes standards for electronic prescribing and the adoption of health IT standards.  Over 3700 entities submitted comments on the proposed rule. The Agency received comments from a broad range of stakeholders including (Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs), Part D sponsors, health care provider organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy organizations, and beneficiary advocates).

Overall Description of Deadline: Per the CMS notice published December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78442), except for certain Medicare payment regulations and certain other statutorily-mandated regulations, we schedule all Medicare final regulations for publication within the 3-year standardized time limit in the current Unified Agenda. We do not intend to delay publishing a Medicare final regulation for 3 years if we are able to publish it sooner.