The CMS announced it is accepting public comments on the agency's proposed payment and policy guidance for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans in 2013.

According to the Advance Notice and draft Call Letter for 2013, the CMS proposes that it will again use its authority under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to deny bids if the agency decides the bid proposes too high of an increase in cost sharing or a decrease in benefits.

The agency also plans to notify beneficiaries if their drug or health plans failed for three straight years to achieve at least a three-star quality rating, and it will offer a special enrollment period to allow members to move to higher-quality plans. For Part D plans, the CMS will propose recommendations to address overprescribing and overuse of opiates and other medications as a way to protect the safety of beneficiaries and prevent fraud. And the agency's guidance said it is clarifying its definition of supplemental benefits to ensure transparency and consistency across all Medicare Advantage plans that choose to offer those benefits.

Public comments on these proposals are due by March 2, and a final 2013 rate announcement will be published on April 2, according to the CMS.