CMS published a final rule on May 23, 2013 that implements new medical loss ratio (MLR) requirements for the Medicare Advantage (MA) program and the Part D prescription drug program. Under the new requirements, which were mandated by the ACA, MA organizations and Part D plan sponsors are required to report their MLR (percentage of revenue used for patient care), and are subject to financial and other penalties for a failure to meet a new statutory requirement that they have an MLR of at least 85%. The rule is generally effective for contract years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.