CMS Seeks Input to Cut Medicare Paperwork Load

2026-10890 — Medicare Program; Alternative Payment Model Updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model

Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare is updating the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model to help kidney transplant hospitals do even better at getting more people transplanted and improving care quality. These changes affect hospitals involved in kidney transplants and aim to make the process smoother and more effective, with new payment rules that reward success. This update is part of a 6-year plan running through 2031 to save more lives and boost patient experience.

2026-10292 — Medicaid Program; Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-for-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments

This proposed rule changes how states can pay Medicaid managed care plans and certain doctors to make sure payments are fair, efficient, and encourage enough providers to offer quality care. It affects states, Medicaid managed care organizations, and targeted Medicaid practitioners, aiming to keep payments balanced and services available. Comments on these changes are open until July 21, 2026, so stakeholders have time to weigh in before it’s finalized.

2026-10050 — Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program

Starting in 2027, health insurance plans on federal and state marketplaces will see new rules to make coverage fairer and easier to use. These changes affect insurance companies, agents, and people buying plans, including new fees, penalties, and better protections for those with hardships. Expect updates on plan quality, dental coverage limits, and longer-term catastrophic plans, all aiming to keep your health coverage solid and affordable.

2026-07205 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, and Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges

This new rule will help Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and health plan companies share patient info more easily and speed up drug approval requests. It affects Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, and health plans on federal exchanges, aiming to make care smoother and faster. These changes will start soon and could save time and money by cutting red tape.

2026-04797 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; Correction

This document fixes some typos and technical mistakes in the Medicare and Medicaid payment rules for 2026. It affects doctors, healthcare providers, and anyone using Medicare Part B by clarifying payment policies and program requirements starting January 1, 2026. These corrections help make sure payments and coverage rules are clear and accurate, so everyone gets paid right and on time.

2026-04467 — Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program; Correction

This correction fixes some missing labels in important tables from the 2027 health insurance rules under the Affordable Care Act. It mainly affects insurance companies and people using marketplace plans by clarifying how risk and payments are calculated. These fixes take effect right away on March 6, 2026, ensuring everyone has clear info before the 2027 plan year starts.

Previous: 2025-20485 — Certain Welded Large Diameter Line Pipe From Japan; Revised Schedule for the Subject Proceeding

The U.S. International Trade Commission is updating the timeline for reviewing large welded pipes from Japan because of a government shutdown delay. The final report will now come out on November 21, 2025, with last comments due by November 25. This affects companies involved in importing or making these pipes and could impact trade decisions and costs soon.

Next: 2025-20487 — Public Meeting of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board

The National Sea Grant Advisory Board is holding a virtual meeting on December 16-17, 2025, to talk about improving ocean and coastal programs that help communities, scientists, and businesses. Anyone interested can join, share ideas, or send comments by December 9. This meeting helps guide smart decisions about ocean science and education, making sure funds and efforts are used wisely.