Pharmacies Deregulated: Old Fair Access Rules Quietly Axed by Feds

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.

2026-09383 — Restoring Flexibility To Support Head Start Program Access

The government wants to give Head Start programs more freedom by removing some strict rules about staff wages and benefits. This change aims to save over $2 billion and help programs serve more kids better. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 11, 2026!

2026-09382 — Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

Starting July 13, 2026, states and territories get more freedom in running the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This means they no longer have to limit family co-pays to 7% of income or follow strict rules on paying child care providers. These changes cut red tape and could save money, making it easier to support families and child care programs.

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.

2026-06632 — Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes: Recalibration of the Caseload Reduction Credit and Prohibition of Small Checks in Work Participation Rate Calculation

The government is updating how it measures work participation for families getting help through TANF. They’re changing the base year for counting caseload drops from 2005 to 2015 and won’t count tiny monthly payments under $35 in work rate calculations. These changes, required by a 2023 law, affect states and could impact funding starting soon, so everyone should pay attention and share their thoughts by May 6, 2026.

Previous: 2026-01548 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Alaska American Fisheries Act Reports

NOAA is asking to keep collecting reports from 10 fishing groups in Alaska’s Bering Sea to make sure the American Fisheries Act rules are followed. They’re extending the current paperwork with no big changes, asking for public feedback for 30 more days. This helps keep fishing fair and organized without adding extra costs or time burdens.

Next: 2026-01551 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Eligibility Questionnaire for HAVANA Act Payments

The Department of Commerce is asking for public feedback on a form used to see who qualifies for one-time payments under the HAVANA Act, which helps people hurt by strange brain injuries while working for the Department since 2016. They want to keep collecting this info and need approval by March 30, 2026. This won’t cost anyone extra but helps make sure the process stays smooth and fair.