HHS Updates Privacy Rules for Payment and Debt Tracking Records
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services is updating its records system that tracks who gets paid or owes money to the agency. These changes clarify legal rules, add new ways to use the info, and fix old details. The updates start March 12, 2026, with some new uses kicking in April 13, 2026, and the public can comment until then.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Treasury Do Not Pay Reviews
If you receive or are entitled to a payment from HHS, HHS may disclose your records to the U.S. Department of the Treasury so Treasury can review payment and award eligibility through the Do Not Pay Working System to identify, prevent, or recoup improper payments. This revised routine use becomes effective April 13, 2026.
Treasury May Effect HHS Payments
HHS added a new routine use (routine use 19) allowing disclosure of records to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the purpose of effecting (disbursing or issuing) payments to individuals who receive payments from or owe money to HHS. The new routine use is effective April 13, 2026.
Payments Reported to Tax Authorities
HHS will use records of payments, overpayments, and uncollectible debts to develop reports of taxable income to the Internal Revenue Service and applicable state and local taxing officials. This is part of the system's stated purposes in the revised SORN, effective March 12, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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