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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13047 — Establishment Registration and Product Listing for Tobacco Products
The FDA wants to make sure all tobacco product makers, both in the U.S. and abroad, register their businesses and list their products. This new rule closes a big gap by including foreign companies, helping the FDA keep better track of tobacco products for public health. Comments on this proposal are open until September 14, 2026, so affected businesses should get ready to update their info and possibly face new costs.
2026-12069 — Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflicts of Interest, and Related Provisions
This new rule makes sure the groups that check Medicare providers play fair and follow clear rules to avoid conflicts of interest. It updates how psychiatric hospitals are reviewed and tightens rules for providers who lost their Medicare status but want back in. These changes affect Medicare providers and accrediting groups, start June 16, 2027, and aim to keep care safe and trustworthy.
2026-11530 — Employment and Training Services for Noncustodial Parents in the Child Support Program; Rescission
The government plans to cancel a recent rule that let child support agencies offer job training to noncustodial parents using federal funds. This change affects agencies and parents involved in the child support program and could shift how support services are funded and delivered. Comments on this proposal are open until August 10, 2026, so folks have time to weigh in before it’s final.
2026-11140 — Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations
Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer info when they pay or deny surprise medical bills. They’ll use special codes to explain these decisions, especially when dealing with folks they don’t have contracts with. This helps patients and providers understand bills better and speeds up fixing disputes, with no extra costs for most people.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04841 — Human Studies Review Board (HSRB) Meetings for 2026
The EPA’s Human Studies Review Board (HSRB) will hold three virtual meetings in 2026 to review and advise on the safety and ethics of human research related to pesticides. These meetings affect scientists, regulators, and the public by ensuring research meets high standards before influencing EPA decisions. Mark your calendar for April, July, and October sessions, with follow-ups to finalize reports—no costs for attending, just your attention!
Next: 2026-04843 — Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; Order on Petitions for Objection to State Operating Permits for Rocky Mountain Midstream, LLC's Latham, Mustang, Auburn, and West Brighton Compressor Stations
The EPA said no to challenges against air pollution permits for Rocky Mountain Midstream’s four compressor stations in Colorado. This means the stations can keep operating under their current permits, with no new costs or changes for now. If anyone wants to fight this decision, they have until May 11, 2026, to take it to court.