HHS Gives IT Boss Direct Line to the Top Brass
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services is shaking things up by making the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) its own boss, reporting straight to the top leaders instead of being under the Assistant Secretary for Administration. This change starts right now and means OCIO will lead all IT, data, and cybersecurity efforts across the department. If you work with HHS tech or admin, get ready for a smoother, more focused IT team!
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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 more kids get quality early education. 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
Starting soon, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, and health plans on federal exchanges will need to use better tech to share health info and speed up drug approval requests. This means less waiting and smoother care for patients, while plans and agencies will update their systems to meet new rules. These changes aim to save time and money by making health data work together more easily, with deadlines coming in the next couple of years.
2026-06600, Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 and Certain Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program
Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Cost Plan programs are getting some fresh updates! These changes improve how plans are rated, marketed, and how drugs are covered, making it easier and better for millions of Medicare users. The new rules kick in June 1, 2026, so plans can get ready to serve you smarter and smoother next year.
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 counts work participation for families getting TANF help. They’re changing the base year for measuring progress from 2005 to 2015 and won’t count tiny monthly payments under $35 anymore. These changes, required by a 2023 law, could affect states’ reported success and start soon, so everyone should pay attention!
2026-05676, Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures
Starting May 26, 2026, health care providers, insurers, and tech companies must use new electronic standards for sending extra info with health care claims and for electronic signatures. This change will replace slow fax and mail methods, making claim processing faster and smoother. Everyone must follow these rules by May 26, 2028, which could save time and reduce costs in health care paperwork.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06548, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Formula Grant EASIE Electronic Application System for Indian Education
The Department of Education wants to keep using its online application system called EASIE for Indian Education grants without making changes. They’re asking for public comments by June 2, 2026, to make sure the system works well and isn’t too much work for users. This affects schools and organizations applying for these grants and helps keep the process smooth and simple.
Next: 2026-06550, Agency Information Collection Extension
The Energy Information Administration is extending its Petroleum Supply Reporting System for three more years, keeping important weekly, monthly, and annual surveys active. This affects oil and fuel operators who provide data on production, imports, and storage. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and the extension helps keep energy info flowing without extra costs.