CMS Creates New Tech Office for Medicare Upgrades
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
CMS just launched a new Office of Health Technology and Products to lead the charge in modernizing healthcare tech for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and more. This change started on June 9, 2026, and aims to make digital services faster, smarter, and easier to use—no extra costs announced yet. If you’re involved with these programs, get ready for smoother tech and better digital experiences soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Office to Modernize CMS Tech
CMS created the Office of Health Technology and Products (OHTP), effective June 9, 2026, to lead technology modernization for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and other CMS programs. OHTP will provide enterprise leadership and oversight for digital products and platforms that support beneficiaries, providers, and states.
Medicare.gov Under New Leadership
OHTP will lead beneficiary engagement and experience platforms, including Medicare.gov and related tools such as the Medicare Plan Finder, starting June 9, 2026. If you use Medicare.gov to find plans or manage benefits, these sites are now managed by OHTP for improved accessibility and user-centered design.
Support for Medicaid and CHIP Tech Modernization
OHTP will partner with states to support Medicaid and CHIP technology modernization, including systems for eligibility, enrollment, community engagement, and data exchange. These efforts are intended to improve digital engagement for Medicaid and CHIP program administration.
Modernizing Claims and Payment Systems
OHTP will direct modernization and replatforming of claims and payment systems, including Medicare claims processing platforms, to improve scalability, security, and long-term sustainability. This applies to systems supporting claims and payments across CMS programs.
Interoperability and FHIR-Based APIs
OHTP's Standards & Interoperability Group will lead CMS's enterprise interoperability strategy and the Division of Data and Interoperability Platforms will design and deploy FHIR-based APIs and data exchange platforms. The work aims to enable secure, scalable, API-driven health data exchange across CMS programs and with states, providers, and plans.
AI Strategy and Governance for CMS Products
OHTP will lead enterprise strategy and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) across CMS digital products and platforms and will advise CMS leadership on AI opportunities, risks, and governance. This guidance is intended to shape how AI is used in beneficiary and provider-facing services.
Modern Authentication and Identity Services
OHTP will provide stewardship of identity, access, and trust services, including modern authentication and identity management aligned with OMB memoranda M-19-17 and M-22-09. This aims to protect beneficiaries and enable secure access to CMS programs and services.
Open Source Requirement for New CMS Code
The OHTP's Open Source Program Group will ensure that a minimum of 20% of newly developed custom code is released as open source software, consistent with OMB Memorandum M-16-21 and the SHARE IT Act. The policy aims to promote reuse, reduce duplication, and accelerate delivery of digital services.
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