ONC Promises to Unleash Prosperity by Rewriting Health-Tech Rules

2026-21891, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Exchange Pre-Eligibility Verification

This new rule affects people using health insurance exchanges by making sure their eligibility is checked more carefully before they enroll. It updates how and when eligibility is verified, adds new ways to enroll during verification, and sets new start dates for coverage. These changes aim to keep the system fair and smooth, with comments open until November 27, 2026.

2026-21420, Medicare Program; Implementation of Sections 6219, 6220, and 6224 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

This new Medicare rule will help people with low incomes pay less for their prescriptions, make sure health provider lists are accurate, and hold pharmacy benefit managers more accountable. If you use Medicare Part D or work with pharmacies and providers, these changes could affect you starting soon. Comments on the rule are open until December 15, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!

2026-20848, Use of Salt Substitutes To Reduce the Sodium Content in Standardized Foods

The FDA is changing food rules to allow salt substitutes in many standardized foods, helping companies make lower-sodium options. This move aims to cut heart disease risks by reducing sodium without changing how foods basically taste or look. The new rule kicks in December 14, 2026, and food makers have until November 12, 2026, to raise any concerns, with no big costs expected.

2026-20447, Transparency in Coverage

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer, easier-to-understand price info for medical services and drugs. This helps you see what in-network and out-of-network costs really look like, with more details and better updates. These changes affect most group and individual health plans and kick in with new reporting rules to make healthcare pricing more transparent and fair.

2026-20281, Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Model

Starting November 30, 2026, Medicare will use the new GLOBE Model to help lower the cost of certain drugs for people on Original Medicare. This model changes how drug price increases are calculated, aiming to save money for both patients and the Medicare program without cutting care quality. If you’re on Medicare Part B, expect smarter drug pricing that helps keep your healthcare affordable.

2026-20131, Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2027 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program; Correction

This correction fixes some technical mistakes in the Medicare payment rules for inpatient rehab facilities starting October 1, 2026. It mainly affects hospitals and rehab centers by clarifying how wage data and payments are calculated, ensuring fairer payment rates for fiscal year 2027. No big changes in money, but it keeps everything accurate and on track.

Previous: 2026-21923, Implementation of HAVANA Act of 2021

The Department of Justice is officially rolling out the HAVANA Act, which helps current and former DOJ employees and their families get payments if they suffered brain injuries on the job. This final rule, effective November 27, 2026, makes small tweaks to the process but keeps the main promise alive—support for those affected. No public comments changed the plan, so it’s full steam ahead with this important help!

Next: 2026-21963, Voluntary Consensus Standards Update; Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products

The EPA is updating the rules for testing formaldehyde in composite wood products to use the latest, safer standards. This affects manufacturers and sellers who must follow new test methods starting November 27, 2026. These changes keep products safer without adding extra costs or delays.