Feds Tweak Drug Test Rules: Same Old Panels, Cleaner Notes

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 makes claim processing faster and less paper-heavy, with full compliance required by May 26, 2028. It’s a big step toward smoother, quicker health care paperwork that saves time and money!

2026-04797 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; Correction

This document fixes some typos and technical mistakes in the Medicare and Medicaid payment rules for 2026. It affects doctors, healthcare providers, and anyone using Medicare Part B by clarifying payment policies and program requirements starting January 1, 2026. These corrections help make sure payments and coverage rules are clear and accurate, so everyone gets paid right and on time.

2026-04467 — Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program; Correction

This correction fixes some missing labels in important tables from the 2027 health insurance rules under the Affordable Care Act. It mainly affects insurance companies and people using marketplace plans by clarifying how risk and payments are calculated. These fixes take effect right away on March 6, 2026, ensuring everyone has clear info before the 2027 plan year starts.

2025-23081 — Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program; Correction

This correction fixes some math and typo mistakes in the Medicare payment rules for inpatient rehab facilities starting October 1, 2025. It mainly affects rehab centers by updating their payment rates and quality reporting details to be fair and accurate. These changes ensure providers get the right money and info for the 2026 fiscal year.

2025-22543 — Medicare Program; Alternative Payment Model Updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model

Medicare is updating its payment plans to help more people get organ transplants through the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model starting in Performance Year 2. These changes affect hospitals and doctors who work with Medicare patients needing transplants, aiming to improve care and save lives. Comments on the proposed rule are open until February 9, 2026, so stakeholders can share their thoughts before it’s finalized.

2025-21767 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program Updates; DMEPOS Accreditation Requirements; Provider Enrollment; and Other Medicare and Medicaid Policies

Starting in 2026, Medicare is updating how it pays for home health care and durable medical equipment, making sure payments match patient needs better. Home health providers will see new rules for quality reporting and value-based programs, while suppliers must meet updated accreditation and enrollment standards. These changes affect patients, providers, and suppliers, with payment updates and new deadlines kicking in early next year.

Previous: 2026-04978 — William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program; Correction

The Department of Education fixed some confusing instructions in a previous rule about Public Service Loan Forgiveness for Direct Loan borrowers. These corrections don’t change the actual rules but make sure everything is clear and in the right place. The fix kicks in on July 1, 2026, so borrowers and loan servicers can stay on track without any money surprises.

Next: 2026-04990 — Revocation of the 30-Day Notification Requirement Prior to Termination of Lease for Nonpayment of Rent; Indefinite Delay of Effective Date

HUD is hitting the pause button on a new rule that would have stopped the 30-day heads-up before evicting tenants for not paying rent. This means public housing tenants and property owners won’t see changes just yet, as HUD reviews feedback and legal challenges. No rent-related notices are changing for now, so everyone can breathe easy until HUD decides the next move.