2026 Transmittals

CMS's 2026 transmittals page includes R13930CP, dated September 11, 2026, implementing FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital changes for Medicare administration. The posting points to routine program instructions used to operationalize payment and hospital policy updates. This is a Medicare administration item distinct from previously covered drug pricing and ACO announcements.

Sources:

2026-09

CMS published a September 2026 marketplace update page that includes a Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Data Matching Issue checklist. The page is relevant to eligibility and administrative coordination across public coverage programs, especially where data matching affects enrollment or case handling. It serves as an operational resource rather than a policy announcement.

Sources:

Indian Health Service leaders follow gains from Indiana Federal EHR go-live

A VA article says Indian Health Service leaders visited Indiana to review lessons from the Federal EHR deployment there before IHS begins its own rollout in late September. The piece highlights operational and clinical workflow observations from the Indiana go-live and frames them as preparation for IHS implementation. This is a public-program technology and care delivery update with implications for federal health system readiness.

Sources:

Precertification requirements

VA Community Care states that, effective September 8, 2026, VA no longer requires precertification before providing authorized care for veterans. The update affects care coordination and administrative steps tied to authorized community care. For public-program participants and providers, the change signals a simplification of an access-related requirement.

Sources:

Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (CMS-2454-IFC)

CMS issued an interim final rule with comment period to implement Medicaid community engagement requirements for certain adults. The fact sheet frames the policy as applying to specified individuals and outlines the federal rulemaking step taken in June 2026. Because eligibility and coverage conditions can affect access to care, the rule is a consequential change for Medicaid administration and beneficiaries.

Sources:

CMS Strengthens Patient Protections and Accountability in Organ Donation System

CMS announced stronger safeguards and oversight measures for the organ donation and procurement system, with a stated focus on patient protections and accountability. The guidance-centered action indicates closer scrutiny of how organ procurement organizations operate and are monitored. The changes are intended to reinforce standards in a system with significant consequences for patients awaiting transplants and donor families.

Sources:

2026 Medicare Accountable Care Organization Initiatives Participation Highlights

CMS reported growth in 2026 participation across Medicare Accountable Care Organization initiatives, including the Shared Savings Program and Innovation Center models. The fact sheet highlights participating organizations and the number of beneficiaries aligned to these initiatives. It provides a snapshot of the scale of Medicare’s value-based care programs heading into 2026.

Sources:

CMS Announces Selection of Drugs for Third Cycle of Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, Including First-Ever Part B Drugs

CMS announced the 15 drugs selected for the third cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations for 2026, marking the first time the program includes Part B drugs. The selection expands the scope of Medicare price negotiation beyond earlier rounds that focused on Part D products. The announcement signals continued implementation of the negotiation program and identifies the products that will move into the next phase of the pricing process.

Sources: