Updates from CMS on Shared Savings Program and Chronic Care Management
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently accepting applications for the Shared Savings Program through the Accountable Care Organization Management System. The deadline for submissions is set for June 23 at noon Eastern Time, marking a crucial step for organizations aiming to optimize their healthcare delivery models.
Independent laboratories, physician office laboratories, and hospital outreach laboratories, deemed applicable under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, must submit their data by July 31, 2026. This requirement pertains to data collected between January 1 and June 30, 2025, highlighting the importance of early compliance with regulatory timelines.
Entities not utilizing the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) should use the updated Medicare Enrollment Application (Form CMS-855B) for Clinics, Group Practices, and Other Suppliers to enroll or update records. With both current and revised forms accepted until August 2, 2026, stakeholders must prepare for a singular form acceptance starting August 3.
To support participants in the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, CMS has released comprehensive fact sheets aimed at clarifying program rules and facilitating preparation for Round 2028. These resources play a critical role in ensuring understanding and compliance within competitive bidding frameworks.
In an effort to enhance chronic care management, CMS has launched a new online resource for primary care providers and other clinicians. This page introduces the Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) Model, offering services like lifestyle coaching and medication management without additional costs. Available from July 5, Original Medicare beneficiaries can benefit from technology-driven strategies, with clinicians referring patients through the ACCESS Directory from July 2026.
The CMS Physician Fee Schedule for CY 2026 brings updates relevant to the Opioid Treatment Program, underscoring CMS’s commitment to adapting treatment protocols and payment structures to meet evolving healthcare needs. Meanwhile, the Office of Inspector General's report on improper payments in CPAP devices emphasizes the necessity for providers to adhere to Medicare's documentation protocols.
Starting October 1, 2026, ICD-10 codes for fiscal year 2027 will apply to patient discharges and encounters, with updated Medicare coverage and payment guidelines available from Medicare Administrative Contractors. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to subscribe to the MLN Connects® newsletter for the latest CMS updates tailored to their specific interests and needs.