Read My Lips — No New Faxes: CMS Finalizes Electronic Exchange Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a new healthcare and electronic processes rule that is aimed at slashing wasteful spending and antiquated paperwork. The rule establishes national standards for the electronic exchange of clinical documentation used to support healthcare claims. CMS says the initiative will help end faxing and mailing in favor of electronic transactions. The agency hails the change as a way to reduce providers’ administrative burden. CMS says the rule will reduce costs, save time, ensure faster care delivery, and enhance security and efficiency.
CMS says the “Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Final Rule” is projected to save the healthcare industry $781 million annually. The standards adopted apply to any Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-covered entities, including health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers. Covered entities must comply by May 26, 2028.
Additional article: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-rule-phases-out-fax-machines-snail-mail-save-taxpayers-781-98-million-year
#cms #healthplans #providers #interoperability #priorauthorization #claimsdenials
KFF Polls Finds Higher Premiums And More Uninsured
Healthcare policy arm KFF finds that enrollees saw skyrocketing premiums as the Exchange enhanced subsidies expired. KFF resurveyed prior respondents from 2025 who had 2025 coverage and have continued in 2026.
The poll finds the following:
- 80% say their healthcare costs, which can include premiums, deductibles, co-pays, or coinsurance, are higher.
- 17% say they are not confident they will be able to afford their premiums this year.
- 73% say they are “very worried” or “somewhat worried” about being able to afford costs for emergency care or hospitalizations. About 49% are worried about affording costs for routine medical visits and 45% prescription drugs.
- 28% changed plans due to costs.
- 69% re-enrolled in an Exchange plan, while others are now covered by an employer (5%), Medicare (4%) Medicaid (7%), and outside the Exchanges (5%). About 9% dropped coverage due to costs.
- 70% blame health insurance companies a lot for their increased costs. About 53% blame President Trump, 54% congressional Republicans, and 52% pharmaceutical companies. About 73% who are registered to vote said healthcare costs will affect their decision to vote and 74% said which party’s candidate they will support.
#healthcare #coverage #exchanges
https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/a-follow-up-survey-of-aca-marketplace-enrollees/
— Marc S. Ryan
