CMS MLN Connects Weekly Newsletter · April 15, 2026 · Primary source
MLN Connects Newsletter for April 16, 2026
Summary
The April 16, 2026 CMS MLN Connects newsletter announces the launch of CMS's HealthTech Ecosystem digital tools, including a Medicare App Library and patient-facing applications for care management. It also sets a May 11, 2026 deadline for providers to enroll third-party vendors with CMS's HIPAA Eligibility Transaction System (HETS) to maintain Medicare eligibility-checking access, and announces the ACCESS Model application deadline extension to May 15, 2026. Additional updates cover ASC payment system changes effective April 1, 2026, and clinical laboratory fee schedule revisions.
What this may mean
The May 11 HETS enrollment deadline is a concrete operational requirement: providers using third-party vendors for Medicare eligibility transactions must link each vendor to their NPI in the HETS system or face service disruption. The ASC payment system update effective April 1, 2026 adds new HCPCS codes, device pass-through categories, and qualifying non-opioid pain treatment codes. The CLFS update confirms no payment phase-in reduction for CY 2026 and sets a 15% payment reduction cap for CYs 2027 through 2029.
Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.
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