(June 5, 2026) – MLN Connects Provider eNews from the Medicare Learning Network
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates in the MLN Connects Provider eNews:
CMS Releases Information on Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirements Under H.R. 1
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Medicaid work and community engagement requirements stemming from a provision passed under H.R. 1. The proposed rule covers how states will need to verify individuals on Medicaid are meeting work and community engagement requirements beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
CMS Issues Final APM Updates and IOTA Model
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule regarding Alternative Payment Model updates and the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model. The final rule updates and revises the IOTA Model for Performance Year 2, which will begin on Wednesday, July 1.
CMS Issues Final Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule to improve the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution process. The rule aims to "improve the functioning of the Federal IDR process by streamlining communication among payers, providers and certified IDR entities and clarifying timelines and processes."
The current "batching" of IDR claims also is being updated to include items and services furnished to a single patient on the same or consecutive dates of service and billed on the same claim form; items and services furnished to one or more patients and billed in the same service code or a comparable code under a different procedural code system; and anesthesiology, radiology, pathology and laboratory items and services furnished to one or more patients under service codes belonging to the same Category I Current Procedural Terminology code section.
NFPA Approves Weapons-Detection Amendment to the Life Safety Code
The National Fire Protection Association approved Tentative Interim Amendment No. 1869 to NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, effective May 5.
Organizations under the jurisdiction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are not yet able to apply the provisions of this TIA until CMS formally adopts or recognizes the amendment.
TIA No. 1869 clarifies how weapons-detection systems can be integrated into required egress paths in health care and ambulatory health care occupancies without compromising life safety. It does not introduce new regulations but instead defines the parameters for safe installation.
The amendment specifies that both portable and fixed weapons-detection systems at facility entrances are not considered obstructions to the means of egress if they meet minimum width and floor level requirements. Instead, they are treated similarly to turnstiles and exit doors.
Before You Go ...
The Health Resources and Services Administration's Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program is accepting applications from eligible clinicians who provide pediatric specialty care or mental health services to children and adolescents. Participants who commit to three years of service at an approved site may receive up to $100,000 in loan repayment assistance. Applications are due by 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.