(June 19, 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:
FDA Approves New OTC Naloxone Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdose
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rextovy, a new over-the-counter intranasal naloxone spray (4 mg dose), making it the third nonprescription option available in the U.S. for reversing opioid overdoses.
Naloxone is the standard treatment for reversing opioid overdoses, including those involving illicit fentanyl. While national overdose deaths have declined from more than 111,000 in 2023 to approximately 68,000 in late 2025, opioid overdose remains a major public health challenge, especially because of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Health care providers and hospitals play a critical role in continuing to expand access to naloxone, educate patients and families and support community distribution efforts.
CMS Releases Essential Health Benefits Request for Information
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a request for information focusing on the Essential Health Benefits framework and requirements under the umbrella of the Affordable Care Act. CMS is seeking feedback about state approaches to selecting and updating EHB benchmark plans, methodologies used to determine the scope of benefits included as EHB, how the approaches relate to access and market stability under the ACA and input on variation across states in the scope of EHBs. CMS will accept comments for 30 days after the publication in the Federal Register.
CMS Issues Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program Proposed Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule that would establish a permanent regulatory framework for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The rule codifies certain sections of the Inflation Reduction Act and transitions the program to formal regulations, while implementing new policies related to drug selection, renegotiation, manufacturer participation and Medicare Part D requirements.
CMS will accept comments until 5 p.m., 60 days after the publication in the Federal Register.
CMS Issues Final Rule with Comments about Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a final rule with comment that revises accrediting organization requirements "to bolster AO oversight and ensure providers meet health and safety standards so that patients receive high-quality, safe care" from U.S. health care facilities.
The final rule would hold AOs accountable to the same Medicare standards of state survey agencies, ensure AOs remain independent reviewers, prevent AO conflicts of interest, improve AO performance and improve consistency and standardization in surveys.