VERIFIED · FEDERALREGISTER.GOV

CMS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Information Collection Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

NoticeHealth and Human Services DepartmentJuly 22, 2026

By Christopher Smoot, Founder & Editor · Last verified against source: July 22, 2026

More From This Agency

Plain-English Summary

The notice announces CMS's intent to collect information from the public and opens a 60‑day comment period. It cites the Paperwork Reduction Act requirement to publish such notices. Commenters may address burden estimates, necessity, utility, and ways to improve data collection. The agency seeks input on automated or technological methods to reduce burden.

Current Status

Proposed collection notice open for public comment under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

What This Means

CMS is planning to gather data from individuals or entities and must justify the effort under the PRA. The agency wants feedback on whether the estimated time and cost burden is accurate. It also asks for suggestions on how the information could be made more useful or clearer. The abstract specifically requests ideas for using automated or digital tools to lessen the reporting load. Responses will inform the final design of the collection and the burden estimate that will be submitted to OMB.

Who Is Affected

Health care providers, insurers, patients, and other stakeholders who interact with Medicare or Medicaid may be asked to supply data. Organizations that already submit reports to CMS could see changes to reporting formats or frequency. Any entity that holds information relevant to CMS programs could be subject to the new collection request.

Background

The notice fulfills the Paperwork Reduction Act’s requirement to publish every new or revised information collection. CMS likely identified a need to update or expand data gathering for program oversight, compliance, or policy analysis. The 60‑day comment window is standard for PRA notices, allowing stakeholders to weigh in before the agency finalizes the collection plan.

Arguments For

Proponents argue that collecting up‑to‑date information helps CMS monitor program performance and ensures resources are allocated effectively. Input on burden and technology can improve data quality while minimizing unnecessary paperwork for respondents.

Arguments Against

The abstract does not indicate any major controversy; however, critics could point out that additional reporting may increase administrative costs for providers, especially if the burden estimates prove low.

Economic Considerations

Because no official cost estimate is provided, the economic impact is speculative. If the collection is extensive, it could impose modest compliance costs on providers and insurers. Conversely, streamlined, automated collection methods could offset those costs. The final burden estimate submitted to OMB will determine the net economic effect, and the comment period offers a chance to adjust that estimate.

Sections beyond the plain-English summary are AI-synthesized analysis based on the sourced Federal Register filing, read, edited where needed, and approved by a human editor before publication. Full methodology: Editorial & Methodology.

← All Records