Real-Time Access to Medicare Prescription Drug Information

Starting October 1, real-time access to Medicare prescription drug costs and other information is set to take effect. The provision is part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' fiscal year 2026 Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System final rule. It requires health care providers to use certified health IT systems to electronically submit prior authorization requests, check prescription drug coverage and pricing, and share electronic prescription data with pharmacies and insurers. The rule was finalized through the HHS Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC).