Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
CMS Updates Forms for Hospitals to Provide to Medicare Members
BCBS New Mexico·Emergency Medicine, Critical Care·Government Programs
Effective date
May 15, 2026
We identified it
Jun 18, 2026
Summary
CMS has updated two required forms that hospitals must provide to Medicare beneficiaries: the Important Message from Medicare (given to all Medicare inpatients about discharge appeal rights) and the Detailed Notice of Discharge (provided only when beneficiaries request an appeal). Hospitals must transition to the new forms by May 15, 2026.
Action Required
By May 15, 2026: Hospital staff must download and implement the updated Important Message from Medicare and Detailed Notice of Discharge forms from CMS website (available in English and Spanish). Replace all existing versions with new forms effective until March 31, 2029. Ensure all Medicare inpatients receive the Important Message, and provide Detailed Notice only when discharge appeals are requested.