Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-13671
CMS and VA Data-Sharing Program for ACA Eligibility Verification
Buyer
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Posted
July 07, 2026
Respond By
August 06, 2026
Identifier
2026-13671
This notice announces a re-established data-sharing program between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for eligibility verification under the Affordable Care Act. - Government Buyer: - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Purpose: - Data exchange to verify applicant enrollment in Minimum Essential Coverage through VA health care programs - Supports CMS in determining eligibility for Insurance Affordability Programs - Products/Services Requested: - No products or commercial services are being procured - Initiative is strictly a data-sharing and eligibility verification program - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974 - Written agreements between agencies - Notification to individuals whose data is shared - Verification of match findings before taking adverse action - Annual reporting to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement opportunity
Description
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing notice of a re-established matching program with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The program, titled "Verification of Eligibility for Minimum Essential Coverage Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," involves CMS sharing data with the VA to verify if an applicant is enrolled in Minimum Essential Coverage in a Veterans Health Administration Health Care Program. This information will assist CMS in determining eligibility for Insurance Affordability Programs. The matching program will run for an initial term of 18 months, with a possible one-year renewal if compliance is maintained.