CMS starts phasing out fax machines, physical mail

CMS will begin phasing out its use of fax machines and physical mail beginning May 26, 2026. 

 

The changes come as part of the Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Final Rule, which was released on the Federal Register on March 20, 2026. 

 

The rule includes Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) compliant standards for sharing electronic health care claims attachments. The rule defines these attachments as “documentation that enables the health plan to make a decision about health care that is not included in a health care claims or equivalent encounter information transaction.” 

 

The rule also establishes standards for electronic signatures used in health care attachments transactions must conform to the implementation specifications in the Digital Signatures Guide. While the proposed rule also included prior authorization attachment standards, these guidelines were removed from the final rule. 

 

CMS expects that the finalized changes will save taxpayers approximately $781 million annually. Plus, providers can expect time savings and improved care delivery, electronic security and efficiency. 

 

To learn more about the final rule, visit https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/administrative-simplification-adoption-standards-health-care-claims-attachments-transactions.