2026 CMS Burden Reduction Conference: Recordings and Key Takeaways

From Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

On February 25, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) had the pleasure of hosting the 2026 CMS Burden Reduction Conference. Thank you to everyone who joined us, both in person and virtually, and contributed to such a thoughtful and energizing discussion.

Conference videos are now available here.

This year’s conference featured a keynote address from CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, opening remarks from CMS Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator Kim Brandt, closing remarks from CMS Center of Medicare Director, Deputy Administrator, and HHS Chief Counselor Chris Klomp, and panel discussions focused on:

Increasing transparency in healthcare;
Transforming chronic care; and
Using technology and AI tools to empower clinicians and patients.

What We Heard

Across conversations, several clear and actionable themes stood out:

A call for faster, more measurable action:
Stakeholders are looking to CMS to simplify requirements, better align programs, and deliver changes that are clear and trackable.
Prior authorization is a top near-term opportunity:
Participants emphasized more standardized, transparent, and automated processes, including reduced documentation and real-time decisions.
Stronger Medicare Advantage oversight can reduce downstream burden:
Clearer expectations and more consistent enforcement across MA plans were seen as key to reducing friction for providers and improving patient experience.
Administrative burden impacts patient access:
Burden is not just operational, it contributes to delays in care, clinician burnout, and reduced capacity.
Technology should reduce work, not add to it:
Stakeholders support AI and digital tools that eliminate manual processes and integrate into existing workflows.

At CMS, we are committed to turning these insights into action, advancing meaningful, measurable changes that reduce burden and improve care. CMS also remains committed to continuing this dialogue and working alongside all of you as we move forward.

Thank you again to the nearly 2,000 participants from across the country who made this conference such a success. The momentum from this conference is just the beginning and we’re excited for what’s ahead as we work together to improve patients’ lives by transforming how care is delivered and putting Patients over Paperwork!

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