The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking a major step to modernize the nation's digital health infrastructure, and they are asking for public input.
In partnership with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), CMS has issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) to gather ideas from across the healthcare system.
This initiative focuses on giving Medicare beneficiaries and their families better access to digital tools that support daily health decisions.
The goal is to create a patient-centered environment where managing care, tracking chronic conditions, and communicating with providers is simpler, faster, and more effective.
“We are building a future where seniors and families have the digital tools they need at their fingertips—tools that help them make informed choices, manage chronic conditions, and stay healthy,” said Stephanie Carlton, CMS Chief of Staff and Deputy Administrator.
A Clear Path Toward Patient-Centered Technology
The RFI outlines a vision for secure, easy-to-use, and fully connected digital health experiences. CMS and ONC are seeking input from patients, caregivers, clinicians, payers, technology developers, and other key voices in healthcare.
Their focus includes four major priorities:
- Expanding access to digital health tools
CMS wants to support mobile apps and care navigation solutions that help patients take control of their care. - Improving interoperability and secure access to health data
The agency is exploring ways to ensure that data can move across systems safely and efficiently, using open and standards-based technologies. - Understanding barriers to health information exchange
Real-world feedback is needed to identify what is slowing down progress. That includes legacy infrastructure, inconsistent policy, or gaps in technology adoption. - Reducing administrative burden while supporting value-based care
CMS is asking how digital tools can reduce paperwork and manual effort while improving outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Building on Past Progress
This initiative builds on previous CMS efforts such as Blue Button 2.0 and the Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule. Those programs opened the door for patient access to health data.
Now, CMS wants to ensure those tools deliver real value by improving how care is delivered and experienced.
The goal is to move from data access to real utility. Patients should not just see their records. They should be able to use them easily.
Providers should not have to navigate multiple systems to find essential information. Data should flow where and when it is needed most.
Why It Matters Now
As more care moves online, the digital foundation of healthcare is becoming more important than ever. Yet many systems remain fragmented.
Data gets stuck. Patients juggle too many apps. And providers deal with tools that add complexity instead of reducing it.
CMS is using this RFI to help shape digital policy with real-world input. This is a chance for the healthcare community to speak up before new requirements are created.
It is also an opportunity to guide how innovation is supported going forward.
Better digital tools could mean fewer care gaps, faster access to support, and clearer insight for patients managing chronic conditions.
For providers and technology developers, it could open the door to simpler integrations, smarter workflows, and fewer barriers to progress.
How to Get Involved
The public comment period is open until June 16. Anyone can participate. Patients, providers, payers, and developers are all encouraged to respond.
Whether you are focused on DME, primary care, payer systems, or patient engagement, this is your chance to shape the next phase of healthcare technology.
This is not just about improving policy. It is about building a digital future that works for everyone.
