WASHINGTON, D.C. – CMS announced last week that the deadline to opt out of the prior authorization exemption and continue submitting prior authorization requests has been extended to Tuesday, May 26. This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status.

The updated MAC notice specifies: If you reached exemption and want to continue submitting prior authorization requests, you must submit the opt-out form though myCGS or at Jurisdiction B or Jurisdiction C [PDF forms] between May 19, 2026, and May 26, 2026!  Opt-out requests received after this period will be rejected.

The exemption process, introduced in last Fall’s DMEPOS/Home Heath Final Rule, allows suppliers that meet specified claim approval thresholds to be exempt from PA requirements under specific conditions. More details on the exemption process and how to opt out can be found here.