CMS: Gov't must be ‘catalyst’ to digital health

WASHINGTON – CMS, in partnership with the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC), seeks public input on how best to advance a seamless, secure and patient-centered digital health infrastructure. 

The goal is to unlock the power of modern technology to help seniors and their families take control of their health and well-being, manage chronic conditions and access care more efficiently, the agency says. 

 “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. “The government must be a catalyst, not a barrier, to unleashing American innovation in health care.” 

The request for information (RFI) invites input from patients, caregivers, providers, payers, technology developers and other stakeholders on how CMS and ASTP/ONC can:  

• Drive the development and adoption of digital health management and care navigation applications; 

• Strengthen interoperability and secure access to health data through open, standards-based technologies; 

• Identify barriers preventing the seamless exchange of health information across systems; and 

• Reduce administrative burden while accelerating progress toward value-based, patient-centered care.  

CMS aims to create a patient-centric, digital health care system that is user friendly and provides real-world value for beneficiaries and their families, helping to build on Secretary Kennedy’s commitment to Make America Healthy Again. 

The public comment period will be open through June 16. 

The RFI is available at https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-08701.pdf.