CMS Announces Updated Crossover Fees for 2026

RevcyclePlaybook

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the updated Crossover Fees schedule for calendar year (CY) 2026. The new fee table sets the per-claim charges applied under the Coordination of Benefits Agreement (COBA) Program, which manages how Medicare shares claims data with supplemental insurers, Medicaid agencies, and other trading partners.

What the Update Means

The COBA Program ensures that Medicare beneficiaries with multiple sources of coverage have their claims processed and coordinated smoothly. Through the crossover process, Medicare forwards claim details directly to secondary payers, reducing billing errors, preventing duplicate submissions, and improving payment accuracy.

The crossover fee represents the administrative cost per claim for transmitting this data. CMS reviews and updates these amounts annually to reflect operational needs and system adjustments. For trading partners, the 2026 update provides a clear framework for financial planning and compliance.

Why It Matters for Stakeholders

• Streamlined Operations: Automatic crossover eliminates redundant paperwork and simplifies coordination.
• Budget Planning: Updated fees give payers transparency into costs for the upcoming year.
• Program Integrity: Annual updates help keep the process fair, efficient, and consistent across the Medicare system.

CMS encourages trading partners to review the updated schedule to prepare for the 2026 implementation cycle.

1. View the official fee table here: ***CY 2026 COBA Crossover Fees (PDF)***
2. Learn more about the COBA Program here: ***CMS COBA Overview***