The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is preparing for a period of unprecedented change as it looks ahead to 2026. New policy mandates, modernization initiatives, and the rapid evolution of emerging technologies are converging at a moment when CMS must balance big ideas with practical realities. The stakes are high: with massive volumes of data, siloed systems and complex regulations, the steps CMS is taking now are critical to ensure it continues to deliver efficient, citizen-focused healthcare services well into the future.
At the Looking Ahead at CMS for 2026 event, RELI Group leaders are contributing to this important conversation. Alison Flacks, Health Policy Subject Matter Expert at RELI, is moderating a panel on policy and leadership priorities, while Sarah Sanchez, our Chief Innovation Officer, is speaking on emerging technologies and AI adoption. Together, their insights reflect the dual forces shaping CMS’s future: the policies that guide investments, and the technologies that bring those policies to life.
Policy, Leadership and Funding Priorities for 2026
Policy decisions have always played a central role in shaping CMS’ trajectory, but in the years ahead, leadership priorities will more directly determine where funding flows. Modernization and consolidation of programs are no longer optional; they’re essential for managing costs, ensuring compliance and delivering better outcomes.
One of the greatest challenges is simplification without sacrifice. Large policy packages, like the “Big Beautiful Bill,” introduce important new requirements, but they also risk adding duplicative processes. For example, employment verification requirements exist separately across programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. CMS is exploring ways to improve data sharing so both programs can benefit. This duplication highlights the need for holistic strategies that align policy and operations across agencies.
Scalability is another pressing issue. CMS manages enormous volumes of data, and modernization efforts must address both infrastructure and processes. Leadership priorities are increasingly focused on making systems scalable, secure and interoperable, but process improvements are equally important, as teams embrace new ways of working.
These modernization efforts are also about access. Recent discussions around rural healthcare and telehealth illustrate the importance of ensuring policy reforms extend benefits to underserved populations. As these initiatives take shape, funding decisions will determine which programs accelerate vision statements and deliver tangible outcomes.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies and AI
Technology is the other side of the equation, and CMS is already exploring how AI and automation can streamline operations and improve outcomes. But adopting new tools is only half the battle; governance frameworks are critical to avoid repeating the “hurry up/catch up” cycle common with technology rollouts.
But AI isn’t just about efficiency. Consider the potential for AI to simplify regulatory complexity: AI tools can ingest stacked layers of federal policy and highlight contradictions, redundancies or opportunities to streamline. This capability could dramatically reduce administrative burden while improving the clarity and effectiveness of federal programs.
CMS is also examining technologies that support interoperability and data access. AI-driven solutions can help agencies navigate massive data sets, improve FHIR adoption, and ensure that data is both easier to access and less fragmented. That being said, every model and platform comes with trade-offs. Effective governance, change management and prioritization are critical to ensure adoption efforts avoid duplication and align with mission outcomes.
Where Policy and Technology Converge
Ultimately, the forces of policy and technology are not separate, but deeply interconnected. Leadership decisions drive funding allocations, which in turn determine which technologies are prioritized by agencies. At the same time, the availability of emerging technologies is shaping what’s possible from a policy perspective.
Interoperability is a prime example. While it remains a buzzword across federal healthcare, practical progress requires both leadership mandates and cross-agency collaboration. The inability to link program data across Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP underscores the need for modernization efforts that bridge silos while protecting mission outcomes.
By aligning policy frameworks with technology adoption, CMS can not only meet immediate requirements but also build scalable systems capable of adapting to future needs.
Looking Ahead
The road to 2026 and beyond presents both challenges and opportunities for CMS. Policy mandates will continue to shape funding priorities, while AI and other emerging technologies will transform how CMS manages data, processes and compliance.
For RELI Group, this is more than a policy or technology conversation — it’s about helping federal agencies connect the dots. By focusing on governance, simplification and scalability, RELI serves as a trusted navigator for change, supporting CMS and other agencies as they adopt emerging technologies and modernize their programs.
By aligning leadership priorities with innovative technologies, CMS can avoid duplication, improve citizen experiences, and ensure healthcare systems are built to serve the nation’s needs well into the future.
Ready to continue the conversation? Hear more from RELI’s experts at Looking Ahead at CMS for 2026, happening on October 9!
