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Medicare Updates on Skin Substitutes: LCDs Withdrawn, Payment Changes Take Effect

Client Alert
January 23, 2026

Medicare coverage for skin substitutes has seen significant review over the past year. One notable change in coverage for skin substitutes was set to take effect on January 1, 2026, as indicated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) announcement released on December 15, 2025.

The announcement indicated that the Medicare Administrative Contractors (“MACs”) were set to release updated Final LCDs for Skin Substitute Grafts/Cellular and Tissue-Based Products for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Venous Leg Ulcers. The announcement discussed three categories that the skin substitute products were organized into: (1) Coverage, including products that met the evidence threshold needed for coverage; (2) Non-Covered, including products that lacked submitted evidence showing that the products were “reasonable and necessary” and were without areas of ongoing relevant research; and (3) 12-Month Status Quo Period, indicating that products required further review due to ongoing research. In addition, the announcement listed 18 codes that the MACs identified as covered products, 154 codes subject to MAC discretion, and 158 codes identified as non-covered products.  

On December 24, 2025, CMS announced that the MACs withdrew the Final LCDs. Even though the final LCDs were ultimately withdrawn, the withdrawal is not dispositive of product coverage. Instead, previous coverage rules may still apply. In addition, the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, which went into effect on January 1, 2026, changed payment for skin substitutes to a single payment rate of app. $127.14.

To learn more about Local Coverage Determinations and Payment Changes for Skin Substitutes, please contact BMD Vice President and Healthcare Member Amanda Waesch at alwaesch@bmdllc.com.     

HealthcareHealth LawMedicareAmanda L. Waesch
Client Alert

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

February 16, 2026USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.Client Alert

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

February 10, 2026The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.Client Alert

OAAPN | Year In Review: 2026 Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Law Rules

February 9, 2026Find out key changes to Ohio law and the Ohio Board of Nursing rules that have directly impacted APRN practice over the past year, including Psychiatric Inpatient Documents, Intimate Examinations, Signature Authority, Duties Related to Fetal Death, Retail IV Therapy Clinics, Release from Permanent Restrictions, Disciplinary Action, Course on Drugs and Prescriptive Authority, Overdose Reversal Drugs, Office Based Opioid Treatment, Withdrawal Management for Substance Use Disorder, Safe Haven Program, and more.Client Alert

Ohio House Bill 537: Proposed Regulations for Midwives and Birthing Centers

January 28, 2026House Bill 537, introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives, proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework for certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, licensed midwives, and traditional midwives. The legislation would clarify scope of practice, establish licensure standards, and impose new requirements for freestanding birthing centers and home births. Healthcare providers and facilities should be aware of the proposed changes and their potential operational impact.Client Alert

Proposed Health Information Privacy Reform Act Expands Protections Beyond HIPAA

January 26, 2026The Health Information Privacy Reform Act (HIPRA) seeks to extend privacy protections to health data not covered under HIPAA, including data collected by apps and wearables. HIPRA introduces broader definitions of protected health information, strengthens privacy and security requirements, establishes patient notification rights, and sets national de-identification standards. Companies processing health data should monitor developments to ensure compliance.
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