WEDI Submits Comments on GAAIA Discussion Draft. WEDI submitted comments to U.S. Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) on the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act Discussion Draft. The bipartisan legislation, if enacted, would create a federal framework for how the U.S. will govern artificial intelligence (AI). WEDI’s comments recommended the bill be expanded to include health care and empower sector AI oversight by the Department of Health and Human Services. The comments also highlighted: (i) AI and the patient perspective; (ii) Opportunities that AI offers health care providers and health plans; (iii) Challenges associated with the data leveraged for AI: (iv) Other challenges AI presents for health care stakeholders; and (v) Recommendations for federal government action. WEDI appreciates the work of our Board of Directors in preparing the comments.

CMS to Hold Listening Session on X12 Version 008060 July 1. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is holding a listening session on Wednesday July 1 from 1-4 pm ET on the potential adoption of the X12 Version 008060 transactions under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This listening session will bring together representatives from WEDI and each of the Designated Standards Maintenance Organizations (DSMOs) to discuss topics including Version 006020 vs. 008060 for claims attachments, prioritization of transaction standards for potential advancement, potential impact of advancing to Version 008060 on reducing manual processes, potential cost, vendor readiness, operating rules, and other issues.

WEDI’s remarks to CMS will be based on the Member Position Advisory (MPA) event held on June 4 where WEDI solicited member perspectives and recommendations on the potential adoption of the X12 Version 008060 transactions. The listening session is an opportunity for the industry to: (i) Hear from WEDI and the DSMO representatives as they share their perspectives on Version 008060; (ii) Gain a clearer understanding of what this potential change could mean for HIPAA covered entities; (iii) Stay informed about how the feedback could shape future CMS rulemaking efforts. The listening session is open to the public. Go here to register for the event.

CBO Calls for New Research on No Surprises Act Costs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is calling for new research on the No Surprises Act (NSA) costs following new evidence that the law might not have the effects that CBO anticipated. The NSA, signed into law on December 27, 2020, is intended to protect patients from unexpected charges from clinicians, hospitals, or other health care providers who are not part of a patient's health plan's network. In January 2021, the CBO estimated that the law, through reductions in in-and out-of-network prices, would result in decreasing federal deficits from 2021 to 2030 (CBO 2021). CBO is therefore seeking research that evaluates the NSA's effects on health care prices and network participation. The agency is seeking additional research that relies on more-recent data to understand trends related to network participation, prices, and ownership structure. 

CISA Alerts Users to Harden Fortinet Devices. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is alerting users of internet-accessible Fortinet devices that malicious cyber actors have targeted the devices using compromised credentials. The activity, referred to as FortiBleed, involves the exposure of leaked credentials associated with approximately 74,000 Fortinet devices, including firewalls and virtual private network (VPN) gateways. To defend against this malicious cyber activity, CISA is recommending impacted customers: (i) Terminate sessions and reset credentials; (ii) Ensure secure credential storage; (iii) Review firewall, VPN, authentication, and domain controller logs for suspicious activity; (iv) Enable phishing-resistant multifactor authentication; and (v) Reduce the attack surface and lock down management access. 

CISA Releases New Zero Trust Guidance on Secure Access Service Edge. CISA released “The Journey to Zero Trust – Using Secure Access Service Edge in a Modern TIC 3.0 Solution,” which provides guidance on how using Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions can support agencies as they continue advance their zero trust capabilities and modernize network security under the Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) 3.0 initiative. SASE combines networking and security functions to help secure access to applications, data, and services across cloud, hybrid, and distributed environments. These resources are targeted for federal agencies, but any organization may benefit from this guidance. More information is available on CISA’s Zero Trust webpage.

CMS Issues Guidance on Medicaid Demonstration Project Spending. CMS issued new guidance on its plans to strengthen budget neutrality standards for Medicaid section 1115 demonstration projects, which is a method used by states to test innovative ways to deliver care and improve health outcomes. Following the guidance, the agency plans to issue a Notice of proposed Rulemaking that will seek to address concerns about the “budget neutrality” of section 1115 demonstration spending by ensuring consistent oversight and clear budget neutrality requirements for proposed demonstration projects. Currently, the CMS Chief Actuary is required to certify that these demonstrations are budget neutral. Beginning January 1, 2027, CMS will not approve new demonstrations, demonstration renewals, or demonstration amendments unless the CMS Chief Actuary certifies that the demonstration project is not expected to increase federal spending compared to the state’s Medicaid program without the demonstration.

NIST Holding 2026 University Research Summit. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is holding the 2026 NIST–University Research Summit, hosted by NIST's International and Academic Affairs Office (IAAO) on June 30-July 1. This two-day event aims to accelerate joint advances in measurement science, standards, and emerging technologies. NIST staff will share insights into future research directions and engage in discussions about research priorities, including AI and machine learning, communication and networking technologies, biotechnologies, and more. Optional tours and workshops are also available. The event is being held at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus. Additional information is available on the NIST website.

DataSpring Launches Survey for Participation in 2026 Index. DataSpring, powered by CAQH, launched the 2026 Index data collection survey tool and it will remain open for industry participation through August 3. Data contributions are encouraged from medical and dental health plans, providers, and vendors are vital to the success of the Index. Data received through the survey allows DataSpring to assess the progress of administrative automation and identify potential cost savings from full adoption. Contributors receive custom benchmark reports with detailed comparisons between their performance and national results. For information, contact insights@dataspring.com.