Noridian & CMS Updates: What Providers Need to Know

Noridian’s Part A/B Provider Outreach and Education Department has released its latest updates, with several important changes and deadlines for providers.

Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) Updated
CMS has issued an updated Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) form (CMS-R-131), now reflecting a new expiration date of March 31, 2029. Providers may continue using the previous version through May 12, 2026; however, the updated form must be implemented no later than that date.

Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON) – Part A Only
The MOON form, required for beneficiaries receiving outpatient observation services, has been updated to improve readability and design. Key updates include:

• New effective period through February 28, 2029
• The updated 2026 version must be used beginning April 21, 2026
• The previous version was accepted only through April 20, 2026
• Beneficiary Notices Initiative (BNI) | CMS
• Medicare Claims Processing Manual

Providers should ensure they are using the current version to remain compliant with CMS requirements.

Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) – Deadline Approaching
The deadline to submit documentation to the CERT Recovery Contractor (RC) for the 2026 reporting period (claims submitted between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025) is June 8, 2026.

Submitting documentation on or before this date ensures timely review and allows providers to utilize the Noridian Medicare Portal to check claim status or submit appeals. Providers are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid delays.

Keep Learning with the Noridian Educational Experience
To help providers stay current with evolving Medicare requirements, Noridian offers the Noridian Educational Experience (NEE)—a centralized, self-paced learning platform. NEE provides easy access to a growing library of educational resources, with many courses offering Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits. Find more information using the links below: