Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Updated CMS Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON)
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care·Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine +1 more·Provider Newsletter
Effective date
Dec 26, 2024
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
CMS has updated the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON) form that hospitals and CAHs must use to notify Medicare beneficiaries receiving observation services for more than 24 hours. The new form is effective immediately through Feb 28, 2029, with a mandatory transition deadline of April 20, 2026.
Action Required
By April 20, 2026: Hospitals and CAHs must transition to using the updated CMS MOON form for all Medicare beneficiaries (including Medicare Advantage) receiving observation services over 24 hours. Download the new form from the CMS Beneficiary Notices Initiative website and update patient notification workflows. Continue providing written notification and verbal explanation no later than 36 hours after observation services initiation.