MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
Update to Acceptable Signatures in the CMS-1500 Paper Claim Form Instructions
Texas Medicaid·TX·Billing
Effective date
Aug 1, 2026
We identified it
Jul 18, 2026
Summary
Effective August 1, 2026, TMHP will remove the requirement for 'SOF' (Signature on File) notation from block 12 of CMS-1500 paper claim forms for Texas Medicaid and CSHCN Services Program claims. Providers may now submit either a signature on file or the legal signature of the client/authorized caregiver, with the requirement that last names must be spelled out (initials allowed only for first and middle names).
Action Required
By August 1, 2026: Billing team must update CMS-1500 paper claim form submission procedures for Texas Medicaid (TMHP) and CSHCN Services Program claims. Remove all instances of 'SOF' notation from block 12. Train billing staff and providers that block 12 may now contain either a signature on file or the legal signature of the client/authorized caregiver, ensuring last names are always spelled out (initials permitted only for first and middle names). Update internal claim submission guidelines and templates. Refer to TMPPM Vol. 1, Section 6.4.2.1 and CSHCN Services Program Provider Manual, Chapter 5, Section 5.7 for detailed instructions. Contact TMHP at 800-925-9126 or CSHCN Services Program at 800-568-2413 with questions. Claims submitted with 'SOF' notation after the effective date may be rejected.