CMS Ends Paper CLIA Fee Coupons and Certificates March 1

What You Need To Know

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is transitioning the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program to electronic fee coupons and electronic CLIA certificates only.
After March 1, 2026, CMS will stop mailing paper fee coupons and CLIA certificates, and online payment will be required; checks will no longer be accepted.
The change applies to eligible laboratories and providers that perform laboratory testing; CLIA-exempt states are excluded.

What Happens Next

Laboratories that do not enroll in electronic notifications risk billing delays and certification issues once paper notices end.
CMS will rely on email notifications to deliver fee coupons and certificates.

What to Do

Enroll in CMS electronic notifications or update your email address before March 1, 2026.
Email your state agency or contact your Accreditation Organization if you are an accredited laboratory to complete the update.
Prepare to pay all CLIA certification and survey fees online going forward.