02/05/2026

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.