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26-061m Updates to Medicare Clinical Policies – December 2025

Date: 01/23/26

Review upcoming changes, effective February 9, 2026 

The medical policies listed in this update were approved by Centene’s National Medicare Quality Improvement Utilization Management Committee and are effective as of February 2026.  

For a complete description of the background, criteria, references and coding implications for these Medicare medical policies, go to the Medicare Prior Authorization Medical Clinical Policies page.

Apply the Medicare National Coverage Decisions (NCDs) and applicable Local Coverage Decisions (LCDs) local policies for primary coverage guidance.  

Changes to medical policies, effective February 9, 2026 

The following are Medicare clinical policies that have been approved for use. The listed policies are effective February 9, 2026.

Updated Policies

Policy number and title

Summary of changes

MC.CP.MP.108

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplants (AHCT) for Sickle Cell Anemia and
β-Thalassemia

  • Annual review.
  • Added clarifying language to Criterion I.A.1.b. regarding high risk of stroke.
  • Removed first-degree relative donor requirement for cord blood as the source of stem cells for homozygous β-thalassemia in Criterion I.A.2.a.i.
  • Removed Criterion I.A.2.d. regarding physicians, practitioners and other providers specializing in treating thalassemia.

MC.CP.MP.108

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplants (AHCT) for Sickle Cell Anemia and β-Thalassemia, continued

  • Updated verbiage in Note under Criterion I.B. for clarity.
  • Coding and descriptions reviewed.
  • References reviewed and updated.
  • Reviewed by internal specialist and external specialist.

MC.CP.MP 31

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures

  • Annual review.
  • Updated verbiage in Note under Description section for clarity.
  • Removed Criterion I.A.4. regarding certain procedures that may be covered if improving appearance is the only benefit.
  • Coding and descriptions reviewed.
  • References reviewed and updated.

MC.CP.MP.107

Durable Medical Equipment

Policy created.

MC.CP.CPC.05

Medical Necessity Criteria

Policy developed; adapted from CP.CPC.05.            

 

Need help? Contact us

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact the Health Net Provider Services Center by email, by phone or through the Health Net provider portal. Behavioral health providers can call 844-966-0298.

Provider Services

Line of business

Phone number

Email

Medicare (Individual & Employer Group)

(Wellcare By Health Net)

800-929-9224

email

Medicare Supplement

800-641-7761

email

 

This information applies to Physicians, Practitioners, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.



Last Updated: 01/22/2026