National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (AuSCT) for Multiple Myeloma (MM)

CAG-00444R2

Issue

Multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer belonging to a spectrum of hematological disorders known as plasma cell dyscrasias. In this condition, malignant plasma cells proliferate and accumulate in a patient’s bone marrow, replacing healthy cells. Multiple myeloma is generally a disease of older adults – with a median age at diagnosis of 65 to 74. In the U.S., there are approximately 36,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths from multiple myeloma annually.

Eligibility for autologous stem cell transplantation depends on the stage of the disease. Staging systems are prognostic tools that use blood markers and tumor genetics to group patients by disease risk and expected outcomes, helping clinicians guide treatment intensity and monitoring.

CMS received a complete, formal request to initiate a reconsideration of this NCD to include the International Staging System and its revisions.

Benefit Category

Incident to a physician's professional Service
Inpatient Hospital Services
Outpatient Hospital Services Incident to a Physician's Service

Requestor Information

Requestor Name Requestor Letter
The American Society of Hematology, the Association of Cancer Care Centers, Corewell Health, The International Myeloma Foundation, and the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina View Letter
N/A

Important Dates

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated
07/30/2026
Expected NCA Completion Date
10/28/2026
Public Comment Period
07/30/2026 - 08/29/2026
Proposed Decision Memo Due Date
Proposed Decision Memo Released
07/30/2026
Proposed Decision Memo Public Comment Period
07/30/2026 - 08/29/2026
Decision Memo Released

Contacts

Lead Analysts
Lead Medical Officers

Medicare Benefit Category Determination Date

Actions Taken

July 30, 2026

CMS initiates this national coverage analysis for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma and simultaneously posts the proposed decision memo. The 30-day public comment period begins with this posting date and ends after 30 calendar days. CMS considers all public comments and is particularly interested in clinical studies and other scientific information relevant to the topic under review.

Instructions on submitting comments can be found at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/determination-process/public-comments.

To submit a comment, please use the blue "Comment" button at the top of the page. Enter comments directly into the “Submit A Public Comment” webpage.