Reingruber Alert: Medicare & COVID-19 Update
7/10/2020 - By Claudia Reingruber, CPA, CHC
More Medicare Cost Report Due Dates Extended
Period Ending Originally Due Extended Due Date NEW Extended Due Date
12/31/2019 05/31/2020 07/31/2020 08/31/2020
01/31/2020 06/30/2020 08/31/2020 N/A
02/29/2020 07/31/2020 09/30/2020 N/A
- Note: These are automatic extensions - no request needed.
Credit Balance Report (CMS-838) Due Date Extension
Quarter Ending Originally Due Extended Due Date
03/31/2020 04/30/2020 07/31/2020
- The Credit Balance Reports for the quarters ended 03/31/2020 and 06/30/2020 will now have the same due date
- Note: 100% suspension of Medicare payments will occur if your Credit Balance Report is filed late
Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN-R-131)
- ABN-R-131 has been reissued with a new expiration date of 06/23/2023
- This new version will become mandatory on 08/31/2020
- The updated form and instructions are available here
PEPPER - CMS has Directed that PEPPER Distribution Resume
- SNF PEPPER for Q4FY19
- Original release date was 04/06/2020
- New release date: 07/29/2020
- Will include new Target Area for "3- to 5-day readmissions"
- Added due to a "potential incentive" under PDPM to discharge and readmit a Part A patient in order to reset the variable per diem (VPD) rate
- PDPM includes an interrupted stay policy to combine episodes when separated by up to three days in order to continue the same VPD schedule
- If a patient is discharged and readmitted after more than three consecutive days, then it is considered to be a "new stay" and the VPD resets
- This target will provide data on discharges and readmissions for analysis
- Compliance Programs should be updated if an SNF is at or above the 80th percentile
- A revised PEPPER User's Guide for SNFs for Q4FY19 is available here
- HHA PEPPER for Q4FY19
- Original release date was 07/08/2020
- New release date: 08/12/2020
- The PEPPER User's Guide for HHAs has not yet been updated for Q4FY19
The Healthcare Division at Saltmarsh can help you:
- Assist with Credit Balance Reporting or related questions
- Evaluate compliance with all notices of non-coverage
- Ensure proper application of Section 1135 waivers
- Update your SNF compliance program for PDPM risk areas
If you have questions about your particular circumstances, please contact our team or call (800) 477-7458.
Visit our COVID-19 RESOURCE HUB for ongoing updates and information. Due to the ever-changing nature of this event, you should always consult a professional.
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