Medicare Part A Cost Report Updates
On July 9th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted a webinar instructing providers on a streamlined version of an updated Medicare Part A Cost Report. The Medicare Cost Report (MCR), which is used to determine Part A providers’ annual Medicare reimbursable cost, has used an updated functionality since April 2020. The webinar gave an overview of new online status tracking features, including functionality and layout. Providers can use the Medicare Cost Report e-Filing system (MCReF) to submit cost reports with fiscal years ending on or after Dec. 31, 2017.
The updated MCR allows Part A providers to submit and track their MCRs electronically. The July 9th webinar emphasized the advantages of the streamlined process, which allows one process for all providers via one submission portal and is available to all Part A providers regardless of Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). In addition, Tentative Settlement payments are issued 10 days faster on average for MCReF submissions.
Mail and hand delivery remain filing options, although CMS encourages electronic MCR submission. Providers should be aware that they will not receive an extension due to system issues preventing e-Filing. In those cases, mail or hand delivery will be required.
Medicaid providers should also note that the 2019 MCR software is available for download on the Health Commerce System (HCS), and that the report is due Sept. 15, 2020.
The CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN) webinar slides are available here. For more information, see the MCReF MLN Matters Article and MCReF web page.
Contact: Ken Allison, kallison@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8820