Volume 21.01
On January 5, 2021, CMS has updated the list of cost report filing extensions as follows:
For all cost reports with cost reporting periods ended on March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, providers are granted an additional sixty (60) days from the initial due date to file their cost reports. Accordingly, cost reports for the year ended on September 30, 2020 are now due on or before April 30, 2021. Additionally, cost reports for the year ended December 31, 2020 are now due on or before August 2, 2021.
REPORTING PROVIDER RELIEF FUND PAYMENTS ON MEDICARE COST REPORTS
CMS has previously provided guidance on reporting Provider Relief Fund payments on Medicare Cost Reports.
These funds are to be reported as follows:
- Hospital (CMS 2552-10); Worksheet G-3, Line 24.50
- Skilled Nursing Facility (CMS 2540-10); Worksheet G-3, Line 24.50
- Home Health Agencies (CMS 1728-94); Worksheet F-1, Line 31.50
- Hospice (CMS 1984-14); Worksheet F-2, Column 3, Line 16.50
- ESRD (CMS 265-11); Worksheet F-1, Line 31.50
- FQHC (CMS 224-14); Worksheet F-1, Line 28.50
- CMHC (CMS 2088-17); Worksheet F, Line 20.50
DO NOT OFFSET UNIQUE 2020 REVENUES
Provider Relief Funding, as well as SBA loan forgiveness amounts should not be offset against otherwise allowable expenses on cost report submissions.
PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY EXTENDED
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the public health emergency surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic until April, extending key waivers for regulations on a variety of topics such as telehealth.
The public health emergency declaration was originally scheduled to expire Jan. 21, 2021; however, HHS Secretary Alex Azar extended the emergency last week. This is the fourth time HHS has expanded the emergency, with the last one occurring in October.
The emergency, first installed Jan. 31, 2020, launched a series of blanket waivers that suspended several federal oversight and reporting requirements.