Volume 21.08
CMS has temporarily ceased revalidations for Medicare providers and suppliers because of the COVID-19 PHE. CMS is not issuing any revalidation notices, deactivating providers for any failure to respond to revalidation requests and is not updating the revalidation due date list. Once the public health emergency is determined to be over, CMS is expected to resume revalidation activities.
Even so, CMS is still expecting providers to file Form 855 for changes in ownership and enrollment information on file with the Medicare program. Recently, a provider was notified that one of their Board members was reported to CMS as deceased by the Social Security Administration. The provider was also notified that enrollment information needed to be updated, by removing or replacing the deceased Board member, within 15 days or the provider may be deactivated of its Medicare billing privilege.
Failure to report changes in enrollment information can have significant implications to the provider. The COVID-19 PHE does not provide exemption for notifying the Medicare program of enrollment changes.
DECEMBER 31 COST REPORT DEADLINE APPROACHING
If you have not completed your Medicare cost report for the period ended December 31, 2020, remember the filing has been extended only through July 31, 2021. If you use an outside preparer, make certain that requested information has been provided to ensure a timely submission. Only in very rare circumstances can a filing extension be secured.
RETURN TO LIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
We at The Health Group, LLC recognize the value associated with live programming, including attendee and speaker interaction and networking, as well as respite from the traditional work environment. We are pleased that so many programs are going live or a live/interactive format.
Some key programs coming up include:
- HFMA Annual Conference; Minneapolis November 8-10, 2021,
- American Health Law Association, Fraud and Compliance Forum, Baltimore, September 30 – October 1, 2021,
- Health Care Compliance Association, various locations and formats,
- National Association for Home Care & Hospice, 2021 Financial Management Conference, Chicago, August 1-3, 2021, and 2021 Home care and Hospice Conference and Expo, October 3-5, 2021, New Orleans, and
Of course, The Health Group, LLC is extremely excited about returning to live programming on September 13-14, 2021, in Las Vegas. The Hospice Financial Management Academy will be held at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Our programs are limited in size due to the nature of the program. Early registration is available through July 15, 2021, and the program is rapidly filling. Additional details regarding the program, including registration and hotel discounts is available here.