Medicare Update

The  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to implement the permanent Medicare  Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program in phases beginning in March 2009.  Medicare providers should become informed about the RAC program and prepare for its implementation.  In this post, aspects of the nationwide RAC program are highlighted to assist Medicare providers in understanding the program. Background The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 directed...Read Full Story

On February 20, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted 3 new  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Medicare  Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Program .  One of the FAQs provides the name and contact information for each RAC. The other FAQs address whether there will be a RAC "blackout" period under certain MAC contract awards. As reflected on the CMS website, the 3 new FAQs are as follows: Feedback What is the name and contact information for each Recovery Audit...Read Full Story

On February 6, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the bid protests to the permanent Medicare recovery audit contractor (RAC) program have been settled. According to CMS, the 4 RACs selected for the permanent RAC program will contract with subcontractors.  Interestingly, CMS reports that PRG Schultz, USA, Inc. will serve as a subcontractor to HealthDataInsights, Inc. , Diversified Collection Services, Inc. and CGI Technologies and Solutions, Inc. in RAC...Read Full Story

On February 26, 2009, President Obama presented Congress with a  fiscal year 2010 budget summary .  Among other things, the budget establishes a "reserve fund" of $633.8 billion over 10 years (2010-2019) to help finance health care reform. According to the budget documents, $317.8 billion of the $633.8 billion would be funded by new revenue resulting from certain federal tax changes.  However, the other half (or $316 billion) of the reserve fund would be derived from savings proposals aimed...Read Full Story

On March 5, 2009, President Obama will hold a White House Forum on Health Reform.  The Forum will involve approximately 150 attendees including members of Congress and representatives from various health care stakeholder groups (such as labor, business, providers, insurers and grassroots organizations).  During the Forum, attendees will be asked to offer ideas including ideas on how to bring down health care costs and increase coverage for all Americans. It has been reported that the Forum is...Read Full Story