Update On Self-Reporting Aggregate Caps For Hospices

Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2015 9:18 AM

Beginning with the 2014 cap year, hospices are now required to self-calculate and report their aggregate cap, along with any cap-related liability, by March 31, 2015. Hospices may not calculate the cap prior to January 31, 2015. In the final rule FY 2015 payment rule, CMS has indicated its intent to issue a pro-forma spreadsheet and instructions to assist hospices in fulfilling this responsibility. However, release of the pro forma spreadsheet and instructions has been delayed because HHS (CMS) “has under legal review consideration of whether the 2% sequester – which affects hospice payments beginning with services provided or after April 1, 2013 – should or should not be included in calculation of a hospice’s cap liability.” It is NAHC’s understanding that CMS does not plan on issuing instructions related to self-calculation/reporting of the aggregate cap until the cap/sequester issue is resolved. Timing of the a resolution is not known currently. However, at this time, there is no indication that CMS plans to delay the requirement that hospices must report by March 31. “Given these circumstances, NAHC is providing information developed for industry use that will assist hospices in estimating their aggregate cap and any related liability.  PLEASE NOTE that the attached cap calculation information DOES NOT include consideration of the sequester. At this time, NAHC is advising hospices to use these materials to estimate their cap liabilities, and also to calculate their cap liabilities with inclusion of the sequester so that they know what the cap liability may be if HHS/CMS determines that inclusion of the sequester in the cap calculation is appropriate.  Hospices may want to wait to submit their cap self-calculation until NAHC receives additional word from CMS on resolution of the cap/sequester issue. If you are a hospice provider that uses a financial consultant please seek their guidance on how best to proceed with the calculation of your cap liability.  NAHC will continue to post and publish any updates on this and related issues.” NAHC provides several resources to assist hospices with this process. The following samples are provided by NAHC:

  • Sample self-reporting cam computation
  • A sample letter to MACs on this issue
  • Instructions on how to complete the hospice cap

Click here for more information from NAHC.


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Corridor is the nation’s preferred partner and trusted business advisor to home health and hospice providers, providing quality services and impactful results for 30 years. Focusing on key operational, regulatory and financial challenges, Corridor delivering industry-unique solutions and deep expertise in coding, clinical documentation review, compliance, billing and collections , consulting and provider staff education . At Corridor, we make the business of caring for people Better! For the most important industry updates and news that impacts home health and hospice, please make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest up-to-date industry information direct to your inbox!

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