Providers could see new fees if HCFA has its way
Money would finance additional audits
The Health Care Financing Administration’s newly proposed budget for FY 1999 contains five new user fees that could total as much as $395 million a year, which the agency says is essential for it to continue current operations.
"Without enactment of this legislation, HCFA will be forced to extensively cut back its level of operation," according to the budget request. "Adverse impacts could include claims processing backlogs, state certification backlogs, facilities being prevented from joining the Medicare program, a complete halt to state insurance enforcement and child health insurance activities, and a number of other adverse effects to HCFA’s operations."
According to the request, these new user fees would include:
• $1 per claim not submitted electronically;
• $1 per duplicate or unprocessable claim submitted by a provider;
• $100 provider registration fee for initial enrollment in Medicare;
• $25 Medicare renewal fees for physicians, suppliers, and other fee-for-service providers;
• a yet-to-be determined Medicare+Choice organization user fee for registration of managed care plans, along with a survey and certification user fee.
HCFA also is developing a legislative proposal that would allow HHS to collect $395 million in user fees from health care providers to finance reviews, settlements, and audits of cost reports. "If approved, these new user fees will help underwrite our goal of doubling the number of audits and medical reviews we are able to perform during the next fiscal year," notes a HCFA spokesperson.
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