The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed rule implementing section 6402(a) of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act regarding reporting and returning overpayments under the Medicare program.  

On February 16, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule implementing section 6402(a) of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) regarding reporting and returning overpayments under the Medicare program.  The proposed rule will have meaningful implications for provider compliance programs.  Providers are encouraged to review the rule carefully and consider providing comments, which are due April 16, 2012.

Background

Section 6402(a) of PPACA established a new section 1128J(d) in the Social Security Act regarding reporting and returning Medicare and Medicaid overpayments.  Specifically, section 1128J(d) requires a person who has received an overpayment to report and return the overpayment by the later of (i) 60 days after the overpayment was identified or (ii) the date any corresponding cost report is due.  Significantly, the knowing and improper failure to return an overpayment is subject to liability under the Federal False Claims Act, which exposes the provider or supplier to treble damages and penalties.

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