In recent months, CMS has notified providers of their ability to request realignment of the Supplemental Security Income ratio (SSI %) used on their federal fiscal year 2013 and prior cost reports (cost report periods beginning prior to October 1, 2013). In basic terms, realignment of the SSI % means the SSI % will be computed using patient data from the provider’s fiscal year versus the applicable federal fiscal year (October 1 to September 30).
Key items to note:
- Once a provider requests realignment, that request may not be withdrawn, regardless of whether the resulting ratio is higher or lower than the federal fiscal year ratio previously used.
- Providers with a fiscal year end of September 30 would not benefit from realignment since their fiscal year is the same as the federal fiscal year.
- Providers can request realignment once per hospital per cost reporting period, and the resulting percentage becomes the hospital’s official SSI % for that period.
Draffin Tucker is currently evaluating the potential benefit of requesting realignment for our hospital clients. If we determine your hospital may benefit from requesting realignment, in any applicable fiscal year, we will promptly notify you.
In recent months, providers may have received revised Notices of Program Reimbursement (NPR’s) for 2013 and prior cost report periods. If you have questions about the reimbursement impact of these revised NPR’s, or questions regarding your hospital’s potential benefit from requesting realignment, contact our Albany office at (229) 883-7878 or our Atlanta office at (404) 220-8494.
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