MLN Matters. . .Information for Medicare Providers
(Issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
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Unsolicited/Voluntary Refunds
Provider Types Affected
All Medicare providers
Provider Action Needed
Providers need to be aware that the acceptance of a
voluntary refund as repayment for the claims specified in
no way affects or limits the rights of the federal
government, or any of its agencies or agents, to pursue
any appropriate criminal, civil, or administrative
remedies arising from or relating to these or any other
claims.
Background
Medicare carriers
and intermediaries receive unsolicited/voluntary refunds
from providers. These voluntary refunds are not related
to any open accounts receivable. Providers billing
intermediaries typically make these refunds by submitting
adjustment bills, but they occasionally submit refunds
via check. Providers billing carriers usually send these
voluntary refunds by check.
Related CR 3274 is intended mainly to provide a
detailed set of instructions for Medicare carriers and
intermediaries regarding the handling and reporting of
such refunds. The implementation and effective dates of
that CR apply to the carriers and intermediaries. But,
the important message for providers is that the
submission of such a refund related to Medicare claims in
no way limits the rights of the federal government, or
any of its agencies or agents, to pursue any appropriate
criminal, civil, or administrative remedies arising from
or relating to those or any other claims.
Additional Information
If you
have any questions regarding this issue, contact your
carrier or intermediary at their toll-free number, which
may be found at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedlearnProducts/downloads/CallCenterTollNumDirectory.pdf
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Disclaimer
Medlearn Matters articles are
prepared as a service to the public and are not intended
to grant rights or impose obligations. Medlearn Matters
articles may contain references or links to statutes,
regulations, or other policy materials. The information
provided is only intended to be a general summary. It is
not intended to take the place of either the written law
or regulations. We encourage readers to review the
specific statutes, regulations, and other interpretive
materials for a full and accurate statement of their
contents.
For more information, visit the Medlearn Matters Web
page at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedlearnMattersArticles/.
Pub. 100-6, Transmittal # 50, CR # 3274
Medlearn Matters Number: MM 3274
Effective Date: October 1, 2004/January 1, 2005
Implementation Date: October 1, 2004/January 3, 2005
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