Home Health & Hospice Week

If you owe Medicare money, don't expect your contractor to tell you twice.

CMS is discontinuing second notice letters for overpayment demands, the agency says in a message to providers. Before Nov. 1, "CMS would send the second demand letter to providers 30 days after the initial notification of an overpayment," it explains. "Recent review has determined that this is not efficient since the majority of providers respond to the initial demand letter and pay the debt."

While providers will receive only one demand letter, they will continue to also get an intent to refer letter if an overpayment is not paid within 90 days of the initial letter. That letter explains CMS's intention to refer the debt for collection.

Tip: If you submit a check to satisfy the demand letter, "please include a copy of the demand letter to expedite the process," HHH MAC Palmetto GBA says on its website.