Medicare Eligible Hospitals: Take Action by April 1 to Avoid 2016 Payment Adjustment
Payment adjustments for eligible hospitals that did not successfully participate in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program in 2014 will begin on October 1, 2015. Medicare eligible hospitals can avoid the 2016 payment adjustment by taking action by April 1 and applying for a 2016 hardship exception.
The hardship exception application and instructions for Medicare eligible hospitals are available on the EHR Incentive Programs website, and outline the specific types of circumstances that CMS considers to be barriers to achieving meaningful use, and how to apply.
To file a hardship exception, Medicare eligible hospitals must:
- Show proof of a circumstance beyond the hospital’s control.
- Explicitly outline how the circumstance significantly impaired the hospital’s ability to meet meaningful use.
Apply by April 1
As a reminder, the application must be submitted electronically or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on April 1, 2015 to be considered.
If approved, the exception is valid for one year. If the hospital claims a hardship exception for the following payment year, a new application must be submitted.
Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?
Be sure to visit the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.