“We think the chances are pretty slim,” the hospital’s CEO, Robert Wolleben, said, according to the report.
Last November, Medicare notified MMH officials, claiming the hospital owes $1.6 million to Medicare after the federal program overpaid the hospital. The hospital, which receives funds from the Medicare low volume adjustment, was told to pay the amount by a certain time or it would be charged 9.635 percent interest.
The notification came after Medicare recalculated their reimbursement formula, making the change retroactive to 2011. Other hospitals in New York and Maine were also told they owed Medicare money, according to the report.
MMH worked out a six-month payback schedule, according to the report. But in the meantime, Mr. Wolleben said, they had reached out to Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) for assistance. Despite efforts by the senator’s office, nothing has transpired yet — and may not, according to the report.
“They’re still working on it. If it happens, that’s a guess, I think it will happen late in the federal year, which is September, and it may be some kind of negotiated settlement that’s buried somewhere else. That would be my guess. I think it’s going to be very difficult to get it,” Mr. Wolleben said.
More articles on healthcare finance:
California hospital to close after takeover deal falls through
4 hospitals receive credit downgrades in past month
5 latest hospital bankruptcies
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
