Improper Medicare payments have fallen by $20.7B since 2014, CMS says

CMS estimates the number of improper payments made under Medicare fee-for-service declined by $20.7 billion over a seven-year period, according to a Nov. 15 update from the agency.

Advertisement

In fiscal year 2021, the Medicare fee-for-service improper payment rate was 6.26 percent, a historic low, according to the news release. This is the fifth consecutive year the Medicare fee-for-service improper payment rate has been below 10 percent.

CMS said the improper payment rate decline was due to its “aggressive corrective actions.”

“CMS is undertaking a concerted effort to address the root causes of improper payments in our programs,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “We intend to build on this success and take the lessons we’ve learned to ensure a high level of integrity across all of our programs.”

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.

Download Whitepaper

The cost-saving opportunity most health systems overlook

Many hospitals and health systems scrutinize staffing, service lines, and payer contracts for savings. Fewer look at one of their largest assets: real estate.…

Advertisement

Next Up in Financial Management

Advertisement

Comments are closed.