DHS Posts Cost Report Information; Working on Rate Notices

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Jeff Bostic

DHS has posted the materials for the annual care center statistical and cost report for the year ending September 30, 2020 and the corresponding instruction manual on the DHS Nursing Facility Provider Portal. DHS also indicates that there will be a Supplemental Schedule to the 2020 cost report that is not yet final but is being developed to address various issues including use of federal relief funds. DHS expects the 2020 Supplemental Schedule to be available in mid-December, and they ask that providers refrain from submitting any 2020 Cost Reports before December 15. As always, cost reports are due by February 1.

The care center rates that will take effect on January 1, 2021 are supposed to be issued to facilities by November 15. DHS does not anticipate meeting that deadline and estimates they will be posted to the provider portal by December 1. These rates are based on the cost reports for the year ended September 30, 2019 and will not reflect any COVID-19 related cost increases. The number of days’ notice required for private pay residents is reduced when rate notices are late, and if rates arrive December 1 notice will need to be given by December 15.

One other year end update is the supplemental nursing services agency (SNSA or nursing pool) maximum charges which change effective January 1, 2021. The 2021 maximum charges will be posted on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal during the last week of December. There is an exception to these maximum charges that is available to SNSAs and care centers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. See the provider portal for more information about applying for an exception.