The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has posted two notices and form instructions associated with a final rule (CMS-4105-F) published in the Federal Register on Nov. 27, 2006, that sets forth requirements for how hospitals should notify Medicare beneficiaries who are hospital inpatients about their hospital discharge rights.
Beginning on July 1, 2007, hospitals are required deliver a revised version of the “Important Message from Medicare” to inform Medicare beneficiaries who are hospital inpatients about their hospital discharge appeal rights. Notice is required both for Original Medicare beneficiaries and for those enrolled in Medicare health plans. Beneficiaries who choose to appeal a discharge decision will receive a more detailed notice.
Note: A Special Open Door Forum will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, to discuss the final rule and the associated notices.
