Larry Minnix will retire by the end of 2015

Long-term care providers are applauding a pause in the Medicare recovery audit contractor program.

RAC reviews of Medicare claims will be suspended pending new auditor contracts, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced in late February.

The pause offers a chance to tackle the staggering backlog of provider appeals of RAC decisions, said Larry Minnix, president and CEO of LeadingAge.

Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, praised CMS’ stated intention to “refine and improve” the program.

RACs no longer are sending additional documentation requests. Automated reviews will continue through June 1.