One of the nation’s leading nursing home associations is calling on providers to rise up against a proposed rule that has “serious implications” for their supplemental payments as an important deadline nears. 

LeadingAge released several resources — including a comment guide — for any provider planning to submit comments on the proposed Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation before the Feb. 1 deadline. The proposed rule was announced by CMS in November as a push to add transparency to Medicaid payment processes and eliminate suspect practices. 

The rule, however, would disallow long-standing provider tax exemptions and discounts for some continuing care retirement communities. Providers have cautioned that the change could lead to “major financial burdens” for CCRCs and residents — including possible closures. 

Under the rule, new requirements would be established for states to report provider-level information on Medicaid supplemental payments. LeadingAge previously noted that the proposal would also revise Upper Payment Limit (UPL) demonstrations and supplemental payments. It also includes new requirements for how UPLs can be calculated and which data sources to use.

The proposed regulation also would limit the amount of time a state could have supplemental payment policies without federal review. If finalized, the rule would sunset supplemental payments every three years and CMS approval would be required to continue payments beyond that time. 

“Given the serious implications of the proposed MFAR, CMS needs to hear from providers directly about how the rule could affect them if finalized,” a LeadingAge spokeswoman told McKnight’s Long-Term Care News

The comment guide gives providers several tips on submitting “effective” letters and lays out key issues they should highlight.

“We encourage providers of all types to make their voices heard,” the spokesperson added.