SGR Fixed Temporarily, 2012 Annual Participation Enrollment Program Extended

December 28, 2011

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate reached an agreement on a two-month extension of current Medicare payment rates.  A longer-term agreement will be worked on in January with the House-Senate conference committee.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has also decided to extend the 2012 Annual Participation Enrollment Period through February 14, 2012. Participation elections or withdrawals made during this extended enrollment period must be post-marked by February 14, 2012 to be accepted and processed by contractors.

January 1, 2012 remains the effective date for any participation status change during the extension, which will be in force for the entire 2012 year.

To learn more on the SGR and other activities in Washington, along with information on the CMS plans to hold physician payments beginning January 1, 2012, read the latest Capitol Hill Report.

Visit www.cms.gov for more information.

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