As we head into the second half of the 2024 calendar year and the start of 2025, there are a few major dates that you need to be aware of for wage index purposes. These dates are important because they will have an impact on reimbursement payment rates for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.
Upcoming Wage Index Deadlines
One of the most important dates that is quickly approaching is September 3, 2024. This date signifies the deadline for hospitals to request revisions to their Worksheet S-3 wage data. This is also the deadline to request any revisions to the previously submitted occupational mix data.
Medicare Administrative Contractors Deadlines
Medicare Administrative Contractors (“MACs”) must receive the revision requests and supporting documentation by this date. MACs will have approximately 10 weeks to complete their reviews, make determinations, and transmit revised data to CMS’s Division of Acute Care (“DAC”).
The deadline for MACs to complete all desk reviews for hospital wage data and transmit revised Worksheet S-3 wage index data and occupational mix data to DAC is November 15, 2024.
2025 Dates to Know
The first important date of 2025 is January 31. This is the release of revised FY 2026 wage index and occupational mix files as public use files (“PUFs”) on the CMS Web site. This data will have been desk reviewed and verified by the MACs before being issued. Also, a file including each urban and rural area’s average hourly wages for the final FYs 2025 and preliminary 2026 wage indexes will be provided on the CMS Web site.
Contact Blue & Co.’s Wage Index Experts
Blue & Co.’s Wage Index Team has years of experience in working on both wage index and occupational mix projects. The team can also explain how CMS uses the Wage Index Survey, how it impacts Medicare reimbursement, and ensure your organization remains compliant with CMS regulations.
The team is highly collaborative and works with your hospital to look for opportunities, while appropriately capturing all required information. Reach out to your local Blue & Co. Advisor or a member of our team if you have any questions or want to learn more.
Kyle Smith, CPA, 340B ACE, Director
Austin Fisher, CPA, Senior Manager
