Medicare program; demonstration project to develop a uniform cost reporting system for hospitals--HCFA. Interim final rule with comment period.

Abstract

This interim final rule with comment period implements the provisions of section 4007(c) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, as amended by section 411(b)(6)(C) of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988, which require that the Secretary conduct a demonstration project to develop a uniform cost reporting system for hospitals under the Medicare program. Under this rule, all hospitals in the States of California and Colorado are required to participate in this demonstration project. For the duration of the demonstration, those hospitals are required to submit the cost report currently required under Medicare regulations and additional worksheets specifically developed for the demonstration in a uniform, electronic format.