Hospice and Home Health Regulations Blog

CMS Announces Home Care and Hospice ABN Form Changes by Jan. 1, 2012

Don’t forget that CMS will require use of its revised Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non coverage (ABN) (form CMS-R-131) on January 1, 2012. This will replace the 2008 form.

The ABN is used by all providers, practitioners, and suppliers paid under Medicare Part B, as well as hospice providers and religious non-medical healthcare institutions (RNHCIs) paid exclusively under Part A.

Providers and suppliers are allowed to use either the 2008 or 2011 version of the ABN through the end of this year; beginning Sun Jan 1, 2012, they must begin using the 2011 version.  ABNs issued after Sun Jan 1 that are prepared using the 2008 version of the notice will be considered invalid by Medicare contractors.  2008 versions of the ABN that were issued prior to Sun Jan 1 as long-term notification for repetitive services delivered for up to one year will remain effective for the length of time specified on the notice.

Information and a copy of the 2011 version of the ABN (form CMS-R-131) can be found online at http://www.CMS.gov/BNI, under the "FFS Revised ABN" link.

For more regulatory news and information, visit HEALTHCAREfirst's Regulatory blog at http://blog.healthcarefirst.com/regulatory-blog