As most of our members have already been selected, we are all aware that CMS passed legislation (Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018) and administrative rules pertaining to cost data collection for ambulance organizations that participate in Medicare and Medicaid. This legislation has a large impact on the ambulance industry. 

The Act directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a data collection system to collect cost, revenue, utilization, and other information determined appropriate by the Secretary with respect to providers and suppliers of ground ambulance services. At the end of 2019, this collection system was established, and soon thereafter providers were selected to report. Reporting this information is mandatory for those providers who were selected.  

While CMS did postpone program reporting and submission of data due to COVID-19, that postponement has ended.

Specifically, your service will be financially penalized by CMS if it does not sufficiently submit the mandated information. 

The Alliance has established and is implementing the COst REporting Support (CORES) Initiative. We encourage you to participate in the monthly sessions, complete the tasks identified at these sessions, and work collaboratively with the other providers selected for federal Cost Data Collection.  This has been developed and established as a member benefit; there is no cost to Alliance members.