| Abstract: | This final notice with comment period sets forth an updated schedule of limits on skilled nursing facility (SNF) routine service costs for which payment may be made under the Medicare program and sets forth an updated schedule of payment rates for low Medicare volume SNFs that elect to receive prospectively determined payment rates for routine service costs. Section 1888(a) of the Social Security Act (the Act) requires that the Secretary update the per diem cost limits for SNF routine service costs for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1995, and every 2 years thereafter. In addition, section 1888(d)(4) of the Act requires the Secretary to establish and publish prospectively determined payment rates at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the Federal fiscal year (FY) to which such rates are to be applied. |
