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March 30, 2012

What to do if you have a claim denied for Timely Filing

Medicare Timely filing guidelines can be found in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual in CMS’ Internet Only Manual, Publication 100-04, Chapter 1, Sections 70 - 70.8.  CMS has established 4 exceptions that may extended the Medicare Timely Filing limit, http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM7270.pdfExternal PDF.  Claims denied for timely filing, but meeting one of the 4 exceptions can be submitted to CGS’ Reopenings department for handling.  A Reopening Adjustment Request form must be completed with the supporting documentation of one of the four exceptions. For your convenience the steps for submitting a Timely Filing Override is listed below:

Step 1: Review Medicare Timely Filing guidelines, found in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Internet Only Manual (IOM) Publication 100-04, Chapter 01, Section 70.6 – 70.8 and http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM7270.pdfExternal PDF.

Step 2: Determine if the timely filing denial meets one of the 4 exceptions allowing an extension of the Medicare Timely Filing limit. (If the claim meets an exception go to step 3. If the claim does not meet an exception, the provider must accept the responsibility of filing the claim beyond Medicare Timely Filing limits.)

Step 3: Visit www.cgsmedicare.com/partb/forms/pdf/GEN_reopenings_adjust.pdfPDF, Choose Other for the Reason for Request.

Step 4: Record the valid exception that allows an extension of Medicare Timely Filing limit to apply to the denied service(s). Provide as many details as possible, including additional documentation (i.e. Medicare Retroactive letter, Medicaid Entitlement letter, and any additional documentation if applicable). Print the complete and signed form.  *Please note: Timely filing overrides (adjustments) are only allowed for claims up to 4 years from the date of service.

Step 5: Send the form and the supporting documents to CGS. The form can be faxed or mailed to the Reopenings department:
Fax:

  • Kentucky Reopenings: 1.615.664.5914 (fax)
  • Ohio Reopenings: 1.615.664.5924 (fax)

Mail:

Kentucky:    CGS
Attention: Reopenings 
PO BOX 20018 
Nashville, TN 37202

Ohio:     GCS
Attention: Reopenings 
PO BOX 20018  
Nashville, TN 37202

                                                    
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