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Medicare Cost Report (MCR) Filing Checklist

This checklist applies to filing a full cost report. A Medicare Cost Report (MCR) Filing Checklist – Low or No Utilization is also available.

Required Documents and Files

  • Electronic Cost Report (ECR) and Print Image (PI) files from an approved software vendor
  • Cost Report certification page (Worksheet S) with encryption dates, times and codes; authorized official's original or electronic signature . See Medicare Cost Report Electronic Signatures for more information.
  • If a teaching hospital, Intern and Resident Information System (IRIS) files that correspond to the GME and IME FTEs reported on the as-filed cost report. See IRIS XML Format for more information.
  • If applicable to the provider's cost report:
    • Bad Debt Listing (Excel format preferred) that corresponds to the bad debt amounts claimed in the cost report
    • Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) report with a detailed listing of the Medicaid eligible days that corresponds to the Medicaid eligible days claimed in the hospital's cost report
    • Charity Care and Uninsured Discounts report with a detailed listing of charity care and/or uninsured discounts that correspond to the amounts claimed in the hospital's cost report
    • Home Office Cost Allocation
      • Chain organizations should submit the Home Office Cost Statement (HOCS) directly to the servicing contractors for its providers. When the home office submits its HOCS to the servicing contractor, the home office must also submit a copy of the HOCS to each of the contractors for its chain providers.
      • If a provider claims costs allocated from a home office or chain organization that has a different FYE, the home office should submit a HOCS that corresponds some portions of the amounts allocated from the home office or chain organization to the provider's cost report.

NOTE: To accelerate acceptance and tentative settlement, we encourage providers to use the optional Electronic Cost Report Exhibit Templates to submit Bad Debt, Medicaid Eligible Days and Charity Care. When submitted in accordance with the specifications outlined on the CMS website, MCReF can check the files for adherence to cost reporting instructions and give feedback about potential problems with documentation.

Additional Supporting Information – All Providers

  • Supporting documentation required by the cost report Worksheet S-2 "Health Care Reimbursement Questionnaire", as applicable, including, but not limited to:
    • Working Trial Balance
    • Audited Financial Statements, where applicable
    • Supporting documentation for reclassifications, adjustments, related organizations, contracted therapists and protested items

Additional Recommendations

  • Include the name, phone number and e-mail address of the cost report preparer .
  • If submitting a Worksheet S with a non-electronic signature, sign your worksheet S in blue ink to ensure it is not mistaken for a copy.
  • Electronic files may be submitted on a CD or flash drive.
  • Encryption software requiring an .exe file to access the files or access to a provider's network is no longer acceptable.
  • Mail all required items in the same package. Mailing the cost report elements in different envelopes may cause delays in processing.
  • Do not staple or bind any of the pages.
  • If submitting encrypted documentation, please e-mail your password to J15APassword@cgsadmin.com or by mail under separate cover.
  • Use a reliable carrier to send the cost report package. Payments are suspended for cost reports not filed timely unless prior approval (see PRM 15-1, section 2413 A.2) was granted.

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