With the considerable burden posed by COVID-19, SNFs have been exploring as many possible ways to reduce administrative burden and free up staff. Palmetto GBA, Virginia’s primary Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), issued a Q&A announcing cost report deadline extensions.

The full text of the Q&A is as follows:

Question: Will CMS delay the filing deadline of Fiscal Year End (FYE) December 31, 2019 cost reports due at the end of May due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

Answer: Yes, 42 CFR § 413.24 (f) (2) (ii) allows this flexibility. CMS is currently authorizing delay for the following FYE dates.

The filing deadline for the following cost reports are now June 30, 2020:

• • FYE October 31, 2019 due by March 31, 2020
  • FYE November 30, 2019 due by April 30, 2020

The filing deadline for FYE December 31, 2019 is now July 31, 2020.

This is a blanket extension; you do not need to send a request.