CMS to Host Special Open Door Forum on Wage Index Reform

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that it will hold a Special Open Door Forum on wage index reform from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (ET) on May 20, 2008. 

CMS reports that the Special Open Door Forum will provide the public with an opportunity to discuss and share their opinions, suggestions and expertise on the wage index and alternative models for computing the wage index.  Specifically, participants in the Special Open Door Forum will be asked to comment on the 9 factors that the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (TRHCA) requires that CMS consider in proposals to revise the Medicare hospital wage index classification system, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's recommendations for alternatives for computing the wage index, and CMS's proposals in the FY 2009 hospital inpatient prospective payment system Proposed Rule.  The 9 TRHCA factors include:

• Problems associated with the definition of labor markets for purposes of the wage index adjustment.
• The modification or elimination of geographic reclassifications and other adjustments.
• The use of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, or other data or methodologies, to calculate relative wages for each geographic area involved.
• Minimizing variations in wage index adjustments between and within Metropolitan Statistical Areas and statewide rural areas.
• The feasibility of applying all components of the proposal to other settings, including home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities.
• Methods to minimize the volatility of wage index adjustments, while maintaining the principle of budget neutrality in applying such adjustments.
• The effect that the implementation of the proposal would have on health care providers and on each region of the country.
• Methods for implementing the proposal, including methods to phase-in such implementation.
• Issues relating to occupational mix, such as staffing practices and any evidence on the effect on quality of care and patient safety and any recommendations for alternative calculations.

To participate in the Special Open Door Forum, one must dial 1-800-837-1935 and reference conference ID 46680542. CMS reports that if participants are unable to present their comments during the Special Open Door Forum, CMS will accept comments after the Special Open Door Forum via email at CMS_Wage_Index_ODF@cms.hhs.gov. However, CMS points out that the submission of comments via email will not replace the formal comment submission process listed in the Federal Register. CMS also intends to post an audio recording of the call on the Special Open Door Forum page of the CMS website that will be accessible beginning May 28, 2008.