AHA RAC Advocacy Resources

Action Alerts and Special Bulletins

NEW! CMS Releases New RAC Demonstration Report, 07/11/08 - New RAC Demonstration Report, which provides the most complete overview to date of the demonstration program and improvements CMS has planned for the permanent program scheduled to rollout this summer.

• AHA Special Bulletin: CMS Releases New RAC Demonstration Report, 07/11/08 

Special Bulletin: CMS Actions May Affect RAC Demo Hospitals, 06/05/08 
This bulletin for the 5 demonstration states describes how CMS will handle appeals for "good cause" and other inappropriate denials.  

Special Bulletin: New Guidance Improves Appeals Process for Medicare RAC Denials, 02/27/08   
This special bulletin describes a few of the AHA-recommended improvements to the Medicare RAC Appeals process included in the February 27, 2008 CMS transmittal to Medicare contractors.

AHA Action Alert: November 13, 2007     
This action alert outlines need for co-sponsors for H.R. 4105, AHA-backed legislation that places a one-year moratorium on the RAC program.

Advisories

Regulatory Advisory: Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs): Coding & Documentation Strategies, 07/16/08 
This advisory highlights the types of coding issues targeted during the RAC demonstration and
strategies your organization can implement to reduce the impact of RAC audits.

Member Advisory: Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs): Preparing for RAC Audits, 03/03/08   
This advisory highlights the types of inpatient claims that were targeted during the RAC demonstration and some strategies and tools your organization can implement to minimize the impact of future RAC audits.

Member Advisory: Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs): What They Are and How They Work, 01/25/08 
This advisory provides an overview of the existing RAC program and the changes ahead as CMS rolls out the permanent program over the next two years, including the processes RACs must follow, the requirements for hospitals, and the expected timelines.

Member Advisory: Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs): An Update on Recent Activities, 12/04/07  
This advisory provides an update on proposed RAC legislation, the November 7, 2007 CMS Revised Statement of Work, and RAC program changes advocated by AHA.

Member Advisory: Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs),  11/06/07  
This advisory outlines AHA's concerns with the RAC demonstration program and CMS's proposed rollout plan.

RAC Updates

Status Report on Recovery Audit Contractors, 08/01/08

Recovery Audit Contractors Status Report: Amended Statement of Work, 11/07/07

Recovery Audit Contractors Status Report, 10/23/07

AHA's Advocacy, Policy and Educational Strategy, 10/08/07

Comment Letters

Sample Letter Supporting the Medicare RAC Moratorium Act of 2007 (H.R. 4105),  02/22/08 
This letter to Members of Congress expresses support for HR 4105 and asks for congressional co-sponsors.

AHA, CHA, HANYS Letter to Reps. Rangel, Stark, Capps and Nunes Regarding Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Demonstration Project, 12/10/07 
This joint letter to key Congressional officials expresses continued concern about issues with the November 7, 2007 revised CMS Statement of Work.

RAC Comment Letter to CMS on Proposed Statement of Work in the Request for Proposal on CMS’ national implementation of RAC program, 10/26/07 

RAC Statement of Work Technical Comments, 10/29/07
This document serves as an addendum to the American Hospital Association’s October 26 comment letter to CMS on the RAC program.

Testimony

Testimony: Improving the Paperwork Reduction Act for Small Businesses,  02/28/08 
This testimony was presented by Linda Brady, M.D., president and CEO of Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY about how laws and regulations, combined with the very complex health care payment system,  is  making the already difficult task of operating on the front lines of American health care more challenging than it should be.