Nine-Day Hold on Medicare Claims

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 mandates a one-time hold on Medicare payments during the last nine days of the 2006 fiscal year, September 22 to September 30. Claims that would have been paid during this period will be held until the first business day of October (October 2). No interest or penalty will be paid because of the delay.

While the hold on Medicare payments is not expected to have a major impact on individual practices, it's helpful to be aware of the policy so that you'll know why payment of your claims is taking more time than usual in late September. ▪