CMS has released change request 11855, on July 31, 2020, to implement the calendar year 2021 home health Request for Anticipated Payment (RAP) payment policies. The change request imposes a penalty for delayed RAP submission implementation.
 
Specifically, a non-timely submission payment reduction will occur  “when the home health agency does not submit the RAP within five calendar days from the start of care date for the first 30-day period of care in a 60-day certification period; and within five calendar days of the from date for the second 30-day period of care in the 60-day certification period,” according to CMS.
 
The implementation date for 2021 home health RAP payment policies will be Jan. 4, 2021.
 
Related link: View the change request at: https://go.cms.gov/2PI640j.