Certifying Adherence to Cost Containment Policies and Procedures

. Certifying Adherence to Cost Containment Policies and Procedures

Sections 222(d)(1) and 1615(d) of the Act authorize the Commissioner to reimburse the State VR agencies for the reasonable and necessary costs of VR services to disabled beneficiaries. 20 CFR 404.2117(c)(1) and 416.2217(c)(1) require that the cost paid be reasonable and necessary, in that it complies with the written cost containment policies of the State VR agency established under 34 CFR Part 361. Also, 20 CFR 404.2117(c)(2) and 416.2217(c)(2) require that the State VR agency submit to SSA a written certification (before the end of the first calendar quarter of each year) that cost containment policies are in effect and are adhered to when providing goods and services for which payment is claimed from SSA. The State VR agency shall submit copy(s) of their specific written policies and procedures to carry out SSA programs, when it is deemed necessary (e.g., any guidelines and fee schedules for a given year).