Quality Bonus Payment Appeals (CMS-10346)

Section 1853(o) of the Social Security Act requires us to make Quality Bonus Payments (QBPs) to Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations that achieve performance rating scores of at least 4 stars under a five star rating system. Beginning in 2012, the star ratings we assign for purposes of QBPs under section 1858(o) of the Act will directly affect the monthly payment amount MA organizations receive from us under their contracts. In effect, this information collection request addresses a review process through which MA organizations may seek review of determinations governing their star rating ("QBP status") when the MA organization's rating is less than 4 stars. Regarding the appeals process, MA organizations have 5 calendar days from the date of CMS' release of its QBP determinations to request a technical report from CMS explaining the development of their QBP status. The technical report will be provided in writing by electronic mail to the MA organization and CMS within 30 days of CMS' receipt of the organization's request for the report by the technical report contractor. If, after reviewing the technical report, the MA organization believes that CMS was incorrect in its QBP determination, within 7 calendar days, the MA organization may request an appeal to be conducted by a hearing officer designated by CMS. The hearing officer's decision would be final and binding on both the MA organization and CMS. The hearing officer will be required to issue his/her decision on or before May 15 of the year preceding the year in which the plans for which the QBP is to be applied will be offered.

The latest form for Quality Bonus Payment Appeals (CMS-10346) expires 2021-04-30 and can be found here.