Summary

GAO reviewed the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) new rule on the final fiscal year 2009 wage indices and payment rates including implementation of section 124 of the Medicare Improvements for the Patients and Providers Act of 2008. GAO found that (1) the rule lists the final wage indices, hospital reclassifications, payment rates, impacts, and other related items for fiscal year 2009, and the listed items reflect the extension of the expiration date for certain reclassifications and special exception wage indices; and (2) with the exception of the delay in the rule's effective date, CMS complied with applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.