The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that its new Workers' Compensation Review Contractor (WCRC), Capitol Bridge, LLC will assume WCRC responsibilities on March 19, 2018. CMS is holding a WCRC “transition webinar” on March 7, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. EST to address this new change. Click here for CMS’ notice related to this matter, including how to register for the webinar.
By way of background, the WCRC is tasked with reviewing workers’ compensation Medicare Set-Asides (WCMSAs) in accordance with CMS guidelines. In 2017, CMS put the WCRC contract out to bid and selected Capitol Bridge, LLC to replace the current WCRC contractor, Provider Resources, Inc. After CMS selected Capitol Bridge, LLC, bid protests were filed by Arch Systems, LLC and KEN Consulting, Inc. which were ultimately rejected. The big question since has been when Capitol Bridge, LLC would assume WCRC duties? This date will be March 19th per CMS’ new release.
CMS did not provide much detail in terms of what it plans to address during this session. However, some issues of likely interest include how the transition will impact the WCMSA review process and turnaround times, the handling of amended reviews, whether there will be changes to CMS’ methodology for projecting future treatment, and where CMS may (or may not) head next regarding its possible plans to expand the MSA process to liability claims. It is unknown whether these topics will be addressed. A question/answer segment is also planned.
ISO Claims Partners is attending the webinar and will provide a summary following the session. In the meantime, contact Sid Wong at 978-825-8262 or sidney.wong@verisk.com if you have any questions.
