How To Complete Step 5: Start Preparation Of Reconciliation Payment Request - New 05/10/2007
The following document refers to reconciliation and provides questions and answers regarding Step 5. This section contains information about who may complete the step, when and how the step should be completed and other information related to reconciliation. This document includes information about the following:
- What is the purpose of Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
- When can Plan Sponsors begin Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
- Who is allowed to complete Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
- How can I tell if Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request has been completed?
- Can Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request be undone after it is completed?
- What happens after Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request is completed?
- What is the difference between Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request and Step 1: Initiate Reconciliation?
- Can interim cost reports be submitted after Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request is complete?
- How does a Plan Sponsor complete Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
What is the purpose of Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
The purpose of this step is for the Account Manager or the Designee with the Request Payment privilege to indicate that the Plan Sponsor is ready for CMS' RDS Center to begin accepting final cost reports for the application.
After Step 5 is complete, the status of the application will become "Reconciliation Cost Reporting Opened."
When can Plan Sponsors begin Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
Step 5 cannot be started until Step 1 through Step 4 have been completed. Prior to starting Step 5, the Plan Sponsor should coordinate with all Cost Reporters to ensure that they are prepared to submit final cost reports for the finalized covered retiree list. Step 5 must be marked "Complete" on the Reconciliation Checklist to proceed to the remaining steps.
Who is allowed to complete Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
Step 5 can only be completed by the Account Manager or Designee with the Request Payment privilege. The Authorized Representative will have View Only access to this page. Plan Sponsors should be aware that the completion of this step should be carefully coordinated if there are multiple sources reporting cost data for the application.
How can I tell if Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request has been completed?
The Reconciliation Checklist displays as follows:
- Step 5 is marked with a green check to indicate that the step is complete and Step 6 is marked with a blue arrow to indicate that it is the next step.
- The status of Step 5 will be marked "Complete" on the Reconciliation Checklist.
- The Last Updated Date and Last Updated By fields are updated accordingly.
- The status of the application will change to "Reconciliation Cost Reporting Opened."
Can Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request be undone after it is completed?
After Submit is selected, Step 5 cannot be reversed. Final cost reports will now be accepted using data entry or mainframe.
What happens after Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request is completed?
After Step 5 is completed, Data Entry Cost Reporters will be able to submit final cost reports by using the Final Costs action on the Application List page. Data Entry Cost Reporters must re-report cost data for all months of the plan year to submit a final cost report. Zero costs will be accepted. The user may NOT enter an estimated premium. The user will be presented with the most recent reported cost data if interim cost data was reported based on gross retiree costs.
Mainframe final cost reports will be accepted in the same format as mainframe interim cost reports. The final cost data may be reported in a mainframe file that may also include interim cost data for other applications. A separate detail record must be included for each month within the application plan year. All plan months must be reported for the final cost report to be accepted by CMS' RDS Center. Zero costs will be accepted.
Final cost reports cannot include estimated premiums. The estimated cost adjustment becomes the actual cost adjustment. CMS' RDS Center will distinguish interim cost reports from final cost reports based on the status of the application.
What is the difference between Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request and Step 1: Initiate Reconciliation?
Completion of Step 1 begins the reconciliation process and indicates to CMS' RDS Center that the Plan Sponsor will no longer submit any interim cost reports or interim payment requests for the application. The application status will be marked "Reconciliation Initiated."
Completion of Step 5 indicates that the Plan Sponsor is ready for CMS' RDS Center to begin accepting final cost reports for the application. The application status will be marked "Reconciliation Cost Reporting Opened."
Can interim cost reports be submitted after Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request is complete?
No. When Step 1 is completed, interim cost reports can no longer be submitted for the application. However, after Step 5 has been completed, final cost reports for the application will be allowed until Step 6 is completed.
How does a Plan Sponsor complete Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request?
- Log into the RDS Secure Web Site.
- The Plan Sponsor List With Application Summary page displays. Select the appropriate Plan Sponsor ID link.
- The Application List page displays.
- From the Application List page, find the Application Number to reconcile. To access reconciliation, select Reconciliation from the Actions dropdown and select Go.
- The Reconciliation Checklist displays. Select Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request.
- The Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request page displays.
- Click the checkbox to indicate that the warnings and instructions have been read. To complete Step 5, select Submit. To return to the Reconciliation Checklist without affecting the status of this step, select Cancel.
- The Reconciliation Checklist displays. The status of Step 5: Start Preparation of Reconciliation Payment Request changes to "Complete" and the Last Updated Date and Last Updated By fields are updated accordingly. Step 5 is marked with a green check to indicate that the step is complete and Step 6 is marked with a blue arrow to indicate that it is the next step.
