CMS Regulations & Guidance- About the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board
Guidance for information regarding the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: September 04, 2020
The Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board ("MGCRB" or "Board") makes determinations on geographic reclassification requests of hospitals that are receiving payment under the inpatient prospective payment system ("IPPS") but wish to reclassify to a higher wage area for purposes of receiving a higher payment rate. See 42 U.S.C. § 1395ww(d)(10) and 42 C.F.R. § 412, Subpart L.
Electronic Filing Required
The MGCRB requires applications, supporting documents, and subsequent correspondence to be filed electronically through the Office of Hearings Case and Document Management System (“OH CDMS”). Reference MGCRB Electronic Filing for registration instructions and the system user manual. For any system or access questions, please contact the OH CDMS Help Desk at 1-833-783-8255 or Helpdesk_OHCDMS@cms.hhs.gov.
MCGRB Application Period
The MGCRB application period to file a new application or a reinstatement is available each year from mid-July through September 1. A request for withdrawal or termination of an approved reclassification must be received by the MGCRB within 45 days of publication of CMS’ annual notice of proposed rulemaking (“NPRM”) concerning changes to the Inpatient Prospective Payment System and proposed payment rates for the fiscal year for which the application has been filed. See Frequently Asked Questions below and MGCRB Rules.
- The MGCRB application period for the FY 2026 - 2028 reclassification cycle is open. The filing deadline for the applications and reinstatements is September 3, 2024.
The MGCRB withdrawal and termination period for approved reclassifications is closed.
Correspondence
General questions about the MGCRB may be sent by email to MGCRB@cms.hhs.gov. However, case specific submissions and inquiries will not be accepted through this email box; Such correspondence must be submitted within OH CDMS on the impacted case.
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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.