The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released July 12 the FY 2025 Hospital Wage Index Development Timetable, a public use file (PUF). The PUF contains data reported by prospective payment system hospitals on the 2022 occupational mix (OM) survey submitted to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) by June 30. The 2022 OM data will be used to adjust the Medicare wage index for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027.
The MHA provided updated hospital wage data worksheets that include the 2022 OM data based on the July 12 PUF. Hospitals are encouraged to review both the wage and OM data and submit all requests for changes, along with supporting documentation, to the MAC by Sept. 1, 2023.
The MHA recently became aware of an issue with the latest PUF that has resulted in 0 being reflected for nursing aide dollars and hours for a significant number of Michigan hospitals. The MHA is currently working with the CMS and American Hospital Association on a resolution. The MHA has also urged the CMS to release a corrected PUF as soon as possible.
The MHA hosted an educational webinar in late June to assist hospitals with the annual data review process with materials available upon request. Members with questions regarding the OM or wage data should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.