b) Encounter Rate Clinics Encounter rate clinics, as described at Section 140.461(b), providing comprehensive health care for infants and women, including but not limited to prenatal and postnatal care, will be reimbursed under a per encounter rate system based upon 85% of the average of the costs of furnishing those services. Baseline payment rates will be determined individually for each encounter rate clinic. Once determined, the baseline payment rate will be adjusted annually using the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) beginning January 1, 2015. Payment for services provided on or after October 1, 2014 shall be made using specific rates for each clinic as specified in this Section.
1) Baseline Payment Rates A) For each clinic, the Department will calculate a baseline medical encounter rate and, for dental services, the Department will calculate a baseline dental encounter rate, using the methodology specified in subsection (b)(1)(B).B) The cost basis for the baseline rates shall be based upon allowable costs reported by the clinic that are determined by the Department to be reasonable, efficient and related to the cost of furnishing the services by the clinic and drawn from individual clinic cost reports for clinic fiscal years ending in 2012 and 2013.C) The Department shall supply and the clinic shall submit a cost report for the years specified in subsection (b)(1)(B) for the purpose of determining the average cost per encounter for both medical and dental services. Clinics shall also furnish audited financial statements for each fiscal year specified in subsection (b)(1)(B).D) The baseline payment rates for a clinic shall be the average (arithmetic mean) of the annual costs per encounter, calculated separately for each of the fiscal years for which cost report data must be submitted and multiplied by a cost factor of .85.E) Encounter rate clinic claims submitted to the Department must identify all services provided during the encounter.2) Rate Adjustments A) On or about October 1, 2014, the Department shall determine the medical and dental encounter rates for each clinic. These rates shall be paid for services provided on or after October 1, 2014. Claims submitted and adjudicated prior to the entry of these rates into the Department's claims processing system shall be reconciled for each affected clinic.B) Beginning January 1, 2015, and annually thereafter, the Department will adjust baseline rates by the most recently available MEI. The adjusted rates shall be paid for services provided on or after the date of adjustment.3) Rate Appeals Process A) All appeals of audit adjustments or rate determinations must be submitted in writing to the Department. Appeals must be submitted within 60 calendar days after the notification of the adjustments or rate determinations. If upheld, the revised audit adjustment or rate determination shall be made effective as of the beginning of the rate period.B) To be accepted for review, the written appeal shall include the following: i) The current approved reimbursement rate, allowable costs and the additional reimbursable costs sought through the appeal.ii) A clear, concise statement of the basis for the appeal.iii) A detailed statement of financial, statistical and related information in support of the appeal, indicating the relationship between the additional reimbursable costs as submitted and the circumstances creating the need for increased reimbursement.iv) A statement by the clinic's chief executive officer or financial officer that the application of the rate appeal and information contained in the clinic's reports, schedules, budgets, books and records submitted are true and accurate.C) Rate appeals may be considered for the following reasons: i) Mechanical or clerical errors committed by the provider in reporting historical expenses used in the calculation of allowable costs.ii) Mechanical or clerical errors committed by the Department in auditing historical expenses as reported and/or in calculating reimbursement rates.D) The Department shall rule on all appeals within 120 calendar days after receipt of the complete appeal, except that, if additional information is required from the facility, the period shall be extended until such time as the information is provided.E) Appeals shall be submitted to the Department's Office of Health Finance, 201 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield, Illinois 62763-0002.