CHIA Announces Cost Report Due Date for 2019 as May 4, 2020, Regardless of Fiscal Year End

Posted on March 5, 2020December 26, 2021

AAFCPAs would like to make our Massachusetts-based Community Health Center (CHC) clients aware that the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) has just announced it is now collecting cost reports for the fiscal year ending in 2019. All CHCs, regardless of Fiscal Year End date, are required to file their fiscal year 2019 cost report by May 4, 2020.

In the past, cost reporting requirements have been on a staggered schedule depending on whether the CHC operates using a fiscal year that ends on June 30th or on another date. CHIA’s goal going forward is to have all CHCs report for the same fiscal year at the same time.

AAFCPAs advises that you not delay and begin now preparing for your cost report preparation and filing. AAFCPAs’ Cost Report Team will reach out to our clients in the coming days to offer our expertise and resources.

AAFCPAs’ Cost Report Expertise

AAFCPAs is deeply familiar with the instructions and the most beneficial ways to minimize the effort necessary to prepare, while maximizing reporting to properly reflect your true cost of care. We understand the key objectives of the report and critical areas of focus, so we are regularly called upon by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to provide guidance. Because we serve the vast majority of CHCs in the state, we are able to ensure consistency of costs with peers to avoid outliers. Additionally, our close and respectful working relationship with CHIA aids in our research of complex matters.

2019 Community Health Center Cost Report and INET Instructions are available on the CHIA website at http://www.chiamass.gov/community-health-center-cost-report.

If you have questions, please contact Pauline Legor, CPA, MBA at 774.512.4158, plegor@nullaafcpa.com; Courtney McFarland, CPA, MSA at 774.512.4051, cmcfarland@nullaafcpa.com; or your AAFCPAs Partner.

About the Authors

Pauline Legor, CPA, MBA

Pauline is a leader in AAFCPAs’ Healthcare practice, providing assurance and consulting solutions for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and behavioral health providers. Pauline has extensive expertise overseeing audits in accordance with Uniform Guidance/Single Audit and Government Auditing Standards, state-specific filing requirements, such as the Massachusetts’ Uniform Financial Report (UFR), as well as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Additionally, she has deep expertise in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program helping clients ensure 340B Program integrity and maintain accurate records documenting compliance with all 340B Program requirements. Beyond audits, she provides specialized analysis & advisory services for healthcare organizations to optimize their reimbursements. This includes revenue cycle assessments, fee structure analysis, Sliding Fee Discount Program assessments, Medicaid and Medicare Cost Reporting, denials prevention and management, as well as data analysis and benchmarking.

Courtney McFarland, CPA, MSA, 340B ACE

Courtney is an audit partner in the firm’s Healthcare Practice with over 15 years of assurance experience and a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of the healthcare industry. She delivers a full range of solutions solving the challenges that AAFCPAs’ healthcare clients face, including: audits in accordance with Uniform Guidance/Single Audit and Government Auditing Standards, 340B pharmacy program requirements, best practices for reconciliation & analysis of statistical and programmatic data, tracking and monitoring risk-based contracts, maximizing reimbursements, and guidance on healthcare reform. Courtney is a member of AAFCPAs’ Revenue Recognition Task Force, dedicated to helping the firm and clients understand best practices for an efficient and effective implementation of the robust new framework.