101 CMR, § 614.09 - Special Provisions

(1) Financial Hardship. An Acute Hospital or Surcharge Payer may request a deferment or partial payment schedule due to financial hardship.

(a) In order to qualify for such relief, the Acute Hospital or Surcharge Payer must demonstrate that its ability to continue as a financially viable going concern will be seriously impaired if payments pursuant to 101 CMR 614.05 were made.

(b) If the Health Safety Net Office finds that payments would be a financial hardship, the Health Safety Net Office may, at its discretion, establish the terms of any deferment or partial payment plan deferment. The deferment or payment schedule may include an interest charge.

1. The interest rate used for the payment schedule does not exceed the prime rate plus 2%. The prime rate used is the rate reported in the Wall Slreel Journal dated the last business day of the month preceding the establishment of the payment schedule.

2. A Surcharge Payer may make a full or partial payment of its outstanding liability at any time without penalty.

3. If a Surcharge Payer fails to meet the obligations of the payment schedule, the Health Safety Net Office may assess penalties pursuant to 101 CMR 614.05.

(2) Severability. The provisions of 101 CMR 614.00 are severable. If any provision or the application of any provision to any Acute Hospital, Community Health Center, surcharge payer, or Ambulatory Surgical Center or circumstances is held to be invalid or unconstitutional, and such invalidity shall not be construed to affect the validity or constitutionality of any remaining provisions of 101 CMR 614.00 or the application of such provisions to Acute Hospitals, Community Health Centers, or circumstances other than those held invalid.

(3) Administrative Bulletins. The Health Safety Net Office may issue administrative bulletins to clarify policies and understanding of substantive provisions of 101 CMR 614.00 and specify information and documentation necessary to implement 101 CMR 614.00.

Notes

101 CMR, § 614.09

Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1263, eff. 6/20/2014. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1271, eff. 10/10/2014. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1329, eff. 10/1/2016. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1483, eff. 11/3/2022 (EMERGENCY). Amended by Mass Register Issue 1486, eff. 11/3/2022 (COMPLIANCE).