First Coast encourages all providers to submit cost reports and supporting documentation electronically whenever possible. In addition to the environmental benefits of this approach, it is also more efficient from a time and cost perspective.

The electronic cost report must be created on CMS-approved cost report software. Submit the electronic cost report, along with supporting documentation, on a CD-ROM (preferred), diskette, or flash drive. When submitting protected health information (PHI), proper steps must be taken to ensure it is encrypted and complies with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-02. First Coast offers the option of filing your cost report via the MCReF (Medicare Cost Report eFiling) portal.

The penalty for not filing the cost report timely is that 100 percent of any payments will be withheld. In addition, providers will be assessed interest at the prevailing rate at the time the cost report is due. Furthermore, if the cost report cannot be submitted by the due date, providers may request a reduced payment suspension rate of 50 percent during a grace period of 60 days. This request should be submitted before the due date of the cost report. On the 61st day, if the cost report has not been filed, the rate of suspension will change to 100 percent.

Please contact our cost report control inbox at FCSOSettlement@fcso.com, with questions regarding cost reports.

For standard fiscal year ends, the cost report is due five months after the fiscal year end (FYE) date (the last day of the fifth month). For nonstandard fiscal year ends due to a change of ownership or a termination, etc., the cost report due date is the greater of 150 days from the FYE or 37 days after the cost report reminder letter has been sent to the provider. If the due date falls on a holiday or weekend, the cost report is due the next business day.

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