A recent OIG report examines increasing use of CAH “swing-bed” services, which the OIG describes as being equivalent to services performed at a SNF, but which are reimbursed at 101% of a CAH’s reasonable cost rather than at the Medicare SNF PPS rate. The OIG estimates that Medicare could have saved $4.1 billion over six years if payments for swing-bed services at CAHs were made using SNF PPS rates, and OIG recommends that CMS seek legislation to tie CAH swing-bed reimbursement rates to SNF PPS rates. CMS disagreed with these recommendations, stating that the OIG’s methodology overestimated potential savings. Nevertheless, CMS concurs that changes should be made to CAH designation and payment policies to “balance beneficiary access to care while promoting payment efficiency.” CMS pointed to provisions of the President's fiscal year 2015 budget proposal that would reduce CAH payments from 101% to 100% of reasonable costs and modify eligibility rules. For more information, see the full report, “Medicare Could Have Saved Billions at Critical Access Hospitals If Swing-Bed Services Were Reimbursed Using the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Rates.”