The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a temporary pause in distributing and PEPPER reports as CMS works to improve and update the program and reporting system. PEPPER is an electronic report that provides provider-specific Medicare data statistics for discharges/services vulnerable to improper payments. This pause will remain in effect through the fall of 2024.  

Many home health, hospice and skilled nursing facilities find these reports extremely valuable to their agencies. Therefore, during this time, CMS will be working diligently to enhance the reports’ quality and accessibility. CMS also stated, in the near future, they will release a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain information from the provider community, about how the program can better serve agencies. LeadingAge will continue to monitor the redevelopment of PEPPER and engage members on the forthcoming RFI. 

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Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.