Medicare Managed Care Manual 
Chapter 14 - Contract Determinations and Appeals 
 
 
Table of Contents 
(Rev. 122, 05-27-16) 
Transmittals for Chapter 14 
 
10  Contract Determinations 
10.1 - Notice of Contract Determination 
10.2 - Effect of the Contract Determination 
10.3 - Postponement of the Contract Determination's Effective Date 
20 - Hearings 
20.1 - Requesting a Hearing 
20.2 - Hearing Officers 
20.3 - Time and Place of Hearing 
20.4 - Parties to the Hearing 
20.5 - Representatives Appointed by Parties to a Hearing 
20.6 - Pre-Hearing Conference and Summary Judgment 
20.7 - Conduct and Record of a Hearing 
20.8 - Admission of Evidence 
20.9 - Witnesses at the Hearing 
20.10 - The Hearing Officer's Decision 
30 - Review by the CMS Administrator 
40 - Reopening of Contract Determination or Decision of a Hearing Officer or the CMS 
Administrator 
40.1  Contract Determination 
40.2  Decision of Hearing Officer 
40.3  Decision of the CMS Administrator 
    Medicare Advantage Contract Determinations and Appeals  
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
This chapter discusses Medicare Advantage (MA) contract determinations and appeals as 
outlined in 42 CFR 422.641-696.  Please also note, per 42 CFR 417.640, the rights, 
procedures, and requirements relating to contract determinations and appeals set forth in 
part 422 subpart N of the regulations also apply to Medicare cost reimbursement 
contracts with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or competitive medical plans 
(CMPs) under section 1876 of the Act. 
 
There are generally four possible steps in the MA contract appeals process. These steps 
are:  
 
1.  A contract determination; 
2.  A hearing; 
3.  A review by the CMS Administrator; and, 
4.  In some cases, a reopening of the contract determination, hearing officer decision, 
or CMS Administrator decision. 
 
10 - Contract Determinations  
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
Subpart N of part 42 provides procedures for making and reviewing the following MA 
contract determinations: 
 
  A determination by CMS that an entity is not qualified to enter into an MA 
contract with CMS; 
 
  A determination by CMS that an entity is not qualified to offer a Special Needs 
Plan (SNP); 
 
  A determination by CMS that an entity is not qualified to complete a Service Area 
Expansion (SAE); 
 
  A determination by CMS to terminate a contract with an MA organization 
(MAO); and  
 
  A determination by CMS not to authorize a renewal of a contract with a MAO. 
 
Note that SAE determinations are subject to the procedures for making and reviewing 
MA contract determinations because, at this time, CMS treats SAE applications as new 
MA contract applications for the newly added areas and they are therefore subject to the 
same approval standards. 
 
10.1  Notice of Contract Determination 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16)   
CMS sends a written notice to the MAO for every contract determination.  The notice 
includes the reasons for the determination and specifies the MAOs right to request a 
hearing.  Also included are explicit instructions for filing a hearing request. 
 
For CMS-initiated contract terminations, before providing the MAO with notice of CMS 
intent to terminate, CMS will provide the MAO with a reasonable opportunity of at least 
30 days to develop and implement a corrective action plan to correct the deficiencies.  In 
addition, CMS mails the termination notice at least 45 days before the anticipated 
effective date of the termination.  However, if there is imminent and serious risk to the 
health of the individuals enrolled in the MAO, CMS does not need to provide the MAO 
with an opportunity to correct and notifies the MAO of its decision to terminate the 
MAOs contract as of a day set forth in its notification letter, with no set period of notice 
required. 
 
When CMS determines that it will not renew its contract with an organization, CMS will 
notify the organization by August 1 of the current contract year. 
 
10.2 - Effect of the Contract Determination  
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
The contract determination is final and binding on all parties unless: 
 
  The MAO files a timely request for a hearing as described in section 20.1 
below; or 
 
  CMS reopens and revises an initial determination as described in section 40 of 
this chapter. 
 
10.3 - Postponement of the Contract Determination's Effective Date 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
For a determination by CMS to terminate a contract with an MAO, the MA contract 
termination date, as stated in the notice to terminate an MA contract, is stayed if the 
MAO files a timely request for a hearing.  CMS will stay the proposed effective date of 
the contract determination until a decision is reached by a hearing officer, and, in 
instances where a CMS Administrator review has been requested and accepted, affirmed 
by the CMS Administrator.  Written notice is issued by the CMS Administrator notifying 
the MAO of the CMS Administrators decision.  The CMS Administrator may uphold, 
reverse, or modify the hearing officers decision. 
 
If the contract determination (termination) is based on 42 CFR 422.510(b)(2)(i), 
concerning the imminent and serious health risk to enrollees, the effective date of the 
termination will not be stayed even if the MAO requests a hearing. 
  Note, for an initial contract, if a final decision is not reached on CMS determination by 
July 15 then CMS may not enter into a contract with the applicant for the following year. 
 
20 - Hearings 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
A hearing is the method by which MAOs appeal an unfavorable contract determination.  
The following parties are entitled to a hearing: 
 
  An applicant that has been determined to be unqualified to enter into a 
contract with CMS; and  
 
  An MAO whose contract with CMS has been terminated or has not been 
renewed; and  
 
  An applicant that has been determined to be unqualified to offer a SNP. 
 
During a hearing to review a contract determination, the applicant has the burden of 
proving by a preponderance of the evidence that CMSs determination was inconsistent 
with established regulatory requirements. 
 
20.1 - Requesting a Hearing 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
A request for a hearing must be made in writing and filed by an authorized official of the 
contract applicant or MAO that was the party to the determination under appeal. 
 
Hearing requests must be filed in accordance with the requirements specified in the 
contract determination notice. 
 
The request must be filed in writing within 15 calendar days after the receipt of the notice 
of the contract determination in order to be considered a valid request for a hearing. 
 
20.2 - Hearing Officers 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
CMS appoints a hearing officer to conduct the hearing.  The hearing officer does not need 
to be an administrative law judge (ALJ). In exercising his or her authority, the hearing 
officer must comply with the provisions of Title XVIII and related provisions of the Act, 
the regulations issued by the Secretary, and general instructions issued by CMS in 
implementing the Act. 
 
Hearing officers may not conduct a hearing in any case in which they are prejudiced or 
partial about any of the parties involved, or if they have any interest in the matter before 
them.  If a party to the hearing objects to the hearing officer conducting the case, they 
must inform the officer in writing at the earliest opportunity.  The hearing officer will  consider the objections and decide whether to proceed with the hearing or withdraw.  
Vesting the hearing officer with the authority to make his or her own determination 
regarding the ability to be fair and impartial, subject to appeal only after the matter at 
hand is heard on the merits, is the same approach used with respect to judges in court 
proceedings. 
 
If the hearing officer withdraws, CMS will appoint a different hearing officer.  If the 
officer does not withdraw when a party has made objections, the objecting party may 
present post-hearing objections to CMS, and request a revision of the decision or a new 
hearing before a different hearing officer.  Any requests by the objecting party must be 
made in writing to CMS. 
 
20.3 - Time and Place of Hearing 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
The hearing officer will fix the time and place for the hearing and notify the parties in 
writing.  The hearing will be set for no later than 30 calendar days from the date of the 
receipt of the request for the hearing.  The notice includes the following information: 
 
  The time and place for the hearing; 
  The issues to be resolved; 
  The burden of proof; and 
  The hearing procedures. 
 
On their own motion or at the request of a party, hearing officers may change the time 
and place for the hearing and they may also adjourn or postpone a hearing. 
 
The MAO or CMS may request an extension by filing a written request no later than 10 
calendar days prior to the scheduled hearing.  The hearing officer will then provide a one-
time 15 calendar day extension. 
 
Additional extensions may be granted at the discretion of the hearing officer. 
 
20.4 - Parties to the Hearing 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
The parties to a hearing are: 
 
  An entity that has been determined to be unqualified to enter into an MA 
contract with CMS; 
 
  An entity that has been determined to be unqualified to offer a SNP; 
 
  An entity that has been determined to be unqualified to complete a SAE; 
    A MAO whose contract with CMS has been terminated or has not been 
renewed as a result of a contract determination; and 
 
  CMS. 
 
Additionally, any interested parties who make a showering that their rights may be 
prejudiced by the hearing decision may be added as a party to the hearing at the 
discretion of the hearing officer. 
 
20.5 - Representatives Appointed by Parties to a Hearing 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
A party to the hearing may appoint a representative for the hearing. CMS must be 
notified in writing of the appointed representative's name and address. Representatives 
may be anyone not disqualified or suspended from acting as a representative before the 
Secretary or otherwise prohibited by law. 
 
Representatives appointed by parties to a hearing may on behalf of the represented party: 
 
  Give or accept any notice or request pertinent to the appeal hearing; 
 
  Present evidence and allegations as to facts and law in any proceedings 
affecting that party; and 
 
  Obtain information to the same extent as the party. 
 
When a party to a hearing has duly appointed a representative, any notice or request by 
the representative has the same force and effect as if it had been sent directly by the party. 
 
20.6 - Pre-Hearing Conference and Summary Judgment 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
Pre-hearing discovery is not permitted. 
 
Hearing officers may schedule a pre-hearing conference if they believe a conference 
would more clearly define the issues involved. 
 
Either party to the hearing may ask the hearing officer to rule on a motion for summary 
judgment. 
 
20.7 - Conduct and Record of a Hearing  
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
The hearing is open to the parties and the public. 
  The hearing officer will inquire fully into all the matters at issue, receive in evidence the 
testimony of witnesses and any documents that are relevant and material.  If any party 
objects to the inclusion of any document as evidence, the hearing officer hears the 
objections. 
 
The MAO bears the burden of going forward and must first present evidence and 
argument before CMS presents its evidence and argument. 
 
A complete record of the proceedings at the hearing is made and transcribed and made 
available to all parties upon request.  A party requesting the transcribed record must pay 
for its transcription and reproduction. 
 
The record may not be closed until a hearing decision has been issued. 
 
20.8 - Admission of Evidence 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
The hearing officer rules on the admissibility of evidence and may admit evidence that 
would be inadmissible under the rules applicable to court procedures. 
 
20.9 - Witnesses at the Hearing 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
The hearing officer may examine witnesses and the parties or their representatives are 
permitted to examine their witnesses and cross-examine witnesses of other parties. 
 
Witness lists and documents must be identified and exchanged at least 5 calendar days 
before the scheduled hearing. 
 
20.10 - The Hearing Officer's Decision 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
The hearing officer issues a written decision notice as soon as practical after the close of 
a hearing and provides a copy of the written decision to each party.  The decision must: 
 
  Be based upon the evidence presented at the hearing or otherwise included in 
the hearing record; and  
 
  Contain separately numbered findings of fact and conclusions of law. 
 
The hearing decision is final and binding on the contract applicant/MAO and on CMS 
unless it is reversed or modified by the CMS Administrator following review or reopened 
and revised.  Additionally, the decision is made public. 
  Notice of any decision favorable to the MAO appealing a determination that is not 
qualified to enter into a contract with CMS must be issued by September 1 to guarantee 
that the contract in question will be effective on January 1 of the following year. 
 
30 - Review by the CMS Administrator 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
CMS or a MAO that has received a hearing decision may request review by the CMS 
Administrator within 15 calendar days of receiving the hearing decision.  Both CMS and 
the MAO may provide written arguments to the CMS Administrator for review. 
 
The CMS Administrator has the discretion to elect to review the hearing decision or not.  
The CMS Administrator will notify both parties of his or her determination regarding 
review within 30 calendar days after receipt of request for review. 
 
If the CMS Administrator declines to review the hearing decision or the CMS 
Administrator does not make a determination regarding review within 30 calendar days, 
the decision of the hearing officer is final. 
 
If the CMS Administrator elects to review the hearing decision, s/he will determine, 
based upon this decision, the hearing record, and any written arguments submitted by the 
MAO, if the hearing decision should be upheld, reversed, or modified.  The CMS 
Administrator then issues a written decision and furnishes it to the MAO requesting the 
review. 
 
A decision by the CMS Administrator under this section is final and binding unless it is 
reopened and revised as described in section 40 below. 
 
40 - Reopening of Contract Determination or Decision of a Hearing 
Officer or the CMS Administrator 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
A reopening is not an appeal right.  It is an administrative procedure that permits 
reexamination of an existing determination for a specific reason.  If an applicant or MAO 
believes it has a basis for a decision to be reopened, it may request that the decision-
maker reopen the matter.  The decision whether to act on such a request, however, is 
committed to the decision-makers discretion, and is not subject to appeal or further 
review of any kind.  This policy is consistent with our general policies on reopening 
decisions, as discussed in 42 CFR Part 405, Subpart R, Provider Reimbursement 
Determinations and Appeals. 
 
The notice of reopening and any revisions following the reopening is mailed to the parties 
and specifies the reasons for revisions. 
 
40.1  Contract Determination 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16)   
CMS may reopen and revise initial determinations upon its own motion.  
 
40.2  Decision of Hearing Officer 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
A decision of a hearing officer that is unfavorable to any party and is otherwise final may 
be reopened and revised by the hearing officer upon the officers own motion within one 
year of the notice of the hearing decision. 
 
Another hearing officer designated by CMS may reopen and revise the decision if the 
hearing officer who issued the decision is unavailable. 
 
40.3  Decision of the CMS Administrator 
(Rev. 122, Issued: 05-27-16, Effective: 06-28-16, Implementation: 06-28-16) 
 
A decision by the CMS Administrator that is otherwise final may be reopened and 
revised by the CMS Administrator upon the CMS Administrators own motion within 
one year of the notice of the CMS Administrators decision.  Transmittals Issued for this Chapter 
Rev #  Issue Date  Subject  Impl Date  CR# 
R122MCM 05/27/2016  Chapter 14, Contract Determinations and  06/28/2016 N/A 
Appeals 
R69MCM  09/02/2005  Revisions to Chapter 12, "Effect of Change of N/A  N/A 
Ownership," and Chapter 14, "Contract 
Determination and Appeals 
R01MCM  07/02/2001  Initial Issuance of Chapter  N/A  N/A