Medicare Managed Care Manual 
Chapter 12 - Effect of Change of Ownership  
 
 
Table of Contents 
(Rev. 113, 05-17-13) 
 
Transmittals for Chapter 12 
 
10 - Introduction 
10.1 - Definition of a Change of Ownership 
10.2 - Examples of Ownership Transactions 
20 - Notification Requirements 
20.1 - Notification Requirements Prior to an Anticipated Change of Ownership 
20.2 - Content of Notice for Changes of Ownership 
20.3 - Other Notifications When a Circumstance Is Not Deemed a Change of 
Ownership 
20.4 - Address for Sending Notifications to CMS 
20.5 - Effect of Failure to Notify CMS of a Change in Ownership 
20.6 - Marketing Requirements Post Change of Ownership 
30 - Novation Agreement 
30.1 - When a Novation Agreement is Required 
30.2 - The Novation Agreement Provisions 
30.3 - Acceptable Novation Agreements 
30.4 - CMS Process for Review of Novation Agreements 
Exhibits 
Exhibit 1 - Model Novation Agreement  10 - Introduction 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
42 CFR422.550 
 
This chapter describes the regulatory guidance in Subpart L of 42 CFR 422.550, Effect 
of Change of Ownership or Leasing of Facilities During Term of Contract. 
 
Please note, although this chapter formulates its guidance as applying to MA 
organizations, all guidance also applies to Medicare 1876 Cost plans. 
 
This chapter: 
 
  Defines change of ownership (10.1, 10.2); 
 
  Describes the notification requirements associated with a change of ownership 
(20.1, 20.2); 
 
  Outlines the requirements for novation agreements (30.1-30.4); and  
 
  Describes the process for submitting documentation necessary for CMS review 
(20.4, 30.4). 
 
If a legal entity that contracts with CMS has a change of ownership, the new entity may 
not necessarily qualify to continue the same Medicare contract with CMS. Organizations 
should contact their Regional Office Account Manager (AM) for more information about 
change of ownership requirements. 
 
10.1 - Definition of a Change of Ownership 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
The following situations typically constitute a change of ownership: 
 
  Asset sale or transfer: The sale or transfer of title and property to another party 
(that party can be a related, affiliated, subsidiary entity or a non-related entity);  
 
  Partnership: The removal, addition, or substitution of a partner (unless the 
partners expressly agree otherwise as permitted by applicable State law); or  
 
  Corporation: The merger of a corporate entity that holds a Medicare contract into 
another corporate entity, or the consolidation of a corporate entity that holds a 
Medicare contract with one or more other corporations, resulting in a new 
corporate body. 
 
NOTE:  I n any type of change of ownership transaction (even those involving a parent 
corporation and a subsidiary or two affiliated entities), when the surviving entity of a  merger or corporate reorganization or the transferee of an asset sale or transfer is an 
entity that is not an MA organization, that entity should contact its Account Manager as 
early as possible to determine if the surviving entity needs to submit a modified initial or 
service area expansion (SAE) application to be deemed an eligible MA organization prior 
to the transaction/novation. 
 
The transfer of corporate stock or the merger of another corporation into the corporation 
that holds a contract with CMS does not ordinarily constitute a change of ownership. 
 
10.2 - Examples of Ownership Transactions 
(Rev.113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
In the following situation, the ownership transaction does not ordinarily result in a change 
of ownership: 
 
  If Corporation X maintains a contract with CMS and subsequently purchases the 
stock of Corporation Y, the ownership of Corporation X has not ordinarily 
changed. 
 
In the following situations, the ownership transaction ordinarily results in a change of 
ownership as defined in 10.1 above. 
 
  If Corporation A, Corporation B, and Corporation C, all subsidiaries of 
Corporation P (a holding company), consolidate into Corporation ABC (a new 
legal entity), and Corporation A, B, and C are fully dissolved, this constitutes a 
change in ownership in all Corporations A, B, and C.  
 
  If Corporation A sells or transfers portions of its operations, including operations 
related to its MA contract to Corporation B, then: 
 
  If Corporation B has already been deemed an eligible MA entity by CMS, 
o
then this constitutes a change in ownership of the MA contract to Corporation 
B. 
 
  If Corporation B is not already deemed an eligible MA organization, it must 
o
submit an application for eligibility to CMS as provided in Chapter 11, 
"Application Procedures and Contract Requirements, of this manual.  
 
  If Corporation A, a Medicare Advantage Organization, merges with its parent, 
Corporation B, an eligible MA organization, and Corporation A does not survive 
the merger, this constitutes a change in ownership for Corporation A.   
 
The following example illustrates how the same transaction may have different effects of 
change of ownership on different corporations. 
    If Corporation X maintains a contract with CMS and subsequently acquires 
Corporation Z, resulting in a merger then: 
 
  If Corporation X survives, the ownership of Corporation X has not changed. 
o
 
  If Corporation Z survives, this constitutes a change in ownership of 
o
Corporation X. 
 
20 - Notification Requirements 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
20.1 - Notification Requirements Prior to an Anticipated Change of 
Ownership 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
All MA organizations considering a change of ownership must notify CMS at least 60 
days prior to the anticipated effective date of change. 
 
20.2 - Content of Notice for Changes of Ownership 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
The organization's notice to CMS regarding a change of ownership, as defined in 10.1 
above, must contain the information listed below. This information is reviewed by CMS 
to determine whether the new ownership continues to meet legislative and regulatory 
requirements for operating a Medicare managed care plan. 
 
  Updated financial information, including the most recent quarterly and annual 
financial statements, and pro forma balance and income statements following the 
change of ownership. This must include an explanation of long-term loans and a 
narrative discussion of the impact of the change of ownership on the financial 
health and solvency of the surviving legal entity. 
 
  A detailed listing of the significant steps necessary to complete the transaction, 
including the timeframes for submitting required information to CMS. 
 
  In the case of large or publically-traded organizations, documentation of any 
contact with, including evaluations conducted by, the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with respect to the 
impact of the proposed merger. 
 
  The acquisition agreement and closing documents. 
 
  The proposed by-laws and articles of incorporation for the newly-formed legal 
entity. 
    The proposed organization chart for the surviving entity, including the names and 
titles of key management staff. 
 
  The certificate of authority from the State for the new legal entity and the State 
MA certification form. 
 
  A brief, written summary of the health care delivery system(s) for each acquired 
plan.  
 
  Novation agreements, where necessary, from contracted providers of health care 
(as outlined in 30 below). 
 
  The financial plan, that is, balance sheets and revenue and expense statements on 
a quarterly basis, for the new legal entity for a minimum of one year beyond the 
anticipated date of break-even. 
 
  A listing of available financing to support accumulated deficits, if necessary.  
 
  The Annual Notice of Change/Evidence of Coverage (ANOC/EOC). 
 
  Assurances that any outstanding compliance issues will be fully resolved. 
 
  Assignment of leases for facilities and equipment if the facilities and/or 
equipment are necessary to provide services under the contract with CMS. 
 
  Any other relevant documentation requested by CMS. 
 
20.3 - Other Notifications When a Circumstance Is Not Deemed a 
Change of Ownership 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
All corporate entities holding a contract with CMS must notify CMS within 60 days from 
when the entity either acquires the stock of, or obtains the assets and/or liabilities of, 
another legal entity, even if the transaction is not considered a change in ownership as 
defined in 10.1 above.  This notification should include pro-forma financial statements 
to reflect the continued financial viability of the MA Organization following any legal 
transactions. 
 
20.4 - Address for Sending Notifications to CMS 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
All required notifications to CMS described in 20.1, 20.3, and 30.1 of this chapter 
should be mailed to:  
 
Division of Medicare Advantage Operations  Medicare Drug & Health Plan Contract Administration Group 
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services  
Mail Stop C4-21-26 
7500 Security Boulevard  
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850  
 
Scanned copies of the notification should be simultaneously e-mailed to the 
organizations Account Manager. 
 
20.5 - Effect of Failure to Notify CMS of a Change in Ownership 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
If an MA organization fails to notify CMS of a change in ownership within the required 
timeframes, the original contracting entity will be liable for all capitation payments made 
by CMS to the original contracting entity for services following the legal change of 
ownership. 
 
20.6  Marketing Requirements Post Change of Ownership 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
When a change of ownership situation occurs, plans must work with their respective 
CMS Account Manager to determine what marketing action, if any, will be required by 
the MA Organization. This includes, but is not limited to: beneficiary notifications, 
removing/updating marketing materials, and distributing sheets describing errata in for 
previous communications. Please note CMS can determine that a mailing describing the 
change of ownership is appropriate and may therefore direct the MA Organization to 
conduct such a mailing. 
 
30 - Novation Agreement 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
30.1 - When a Novation Agreement is Required 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
Novation agreements are only required when there has been a change of ownership (as 
defined in 10.1 above).  A novation agreement is required to transfer the rights and 
obligations under a Medicare contract from one entity to another entity eligible to 
contract with Medicare.  When a novation agreement is required, the new entity or 
organization may be required to file a new application, demonstrate eligibility, and be 
determined an eligible entity, in order to contract with CMS. 
 
CMS recommends that organizations anticipating a change in ownership submit a 
novation agreement to CMS at least 60 days prior to the expected effective date of 
change of ownership.  Organizations must submit such an agreement no later than 30 
days prior to the effective date of change of ownership.  Organizations must also submit  three (3) copies of the novation agreement with the additional information requested in 
20.2 above. 
 
Organizations must receive CMS approval of the novation agreement prior to the 
effective date of change in ownership in order for the new entity to assume an existing 
contract with CMS. If a novation agreement is not completed before the effective date of 
the change of ownership, then the following will occur: 
 
  The Medicare contract will be terminated as of that date;  
 
  Enrollees in the terminated contract will be disenrolled and provided notice of 
their remaining Medicare coverage options in accordance with existing statute, 
regulations, and policies; and 
 
  As indicated in 20.5 above, the MA organization continues to be liable for 
capitation payments that CMS makes to it on behalf of Medicare enrollees after 
the date of change of ownership. 
 
30.2 - The Novation Agreement Provisions 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
Exhibit 1 contains a Model novation agreement. This agreement is intended to serve only 
as a guide in preparing a draft novation agreement. MA organizations may need to revise 
the model, as necessary or appropriate, to conform to the circumstances of a particular 
transaction involving a change of ownership. 
 
Any novation agreement shall contain the following provisions: 
  Assumption of contract obligations. The new owner must assume the transferors 
entire Medicare book of business and all obligations under the contract. 
 
  Waiver of right to reimbursement. The previous owner must waive its rights to 
reimbursement for covered services furnished during the rest of the current 
contract period. 
 
  Guarantee of performance. The previous owner must guarantee for the remainder 
of the current contract year and, if the bid has already been submitted by the 
original owner entity, for the upcoming contract year, that the new owner will 
carry out all terms of the contract. 
 
  Records access. The previous owner must agree to make its books and records 
and other necessary information available to the new owner and to CMS to permit 
an accurate determination of costs for the final settlement of the contract period. 
 
30.3 - Acceptable Novation Agreements 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
  The purpose of CMS review of a novation agreement is to ascertain that the 
arrangements in place under the proposed new ownership ensure continued compliance 
with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements. 
 
In general, CMS considers a proposed novation agreement acceptable if: 
 
  The MA organization submits to CMS: 
 
  The materials specified in 20.2 above in accordance with CMS requirements;   
o
 
  At least 30 days before the proposed change of ownership date, three(3) 
o
signed copies of the novation agreement containing all required provisions 
specified above in 30.1, and one copy of other relevant documents required 
by CMS, as specified in 30.1 above. 
 
  CMS review results in a determination that: 
 
  The proposed new owner is in fact, the successor in interest or title of the 
o
transferors entire Medicare book of business and there is recognition that the 
new owner, as successor in interest, is in the best interests of the Medicare 
program; 
 
  The successor in interest qualifies as an eligible entity and maintains 
o
arrangements to comply with the legal, regulatory, and other requirements 
necessary to perform the contract; and 
 
  Any performance bond posted is found acceptable. 
o
 
30.4  CMS Process for Review of Novation Agreements 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13, Effective: 05-17-13, Implementation: 05-17-13) 
 
As described in 20.4, the entity with a Medicare contract must submit the proposed or 
pending change of ownership transaction to CMS and work with CMS through the 
review and novation agreement acceptance process. 
 
Based on the MA organizations proposed transaction, CMS will inform the MA 
organization if a novation will be required. If a novation is required, CMS will notify the 
MA organization currently holding the Medicare contract(s) about the required 
documents, information and/or State approvals it must submit to CMS. The organization 
must also submit a draft novation agreement, detailing any proposed modifications to the 
Model Novation agreement. 
 
If, as indicated in CMS guidance found in Chapter 11 of the Managed Care Manual, 
Medicare Advantage Application Procedures and Contract Requirements, a Service 
Area Expansion or initial application is required on the part of the transferee entity prior  to the approval of the novation of the contract(s), the RO Account Manager will inform 
the transferee as well as the transferor. 
  Exhibit 1 - Model Novation Agreement 
(Rev. 113, Issued: 05-17-13) 
 
(Name of Medicare Managed Care Plan or Medicare Advantage Organization being 
transferred) (Transferor), d.b.a. (Where applicable, the d.b.a. name), a corporation, 
partnership, sole proprietorship, etc., duly organized and existing under the laws of the 
State of (indicate the State under which the Transferor is formed or organized to operate) 
with its principal office in (City and State where principal office is located); (Name of 
new owner) (Transferee), a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc. duly 
organized and existing under the laws of the state of (State), with its principal office in 
(City and State where principal office is located) and the Centers for Medicare & 
Medicaid Services (CMS) enter into this Agreement: 
 
(A) RECITALS:  
 
(1) CMS has entered into certain contract(s) with the Transferor, namely:  
 
(Indicate Medicare Managed Care Plan and Medicare Advantage Organization contract 
type, as well as Medicare contract number (H#(s)) The term "the contract(s)" as used in 
this Agreement, means the above contract(s) including all modifications, made between 
CMS and the Transferor before the effective date of this Agreement (whether or not 
performance and payment have been completed) and releases executed if CMS or the 
Transferor has any remaining rights, duties, or obligations under these contract(s).  
Included in the term "the contract(s)" are also all modifications made under the terms and 
conditions of these contract(s) between CMS and the Transferee, on or after the effective 
date of this Agreement. 
 
(2) As of (effective date of ownership change), the Transferor has transferred to the 
Transferee all the assets of the Transferor by virtue of a (indicate the type of transfer, i.e., 
a merger, corporate reorganization, or an agreement and purchase of the sale of assets) 
between the Transferor and the Transferee. 
 
(3) The Transferee has assumed all the assets of the Transferor by virtue of the above 
transfer. 
 
(4) The Transferee has assumed all the obligations of the Transferor under the contract(s) 
by virtue of the above transfer. 
 
(5) The Transferee has indicated a desire to assume the obligations of the Transferor 
under the contract(s) and to fully perform all obligations that may exist under the 
contract(s). 
 
(B) IN CONSIDERATION OF THESE FACTS THE PARTIES AGREE AS 
FOLLOWS: 
  (1) The Transferor confirms the transfer of the contract to the Transferee, and waives any 
claims and rights against CMS that it now has or may have in the future in connection 
with the contract(s). 
 
(2) As of the effective date of the change of ownership in  (A)(2), above, the Transferee 
agrees to be bound by and to perform all the duties and responsibilities of Transferor in 
each contract in accordance with the conditions contained in the contract(s).  The 
Transferee also assumes all obligations and liabilities of, and all claims against the 
Transferor under the contract(s). 
 
(3) The Transferee ratifies all previous actions taken by the Transferor with respect to the 
contract(s) with the same force and effect as if the action had been taken by the 
Transferee. 
 
(4) CMS recognizes the Transferee as the Transferor's successor in interest in and to the 
contracts. As of the effective date of the change of ownership the Transferee by this 
Agreement becomes entitled to all rights, title, and interests of the Transferor in and to 
the contract(s). Following the effective date of this Agreement, the terms "Organization" 
and "Contractor" as used in the contract(s) shall refer to the Transferee. 
 
(5) Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing in it shall be construed as a 
waiver of any rights of CMS against the Transferor.  Notwithstanding any other provision 
of this Agreement, the Transferor remains liable for all acts constituting a breach of the 
contract(s) occurring or arising before the effective date of the change of ownership, to 
the fullest extent of applicable laws and regulations. 
 
(6) All payments and reimbursements previously made by CMS to the Transferor shall be 
considered to have discharged CMS's obligations under the contract(s).  All payments 
and reimbursements made by CMS after the effective date of this Agreement in the name 
of or to the Transferee, shall have the same force and effect as if made to the Transferor, 
and shall constitute a complete discharge of CMS's obligations under the contract(s) to 
the extent of the amounts paid or reimbursed. 
 
(7) The Transferor and the Transferee agree that CMS is not obligated to pay or 
reimburse either of them for, or otherwise give effect to, any costs, taxes, or other 
expenses, or any related increases, directly or indirectly arising out of or resulting from 
this Agreement other than those that CMS in the absence of this Agreement would have 
been obligated to pay or reimburse under the terms of the contract(s). 
 
(8) The contract(s) shall remain in full force and effect except as modified by this 
Agreement. Each party has executed this Agreement, which is effective as of the date 
signed below by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 
 
(9) Each party certifies and warrants that it has full power and authority to enter into this 
Agreement. 
  (10) Each person executing this Agreement on behalf of a party certifies and warrants 
  that he or she is authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of such party.  
 
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services By ______________Date________________  
 
(Name of Transferee) ________________________________Date___________ 
Title____________________________________________  
 
(Name of Transferor) By ________________________________Date____________ 
Title____________________________________________  Transmittals Issued for this Chapter 
 
Rev #  Issue Date  Subject  Impl Date  CR# 
R113MCM 05/17/2013  Chapter 12, Effect of Change of Ownership  05/17/2013 N/A 
R84MCM  04/25/2007  Revisions to Chapter 12, Effect of Change of  04/25/2007 N/A 
Ownership 
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