§ 420.410 Establishment of a program to collect suggestions for improving Medicare program efficiency and to reward suggesters for monetary savings.

(a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following definitions apply:

Payment means a monetary award given to a suggester in recognition of, and as a reward for, a suggestion adopted by CMS that improves the efficiency of, and results in monetary savings to, the Medicare program.

Savings means the monetary value of the net benefits the Medicare program derives from implementing the suggestion.

Suggester means an individual, a group of individuals, or a legal entity such as a corporation, partnership, or professional association, not otherwise excluded under § 420.410(d), who submits a suggestion under this section.

Suggestion means an original idea submitted in writing.

Suggestion program means the specific procedures and requirements established by CMS for receiving suggestions from the suggester on methods to improve the efficiency of the Medicare program, evaluating the suggestions and, if appropriate, paying a reward to the suggester for adopted suggestions that result in improved efficiency and produce monetary savings to the Medicare program.

(b) General rule. CMS may make payment for adopted suggestions that increase the efficiency of the Medicare program and result in monetary savings. CMS only makes payment for suggestions in instances in which a reward is not otherwise provided by law. The determination to adopt a suggestion, to reward the suggester, and the method of calculating a reward are at the sole discretion of CMS.

(c) Eligibility. Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, any individual, group of individuals or legal entity, such as a corporation, partnership or professional association, is eligible to submit a suggestion and be considered for a reward under this suggestion program if the suggestion is submitted to CMS in the manner set forth in paragraph (e) of this section.