A provider's opt-out status may be voluntarily terminated within a 90-day window of the opt-out effective date (as established by the affidavit) if this is the provider's first opt-out period. This early termination option applies only to initial opt-out providers and does not apply to providers whose opt-out status is renewing. When the opt-out is terminated, any prior Medicare enrollments are reactivated as of the termination date. After the 90-day window ends, the provider generally remains opted out until the end of the two-year cycle unless a timely cancellation request is submitted. Providers should submit a signed (in ink) and dated termination request via mail when seeking to terminate opt-out status within the 90-day window.

Reconsideration Requests

A provider may request reconsideration (an appeal) of an opt-out determination or an automatic renewal. This request must be sent to CMS. If the request is sent to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) instead, it may be returned with instructions to submit it to CMS.

The request must be in writing and mailed within 60 calendar days of the postmark date of the notification letter (or within 60 calendar days after the 90-day early termination period ends, when applicable). The address to use is listed in the notification letter.

The request must state the issues or findings of fact with which the provider disagrees and the reasons for disagreement.

The request must be signed by the provider or an authorized legal representative. If the authorized legal representative is an attorney, the attorney's statement that they have authority to represent the provider or supplier is sufficient. If the authorized legal representative is not an attorney, the provider must submit written notice appointing the representative with the reconsideration request.

Opt-Out Listings

CMS maintains a public opt-out listing to help beneficiaries identify providers who have opted out of Medicare. Providers are responsible for keeping their opt-out information accurate and should be aware that opt-out status is publicly available.