Update:  For information on electronically filing your cost report, based on the information in the blog below, please see our blog Important Changes to Cost Report Filing.

Exciting news!  CMS now allows electronic signatures on Medicare cost report signature pages.

Anyone who has ever filed a cost report knows that it is often a hassle to get the signature page from your preparer, have it signed by the administrator or CFO of the facility in blue ink, and then mail the actual hard copy to the provider’s fiscal intermediary (MAC).

The new proposal means that the “wet signature” would no longer be required, and cost reports might be able to be emailed or uploaded via an online system to the provider’s MAC, wherever applicable.

The new rule has been in effect for cost reporting periods for a while.

Electronic signatures, in this case, may include any format of the original signature as long as it contains the first and last names of the signer.  Examples would be photocopies or stamps or an electronic signature entered into the cost report software.

Anyone who wishes to avail themselves of the electronic signature option needs to make sure that the appropriate corresponding proposed checkbox allowing this option is checked on the signature page.

Hard copies of signature pages with actual signatures would still be allowed, and would then need to be mailed, as in the past.

You can read the proposed rule in the Federal Register/Vol 82, No. 81 published on April 28, 2017, on which this blog is based.  The information about this rule begins on page 344.

Need help preparing your cost report?  At PPS we have over thirty years of cost reporting experience and are happy to share our expertise with you!  Contact us now for cost reporting assistance.

For information or assistance, we are, as always, here to help! Contact Us via email, website, or call 800-447-2540/ 248-968-4100 for our renowned customer service.

Disclaimer:  This blog does not contain legal advice. What it does contain are our best
explanations, advice, and suggestions to help facilities and cost report preparers to understand the cost report forms and reporting process and offer suggestions for their preparation. Progressive Provider Services assumes no legal responsibility for the content of this blog, nor for cost reports or other reports prepared based on the content herein.

Updated 2/11/2026