Physicians who intend to opt-out, or who have previously opted-out of Medicare, should be aware of changes to the Medicare opt-out period as a result of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Action of 2015 (MACRA).  

Validated opt-out affidavits signed on or after June 16, 2015, will automatically renew every two years. Previously, physicians who opted out of the program would have to renew their affidavit every two years to maintain their opt-out status. Under the new rules, affidavits will automatically renew every two years unless the physician cancels in writing with at least 30 days notice prior to the start of the next two-year opt-out period. Cancellation notices must be sent to all Medicare contractors with which they filed their original affidavits.

Opt-out affidavits signed prior to June 16, 2015, will expire two years after the effective date. If you have an opt-out affidavit signed prior to June 16, 2015, and you wish to extend your opt-out period, you must submit an opt-out renewal affidavit to Noridian (California’s Medicare contractor) no later than 30 days after the current opt-out expiration date. Subsequent renewals will happen automatically every two years per the new rules.

More information about opting out and maintaining opt-out status is available here.