42 CFR § 447.46 - Timely claims payment by MCOs.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t42/s447.46"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "42 CFR § 447.46 - Timely claims payment by MCOs."
title_number: 42
title_name: "Public Health"
section_number: "447.46"
section_name: "Timely claims payment by MCOs."
chapter_name: "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS"
part_number: "447"
part_name: "PAYMENTS FOR SERVICES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 1302, and 1396r-8, and Pub. L. 111-148."
regulatory_source: "43 FR 45253, Sept. 29, 1978, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "447"
---


# 447.46 Timely claims payment by MCOs.

(a) *Basis and scope.* This section implements section 1932(f) of the Act by specifying the rules and exceptions for prompt payment of claims by MCOs.

(b) *Definitions.* “Claim” and “clean claim” have the meaning given those terms in § 447.45.

(c) *Contract requirements*—(1) *Basic rule.* A contract with an MCO must provide that the organization will meet the requirements of § 447.45(d)(2) and (d)(3), and abide by the specifications of § 447.45(d)(5) and (d)(6).

(2) *Exception.* The MCO and its providers may, by mutual agreement, establish an alternative payment schedule.

(3) *Alternative schedule.* Any alternative schedule must be stipulated in the contract.

[67 FR 41115, June 14, 2002]