Medicare program; changes concerning interest rates charged on overpayments and underpayments--HCFA. Final rule.

We are revising the Medicare regulations to provide for the assessment of the higher of the private consumer rate or the current value of funds rate of interest on overpayments and underpayments to health care providers and suppliers. This change is being made to protect the Government's interest, as provided by the rules of the Secretary of the Treasury applicable to charges for late payments. We are also making clarifying changes in the regulations.