IRS Permits Automatic Increase Of Capitation, Per-Unit Fees.

Rev. Proc. 2001-39

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

This revenue procedure modifies the definitions of capitation fee and per-unit fee in Rev. Proc. 97-13, 1997-1 C.B. 632, to permit an automatic increase of those fees according to a specified, objective, external standard that is not linked to the output or efficiency of a facility (for example, the Consumer Price Index).

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND

.01 Rev. Proc. 97-13 sets forth conditions under which a management contract does not result in private business use under section 141(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The revenue procedure also applies to determinations of whether a management contract causes the test in section 145(a)(2)(B) to be met.

.02 Section 3 of Rev. Proc. 97-13 defines various terms, including capitation fee, periodic fixed fee, and per-unit fee.

.03 Section 3.02 of Rev. Proc. 97-13 defines a capitation fee as a fixed periodic amount for each person for whom the service provider or the qualified user assumes the responsibility to provide all needed services for a specified period so long as the quantity and type of services actually provided to covered persons varies substantially. A capitation fee may include a variable component of up to 20 percent of the total capitation fee designed to protect the service provider against risks such as catastrophic loss.

.04 Section 3.05 of Rev. Proc. 97-13 defines a periodic fixed fee as a stated dollar amount for services rendered for a specified period of time. The definition of periodic fixed fee provides that the stated dollar amount may automatically increase according to a specified, objective, external standard that is not linked to the output or efficiency of a facility.

.05 Section 3.06 of Rev. Proc. 97-13 defines a per-unit fee as a fee based on a unit of service provided specified in the contract or otherwise specifically determined by an independent third party, such as the administrator of the Medicare program, or the qualified user.

.06 Neither the capitation fee definition nor the per-unit fee definition expressly contemplates an automatic increase based on a specified, objective, external standard not linked to the output or efficiency of the facility.

.07 This revenue procedure clarifies that a capitation fee and a per-unit fee may be determined using an automatic increase according to a specified, objective, external standard that is not linked to the output or efficiency of a facility (for example, the Consumer Price Index).

SECTION 3. SCOPE

This revenue procedure applies when, under a management contract, a service provider provides management or other services involving property financed with proceeds of an issue of state or local bonds subject to section 141 or section 145(a)(2)(B).

SECTION 4. MODIFICATIONS

.01 Section 3.02 of Rev. Proc. 97-13 is modified to add the following text immediately before the last sentence:

     A fixed periodic amount may include an automatic increase

     A fee that is a stated dollar amount specified in the contract

For further information regarding this revenue procedure contact David White at (202) 622-3980 (not a toll-free call).

SECTION 6. EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS

This revenue procedure modifies Rev. Proc. 97-13, 1997-1 C.B. 632.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE

This revenue procedure is effective for any management contract entered into, materially modified, or extended (other than pursuant to a renewal option) on or after July 9, 2001. In addition, an issuer may apply this revenue procedure to any management contract entered into prior to July 9, 2001.

DRAFTING INFORMATION

The principal authors of this revenue procedure are Mary Truchly and Rebecca Harrigal, Office of Chief Counsel.