Also ask about the rate adjustments you might face over the term of the loan.

"The rate adjustment is primarily due to large increases in programming costs, about 15 percent this year," he said.

The commission, which makes rate adjustments, will decide on the matter in April.

The penalties, potentially millions of dollars an hour, would be returned to consumers through rate adjustments.

It remained unclear whether Suffolk residents would receive rate adjustments for the 2.4 percent higher rates they have paid since 1998.

"And that's why we are asking for the rate adjustments."

Unless the appellate court rules otherwise, the rate adjustments will take effect Jan. 15.

Lenders are required to give 45 days' notice of any rate adjustment.

New Jersey hospitals have never passed along rate adjustments to the staff, except in nickels and dimes.

The final adjustment is for case mix; certain beneficiary characteristics trigger composite rate adjustments.