standard transactions

Most group health plans must apply to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by November 5 for a unique health plan identifying number (HPID).  Although self-insured health plans must apply for HPIDs, the application process was not designed with these plans in mind.

In a post this summer, we identified several deficiencies in the HPID rules that will make the application process difficult for employers.  CMS has recently fixed a few problems; but with the November 5 deadline fast approaching, the agency still has not addressed other fundamental shortcomings of the HPID rules.
Continue Reading CMS Fixes Some HPID Problems, But Other Problems Remain

Group health plans with 50 or more participants, including self-insured plans, must be able to conduct electronic transactions in accordance with HHS standards and operating rules.  One of the more challenging aspects of the electronic transaction rules has been the transition to the new International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes for health claims.
Continue Reading Health Plans Have an Extra Year to Prepare for ICD-10—And They Might Need It

By December 31, 2015, group health plans must complete a testing process and certify that they are able to conduct electronic transactions in accordance with uniform standards and operating rules.  Plans must also ensure that third-party administrators and other outside vendors are in compliance with the electronic transaction rules if the vendors conduct transactions on the plans’ behalf.

December 2015 might seem a long way off to group health plan sponsors and administrators focused on ACA’s shared responsibility rules.  Plan sponsors should bear in mind, though, that compliance with the certification requirements for electronic transactions can involve significant lead time.  Failure to comply carries substantial penalties.  Accordingly, group health plan sponsors that have not already addressed the electronic transaction rules might wish to develop a timetable for compliance.
Continue Reading Health Plans Must Certify Ability to Conduct Electronic Transactions

Group health plan sponsors and administrators focused on compliance with ACA’s shared responsibility rules might not be aware that another compliance deadline is looming.   By November 5, 2014, most group health plans must apply to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a unique health plan identifying number.  (Please visit the “Deadlines” page of our blog for information about other approaching deadlines.)


Continue Reading Health Plan I.D. Application Deadline Is Approaching