Verifying patients' eligibility for Medicare is a necessary but time-consuming process for medical practices. Currently, many providers verify eligibility through the Interactive Voice Response unit (IVR).
CMS offers real-time Internet-based eligibility transactions as an alternative to the IVR. These ANSI 270/271 transactions are processed through the CMS data center. Providers and clearinghouses must be authenticated by CMS before conducting these transactions. Telecommunications software is also required in order to access the CMS network.
Steps to obtain access for Internet eligibility (270/271) transactions:
- Access the CMS HIPAA Eligibility Transaction System (HETS) at www.cms.hhs.gov/HETSHelp/01_Overview.asp
- From the left navigation menu, select Sign Up Now
- In order to obtain access to the CMS 270/271 Medicare Eligibility transaction from the Medicare Data Communication Network (MDCN), you must access and complete the Trading Partner Agreement and Access Form at www.cms.hhs.gov/AccesstoDataApplication/03_MedBenEligInq.asp
- This agreement outlines security and privacy procedures for the Medicare beneficiary database. Complete all the information on the form electronically and click on the appropriate assurances. If you do not consent to the terms of the agreement, the access process will be terminated.
- If you check the appropriate boxes of the agreement and supply the information requested, a copy of the completed form will be electronically submitted to the CMS 270/271 MEIC for security authentication
- The access process will then continue, and you will be directed to complete the Medicare Data Communication Network (MDCN) Connectivity Form. This form must be submitted electronically in order for you to be connected to the 270/271 eligibility database.
- CMS will ensure that all necessary information is provided on the forms and ensure the complete connectivity to the 270/271 application. The Medicare Eligibility Integration Contractor (MEIC) will be responsible for contacting the clearinghouses, providers and trading partners to authenticate the accessing entity's identity. Once authentication has been completed, the MEIC will provide you with a submitter ID that must be used on all 270/271 transactions. Testing will be coordinated by the MEIC. After successful testing, 270 production inquiries may be sent in real-time.
Please note that in order to access the MDCN, you must obtain the necessary telecommunications software from the AT&T reseller on your own. The current AT&T resellers and contact numbers are listed below:
Additional Resources: