Organizations that send eligibility requests to the Medicare HETS 270/271 eligibility system submit a HETS Submitter ID number in each 270 request. The HETS Submitter ID is sent in the 270 request in the ISA06 and GS02 elements. The HETS Submitter ID number identifies the organization presenting the eligibility request; HETS Submitter IDs are assigned to organizations that have entered into a Trading Partner Agreement with CMS specifically for the purpose of exchanging data related to Medicare eligibility.

CMS is changing the format of HETS 270/271 Submitter IDs. If your HETS Submitter ID (sent in the 270 request ISA06 and GS02 elements) is 8 characters long, no action is required. If your HETS Submitter ID is 10 characters long, your organization must obtain, test, and implement a new HETS Submitter ID in order to continue utilizing HETS. If your organization obtained your HETS Submitter ID prior to July, 2009, you must take action.

The deadline to obtain, test and implement this new Submitter ID is Thursday, December 31, 2009. Submitters who have not completed this migration by the required date will lose access to HETS 270/271 eligibility data effective January 1, 2010.

Please note that the process to transition to the new Submitter ID will require at least 9 business days to complete – please plan your transition process accordingly.

Contact the MCARE Help Desk if you have any questions or comments.

Medicare Customer Assistance Re: Eligibility (MCARE) Help Desk