May 11, 2016

Medicare Secondary Payer Data Collection Will Now Open May 26 (not May 20) on BAE (1-150 Groups)

This article has been updated to reflect a change in dates. They have been updated to reflect May 26 through Aug. 26.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) will soon begin data collection efforts for Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) information, which is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Beginning May 26, we will begin collecting this data from renewing groups only, via Blue Access for Employers^SM (BAE). Requests to update group MSP information through BAE will primarily be sent through email. However, if a valid email address is not on file, a postcard/letter and/or outbound phone call may be used. MSP information is required by Aug. 26, 2016.

New groups are required to provide their MSP information via a paper form included with their initial application paperwork.

Who Is impacted?
Renewing fully insured and ASO employer groups with 1 to 150 employees who have not completed the 2016 Employer Acknowledgement Form prior to May 26 will need to provide this information. Groups that have already provided their information for 2016 prior to May 26 will not be asked to provide it.

It is the responsibility of the employer group health plan to update BCBSTX of any employee count changes throughout the year.

When Will BCBSTX Contact Affected Groups?
Communications will be sent to employers starting in late May. Periodic communications (emails or calls made to accounts with invalid or missing email addresses) may be sent to groups that have not responded, prior to the Aug. 26 deadline.

When Is the MSP Information Due?
The last day to complete the MSP information is Aug. 26, 2016.

Can Producers Provide the MSP Information on BAE for Their Groups?
Yes. If producers have access to the groups’ BAE accounts, they may complete the MSP information on behalf of their groups.