Program_Memos / 2000 / AB-00-129

Why This Topic Matters

It helps providers and billing staff understand which Medicare secondary payer matters are handled by the contractor versus local Medicare entities, and it identifies the implementation timing and outreach expectations associated with the transition.

Article Sections

1. Program Memorandum

   Administrative transmittal information and the memorandum’s purpose for Medicare intermediaries and carriers.

2. Background

   Overview of the coordination-of-benefits initiative and the planned transfer of Medicare secondary payer investigation activities.

3. Outreach to Providers

   Instructions for provider education and publication of the attached fact sheet through contractor and bulletin channels.

4. Next Steps in Outreach and Education

   General direction to continue outreach activities and related administrative timing for the memorandum.

5. COB Contractor Fact Sheet for Providers

   Attached provider-facing fact sheet summarizing the coordination-of-benefits initiative, information gathering methods, claims-related routing, database record handling, and contractor contact information.

6. Information Gathering

   General description of the types of Medicare secondary payer information sources and outreach methods referenced in the fact sheet.

7. Provider Requests for Claims Payment

   Guidance separating claims payment processing from Medicare secondary payer investigation functions and directing different question types to the appropriate entity.

8. Medicare Secondary Payer Auxiliary Records in HCFA’s Database

   Discussion of how Medicare secondary payer information is maintained and updated within HCFA’s database environment.

9. Contacting the COB Contractor

   Contractor contact details, hours of service, and the types of inquiries to route to the contractor or local Medicare entities.