Effective October 31, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) announce a delay in the enforcement of the deadline by which health plans are required to secure a health plan identifier (“HPID”). The deadline is post-poned until further notice pending review of the recommendation provided by the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS).
Based on hearings held by NCVHS, they have recommended that the use of an HPID be reconsidered because of industry confusion over the ‘purpose’ and ‘process’ for using the HPID, as well as logistical concerns relating to implementation. For additional information on NCVHS’ recommendation click here.
Initially, employers with self-insured plans were to obtain an HPID by November 5, 2014 (Small health plans had until November 5, 2015.). For additional information on the health plan identifier, please refer to our earlier post here.