Palmetto GBA E-mail Update: Tuesday, September 12, 2017

October 2017 Release ‘Dark Days’ for the Common Working File (CWF) Hosts
In anticipation of the October 2017 Release, the CWF Hosts will not process claims beginning Friday, September 29, 2017 through Sunday, October 1, 2017. During this period, which is commonly referred to as ‘dark days,’ the CWF Hosts will install the October 2017 Release, complete weekly/monthly/quarterly processing activities, and perform scheduled data center maintenance. This means Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) will not have access to the Health Insurance Master Record (HIMR) and Beneficiary Data Streamlining (BDS) transactions. Eligibility information in HIQA and HIQH will also not be available to providers.

Applies to:

• JM Home Health and Hospice//General
• JM Part A//General
• JM Part B//General
• Railroad Medicare (RRB)//General – Railroad Medicare

Influenza And Pneumococcal Vaccines And Administration Reimbursement
These immunizations are paid at 100 percent of the established fee schedule amount. Coinsurance and the annual deductible do not apply. Please share with appropriate staff.

Applies to:

• JM Part B//General
• JM Part B//Drugs/Biologicals
• JM Part B//Physician
• JM Part B//Primary Care