Medicare HETS UI Internet Eligibility Users:
CMS announces it will install a system release of the HETS 270/271 system on Saturday, August 16, 2008 that will improve the design of the HETS UI Internet Eligibility system.
The installation will begin at 5:00AM ET on Saturday, August 16. The HETS UI Internet Eligibility system will be unavailable during this system release. Attempts to open an internet session to the HETS UI Internet Eligibility system will result in errors. CMS estimates that installation and testing will be complete by 12:00 PM Noon EDT on Saturday, August 16, 2008.
CMS previously distributed a Third Quarter Release Summary document (see attached) outlining potential impact to HETS UI Users. The most significant change in this release is that the HETS UI will now suspend (or "lock out") a User's account when the number of User errors (consecutively or in a single session) exceeds CMS' standards. Provider/suppliers must use caution to ensure that accurate information is entered into the HETS UI system in order to prevent lockout.
If a HETS UI User is locked out, the User must contact the MCARE Help Desk to reinstate his/her account. If a User is frequently locked out due to data entry errors, the following may occur: (a) additional system training may be required, (b) the security officer for the provider organization may be informed, and/or (c) the User's account may be fully deactivated.
Each additional lock out will be managed according to a CMS defined escalation policy; see the related links inside CMS for a copy of the policy. Please review this document prior to using the HETS UI Internet Eligibility system after the system release this Saturday, August 16, 2008.
In the near future, CMS will distribute an updated HETS UI User Guide that incorporates all recent changes.
Please contact the Help Desk if you have any questions or comments.
Medicare Customer Assistance Re: Eligibility (MCARE) Help Desk
1-866-440-3805