2013-09-04

Medicare HETS 270/271 Submitters:

CMS is planning a HETS 270/271 system release in December 2013.  CMS has published a new HETS 270/271 Companion Guide (version 8-0) in anticipation of the 2013Q400 release (currently scheduled for December, 2013).  No content changes to the 270 request are absolutely required for this release but submitters may need to re-evaluate the Service Type Codes that are being submitted on the 270 eligibility request.  HETS submitters should use this Companion Guide and the previously released Q4 Release Summary to prepare for this important upcoming release.    
Updated HETS 270/271 2013Q400 Release Companion Guide: http://cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/CMS-Information-Technology/HETSHelp/Downloads/HETS270271CompanionGuideUpcoming.pdf (be sure to refresh your page to view version 8-0)

Release Summary: http://cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/CMS-Information-Technology/HETSHelp/Downloads/R2013Q400HETS270271ReleaseSummary.pdf (version 1-0).

CMS will also provide copy of updated 270 request and 271 response examples via the HETSHelp website Spotlight page (http://cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/CMS-Information-Technology/HETSHelp/Spotlight.html) as soon as possible.  

Please note that while the Companion Guide was primarily updated to reflect details relevant to the 2013Q400 release, there were also minor changes made to other sections of the document.  Please see Appendix D (Revision History) of the Companion Guide for complete details.

The release is tentatively scheduled to be installed in December, 2013.  The HETS 270/271 application will be unavailable during the system release.  CMS will distribute more specific release information (including estimated outage times) in November, 2013.

Please contact the MCARE Help Desk if you have any questions or comments.

Medicare Customer Assistance Re: Eligibility (MCARE) Help Desk
1-866-324-7315