Medicare Application

Medicare Application
A few pointers for providers applying for Medicare

The U.S. government runs a health insurance plan called Medicare. This covers citizens and permanent residents of the United States who pass certain conditions to be accepted. Two conditions are they must be 65 or older, and they (or their partner) need to have worked at least 10 years in a job that is covered by Medicare.

One exception to the above conditions is if you have a serious medical disability that is covered by Medicare. In this instance it no longer matters if you have reached 65 years old. You would need to contact your local Social Security to check if your condition was covered.

However, for a Medicare patient to receive the benefits, they will first need the provider to submit an application.

Here are a few pointers for the whole process to move along more smoothly. The terms and condition for Medicare can change without giving any prior notice. Therefore use these tips only as a guide, and check with a Medicare expert before hand for up to date information.

1. National Provider Identifier (NPI)

Your Medicare application must contain a valid NPI number from your supplier.

2. Recent versions are always required

All CMS-855 Medicare applications from the 1st of May 2006 were revised by the centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Due to this, providers of health care would have to now complete the most up to date form. Verification of this can be found at the bottom of the form in the left hand corner.

3. The proper form types must be submitted

Which Medicare application form you require depends on the type of provider. A good example would be mental health care institution, doctors and ambulance providers, as they would all have to submit a different variation of the Medicare application form. It is clearly marked which is the correct form to be used.

4. Application must contain all supporting documents

Documented records requested by the Medicare plan, must be included with the completed application. Examples of these records are: identification numbers, License for the business, professional license, and various professional documentation.

5. The application must be fully completed

When a Medicare application is considered incomplete, time wasting can occur. The Medicare agency will either contact you or the form will be posted back to you. It is much quicker to make sure all relevant information and documents have been supplied when you first apply.

6. Check where you’re sending the application

Another time waster is the Medicare application being sent to the wrong address. Medicare is processed from all around the country, so make sure it is submitted to the right address.

7. Application fee may be required

There are some practices that need to pay a fee for Medicare. All information must be included so that the medical provider can send an electronic transfer as payment.

8. Applications must be officially signed and dated

For the providers, filling out a Medicare application can be a daunting task. Due to this the responsible official often forgets to date and sign the form.

9. Don’t delay when answering questions

A contractor working on your application may request additional information. Keep the response prompt and you application will run smoother.

You will find the Medicare application can be approved much more quickly, if you approach the completion of the enrolment in a logical and orderly manner.

Entry Filed under: Enrollment Questions