CMS announces provider ombudsman for new Medicare cards

Nov 13, 2017 - 10:58 AM

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has named an ombudsman to serve as a resource for health care providers concerning the new Medicare beneficiary enrollment cards. “Dr. Eugene Freund will be serving in this position,” the agency said in a notice last week. “He will also communicate about the New Medicare Card to providers and collaborate with CMS components to develop solutions to any implementation problems that arise.” CMS will begin mailing the new cards to people with Medicare benefits in April 2018 to meet the statutory deadline for replacing all existing Medicare cards by April 2019. The new Medicare cards will contain a unique, randomly-assigned number that replaces the current Social Security-based number. To reach the new ombudsman, email NMCProviderQuestions@cms.hhs.gov.

Related News Articles

Headline
KFF analysis highlights limited physician access in Medicare Advantage plans
A new report from KFF reveals that Medicare Advantage enrollees had access to just 48% of the physicians available to Traditional Medicare beneficiaries in…
Headline
AHA shares concerns, recommendations with CMS on WISeR model
The AHA Oct. 23 recommended changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction model to address…
Headline
CMS releases guide on prior authorization submissions, determinations under WISeR model  
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released an operational guide for Medicare-enrolled providers and suppliers on the Wasteful and…
Headline
OIG says MA, Medicaid managed care plans have limited, inaccurate behavioral health provider networks 
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found that many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans…
Headline
Medicare open enrollment for 2026 begins
Medicare open enrollment for 2026 began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. During the annual enrollment period, Medicare-eligible individuals can check their…
Headline
AHA encourages MedPAC to refine analysis of MA enrollment impacts on patients, providers
The AHA Oct. 3 responded to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s recent analysis on the financial impacts of Medicare Advantage enrollment growth on…