The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently sent an advisory to all NGHP Responsible Reporting Entities (RREs) stating that the date for first production NGHP Input Files has been moved from April 1, 2010 to January 1, 2011.

The advisory also noted:

  • NGHP File data exchange testing will continue. All Liability Insurance, Self-Insurance, No-Fault Insurance and Workers’ Compensation (NGHP)  RREs should now be registered with the COBC, and either in or preparing for file testing status. NGHP file data exchange testing may continue during 2010, as needed.
  • All NGHP file data exchange testing will be completed by December 31, 2010. NGHP RREs that have completed file data exchange testing at any time are encouraged to proceed to production file data exchange status.

A new version of the “Section 111 NGHP User Guide” will be posted by the CMS at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/MandatoryInsRep/04_Whats_New.asp#TopOfPage during the week of February 22. The CMS website will also post an alert for NGHP RREs describing the steps those RREs can take to assure their ongoing compliance with the Section 111 reporting requirements.

It is critical to keep abreast of any changes of NGHP dates or policy procedures. Failing to do so could mean sizable fines.