Self-funded health plans are required to obtain a standard Health Plan Identification number (HPID) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This 10-digit number, similar to a Social Security number or Employer Identification Number, will facilitate the transfer of information from one covered entity to another.
Large group health plans must have their HPID in place by November 5, 2014. Small plans with annual receipts of $5 million or less have until 2015 to comply. The HPID can be obtained through an online application process at www.cms.gov.