The Affordable Care Act requires all health plans to obtain a Health Plan Identification Number (“HPID”), which is a standard, unique health plan identification number to be used for health plan transactions. 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 health plans were required to obtain a HPID by November 5, 2014. Small plans ($5M or less in annual receipts) had an extra year, until November 2015, to comply.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that enforcement of the HPID mandate will be delayed, until further notice. The delay applies to all HIPAA covered entities, including health care providers and health plans. While plans can still apply for an HPID at www.cms.gov, the HPID requirement will not be enforced.
