Medicare Blog

where do dme claims go for railroad medicare plans

by Susan Braun IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The address is: Railroad Medicare Part B, P.O. Box 10066, Augusta, GA 30999. Be sure that claims for Medicare Part B are filed with Palmetto GBA and not the regular Medicare carrier serving the area in which you live. Your unique Railroad Retirement Claim Number with the prefix "A" or "D" must be used for each claim.

Claims for most DME items are processed by regional DME Medicare Administrative Contractors. You can find more information about Medicare covered services in the “Medicare and You” handbook. You can download and view the most recent version of the handbook on the Medicare.gov website.Mar 29, 2022

Full Answer

How do I enroll for electronic claims with railroad Medicare?

Before filing claims electronically to Railroad Medicare, you must have an EDI enrollment packet on file with Palmetto GBA. See our Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) resources for more information on enrolling for electronic claim submissions.

Does Medicare cover railroad workers and their families?

Medicare for Railroad Workers and Their Families. CMS is the agency in charge of the Medicare program. The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) enrolls railroad retirement beneficiaries in the program, deducts Medicare premiums from monthly benefit payments, and assists in certain other ways.

How does Medicare pay for DME?

Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type of equipment: You may need to rent the equipment. You may need to buy the equipment. You may be able to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment. Medicare will only cover your DME if your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare.

Which Macs process Medicare and railroad Medicare claims?

Home Health and Hospice — The four A/B MACs that process jurisdictional home health and hospice (HHH) claims process those claims for both Medicare and Railroad Medicare beneficiaries. You can use the CMS MAC Website List to find your local HHH MAC.

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Where do I send railroad Medicare claims?

You can either file electronic claims to Railroad Medicare through a clearinghouse or other third-party claims submitter, or you can submit paperless claims directly through Palmetto GBA's online provider portal eServices eClaims option.

Can you submit paper claims to railroad Medicare?

If you meet an exception to mandatory electronic filing, you can submit your initial paper claim(s) to obtain a Railroad Medicare PTAN.

How do I find my railroad Medicare claims?

If you'd like to use the IVR, you can do so by calling 800–833–4455. From the main menu, press one (1) for claim status. You will need your Railroad Medicare number, date of birth, name, and date of service for the claim you are searching for. Claim status is available Monday thru Friday from 7 a.m. through 11 p.m. ET.

How do I submit a corrected claim to railroad Medicare?

In the case where a minor error or omission is involved, you can request that Railroad Medicare reopen the claim so the error or omission can be corrected rather than going through the written appeals process. Reopenings may be submitted in written form, over the telephone or through our eServices online portal.

What is the payer ID for Medicare Railroad?

MR018Payer Name: Medicare - Railroad|Payer ID: MR018|Professional (CMS 1500)

Is there a difference between Medicare and Railroad Medicare?

A: The only difference is that retired railroad beneficiaries have their Part B benefits administered by the Palmetto GBA Railroad Retirement Board Specialty Medicare Administrative Contractor (RRB SMAC) regardless of where they live. Members should be certain to advise providers of this when they receive treatment.

How do I contact Railroad Medicare?

Provider Contact Center: 888-355-9165 Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for all time zones with the exception of PT, which provides service from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Does Railroad Medicare have a provider portal?

Events. Palmetto GBA Railroad Medicare is pleased to offer eServices, our free Internet-based, provider self-service portal. The application provides information access over the Web for the following online services: Eligibility.

How do I get Railroad Medicare Ptan?

If you are already enrolled with your local Part B Medicare Administrative Contactor (MAC) and have a claim to submit for a Railroad Medicare patient, you will request a Railroad Medicare PTAN using the Railroad Medicare PTAN Lookup and Request Tool at www.palmettogba.com/RR/PTAN.

Is Railroad Medicare an Advantage plan?

Yes, Railroad Medicare beneficiaries can choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans.

How do I appeal Railroad Medicare?

You may submit your appeal request in writing or through our website using eServices. Railroad Medicare also accepts redetermination requests via fax at (803) 462-2218. First level of appeal: redetermination. Timeframe: 120 days from the receipt of the initial determination.

Where do I file Part A, DMEPOS and Home Health and Hospice claims for Railroad Medicare beneficiaries?

Part A — The jurisdictional A/B Medicare Administrative Contractors (A/B MACs) process hospital facility claims and skilled nursing facility claims for both Medicare and Railroad Medicare beneficiaries. You can use the CMS MAC Website List to find your local A/B MAC.

What is DMEPOS in Medicare?

Durable medical equipment (DMEPOS) — The jurisdictional DME Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) process claims for DMEPOS items for both Medicare and Railroad Medicare beneficiaries. You can use the CMS MAC Website List to find your local DME MAC.

What is Medicare 277CA report?

If you submit claims via the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) option, our ACE tool will return pre-adjudicated Part B claims information through a claim acknowledgement transaction report, called a Medicare 277CA report. Submitters will receive the Medicare 277CA report with ACE Smart Edits if a claim is identified as containing a potential claim submission error that requires the submitters attention.

How long does it take for Medicare to reject a claim?

Rejected claims must be corrected and resubmitted no later than 12 months from the date of service. Medicare will deny claims received after the deadline date.

Where is the DMEPOS jurisdiction list?

CMS publishes an annual DMEPOS Jurisdiction List on the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Center page of their website. Items listed as under DME MAC jurisdiction on the DMEPOS Jurisdiction List should be billed to your local DME MAC. Items listed as under Local Carrier jurisdiction on the DMEPOS Jurisdiction List should be billed to Palmetto GBA Railroad Medicare for Railroad Medicare beneficiaries.

How long does it take to file a claim with the MAC?

Claims must be filed to the appropriate MAC no later than 12 months, one calendar year, from the date of service. Timely filing is determined by the date a processable claim is received by the appropriate MAC.

Do you have to submit Medicare electronically to Railroad?

If you are required to submit electronically to your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), CMS requires you to submit electronically to Railroad Medicare, regardless of how many Railroad Medicare patients you may serve.

What percentage of Medicare payment does a supplier pay for assignment?

If your supplier accepts Assignment you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B Deductible applies. Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type of equipment:

What is Medicare assignment?

assignment. An agreement by your doctor, provider, or supplier to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the payment amount Medicare approves for the service, and not to bill you for any more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance. you pay 20% of the. Medicare-Approved Amount.

What is Medicare approved amount?

Medicare-Approved Amount. In Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference. , and the Part B.

What happens if you live in an area that's been declared a disaster or emergency?

If you live in an area that's been declared a disaster or emergency, the usual rules for your medical care may change for a short time. Learn more about how to replace lost or damaged equipment in a disaster or emergency .

Does Medicare cover DME equipment?

You may be able to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment. Medicare will only cover your DME if your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare.

How does Medicare determine the fee schedule for DMEPOS?

Under current gap filling guidelines outlined in Chapter 60.3 of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Medicare establishes a new fee schedule amount based on (1) the fee schedule amount for a comparable item in the DMEPOS fee schedule, or (2) supplier price lists or retail price lists, such as mail order catalogs, with prices in effect during the base year. In establishing fees for newly covered DMEPOS, Medicare first looks to identify a comparable DMEPOS item for which a fee schedule amount already exists, as existing fee schedule amounts are based on average reasonable charges for items paid during the base year. CMS determines whether a comparable item exists based on the purpose and features of the device, nature of the technology, and other factors, and then applies that fee to the new item.

When will Medicare release DMEPOS 2021?

On March 11, 2021, CMS released the 2021 April Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) fee schedule amounts. The DMEPOS public use file contains fee schedules for certain items that were adjusted based on information from the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program in accordance with Section 1834 (a) (1) (F) of the Act. CMS identified errors in the fee schedule amounts for some items and has therefore released a revised April DMEPOS fee schedule file on March 30, 2021. The April fee schedule files are effective for claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2021. The revised fee schedule amounts will be used to pay claims received on or after April 1, 2021. No re-processing of claims will be required as a result of these corrections.

What is the pricing code for Medicare Part B?

The pricing code for both of the codes above is 00, indicating that the item or service is not separately priced or separately paid by Medicare under Part B .

How much is the monthly Medicare rental fee?

Based on the median of 2018 prices paid by other payers, CMS has established a 2019 monthly fee schedule amount of $13,237.

Is CMS continuing to pay for wheelchairs?

CMS is continuing these payment rates based on several factors . Beneficiaries with disabilities such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury often rely on complex rehabilitative wheelchairs and accessories to maximize their function and independence. It is important to avoid any potential operational difficulties for suppliers, our partners in the Medicaid program, or private payers that have elected to rely on the DMEPOS fee schedule that could result from frequent updates to the Medicare fee schedules. Finally, this action is consistent with prior Medicare program policy actions related to similar accessories for complex power rehabilitative wheelchairs as described in section 2 of the Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act of 2015. CMS is actively reviewing public comments submitted to the agency on related rulemakings, including engaging in future rulemaking, and will update interested stakeholders and suppliers when more information is available.

Can Medicare pay for replacement CPAP?

The supplier furnishing the substitute devices at no additional cost can bill and get paid for accessories used with the replacement devices.

Can a DME MAC reprocess a HCPCS code?

Suppliers may request that the DME MAC reprocess and adjust incorrectly paid claims for these HCPCS code/modifier combinations by providing their PTAN to the DME MAC. If the supplier makes this request, then all of the supplier’s claims affected by the erroneous fee schedule amounts (both overpayments and underpayments) will be reprocessed and adjusted. Please contact the DME MAC (s) for additional information about reprocessing.

How do railroad workers enroll in Medicare?

Most railroad workers enroll in Medicare by contacting their local Railroad Retirement Board office. You can find the nearest office using the field office link above. But if you have end-stage renal disease, you must enroll through the Social Security Administration.

What is the number to call a railroad retirement board?

Call a Licensed Agent: 833-271-5571. Due to COVID-19, the Railroad Retirement Board closed offices as of March 16, 2020. We’ll keep you updated on when offices reopen. In the meantime, visit RRB.gov to learn about your online self-serve options.

When do you become eligible for Medicare?

Typically, you’ll become eligible when you turn 65 or reach your 25th month of receiving disability benefits. The main difference is that the RRB classifies disability differently than the SSA does, so check with a representative ...

What happens if you miss your enrollment period?

If you’re approaching eligibility, get started as soon as possible. If you miss your enrollment period, you could rack up late-enrollment penalties—and have to wait until the beginning of the following year to enroll.

Does Medicare pay through the RRB?

Generally, your Medicare costs through the RRB will be the same as those paid by people who qualify for Medicare via Social Security. Just like workers outside the railroad industry, you’ll see Medicare deductions from your paycheck during your working years.

Does RRB have Medicare?

Today, the RRB offers railroad workers a similar safety net. RRB beneficiaries can tap into Medicare benefits, much like Social Security beneficiaries, with a few differences. If you are a railroad worker, learn what you can expect from Medicare in terms of eligibility, enrollment, costs, and health benefits—and how your RRB benefits differ ...

Do you pay Medicare Part D premiums through RRB?

If you add Medicare Part D, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage, you’ll pay additional premiums for these as well, but not through your RRB income checks. You’ll pay for each of these coverages separately, directly to the insurance company that provides each plan.

Can Medicare cards be similar?

A: This can easily happen as the two Medicare cards are very similar. The doctor’s office should pay close attention to the specific details printed on your Railroad Medicare card.

Does Medicare cover injectable cancer drugs?

A: Only in limited instances will Medicare Part B provide for prescription drug coverage, such as for certain injectable cancer drugs or immunosuppressive drugs. All other Medicare benefits for prescription drugs require enrollment in a Part D Prescription Drug Program.

Does Medicare cover dental implants?

A: In most cases, Medicare does not cover dental services, specifically, services related to the care, treatment, filling, removal, or replacement of teeth, or structures directly supporting teeth. This would include check-ups, cleanings, and dental devices (such as dentures, dental plates, dental implants, or bridges) as well as extractions or other procedures performed to prepare the mouth for dentures (including reconstruction of the ridge) or titanium implants.

Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?

A: No, Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or hearing exams, when the purpose of the exam is to determine whether you need hearing aids or for fitting hearing aids.

How Will Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?

Original Medicare’s Part B covers durable medical equipment items when your Medicare-enrolled doctor or health care provider prescribes it for you to use at home. Once you have the doctor’s prescription, you can take it to any Medicare-enrolled supplier. Medicare pays 80 percent of its approved amount (after you meet your Part B deductible), and then you pay the 20 percent balance.

What is DME in medical terms?

Medicare defines durable medical equipment, or DME, as reusable medical equipment that has been deemed medically necessary. Your doctor or another health care provider determines what equipment you need per Medicare guidelines. He or she assesses your health condition, what equipment can be used in your home and what equipment you are able to use.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original?

The main difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage lies in how you get a durable medical equipment item covered. For example, a Medicare Advantage plan may require prior authorization in order for items to be covered.

What is Medicare Made Clear?

Medicare Made Clear is brought to you by UnitedHealthcare to help make understanding Medicare easier. Click here to take advantage of more helpful tools and resources from Medicare Made Clear including downloadable worksheets and guides.

How long does a durable medical equipment item last?

Used because of an illness or injury. Able and necessary to be used at home (though you may also use it outside your home)*. Likely to last for three or more years.

What are some examples of DME?

Some examples of DME are walkers, hospital beds, home oxygen equipment, diabetes self-testing equipment (and supplies), and certain nebulizers and their medications (non-disposable). Wheelchairs and power scooters are also included in the list of DME, but additional rules apply. (See below.)

What is considered durable medical equipment?

Durable medical equipment that is not suitable for at-home use such as paraffin bath units used in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. Most items that are considered as providing convenience or comfort (ex. air conditioners) Items that are thrown away after use or that aren’t used with equipment (ex. catheters)

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