The 2019 Application – Key Dates
As a follow up to my last article on the Notice of Intent to Apply, I give you an enhanced chart of 2019 application activities outlining things you should have been doing or should be in the middle of now. Thanks to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for creating a base, published recently via memo – my colorful additions peppered throughout for your perusal. If past activities have not been done yet, it is time to get a move on, or you risk missing the deadline.
| Calendar Year 2019 Application Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Determine the feasibility of applying for a new plan or expanding an existing plan; identify vendor partners to contract with who will support administrative or health services, begin contracting process or review existing contracts to ensure application requirements will be met | Ongoing process |
| Review past finalized application guidance, determine licensure needs, contact pertinent state(s) to establish their needs and timeline | June 1, 2017 |
| Review the 60-day release outlining the proposed changes to the 2019 applications | August 1, 2017 |
| Tell Provider Contracting not to rest on their laurels | August 2, 2017 |
| Comments due on the 60-day release of the applications | October 2, 2017 |
| Read CMS’ Notice of Intent to Apply (NOIA) memo dated October 13, realize there are 36 calendar days between the release of the final application and submission, suppress panic | October 13, 2017 |
| Read this chart, and if anything is making you twitch, let me know | October 16. 2017 |
| Create a draft project plan, assigning specific tasks to your application project team; establish an earlier submission date; field angry emails from the team but hold firm; obtain the team’s vacation schedules now through submission date, establish back-ups | October 30, 2017 |
| Review the 30-day release of the draft 2019 applications (approximate time) | November 10, 2017 |
| NOIA deadline to ensure access to the CMS Health Plan Management System (HPMS) | November 13, 2017 |
| New applicants should download the CMS User ID connectivity form (aka CMS Access Request Form) and distribute to the application submission team and C-suite team members who will need to complete attestations. Provide specific instructions on filling out the application, or don’t, if you like a lot of re-work. Ensure back-ups. Send originals via traceable carrier to CMS. | November 15, 2017 |
| CMS sends NOIA confirmation e-mails to entities meeting the November 13 NOIA deadline to ensure timely HPMS access | November 30, 2017 |
| CMS User ID connectivity form submissions must be received by this date to ensure user access to HPMS by January 9, 2018 | December 1, 2017 |
| Try to enjoy the holidays, because that application work is coming | January 1, 2018 |
| Calendar Year 2019 Medicare Advantage (MA), Part D, and Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) applications posted on CMS website | January 9, 2018 |
| Finalize project plan based on the final guidance, adding any new tasks and team members required; register for CMS user calls; re-communicate internally established submission date | January 9, 2018 |
| Final day to submit NOIA for 2019 | January 26, 2018 |
| If you believe stragglers will cause you to be working up to CMS’ deadline, order flowers for your significant other so Valentine’s Day isn’t completely ruined | February 12, 2018 |
| CY 2019 MA, Part D, and MMP applications submission deadline | February 14, 2018 |
Resources:
GHG can now efficiently analyze health plan data to pinpoint key areas needing improvement, assess the root causes of these pain points, and deliver a data-driven action plan to increase your ratings. Learn more about our new service >>
Want to stay up to date on policy and regulation changes? The Insider is GHG’s exclusive intelligence briefing, providing in-depth analysis and expert summaries of the most critical legislative and political activities impacting and shaping your organization. Read our full press release >>
Stay connected to industry news and gain perspective on how to navigate the latest issues through GHG’s weekly newsletter. Subscribe >>