Medicare Managed Care Manual 
Chapter 18 Subchapter B 
Payment Principles for Cost-Based HCPPs 
 
Table of Contents 
(Rev. 85, 04-27-07) 
Transmittals for Chapter 18B 
10 - Physician Services - General 
20 - Physician and Other Part B Services Furnished Directly by the HCPP 
30 - Physician and Other Part B Supplier Services Furnished Under Arrangements 
30.1- Payment by HCPP on Other Than Fee-For-Service Basis 
30.2- Payment by Physician Group on Fee-For-Service Basis 
30.3 Payment by HCPP on Fee-For-Service Basis 
40 - Physician and Other Part B Supplier Services Not Furnished Under Arrangements 
40.1 - Payment for Services Rendered On or After April 1, 1994, by 
Noncontracted Medicare Participating Physicians 
40.2 - Payment for Services Rendered On or After April 1, 1994, by 
Noncontracted, Nonparticipating Physicians 
50 - Enrollment and Marketing Costs 
60 - Initial Enrollment 
70 - Membership Costs 
80 - Reinsurance 
80.1 - Self-Insurance 
90 - Special Costs Paid In Full 
100 - Beneficiary Liability 
100.1 - Under and Over Collection of Premiums 
110- Determining Deductibles and Coinsurance 
110.1 - Payment for Bad Debts 
120 - End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
130 - Physical and Other Therapy Services Furnished Under Arrangements 
140 - Duplicate Payment Detection for HCPPs 
                                                                     1 
  140.1 - Coordination of Benefits 
140.1.1 - Definition of Certain Terms Used in Coordination of Benefits 
140.2 - The Medicare HCPP's Obligations 
140.3 - General Fee-For-Service (FFS) Coordination of Benefits Rules 
140.4 - Other Provisions 
140.5 - Conflicting Claims by Medicare and Other Third Parties 
140.6 - Coordination With Worker's Compensation 
140.6.1 - Definitions Under WC 
140.7 - Additional Processing Instructions 
150 - Coordination for ESRD Patients 
150.1 - Definition of Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP) or Employer Plan 
150.2 - Additional Processing Instructions 
160 - Coordination With No-Fault Insurance 
160.1 - Definition of Automobile and No-Fault Insurance 
160.2 - Additional Processing Instructions 
170 - Benefit Coordination for Services Reimbursable Under Liability Insurance 
170.1 - Definition Under Liability Insurance 
170.2 - Additional Processing Instructions 
180 - Benefit Coordination for Working Aged Individuals Entitled to Medicare 
180.1 - Application of 20-Employee Threshold 
180.2 - Definitions under EGHP 
180.3 - Additional Special Rules Applicable to EGHPs 
180.3.1 - Self-Employed Individuals 
180.3.2 - Members of Clergy and Religious Orders Who Have Not Taken 
a Vow of Poverty 
180.3.3 - Members of Religious Order Who Have Taken a Vow of Poverty 
180.4 - Individuals Who Receive Disability Payments 
190 - Additional Processing Instructions 
190.1 - Benefit Coordination with a Large Group Health Plan 
190.2 - A Nonconforming LGHP 
190.3 - Definition of an Active Individual 
190.4 - Definition of an Employee 
                                                                     2 
  190.5 - Special Rules for Individual Employee Status 
190.5.1 - Individuals Not Subject to This Limitation on Payment 
190.6 - Failure to Pay Primary Benefits 
200 - Additional Processing Instructions 
200.1 - Federal Government's Right to Sue and Collect Double Damages 
210 - Excise Tax Penalties for Contributors to Nonconforming Group Health Plans 
210.1 - Working Aged 
210.2 - Disability 
210.3 - End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
220 - Applying Recoveries to the Cost Report 
230 - Alternative Method for Cost Report Treatment of Employer Health Plans 
240 - Taxes Assessed Against the Medicare HCPP 
240.1 - Premium Taxes Assessed Against the Medicare HCPP 
 
10 - Physician Services - General 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Amounts paid by a Health Care Prepayment Plan (HCPP) for physicians' services are 
allowable to the extent they are reasonable.  Different tests of reasonableness apply, 
depending upon whether the organization employs the physicians directly or pays for 
physicians' services on a fee-for-service basis or some other basis. 
The allowability of physician and other Part B supplier services furnished directly is 
determined in accordance with 20 of this subchapter. 
The allowability of physician and other Part B supplier services furnished under 
arrangements is determined in accordance with the provisions of 30 of this subchapter. 
20 - Physician and Other Part B Services Furnished Directly by the 
HCPP  
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Amounts paid by HCPPs to physicians who are employees of the HCPP or a related 
facility by common ownership or control will be found reasonable to the extent they 
commensurate with amounts paid for similar services performed by similar physicians in 
the same or similar locality. 
                                                                     3 
  The amount paid (e.g., salaries, capitation, fixed sum, incentive payments) as well as 
fringe benefits will be compared in the aggregate to that received by physicians generally 
in the community and amounts received by physicians in similar organizations.  
Compensation paid by the HCPP for personal services of physicians (e.g., salaries, 
wages, incentive payments, fringe benefits) must be distinguished from payments to 
physicians for nonpersonal services (e.g., expenses attributable to facilities, equipment, 
support personnel, supplies), in determining whether compensation is allowable.  
Physician compensation may take various forms, but the aggregate compensation must be 
reasonable in relation to the services personally furnished.  If aggregate physician 
compensation costs exceed what is normally incurred, the excess is not considered 
reasonable.  Costs incurred for other Part B items and services, including payments to 
physicians for nonpersonal services, will be found to be reasonable to the extent they: 
  Are commensurate with amounts paid for similar items and services furnished by 
similar personnel and suppliers in the same or similar locality; 
  Do not exceed those that a prudent and cost conscious buyer would incur to 
purchase those services. 
30 - Physician and Other Part B Supplier Services Furnished Under 
Arrangements  
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The amount the HCPP pays to a physician, physician group, or supplier for physician and 
other Part B supplier services furnished under arrangements is an allowable cost to the 
extent it is reasonable. 
30.1- Payment by HCPP on Other Than Fee-For-Service Basis 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
  If the HCPP pays a physician group on other than a fee-for-service basis, and that 
physician group does not pay its physicians on a fee-for-service basis, costs are 
considered reasonable if they: 
o  Do not exceed those that a prudent and cost conscious buyer would incur 
to purchase those services; and 
o  Are comparable to costs incurred for similar services furnished by similar 
physicians or other suppliers in the same or similar geographic area. 
                                                                     4 
  30.2- Payment by Physician Group on Fee-For-Service Basis 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
If the HCPP pays a physician group on other than a fee-for-service basis, and that 
physician group pays its physicians on a fee-for-service basis, reasonable costs shall not 
exceed reasonable charges as defined at 42 CFR 405 Subpart E.  Subpart E limitations do 
not apply if the physician group has effective incentives (as defined in  
42 CFR 417.802 (b)(ii)(B)) to avoid unnecessary or unduly costly utilization. 
30.3 Payment by HCPP on Fee-For-Service Basis 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
If the HCPP pays for physician and other Part B services on a fee-for-service basis, costs 
are considered reasonable if they do not exceed: 
  Reasonable charges for those services as defined in Subpart E of Part 405 of 42 
CFR; and 
  The amount CMS would pay for those services if they were furnished to 
beneficiaries not enrolled in the HCPP and services from sources not reimbursed 
on a reasonable cost basis. 
Fee-for service payments to a physician group organized on an individual-practice basis 
are not subject to the above definition of reasonableness if the physician group pays its 
physicians on a fee-for-service basis and meets the effective incentive definition of  
42 CFR 417.802(b)(2)(ii)(B). 
40 - Physician and Other Part B Supplier Services Not Furnished Under 
Arrangements  
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Section 1876(j) of the Act places a limit on the charges of noncontracted physicians and 
suppliers of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) services for enrollees of HCPPs with 
1833 agreement.  The HCPP is allowed to use the Medicare FFS payment limits for 
these services rendered on or after April 1, 1990.  This provision does not preclude the 
HCPP from negotiating charges less than the Medicare limits. 
                                                                     5 
  40.1 - Payment for Services Rendered On or After April 1, 1994, by 
Noncontracted Medicare Participating Physicians 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The limit of the HCPP's liability for services rendered by a physician with whom it does 
not contract depends on whether the physician is a Medicare participating physician (i.e., 
has agreed to accept assignment on all Medicare claims submitted to Medicare).  The 
Medicare participation agreement is deemed to apply to such a physician's services in the 
sense that the physician may not bill the HCPP, the beneficiary, or any other party for any 
amount in excess of the Medicare allowed amount (the fee schedule amount or the actual 
charge, if lower). 
However, the HCPP has financial responsibility for the amount that would have been the 
beneficiary's liability in FFS Medicare (the 20 percent coinsurance and any unmet 
deductible). 
NOTE: The financial responsibility of the HCPP applies only when the services are 
covered by the HCPP, i.e., for emergency or urgently needed services or when the HCPP 
refers the enrollee to the non-network physician. 
40.2 - Payment for Services Rendered On or After April 1, 1994, by 
Noncontracted, Nonparticipating Physicians 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
If a noncontracted physician provides a service to one of the HCPP's enrollees and the 
physician is not a Medicare participating physician, the limit of the HCPP's liability is the 
lower of the actual charge or the limiting charge permitted under the statute for FFS 
Medicare.  The HCPP is responsible for beneficiary coinsurance and deductible 
payments. 
50 - Enrollment and Marketing Costs 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Enrollment and marketing costs are those necessary and proper costs incurred in offering 
the HCPP to potential enrollees.  These costs include selling, advertising, and 
promotional activities incurred directly by the organization or under contract with outside 
specialists.  Enrollment and marketing costs are allowable to the extent they are 
reasonable and do not exceed an amount that would be incurred by prudent and cost 
conscious management. 
These costs do not include membership costs (see 70) or special costs (see 90). 
                                                                     6 
  60 - Initial Enrollment 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
HCPPs, which offer Medicare benefits for the first time, are likely to incur relatively 
higher marketing and enrollment costs in offering their HCPPs to Medicare beneficiaries.  
In determining whether these higher costs are reasonable, CMS may allow them if they 
do not exceed what prudent and cost conscious management would incur. 
70 - Membership Costs 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The HCPP's cost of maintaining and servicing subscriber contracts for prepayment 
enrollees, including but not limited to the reasonable cost of maintaining statistical, 
financial, and other data on members, are allowable to the extent they are reasonable.  
Membership expenses should not be included with allowable enrollment and marketing 
expenses. 
80 - Reinsurance 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Reinsurance is the transfer of all or part of the risk an HCPP assumes in agreeing to 
deliver health care to its enrollees.  Reinsurance costs are not allowable. 
80.1 - Self-Insurance 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
If the HCPP self-insures for the cost of services by maintaining independently, or as part 
of a group or pool, a self-insurance fund, the costs of payments into such a fund are not 
allowable.  Other types of self-insurance funds are subject to the rules contained in 
Chapter 21 of the Provider Reimbursement Manual (Pub. 15), Part I. 
90 - Special Costs Paid In Full 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The CMS will pay in full the total reasonable cost incurred by the HCPP for services that 
are solely for the purposes of the Medicare program and unique to cost-based 
organization Medicare provisions.  These special costs will be taken into account in the 
HCPP's monthly per capita rate.  Special costs must be shown separately in the 
organization's operating budget and approved by CMS in advance of the contract period 
for which they are claimed subject to retrospective adjustment at the end of the contract 
period.  These special costs do not include management service costs or the normal 
                                                                     7 
  administrative costs incurred by the organization in obtaining payment from the Medicare 
program.  For example, such as the cost of maintaining and reporting statistical and 
actuarial data needed to determine the amount of payment due the organization, costs of 
accumulating accretion and deletion data, marketing, enrollment, and the cost of 
preparing cost reports.  Such costs are apportioned to the Medicare program in 
accordance with Chapter 18, Subchapter C, as applicable, so that the Medicare program 
pays its proportionate share of these costs. 
The following types of costs incurred by the HCPP will be paid in full by CMS: 
  Medicare Enrollment Data - This is the reasonable cost of reporting individual 
Medicare beneficiary enrollment accretion and deletion data; 
  Special Program Evaluation and Planning Data - This is the reasonable cost of 
special data required by CMS solely for Medicare program evaluation and 
planning purposes.  However, unless specifically provided for, this data does not 
include the data the organization is required to maintain and furnish under other 
sections of this manual. 
100 - Beneficiary Liability 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The CMS will pay the HCPP for the reasonable cost of providing covered services to 
Medicare enrollees less an amount representing the actuarial value of the deductible and 
coinsurance the Medicare enrollee otherwise would have been liable for had they not 
enrolled in the current HCPP or in another Medicare HCPP.  The organization may 
charge Medicare enrollees up to this aggregate amount in the form of premiums, 
membership fees, copayments, charge per unit of service, or similar charges.  Another 
individual, organization, or entity may pay premiums on behalf of the Medicare enrollee.  
In addition, a Medicare beneficiary's private health insurance may be the primary payer 
under certain circumstances. 
The HCPP may offer the Medicare beneficiaries supplemental benefit plans to cover 
deductibles and coinsurance amounts, services not covered under Medicare, or both.  If a 
supplemental benefit plan premium (or other payment method) includes charges for both 
noncovered services and the deductible and coinsurance amounts applicable to covered 
services, the portion of the premium representing deductibles and coinsurance must be 
computed separately, and disclosed to the beneficiary prior to his/her election of such 
coverage options during the enrollment process. 
                                                                     8 
  100.1 - Under and Over Collection of Premiums 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The HCPP is responsible for computing any over or under collection of premiums.  All 
over collections of premiums must be returned to the Medicare enrollee.  The HMO/CMP 
may select, with prior approval, one of the following three methods to refund over 
collections: 
  Adjust future years' premiums; 
  Provide a lump sum payment to the enrollee; or 
  A combination of premium adjustment and lump sum payment. 
Unintentional (or involuntary) under collections of premiums may be collected from the 
HCPP's Medicare enrollees by an adjustment to its Medicare enrollees' future premiums.  
However, the HCPP must collect the under collections through premium adjustments no 
later than the end of the contract period following the contract period during which they 
were found to be due.  Intentional (or voluntary) under collections of premiums cannot be 
recouped by the HCPP from the Medicare enrollee. 
110- Determining Deductibles and Coinsurance 
(Rev. 85; Issued:  04-27-07; Effective/Implementation Dates:  04-27-07) 
 
In determining the amount due the HCPP, CMS will deduct from the reasonable cost 
actually incurred by the organization in furnishing Medicare covered services to 
Medicare enrollees, an amount equal to the value of the Medicare deductible and 
coinsurance amounts which would have been payable if the Medicare beneficiary had not 
elected the HCPP.  However, this amount which becomes the Medicare enrollees' 
liability for covered services, cannot exceed, on the average, the actuarial value of the 
deductible and coinsurance the Medicare enrollees otherwise would have been liable for 
had they not elected the HCPP or another Medicare HCPP.  This actuarial value is 
provided by CMS' actuaries on a calendar year basis and is the same amount used for 
M+C organizations. 
 
During each calendar year, Part B pays 80 percent of the reasonable charges after the 
deductible has been met per beneficiary.  However, Part B cannot pay for the first three 
pints of blood a beneficiary receives on an outpatient basis in a calendar year.  Starting 
with the fourth pint per beneficiary, Part B pays 80 percent of the reasonable charge after 
the deductible has been met. 
 
At the time the HCPP prepares its budget and enrollment forecast (60 days prior to each 
contract period), the HCPP must calculate the Medicare enrollees' estimated deductible 
and coinsurance amounts for the upcoming contract period.  The following method, 
                                                                     9 
  known as the actuarial method, is used for premium determination and budget 
forecasting. 
 
The HCPP must first report the appropriate standard Part B deductible for its reporting 
period.  The actuarial values of the Medicare Part B monthly deductible for the years 
1985 through 2007, as determined by CMS, are: 
 
Year  Actuarial Value 
1985  $ 5.03 
1986  $ 5.05 
1987  $ 5.00 
1988  $ 5.28 
1989  $ 5.41 
1990  $ 5.29 
1991  $ 6.65 
1992  $ 6.92 
1993  $ 7.08 
1994  $ 7.23 
1995  $ 7.22 
1996  $ 7.46 
1997  $ 7.48 
1998  $ 7.51 
1999  $ 7.71 
2000  $ 7.58 
2001  $ 7.56 
2002  $ 7.64 
2003  $ 7.54 
                                                                     10 
  Year  Actuarial Value 
2004  $7.54 
2005  $8.85 
2006  $9.88 
2007  $10.69 
 
Next, the HCPP will compute the Part B blood deductible amount and the Mental Health 
Copayment.  The third major step is to calculate the Part B coinsurance on costs paid 
directly by the HCPP.  The last part is to calculate the Part B coinsurance on carrier paid 
bills.  The sum of these items represents the total Medicare deductible and coinsurance 
amount. 
 
The computation of the HCPP Medicare enrollee premium (for Medicare services 
covered under this agreement) would include the aforementioned deductible and 
coinsurance, prior years' under/over collection of premium and the subtraction of any 
enrollee copayments. 
 
110.1 - Payment for Bad Debts 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Bad debts are deductions from revenue and may be included in allowable costs only if: 
  They are attributable to Medicare deductible and coinsurance amounts for which 
the Medicare enrollee is liable; and 
  The HCPP has made a reasonable, but unsuccessful, effort to collect these 
amounts. 
The amount included in allowable cost for bad debt expense is limited.  If the beneficiary 
deductible and coinsurance amounts payable to the HCPP are made on a monthly 
premium or other periodic basis, the amount allowed as a bad debt may not exceed three 
times the monthly rate for the actuarial value of the deductible and coinsurance amounts.  
If the beneficiary deductible and coinsurance amounts payable to the organization are 
made on other than a monthly basis, the amount allowed as a bad debt may not exceed 
the amount equivalent to that indicated above. 
Any bad debt related to a service furnished to a Medicare enrollee of the HCPP, and 
claimed on a cost report submitted for payment by a provider or other facility paid on a 
cost basis, may not be claimed as a bad debt by the HCPP. 
                                                                     11 
  120 - End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Individuals who have been medically determined to have ESRD are not eligible to elect 
to enroll in an HCPP.  However, individuals already enrolled in the organization who 
subsequently become eligible for Medicare because of ESRD, and aged Medicare 
enrollees who subsequently develop ESRD, cannot be disenrolled from the organization 
as a result of the development of ESRD.  Special limitations apply to Medicare program 
payment for ESRD services.  For dialysis and related services, CMS carriers process 
physician claims and CMS intermediaries process facility claims. 
For a full discussion of ESRD reimbursement under Medicare, see Chapter 27 of the 
Provider Reimbursement Manual (Pub. 15), Part I.  In addition, general information on 
coverage, entitlement, and billing for ESRD services under Medicare can be obtained 
from either the Renal Dialysis Facility Manual or the Hospital Manual. 
130 - Physical and Other Therapy Services Furnished Under 
Arrangements 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The reasonable cost of physical, occupational, speech, and other therapeutic services, or 
services of other health-related specialists (except physicians) performed by outside 
suppliers for providers of services, clinics, rehabilitation agencies, public health agencies, 
or Medicare HCPPs may not exceed the sum of: 
  Amounts equivalent to the salary and other costs that would have been incurred 
by the provider or other entity if the services had been performed in an 
employment relationship; and  
  An allowance to compensate for other costs an individual not working as an 
employee might incur in furnishing services under arrangements. 
However, this reasonable cost may be determined on the basis of a reasonable rate per 
unit of service: 
  When the services of a therapist or other health-related specialist are required only 
on a limited part-time basis or only intermittently; and  
  When aggregate reimbursement on this per unit of service basis is less than what 
the provider would have paid a salaried employee therapist or other health-related 
specialist on a full-time or regular part-time basis.  (See 42 CFR 413.106.) 
In no case, though, may reasonable cost exceed the amount actually paid the outside 
supplier for services rendered. 
                                                                     12 
  For a detailed discussion of reasonable cost, see Chapter 14 of the Provider 
Reimbursement Manual (Pub. 15), Part I. 
140 - Duplicate Payment Detection for HCPPs 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Several entities may have jurisdiction over the processing and payment of Part B bills for 
an HCPP's members.  This could result in duplicate payments to either the physician, 
supplier, or to the enrollee.  It is incumbent that HCPPs establish a system to preclude or 
detect duplicate payments. 
HCPPs are required to process all nonprovider Part B bills, with some exceptions.  These 
exceptions, as noted below, are processed by the carrier: 
  Claims for services by an independent physical therapist; 
  Claims for outpatient blood transfusions; 
  Claims from physicians for dialysis and related services provided through and 
approved dialysis facility; and 
  Hospice care by Medicare participating hospices, except: 
(a)  Services of the enrollee's attending physician if the physician is an 
employee or contractor of the organization and is not employed by or 
under contract to the member's hospice; and 
(b)  Services not related to the treatment of, or a condition related to, the 
terminal condition. 
Duplicate payment detection is the responsibility of the HCPP, not the carrier.  The 
HCPP should perform several duplicate check functions after it receives paid claim 
information.  If the HCPP has not previously paid the claim, a copy of the claims 
information is filed in the beneficiary's history file.  If the duplicate payment check 
reveals that the HCPP has already paid for the services: 
  Contact the physician/supplier or enrollee to retrieve the overpayment; 
  Record any collections as credits on the cost report; 
  Notify CMS of unresolved overpayment situations; and 
  Do not return payment to the carrier. 
                                                                     13 
  140.1 - Coordination of Benefits 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The Medicare program is usually the primary payer for covered Medicare services 
provided to Medicare members of an HCPP.  However, there are six categories of 
services for which Medicare is the secondary payer if a timely filed claim was submitted 
to the primary payer.  These are: 
  Services covered by a state or Federal Workers' Compensation law (WC); 
  Services covered by no-fault insurance; 
  Services covered by any liability insurance; 
  Services covered by Employer Group Health Plans (EGHPs) in the case of ESRD 
beneficiaries during a period of generally 30 months; 
  Services covered by EGHPs in the case of employed beneficiaries age 65 and 
over, and the spouses age 65 and over of employed individuals; and 
  Services covered by Large Group Health Plans (LGHPs) in the case of certain 
disabled Medicare beneficiaries who are covered by reason of their employment 
or the employment of a family member. 
No payment will be made to an HCPP for services to the extent that Medicare is not the 
primary payer under the provisions of 1862(b) of the Act. 
If a Medicare enrollee receives covered services from the cost-based HCPP for which the 
enrollee is entitled to benefits under one of the preceding categories, the HCPP may 
charge or authorize a provider that furnished the service to charge: 
  An insurance carrier, employer, or other entity that is the primary payer for these 
services; or 
  The Medicare enrollee, to the extent that he/she has been paid by such a primary 
payer. 
140.1.1 - Definition of Certain Terms Used in Coordination of Benefits 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
  The CMS' claim is the amount that is determined to be owed to the Medicare 
program.  This is the amount that was paid out by Medicare, less any prorated 
procurement costs (see 42 CFR 411.37) if the claim is in dispute. 
                                                                     14 
    An Employer, as used in these instructions, means not only individuals and 
organizations engaged in a trade or business, but also includes organizations 
exempt from income tax, such as religious, charitable, and educational 
institutions, as well as the governments of the United States, the States, Puerto 
Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, 
and the District of Columbia, including their agencies, instrumentalities, and 
political subdivisions. 
  A secondary payer for purposes of this instruction, when used with respect to 
Medicare payment, means that Medicare incurs a legal obligation to pay only 
after other primary third party payers satisfy their payment responsibilities.  If the 
primary payer covers all expenses, Medicare has no payment obligation.  If the 
primary payer covers part of the expenses, Medicare may pay for the residual, 
uncovered amounts.  In certain instances when the primary payer does not pay 
promptly, CMS pays conditional primary benefits and later recovers them from 
the responsible party. 
  Subrogation means the substitution of one person or entity for another. 
140.2 - The Medicare HCPP's Obligations 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
When the Medicare program is not the primary payer for covered Medicare services 
provided to Medicare members of an HCPP, the organization must: 
  Identify payers that are primary to Medicare under 1862(b) of the Act; 
  Determine the amounts payable by these payers; and 
  Take steps in accordance with these instructions and the instructions in  
3407-3419 and 3489-3492 of the Medicare Intermediary Manual to assure 
that Medicare pays only secondary benefits when another insurer is primary 
payer. 
In addition, in situations when the HCPP may charge another HCPP or the Medicare 
beneficiary for services when Medicare is not the primary payer, it may also require the 
enrollee to sign a subrogation agreement under which the HCPP is given the rights the 
beneficiary has against the third party. 
140.3 - General Fee-For-Service (FFS) Coordination of Benefits Rules 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
All Medicare payments are contingent upon payment on reimbursement to the 
appropriate Trust Fund when notice or other information is received that payment for the 
                                                                     15 
  same items or services has also been made, or could be made, by a primary payer.  
Section 1862(b) of the Act now expressly provides that: 
  CMS may bring an action against any entity which is required or responsible to 
pay primary in order to recover Medicare payments directly from that entity; 
  The government is subrogated to the right of any individual or entity to receive 
payment from a responsible third party.  Under the Medicare subrogation 
provision, the government is given whatever rights the beneficiary or any other 
entity had against the responsible third party to the extent that Medicare has made 
payments to or on behalf of the beneficiary; and  
  The government may join or intervene in any action related to the events that gave 
rise to the need for the items or services for which Medicare paid. 
140.4 - Other Provisions 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Any claimant, including an individual who received services and the provider or supplier, 
has the right to take legal action against an Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP) or 
Large Group Health Plan (LGHP) that fails to pay primary benefits for services covered 
by both the EGHP or LGHP, Medicare, and to collect double damages. 
According to 2000 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), an excise tax may be imposed 
on any employer or employee organization that contributes to the nonconforming EGHP 
or LGHP during a calendar year.  The amount of tax is 25 percent of the total amount that 
the employer or employee organization contributed to the EGHP or LGHP during that 
year.  This tax penalty does not apply to Federal and other governmental entities.   
140.5 - Conflicting Claims by Medicare and Other Third Parties 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Situations may arise in which both Medicare and another insurer or State Medicaid 
Agency have conditionally or erroneously paid for services, and the amount payable by 
the third party payer is insufficient to reimburse both programs.  Under 1862(b)(2)(B) of 
the Act, Medicare has the right to recover its benefits from the responsible third party 
before any other entity, including a State Medicaid Agency.  Also, Medicare has the right 
to recover its benefits from any entity, including a State Medicaid Agency that has been 
paid by the responsible third party.  In other words, Medicare's recovery rights when 
another third party is primary payer take precedence over the rights of any other entity. 
The superiority of Medicare's recovery right over those of other entities, including 
Medicaid, derives from the preceding cited statute. 
                                                                     16 
  If Medicare and Medicaid both have claims against the responsible third party, 
Medicare's right to recover its benefits from another insurer or from a beneficiary that has 
been paid by another third party is higher than Medicaid's, notwithstanding the fact that 
Medicaid is the payer of last resort, and therefore, does not pay its benefits until after 
Medicare has paid. 
Medicare's priority right of recovery from insurance plans that are primary to Medicare 
does not violate the concept of Medicaid being payer of last resort.  Under 1862 (b) of 
the Act, Medicare's ultimate statutory authority is not to pay at all (with a concomitant 
right to recover any conditional benefits paid) when payment can reasonably be expected 
by a third party which is primary to Medicare.  If a third party that is primary payer pays 
promptly, Medicare makes no payment to the extent of the third party payment.  Delay of 
the other payment does not change Medicare's ultimate obligation to pay the correct 
amount, if any, regardless of any Medicare payments conditionally made.  Thus, when a 
responsible third party pays the charges, or if it pays less and the provider is obligated to 
accept that amount as payment in full, Medicare may not pay at all.  Pro rata or other 
sharing of recoveries with third parties would have the effect of creating a Medicare 
payment when none is authorized under the law, or improperly increasing the amount of 
any Medicare secondary payment. 
Moreover, the right of Medicaid agencies to recover their benefits derives from an 
assignment by Medicaid beneficiaries to the states of their rights to third party payment.  
Since the beneficiary can assign to the state a right no higher than his/her own, and since 
Medicare's statutory right is higher than the beneficiary's, Medicare's right is higher than 
that assigned to the state. 
140.6 - Coordination With Worker's Compensation 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Medicare may not pay for services that are payable under Workers' Compensation (WC) 
laws.  Where the Medicare HCPP coordinates its own health organization with WC 
coverage, it will use the procedures developed by its own organization to identify and 
recover costs for services furnished to Medicare members.  When the Medicare HCPP 
does not coordinate benefits for its own organization, it must establish reasonable 
screening procedures to identify potential WC liability situations.  If it is determined that 
Medicare has paid for items or services which can be or could have been paid for under 
WC, the Medicare payment constitutes an overpayment. 
All WC acts require that the employer furnish the employee with necessary medical and 
hospital services, medicines, transportation, apparatus, nursing care, and other necessary 
restorative items and services.  For specific information regarding the WC plan of a 
particular governmental entity, contact the appropriate agency of the governmental entity. 
If payment for services cannot be made by WC because they were furnished by a source 
not authorized by WC, the services can be paid for by Medicare. 
                                                                     17 
  The beneficiary is responsible for taking whatever action is necessary to obtain payment 
under WC where payment under that system can reasonably be expected (e.g., timely 
filing of a claim, furnishing all necessary information).  If failure to take proper and 
timely action results in a loss of WC benefits, Medicare benefits are not payable to the 
extent that payment could reasonably have been expected under WC. 
NOTE:  When failure to file a proper claim is due to mental or physical incapacity of the 
beneficiary, and the provider could not have known that WC was involved, this rule does 
not apply. 
140.6.1 - Definitions Under WC 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
  A WC law or plan is a government supervised and employer supported system for 
compensating employees for injury or disease suffered in connection with their 
employment, regardless of whether the injury was the fault of the employer.  The 
WC does not usually cover agricultural employees, interstate railroad employees, 
employees of small businesses, employees whose work is not in the course of the 
employer's business (e.g., domestic employees), casual employees, and self-
employed people.  All states provide compensation for at least some occupational 
diseases. 
The definition also applies to the WC plans of the District of Columbia, American 
Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  It also applies to the Federal 
WC plans provided under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, the U.S.  
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions, and 
the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of  1969 as amended (the Federal 
Black Lung Program).  These Federal programs provide WC protection for 
Federal civil service employees and certain other categories of employees not 
covered, or not adequately covered, under State WC programs (e.g., coal miners 
totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis; maritime workers, with the exception of 
seamen; employees of companies performing overseas contracts with the United 
States government; employees of American companies who are injured in an 
armed conflict; employees paid from nonappropriated Federal funds, such as 
employees of post exchanges; and offshore oil field workers).  The Federal 
Employers' Liability Act, which covers merchant seamen and employees of 
interstate railroads, is not a WC law or plan for purposes of this provision.  
Similarly, some states have employers' liability acts.  These also are not 
considered WC acts for purposes of this provision. 
  Workers' Compensation Agency means any governmental entity that administers 
a Federal or state WC law.  This term includes WC commissions, industrial 
commissions, industrial boards, WC insurance funds, WC courts and, in the case 
of Federal workers' compensation programs, the U.S.  Department of Labor. 
                                                                     18 
    Workers' Compensation Carrier means any insurance carrier authorized to write 
WC insurance under the State or Federal law, the State Compensation Fund in 
which the state administers the WC program, and the beneficiary's employer in 
which the employer is self-insured. 
  Lump Sum Compromise Settlement is a settlement that provides less in total 
compensation than the individual would have received if the claim had not been 
compromised.  This may occur when compensability is contested. 
140.7 - Additional Processing Instructions 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
For further information on how to implement this Medicare secondary payer provision, 
refer to 3407.2-3417.2 of the Medicare Intermediary Manual.  These sections include 
information regarding the method of calculating Medicare secondary payments, contested 
WC claims, lump sum commutations of future benefits, and the effect of a lump sum 
compromise settlement. 
150 - Coordination for ESRD Patients 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Medicare is secondary to benefits payable under an EGHP in the case of individuals who 
are entitled to benefits solely or partly on the basis of ESRD during a period of 18 
months.  During a period of 30 months, Medicare is secondary for all Medicare services, 
not just ESRD-related services.  At the end of the coordination period, Medicare becomes 
the primary payer for these Medicare enrollees. 
The 30-month period begins with the earlier of the first month of Part A eligibility or 
entitlement based solely or partly on ESRD. 
If the basis for an individual's entitlement to Medicare changes from ESRD to age 65 or 
disability, the coordination period will continue.  In like respects, if the individual is 
entitled to Medicare benefits for other reasons, the coordination period will apply once 
the individual is determined to have ESRD.  The following steps are involved in 
determining Medicare responsibility as the secondary or primary payer: 
  Identify Medicare members entitled solely or partly because of ESRD; 
  Determine the period within which benefits must be coordinated; and 
  Determine if services rendered can be paid for by an EGHP. 
                                                                     19 
  150.1 - Definition of Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP) or Employer 
Plan 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
When used in context of entitlement to Medicare based solely on ESRD, these terms 
mean any health organization that: 
  Is paid for by, or contributed to by, an employer; and 
  Provides medical care, directly or through other methods such as insurance or 
reimbursement to current or former employees, or to current or former employees 
and their families. 
It includes the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.  Employees pay all 
plans, i.e., group health plans under the auspices of an employer that do not receive any 
contributions from the employer, also meet the definition of EGHP. 
NOTE:  Under this provision, Medicare is secondary to EGHPs, regardless of the 
number of employees who work for the employer. 
150.2 - Additional Processing Instructions 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
For further information on how to implement this Medicare secondary payer provision, 
refer to 3490.3-3490.16 of the Medicare Intermediary Manual.  These sections include, 
among other things, information regarding the implementation of this provision 
retroactively, the processing of current claims, the determination of the 18-month period 
in which Medicare may be secondary, and the method of calculating the Medicare 
secondary payment. 
160 - Coordination With No-Fault Insurance 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Medicare may not pay for any items or services to the extent that payment has been 
made, or can reasonably be expected to be made, for the items or services, under any no-
fault insurance (including a self-insured organization).  Medicare is secondary to no-fault 
insurance even if state law or a private contract of insurance stipulates that Medicare is 
primary.  If Medicare payments have been made, but should not have been because they 
are excluded under this provision, or if the payments were made on a conditional basis, 
they are subject to recovery. 
The issue in cases involving accident related medical expenses is whether no-fault 
benefits can be paid for these particular services.  If so, the no-fault insurance is primary.  
                                                                     20 
  If not, Medicare may be primary.  Primary Medicare benefits cannot be paid merely 
because the beneficiary wants to save his/her no-fault insurance benefits to pay for future 
services.  Since no-fault insurance benefits would be currently available in that situation, 
they must be used before Medicare. 
Expenses for services for which Medicare payment may not be made because payment 
has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made promptly under any no-fault 
insurance are credited toward Part A or Part B deductible amounts.  Inpatient care that is 
paid for by a third party payer is not counted against the number of days available to the 
beneficiary under Medicare Part A. 
160.1 - Definition of Automobile and No-Fault Insurance 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
  An automobile is defined for the purposes of this instruction, as any self-propelled 
land vehicle of a type that must be registered and licensed in the state in which it 
is owned. 
  No-Fault Insurance is insurance coverage (including a self-insured plan) that pays 
for all or part of the medical expenses for injuries regardless of who may have 
been responsible for causing the accident.  (This insurance is sometimes called 
personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments coverage, or medical expense 
coverage.) 
160.2 - Additional Processing Instructions 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
For further information on how to implement this Medicare secondary provision, refer to 
3489.3-3489.9 of the Medicare Intermediary Manual.  These sections include, but are 
not limited to, information regarding the processing of claims, the necessary action to 
take if there is the possibility of payments under no-fault insurance, and the method of 
calculating the secondary Medicare payment. 
170 - Benefit Coordination for Services Reimbursable Under Liability 
Insurance 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Under 1862(b)(2)(A) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(b)(2)(A)), payment may not be made 
under Medicare for covered items or services to the extent that payment has been made, 
or can reasonably be expected to be made promptly, under a liability insurance policy or 
plan (including a self-insured plan).  All Medicare payments are contingent upon 
payment to the Medicare program to the extent that payment with respect to the same 
items or services has been made, or could be made, under a liability insurance policy or 
                                                                     21 
  plan (including a self-insured plan).  Medicare is subrogated to the rights of the 
beneficiary and may also recover its benefits directly from liability insurance companies 
and self-insured plans, and from any entity, including the beneficiary that has been paid 
by a liability insurer.  Medicare's right to recover its benefits from liability insurers and 
from those who have been paid by liability insurers, takes precedence over the claims of 
any other party, including Medicaid. 
Under this Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) provision, the program is a claimant against 
the responsible party and the liability insurer to the extent that Medicare has made 
payments to or on behalf of the beneficiary.  Medicare can be a party to any claim by a 
beneficiary or other entity against a liability insurer, can participate in negotiations 
concerning the total liability insurance payment and the amount to be repaid to Medicare, 
and may seek recovery of conditional payments directly from the liability insurer.  
Section 1862(b) of the Act provides that any claimant has the right to take legal action 
against a liability insurer that fails to pay primary benefits for services covered by the 
insurer, and to collect double damages. 
170.1 - Definition Under Liability Insurance 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
  Liability Insurance is insurance (including a self-insured plan) that provides 
payment based on legal liability for injuries or illness or damages to property.  It 
includes, but is not limited to, automobile liability insurance, uninsured and 
under-insured motorist insurance, homeowners' liability insurance, malpractice 
insurance, product liability insurance, and general casualty insurance.  It also 
includes payments under state wrongful death statutes that provide payment for 
medical damages. 
NOTE:  This provision does not apply when the homeowner receives payment 
under his/her own homeowners' insurance policy, since such a payment does not 
constitute a liability insurance payment. 
  A Self-Insured Plan is a plan under which an individual or other entity is 
authorized by state law to carry its own risk instead of taking out insurance with a 
carrier.  Authorized by state law means not prohibited by state law.  The plan 
established for the Federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act is also 
a self-insured plan. 
  Uninsured Motorist Insurance is a liability insurance plan under which the 
policyholder's insurer pays for damages caused by a motorist who has no 
automobile liability insurance or who carries less than the amount of insurance 
required by law. 
  Under-Insured Motorist Insurance is optional liability insurance available in some 
jurisdictions under which the policyholder's level of protection against losses 
                                                                     22 
  caused by another is extended to compensate for inadequate coverage in the other 
party's policy or plan. 
  An accident is any occurrence or activity that the individual believes resulted in 
injury or illness for which he/she holds another party liable. 
170.2 - Additional Processing Instructions 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
For further information on how to implement this MSP provision, refer to 3419.3-
3419.10 of the Medicare Intermediary Manual.  These sections include, among other 
things, information regarding billing rights and responsibilities, identification of liability 
situations, and actions to be taken when a liability claim has been filed. 
180 - Benefit Coordination for Working Aged Individuals Entitled to 
Medicare 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Under 1862(b)(1)(A) of the Act, if an employer has 20 or more employees (calculated 
as described below) and offers a group health plan (referred to here as an EGHP), the 
EGHP is the primary payer for individuals who are 65 or over, and who are covered 
under the plan based on current employment of the individual or the individual's spouse.  
(Medicare remains the primary payer for retirees.) 
Medicare is secondary only if the individual is entitled to Medicare Part A.  Generally, 
Medicare is not secondary for persons over age 65 who have ESRD. 
The law also prohibits EGHPs from taking into account, in furnishing services, that an 
individual is entitled to Medicare benefits, and requires that employees or their spouses, 
who are 65 or over, be entitled to the same benefits under the same conditions as 
individuals under age 65.  If the EGHP violates either of these provisions, Medicare is 
entitled to collect primary payments from the organization as if the violations had not 
occurred.  The nonconforming plan is also subject to an excise tax imposed under the 
Internal Revenue Code (IRC). 
180.1 - Application of 20-Employee Threshold 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
This requirement applies if an employer has 20 or more full-time or part-time employees 
on each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current calendar year or 
the preceding calendar year.  An employer who does not have 20 or more employees in 
the preceding year is required to offer employees and spouses age 65 or over, primary 
coverage beginning with the point in time at which the employer has had 20 or more 
                                                                     23 
  employees on each working day of 20 calendar weeks of the current year.  The employer 
is then required to offer primary coverage for the remainder of that year and throughout 
the following year, even if the number of employees later drops below 20 after the 
employer has met the threshold.  If the individual receives the services for which 
Medicare benefits are claimed after the employer has met the 20 or more employees 
threshold in the current year or in the preceding calendar year, the EGHP is the primary 
payer.  An employer that meets this threshold must provide primary coverage even if less 
than 20 employees participate in the employer plan. 
Self-employed individuals who participate in the plan are not counted as employees for 
the purpose of determining if the 20 or more employees requirement is met.  There is no 
requirement that an employer provide coverage to self-employed individuals.  However, 
any coverage provided to self-employed persons by an employer of 20 or more 
employees must be primary to Medicare. 
Assume for purposes of developing claims that, in the absence of evidence to the 
contrary, an employer in whose health organization a beneficiary is enrolled because of 
employment, meets the definition of employer and employs at least 20 people.  An 
employer's allegation that the 20-employee requirement is not met, or a multi-employer 
organization's statement identifying specific members as employees of employers of 
fewer than 20 employees, can be accepted as a basis for making Medicare primary 
payments.  Refer questionable cases to the CMS Regional Office (RO). 
The following steps are involved in determining if Medicare is the secondary or primary 
payer: 
  Determine if the member (or spouse) is eligible for consideration; 
  Determine if the member or spouse is age 65 or over; 
  Determine if the individual who is age 65 or over is covered under the employer's 
health organization by reason of current employment; 
  Determine if the member or spouse has ESRD; 
  If the Medicare member age 65 or over is not covered due to current employment 
(including self-employment), determine if the spouse is covered by reason of 
current employment and, if so, whether the Medicare member is covered under 
the spouse's EGHP; and 
  Determine if the services are covered under the employer plan. 
The HCPP is responsible for identifying affected individuals as part of the enrollment 
process.  Medicare payment is reduced to the extent that the expenses are payable under 
an employer plan. 
                                                                     24 
  180.2 - Definitions under EGHP 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
A Medicare HCPP, in making a decision as to whether Medicare is primary or secondary, 
must be aware of the definition of these terms: 
  Employed - For purposes of this discussion, encompasses not only employees, it 
also includes, subject to the special rules in this chapter, self-employed persons 
such as consultants, owners of businesses, directors of corporations, and members 
of the clergy and religious orders who are paid for their services by a religious 
body or other entity. 
  Employer - Means, in addition to individuals and organizations engaged in a 
trade or business, other entities exempt from income tax such as religious, 
charitable, and educational institutions, the governments of the United States, the 
individual states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the 
Northern Mariana Islands, the District of Columbia, and the agencies, 
instrumentalities, and political subdivisions of these governments. 
  EGHP for the Working Aged, means any health organization that is paid for by 
or contributed to by an employer of 20 or more employees and which provides 
medical care, directly or through other methods, such as insurance or 
reimbursement, to current or former employees or to current or former employees 
and their families.  This includes a multi-employer plan (i.e., a plan sponsored 
jointly by employers and unions) and a multiple employer plan (i.e., a plan 
sponsored by more than one employer) that is sponsored by or contributed to by at 
least one employer that has 20 or more employees.  Under 1862(b)(1)(A)(iii) of 
the Act, if a multi-employer plan or multiple EGHP can identify particular 
enrollees as employees of employers that do not meet the 20-employee threshold, 
the MSP rules do not apply to these enrollees and their spouses.  However, the 
organization must elect this treatment for the exception to apply. 
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program meets the definition of 
an EGHP.  Employees that pay all plans, i.e., group health plans under the 
auspices of an employer that do not receive any contribution from the employer, 
also meet the definition of an EGHP. 
Assume, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that any health plan (including 
a union plan) in which a beneficiary is enrolled because of the beneficiary's or the 
beneficiary's spouse's employment meets this definition. 
NOTE:  Medicare is secondary to EGHP coverage only if the EGHP coverage is 
by reason of the employee's current employment.  Health insurance plans for 
retirees or the spouses of retirees do not meet this condition and are not primary to 
Medicare. 
                                                                     25 
  Multi-Employer Group Health Plan and Multi-Employer Plan are terms that refer to a 
multiple employer plan, which is a plan sponsored by more than one employer, or a 
multi-employer plan, which is sponsored jointly by employers and unions. 
180.3 - Additional Special Rules Applicable to EGHPs 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
There are additional rules that the Medicare cost-based HMO/CMP must follow in 
making EGHP coverage decisions.  These rules are outlined in the following sections. 
180.3.1 - Self-Employed Individuals 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
These are currently employed persons.  It includes not only employees, but also self-
employed persons such as directors of corporations and owners of businesses.  If a self-
employed individual enrolls in an EGHP that meets the definition in this chapter, the 
employer plan is primary for that individual and the individual's spouse. 
180.3.2 - Members of Clergy and Religious Orders Who Have Not 
Taken a Vow of Poverty 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The following general guidelines apply in determining the employment or retirement 
status of members of the clergy and members of religious orders when an EGHP alleges 
that such an individual is retired (members of clergy or members of religious order who 
have not taken a vow of poverty).  Such members are: 
  Considered employed if they are receiving from a church, religious order or other 
employing entity cash remuneration for services rendered regardless of whether 
their earnings are exempt from Social Security coverage; and 
  Considered retired if the church, religious order, or other employing entity states 
that the members are retired, and that they receive only retirement pay from the 
entity rather than remuneration for services rendered. 
180.3.3 - Members of Religious Order Who Have Taken a Vow of 
Poverty 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Medicare is not secondary for individuals who perform services as members of a 
religious order whose members are required to take a vow of poverty if those activities 
are considered employment only because of an election of Social Security coverage by 
                                                                     26 
  the order under 3121(r) of the Internal Revenue Code.  This means Medicare is primary 
to the group health coverage provided as a result of those activities.  Those activities may 
not be considered in determining whether a member of the order is considered an 
employed individual for purposes of the working aged provision. 
This exception applies only to religious functionaries who are members of religious 
orders and who have taken a vow of poverty.  It does not apply to Protestant and Jewish 
clergy, who do not take the vow of poverty.  It does not usually apply to Catholic parish 
priests, most of whom do not take vows of poverty, nor does it apply to any member of a 
religious order who has not taken a vow of poverty.  Furthermore, the exception does not 
apply to group health coverage based on work performed by members of religious orders 
for employers outside of their orders.  Also, the MSP definition of "employed" remains 
applicable to employees of religious orders who provide service and are reimbursed by 
the orders, but who are not themselves members of the orders.  The usual MSP rules 
apply to such individuals. 
180.4 - Individuals Who Receive Disability Payments 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
A person receiving disability payments from an employer is considered employed if such 
payments are subject to taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). 
Employer disability payments are subject to FICA tax for the first 6 months of disability 
after the last calendar month in which the employee worked for that employer. 
EXAMPLE 
Adam Green stopped working because of disability in December 1987 at age 66.  His 
employer began paying him disability payments as of January 1988.  Since sick pay is 
taxed under FICA for 6 months after the last month in which the employee worked, 
Medicare is the secondary payer through June 1988.  Beginning with July 1988, 
Medicare becomes the primary payer, as the sick payments are no longer considered 
wages under FICA. 
190 - Additional Processing Instructions 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
For further information on how to implement this Medicare secondary provision, refer to 
3491.3-3491.17 of the Medicare Intermediary Manual.  These sections include, among 
other things, information regarding the individuals covered by this provision, the 
coordination of benefits with other insurers, the method of calculating the Medicare 
secondary payment, and special rules for services furnished by a source outside the 
prepaid EGHP. 
                                                                     27 
  190.1 - Benefit Coordination with a Large Group Health Plan 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Under 1862 (b)(1)(B) of the Act, Medicare is secondary payer to LGHPs for active 
individuals under age 65 entitled to Medicare on the basis of disability.  Under the law, 
an LGHP may not take into account that an active individual is eligible for or receives 
benefits based on disability.  The individual's coverage under the LGHP must be based on 
the individual's employment or the employment of a family member.  Refer to 3492 of 
the Medicare Intermediary Manual for processing claims where Medicare is secondary 
payer for disabled individuals.  Where those sections refer to an EGHP of 20 or more 
employees, substitute the term "large group health plan" for purposes of applying them to 
disabled individuals.  This provision is effective for items and services furnished on or 
after January l, 1987, and before October 1, 1995. 
A large group health plan means any health plan that meets the following criteria: 
  Is paid for by or contributed to by an employer or by an employee organization, 
including a self-insured plan; 
  Provides health care directly or through other methods such as insurance or 
reimbursement to employees, the employer, other associated or formerly 
associated with the employer in a business relationship or their families; and 
  Covers employees of at least one employer that normally employed at least 100 
full or part-time employees on a typical business day during the previous calendar 
year.  The term "employer," for the purpose of this provision, includes the Federal 
government and other governmental entities. 
A group health plan that covers employees of at least one employer that had l00 or more 
employees on 50 percent or more of its business days during the preceding calendar year 
is considered to meet the above definition of an LGHP. 
190.2 - A Nonconforming LGHP 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
A nonconforming LGHP means that at any time during the calendar year, it is taken into 
account that an active individual is eligible for or receives benefits based on disability.  
For example, an LGHP fails to pay primary benefits for disabled individuals under age 65 
for whom Medicare is secondary payer. 
NOTE:  Although the term "large group health plan" includes a plan for former 
employees or persons formerly associated with the employer in a business relationship 
or their families, these individuals are not included in the definition of active individual, 
                                                                     28 
  i.e., Medicare is not secondary for them.  These individuals are included within the 
definition of LGHP for tax purposes. 
190.3 - Definition of an Active Individual 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
An active individual is an employee, an employer, a self-employed individual (such as 
the employer), an individual associated with the employer in a business relationship (e.g., 
suppliers and contractors who do business with the employer and their employees), or a 
member of the family of any of these persons such as the spouse, parent or child of such 
an individual. 
The disabled individual may be the employee, a self-employed individual such as the 
employer or individual associated with the employer in a business relationship.  Also, the 
disabled person may be the family member of the employee, a self-employed individual 
such as the employer, or an individual associated with the employer in a business 
relationship. 
190.4 - Definition of an Employee 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
An employee is an individual who is actively working for an employer or, since disabled 
persons are not usually working, a person whose relationship to an employer is indicative 
of employee status.  Whether or not such a person is an employee is established by the 
facts applicable to the person's relationship to the employer.  The question to be decided 
is whether the employer treats a disabled individual who is not working as an employee, 
in light of commonly accepted indicators of employee status rather than whether the 
person is categorized in any particular way by the employer. 
190.5 - Special Rules for Individual Employee Status 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
In general, an individual who is not actively working is considered to have employee 
status if the relationship is such that: 
  The individual is receiving payments from an employer which are subject to taxes 
under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), or would be subject to 
such taxes except that the employer is one that is not required to pay such taxes 
under the IRC; 
  The individual is termed an employee under state or Federal law or in accordance 
with a court decision; 
                                                                     29 
    The employer pays the same taxes for the individual as he/she pays for actively 
working employees; 
  The individual continues to accrue vacation time or receives vacation pay; 
  The individual participates in an employer's benefit plan in which only employees 
may participate; 
  The individual has rights to return to duty if his/her condition improves; and 
  The individual continues to accrue sick leave. 
190.5.1 - Individuals Not Subject to This Limitation on Payment 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Medicare is not secondary for: 
  Individuals entitled, or who would upon application be entitled, to Medicare 
under the ESRD provision that are not in the coordination period, i.e., individuals 
who have ESRD even though their current Medicare entitlement is on the basis of 
disability; 
  Individuals who are covered by an EGHP of employers of less than 100 
employees, unless the EGHP is a multi-employer plan in which there is at least 
one employer of 100 or more employees; and 
  Individuals whose coverage by an LGHP is not based on either employment or a 
relationship to an employee, employer, or an individual associated with an 
employer in a business relationship.  For example, Medicare is primary for a 
disabled individual who is covered under an LGHP as a retired former employee, 
and who does not meet any of the criteria in 30.1 or who is the spouse of a 
retired former employee. 
190.6 - Failure to Pay Primary Benefits 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Any claimant, including an individual who received services and the provider or supplier, 
has the right to take legal action against an LGHP that fails to pay primary benefits for 
services covered by both the LGHP and Medicare, and to collect double damages. 
                                                                     30 
  200 - Additional Processing Instructions 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
For further information on how to implement this Medicare secondary provision, refer to 
3492.E-3492.K of the Medicare Intermediary Manual.  The following sections include, 
among other things, information regarding individuals subject to this provision, the legal 
action that may be brought against an LGHP, and the tax penalty for noncompliance by a 
LGHP. 
200.1 - Federal Government's Right to Sue and Collect Double Damages 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Separate from its subrogation rights, the Federal Government has an independent right to 
take legal action to recover payments from entities that are required or responsible to pay 
benefits primary to Medicare, but fail to do so.  The Federal Government may recover 
double damages in this type of lawsuit pursuant to 1862(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act.  Entities 
that are required or responsible to pay primary to Medicare include: 
  A group health plan, including insurers, employers, and third party administrators 
of such plans; 
  A LGHP, including insurers, employers, and third party administrators of such 
plans; 
  Any liability insurance policy or plan, including a self-insured plan; 
  A WC plan; and 
  An automobile or nonautomobile no-fault insurance plan. 
The Medicare HCPP should refer any case in which an entity is required or responsible to 
make primary payment, but refuses to do so, to the CMS RO servicing the HCPP's area.  
The HCPP should include, in addition to the beneficiary's name, address, and SSN or 
HICN, the formal name and address of the insurer or HCPP; the employee brochure that 
describes health benefits and coverage; the name and address of the entity required or 
responsible for making payment on behalf of the plan (e.g., the employer, an insurer or a 
third party administrator (TPA)); a copy of the employer's agreement with the TPA; the 
name of the sponsoring or contributing employer or employee organization; the 
provider's name, address, and identification number; the specific amount of mistaken 
primary benefits Medicare paid; the specific date(s) of service; the specific procedure or 
diagnosis code(s) the MSP type (e.g., ESRD or working aged); and a full explanation of 
the reasons for the referral.  The CMS RO reviews the case file for completeness and 
obtains any needed additional information.  When the file is complete, the CMS RO 
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  refers the case to CMS CO.  The CMS CO considers possible legal action to collect 
double damages from that entity. 
The government's right to sue and collect double damages is effective for items and 
services furnished on or after December 20, 1989, under all MSP provisions except the 
MSP for the disabled provision.  The government's right to sue and collect double 
damages under the MSP for the disabled provision, is effective for items and services 
furnished on or after January 1, 1987. 
210 - Excise Tax Penalties for Contributors to Nonconforming Group 
Health Plans 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Section 5000 of the IRC of 1986, imposes an excise tax penalty on employers and 
employee organizations that contribute to nonconforming group health plans.  They are 
taxed 25 percent of the employer's or employee organization's expenses incurred during 
the calendar year for each group health plan (conforming as well as nonconforming) to 
which they contribute.  This tax penalty does not apply to Federal and other 
governmental employers. 
The term "nonconforming group health plan" means a group health plan or LGHP that at 
any time during a calendar year, fails to comply with any of the following provisions of 
the working aged, disability, or ESRD Medicare secondary laws. 
210.1 - Working Aged 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Section 1862(b)(1)(A)(i)(I) of the Act provides that a group health plan may not take into 
account that a currently employed individual age 65 or over (or a spouse age 65 or over 
of an employed individual of any age) is entitled to Medicare.  Further, 
1862(b)(1)(A)(i)(II) of the Act states that a group health plan must provide the same 
benefits under the same conditions to employees and employees' spouses age 65 or over 
as it provides to employees and employees' spouses under age 65. 
210.2 - Disability 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Section 1862(b)(1)(B)(i) of the Act provides that a LGHP may not take into account that 
a disabled active individual is entitled to Medicare based on disability.  The term "active 
individual" means an employee, the employer, self-employed individual (such as the 
employer), an individual associated with the employer in a business relationship, or a 
member of the family of any such persons. 
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  210.3 - End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Section 1862(b)(1)(C) of the Act provides that a group health plan may not take into 
account that an individual is entitled to Medicare solely on the basis of ESRD during the 
period when Medicare is secondary payer. 
Further, a group health plan may not differentiate on the basis of the existence of ESRD, 
the need for renal dialysis, or in any other manner in the benefits it provides between 
individuals having ESRD, and other individuals covered by such a plan. 
Examples of discriminatory actions by a group health plan or LGHP that constitute 
noncompliance with these provisions include: 
  Failure to make primary payment on behalf of an individual for whom Medicare 
is secondary; 
  Providing secondary or complementary coverage to such an individual; 
  Refusal to allow such an individual to enroll or re-enroll in the group health plan 
or large group health plan because of Medicare entitlement; 
  Providing a different level of benefits for individuals for whom Medicare is 
secondary than it provides for other persons enrolled in the plan; 
  Imposing limitations on benefits, exclusions of benefits, reductions in benefits, 
higher premiums, higher deductibles or coinsurance, longer waiting periods, 
lower annual or lifetime benefit limits, or more restrictive pre-existing illness 
limitations, or for persons for whom Medicare is secondary payer that are not 
applicable to others enrolled in the plan; 
  Terminating coverage because a person has become entitled to Medicare; or 
  Failure to cover routine maintenance dialysis services or kidney transplants. 
The HCPP should refer any case of a nonconforming group health plan to the RO 
servicing its area.  The HCPP should include, in addition to the beneficiary's name, 
address, and SSN or HICN, the formal name and address of the nonconforming group 
health plan; the name and address of the entity required or responsible for making 
payment on behalf of the plan (e.g., the employer, an insurer, or a third party 
administrator (TPA)); a copy of the employer's agreement with the TPA; the name of the 
sponsoring or contributing employer or employee organization; the employer or 
employee organization taxpayer identification number; year(s) of violation; the provider's 
name, address, and identification number; the specific amount of Medicare payments 
associated with the nonconformance; the specific date(s) of service; the specific 
                                                                     33 
  procedure or diagnosis code(s); the MSP type (e.g., ESRD or working aged); and a full 
explanation of the reasons for the referral.  The CMS RO reviews the case file for 
completeness and obtains any needed additional information.  When the file is complete, 
the RO refers the case to CMS CO.  The CMS CO reviews the case and refers it to the 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to impose the excise tax on employers and employee 
organizations that have contributed to the plan. 
The excise tax penalty for nonconformance with the working aged and ESRD MSP 
provisions can be imposed for acts of discrimination occurring on or after December 20, 
1989.  The excise tax penalty for nonconformance with the disability MSP provision can 
be imposed for acts of discrimination occurring on or after January 1, 1987. 
220 - Applying Recoveries to the Cost Report 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Total reimbursable Medicare enrollee costs must be reduced by the value of services for 
which Medicare is not the primary insurer. 
In addition, the Part A and Part B deductible should be computed based only upon 
amounts for which Medicare is the primary insurer.  When the primary payer is a WC 
plan, a no-fault insurer, or an EGHP, the amounts paid by the primary payer are credited 
to the deductibles.  Therefore, the entire charge should be considered in computing the 
deductibles.  The bases for offsets are: 
  The amount recoverable; or 
  A member month ratio. 
230 - Alternative Method for Cost Report Treatment of Employer 
Health Plans 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
In the case of benefits covered by an employer plan for a Medicare member who is also a 
group member under the employer's plan, the Medicare HCPP may elect to identify the 
cost or charge for the service covered under that plan.  However, instead of specifically 
identifying those services for which an employer health plan is primarily liable for 
payment, the HCPP may elect to utilize a member month ratio to establish Medicare's 
liability.  This election must be made in writing at the time of a timely submitted budget.  
In addition, this election must be made for the groups of Medicare beneficiaries subject to 
the MSP provisions as described in this chapter. 
Once the election is made, the election will remain in effect until it is revoked by the 
HCPP in writing on a timely submitted budget. 
                                                                     34 
  The member month ratio is developed by dividing the Medicare member months by the 
total Medicare member months.  This ratio would then be applied to covered Medicare 
service costs resulting in those costs for which Medicare is the primary payer. 
240 - Taxes Assessed Against the Medicare HCPP 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
The general rule is that taxes assessed against the Medicare HCPP, in accordance with 
the levying enactments of the several states and lower levels of government, and for 
which the organization is liable for payment, are allowable costs.  Tax expense should not 
include fines and penalties. 
Whenever exemptions to taxes are legally available, the Medicare HCPP is expected to 
take advantage of them.  If the HCPP does not take advantage of available exemptions, 
the expenses incurred for such taxes are not recognized as allowable under the program. 
More detail can be found in the Medicare Provider Reimbursement Manual (Pub. 15), 
Part I, 2122. 
240.1 - Premium Taxes Assessed Against the Medicare HCPP 
(Rev. 30, 09-05-03) 
Some state and local governments are assessing organizations a tax based on premium 
revenue.  If there are no exemptions that could be used to legally avoid the assessment of 
this tax, CMS will recognize the expense as an allowable cost. 
However, the amount CMS should pay would be the amount of the assessment that is 
applicable to premiums charged to Medicare enrollees for covered services.  This is 
accomplished by including total premium assessments in Plan Administration costs and 
using the Medicare to Total Member Month ratio to apportion cost..    Payments by CMS to 
a cost contractor for covered services rendered to Medicare enrollees do not constitute 
premiums.  Rather, CMS is buying each covered service at cost less applicable Medicare 
deductible and coinsurance.  The only premium for covered services paid to the Medicare 
HCPP is paid by the Medicare enrollee for Medicare's deductibles and coinsurance.  
Therefore, the amount of the assessment to be paid by CMS should be limited to that 
amount applicable to Medicare's deductible and coinsurance charged as a premium. 
                                                                     35 
  Transmittals Issued for this Chapter 
Rev #  Issue Date  Subject  Impl Date  CR# 
R85MCM 04/27/2007  Revisions to Chapter 18 Subpart B Section  04/27/2007 N/A 
110, Determining Deductibles and 
Coinsurance 
 
 
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