Deadlines Approaching in Transition to TrailBlazer for Part B Claims—Even if Rollover Date Unclear

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has named TrailBlazer Health Enterprises as the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Medicare Part A and Part B services for Jurisdiction 4 (J4), which includes Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. After the final implementation, TrailBlazer will take the place of all fiscal intermediaries and carriers in this jurisdiction. Although CMS has not approved the final implementation timeline, TrailBlazer is preparing to transfer Colorado Part B suppliers over to its jurisdiction on March 21, 2008.

Be aware that important deadlines are approaching prior to this rollover date. Colorado Part B suppliers with an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization Agreement (CMS Form 588) in place with another carrier (e.g., Noridian) must complete a new EFT Agreement listing TrailBlazer as the authorized contractor by February 15, 2008. Failure to meet this deadline may result in payment delays and/or interruption of electronic claims payment once the transition to TrailBlazer is made.