Action Required – Medicare Eligibility (MCRUS) CMS Attestation Update

Deadline: May 1, 2026

April 9th, 2026: Important Update – Additional Action Required

If your organization has already completed attestation, additional steps are now required to ensure continued eligibility access under the updated process.

Overview

Summary: Real-Time Medicare Eligibility requires re-enrollment with Medicare (MCRUS) via the Enrollments module.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services now requires all providers who access Medicare Fee-for-Service eligibility data to complete HETS (HIPAA Eligibility Transaction System) EDI enrollment and submit an attestation with their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).

This requirement is being enforced to strengthen security, compliance, and accountability around patient data access.

This applies only to Medicare Eligibility transactions using Payer ID MCRUS (including Railroad Medicare, where applicable) and does not impact claim submission or other payer enrollments.

What Medicare Is Requiring (HETS Attestation)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires all providers who access Medicare eligibility data to:

• Complete HETS EDI enrollment
• Submit attestation through their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)
• Ensure eligibility transactions are performed using the practice’s credentialed NPI

What Etactics Has Completed

• Secured a direct connection with CMS for Medicare Eligibility (270/271)
• Obtained Etactics Unique ID: 6WCW
• Established MCRUS as the payer ID for all states
• Preparing to transition from our previous vendor partner in May 2026

Action Required by Your Organization

To avoid any disruption in Medicare eligibility verification services, complete all steps below:

1. Download the Eligibility Enrollment Form (Payer ID MCRUS) in Your Database

• Access the Enrollments module in your database
• Locate and download the Eligibility Enrollment form for Payer ID MCRUS
  
• Contact PM Support if you need assistance downloading the enrollment
• Detailed instructions are included in the enrollment packet
• Complete this process using the practice’s credentialed NPI
  

2. Enroll in HETS EDI
All providers and suppliers must be enrolled in the HIPAA Eligibility Transaction System (HETS).

3. Complete CMS Attestation with Your MAC

• Submit attestation through your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)
• Use Etactics Unique ID: 6WCW

4. Submit Proof of Attestation and Validation
Each MAC provides different confirmation formats. You must:

• Attach your completed enrollment form (including final page details)
• Include any confirmation emails or screenshots
• Upload all documentation to your Enrollment ticket
• Ensure the submission reflects use of Etactics Unique ID: 6WCW

5. Complete All Steps by May 1, 2026
CMS will transition to a new HETS trading partner management system on May 11, 2026.
Failure to complete all steps before this date may result in eligibility service interruptions.

Additional Guidance

• If you are unsure of your Medicare MAC, refer to the “Medicare MAC” resource
• DME submitters: Select CEDI as your MAC during enrollment

Need Help?

If you have any questions or need assistance with completing the enrollment, please contact Etactics EDI Support at (330) 342-0568, option 1.