Decoding Medicare: How to Use the MBI and Name-to-Number Converter

Navigating the complexities of Medicare can feel overwhelming. Understanding your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) and how to use it is crucial for healthcare providers and beneficiaries alike. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using the MBI and a helpful online tool: the MBI and Name-to-Number Converter.

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI)?

The MBI is a unique, randomly generated number assigned to every Medicare beneficiary. It replaced the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN), which was based on a beneficiary's Social Security number, to better protect beneficiaries from identity theft.

Why is the MBI Important?

The MBI is essential for:

• Submitting Medicare claims: Healthcare providers must use the MBI to submit claims for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
• Verifying eligibility: The MBI is used to verify a beneficiary's eligibility for Medicare benefits.
• Protecting identity: Using the MBI instead of the HICN helps protect beneficiaries from identity theft.

Introducing the MBI and Name-to-Number Converter

CGS Medicare offers a valuable tool to assist healthcare providers: the MBI and Name-to-Number Converter. This tool is designed to help you translate MBI letters and beneficiary names into a sequence of numbers that can be entered into an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or used when contacting Customer Support.

How to Use the MBI Converter

The MBI converter translates letters in the MBI to the corresponding number sequence for telephone keypad entry. Here's how it works:

1. Locate the MBI: Find the MBI on the beneficiary's Medicare card.
2. Enter the MBI: Enter the MBI into the designated field on the CGS Medicare website.
3. View Keypad Sequence: Use the chart provided to translate each letter of the MBI into the corresponding telephone keypad sequence. For Example, the letter "A" translates to "*21".

*Note: This tool will provide with you the correct numbers to enter on your telephone keypad but does not confirm the beneficiary's Medicare number or eligibility.

How to Use the Name-to-Number Converter

This feature helps you convert a beneficiary's name into a numerical sequence for the IVR system. Here's how:

1. Enter the Name: Input the first initial of the patient's first name, followed by the first six letters of their last name into the designated field.
2. Conversion: The tool converts the entered name into a numerical sequence.
3. Telephone Keypad Entry: Use the converted numbers when prompted by the IVR system.

Examples of Name Conversion:

Important Considerations

• Accuracy: Always double-check the MBI or beneficiary name before entering it into the converter to ensure accuracy.
• Disclaimer: CGS Medicare explicitly states that these tools are for informational purposes only. While they aim to assist in correct claim submissions, CGS does not guarantee Medicare reimbursement based on their use.
• Eligibility Verification: This tool does not confirm the beneficiary's Medicare number or eligibility.

Additional Resources

• CGS Medicare Website: Explore the CGS Medicare website for more information and resources.
• CMS Website: Visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website for official Medicare information.
• Contact Customer Support: For further assistance, contact CGS Medicare Customer Support at 1.866.590.6727.

By understanding how to use the MBI and the MBI and Name-to-Number Converter, healthcare providers can streamline their interactions with Medicare and ensure accurate claim submissions. This ultimately contributes to a more efficient and effective healthcare system for beneficiaries.