Implementation Delay: New Billing Requirements Prohibit Social Security Numbers

Implementation of the new billing requirements that prohibit most providers from billing Medi-Cal or the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program using a recipient’s Social Security Number (SSN) will be delayed until further notice. This delay will allow the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to conduct further outreach to providers and recipients. A notice will be mailed to recipients reminding them of the importance of taking their Benefits Identification Card (BIC) with them when they need services from Medi-Cal providers.

Eligibility Verification Changes
Changes to prevent providers from using a recipient's SSN for eligibility verification will be delayed until after the new billing requirements have been implemented.

Use of Social Security Numbers
The DHCS recognizes the importance of protecting the identity and the health information of recipients and strongly encourages all providers to avoid using a recipient's SSN whenever possible. This includes avoiding the use of the SSN for eligibility verification, submission of Treatment Authorization Requests (TARs) and administrative billing.