Introduction

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Accessing the Common Working File

Beneficiary eligibility records, which are maintained for CMS by the SSA, are stored electronically in the CWF system. You can access CWF records to view beneficiary eligibility information in using the FISS/DDE Provider Online System Beneficiary/CWF (10) option for beneficiary eligibility inquiries.

Note: On 11/1/2019, CMS notified submitters via notification on the MCARE website and message on CWF screens that CMS would begin revoking direct access to CWF eligibility transactions HIQA, HIQH, ELGA and ELGH effective 2/1/2020.

CMS completed removing the direct access to the CWF transactions for many of the large vendors and clearinghouses. For most users, this was transparent because your vendor or clearinghouse automatically routed the eligibility queries to the HETS.

Beginning January 2021, MACs will contact submitters who have direct access to CWF queries and access to HETS, as notice, CMS will discontinue direct access to the CWF transactions upon notification by the MAC. If you do not have access to HETS, the MACs will contact you to discuss an alternative way to access beneficiary eligibility. CMS will not discontinue your access until there is a viable solution and transition.

If you currently use the FISS/DDE, you can continue; CMS is not discontinuing that access. CMS expects to remove all direct access to the CWF transactions by December 2021.

Revised 7/9/2021