On August 8^th, CMS issued an alert confirming that COBSW system updates are coming soon. The Section 111 Coordination of Benefits Secure Website (COBSW) provides general information on Section 111 reporting, links and instructions, reference materials including various user guides, as well as a secure portal which provides the ability to manage your RREs, run Medicare entitlement queries, perform DDE reporting, and obtain query and claim response files. The upgrades, scheduled for September 7^th, do not include any material changes to the COBSW. However, CMS states that these upgrades aim to enhance the end user experience across the site. This alert indicates that the layout and overall look of the portal will be updated. Further, an updated NGHP User Guide is anticipated to be released along with this upgrade. 

This update serves as a reminder to ensure that you are familiar with the use of the COBSW and the assistance that it can offer in ensuring that your Section 111 Mandatory Insurer Reporting program is in compliance with all available guidance. As a reminder, the period for possible assessment of Civil Monetary Penalties for noncompliance begins this October. 

For question, concerns, and comments about the COBSW and the coming upgrades, as well as general inquiries about Section 111 Reporting compliance please contact us at info@allankoba.com.