GIS 10 MA/004: Randomization of New York State Common Benefit Identification Card Sequence Number

The purpose of this General Information System (GIS) message is to inform local social services districts that the sequence number that appears on New York State Common Benefit Identification Cards (CBIC) began to be randomly assigned effective with new or replacement cards requested on or after December 12, 2009. A mass mailing of new cards to current recipients is not planned.

Districts were first alerted to this change in GIS 09/MA 009: "New York State Benefit Identification Card Changes," dated April 2, 2009, but implementation was delayed until December 12, 2009. The randomization of sequence numbers is being implemented to reduce fraudulent use of recipient identification cards across Temporary Assistance, Food Stamp and Medicaid program areas.

As notified in GIS 09 MA/009, a DATE and TIME stamp is included on all new and replacement cards issued since April 2009. The DATE and TIME indicates when the card was issued and will help recipients, providers and local district workers identify the most recently issued CBIC.

During the May 12, 2009 Medicaid Technical Assistance Group (M-TAG) discussion on the randomization of sequence numbers, districts were instructed not to supply Medicaid enrolled providers with the recipient's sequence number. Upon further consideration, a policy decision has been made to continue to allow districts to provide sequence numbers to Medicaid enrolled providers when requested, to enable the provider to verify Medicaid eligibility.

Card Swipe Program

The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) currently has a Point of Service Control Program called the Card Swipe Program. This program is a means to control fraudulent billing and requires participating providers to swipe a recipient's CBIC to verify the Medicaid eligibility of the individual. Participating providers are expected to swipe 85 percent of their transactions by passing the CBIC through a Verifone terminal. To avoid interruption of service to recipients, a 15 percent allowance will be made for temporary, lost, or stolen cards.

When the magnetic strip on the CBIC is damaged or unreadable, the provider will refer the recipient to the district for a new card, so that future "swipes" will be credited toward a provider's 85 percent threshold. Districts are reminded that they must follow local district procedures to ensure a recipient receives a permanent replacement card when one is requested.

Please direct any questions to the Local District Liaison Unit at (518) 474-8887 Upstate and (212) 417-4500 in New York City.