MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 05
New Jersey Medicaid·NJ·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jun 1, 2006
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
New Jersey FamilyCare/Medicaid is replacing monthly paper identification cards with permanent plastic Health Benefits Identification (HBID) cards containing a 16-digit card control number and magnetic stripe. The HBID card is for identification only and does not indicate eligibility or service levels—providers must continue verifying eligibility through REVS, MEVS, POS, or the new eMEVS system before rendering services. Paper cards and FD-34s will be discontinued effective June 1, 2006 (Camden, Monmouth, Sussex counties) and September 1, 2006 (remaining counties).
Action Required
REQUIREMENTS:
- By June 1, 2006 (Camden, Monmouth, Sussex) and September 1, 2006 (remaining NJ counties): Billing/front desk staff must stop accepting paper FamilyCare/Medicaid identification cards as proof of eligibility. Implement mandatory eligibility verification using REVS, MEVS, or POS systems before providing services.
- Update patient intake procedures to clarify that the HBID card is identification only; eligibility must be verified electronically.
- Train front desk and billing staff to recognize the new HBID card format (permanent plastic card with 16-digit CCN and magnetic stripe).
- Optional: Evaluate purchasing magnetic swipe technology (swipe box) to streamline eligibility verification by automatically entering the CCN into existing systems.
- For emergency services: Accept emergency services letters issued by eligibility offices (CWA, MACC, DYFS, DFD, DDD) as temporary proof of eligibility until HBID card arrives; process claims using the Medicaid ID from the letter.
- Continue monitoring newsletters for client service level coverage changes, as HBID card does not indicate covered service levels.
- Contact Unisys HBID Unit (1-877-414-9251) for support beginning June 1, 2006.