Wis. ForwardHealth Online Handbook, Hospice, Topic #259

ForwardHealth has agreements with several commercial enrollment verification vendors to offer enrollment verification technology

to ForwardHealth providers. Commercial enrollment verification vendors have up-to-date access to the ForwardHealth

enrollment files to ensure that providers have access to the most current enrollment information. Providers may access Wisconsin's

EVS (Enrollment Verification System) to verify member enrollment through one or more of the following methods available from

commercial enrollment verification vendors:

• Magnetic stripe card readers

• Personal computer software

• Internet

Vendors sell magnetic stripe card readers, personal computer software, internet access, and other services. They also provide

ongoing maintenance, operations, and upgrades of their systems. Providers are responsible for the costs of using these enrollment

verification methods.

Note: Providers are not required to purchase services from a commercial enrollment verification vendor. For more information on

other ways to verify member enrollment or for questions about ForwardHealth identification cards, contact Provider Services.

The real-time enrollment verification methods allow providers to print a paper copy of the member's enrollment information,

including a transaction number, for their records. Providers should retain this number or the printout as proof that an inquiry was

made.

Magnetic Stripe Card Readers

The magnetic stripe card readers resemble credit card readers. Some ForwardHealth identification cards have a magnetic stripe

and signature panel on the back, and a unique, 16-digit card number on the front. The 16-digit card number is valid only for use

with a magnetic card reader.

Providers receive current member enrollment information after passing the ForwardHealth card through the reader or entering the

member identification number or card number into a keypad and entering the DOS (date of service) about which they are

inquiring.

Personal Computer Software

Personal computer software can be integrated into a provider's current computer system by using a modem and can access the

same information as the magnetic stripe card readers.

Internet Access

Some enrollment verification vendors provide real-time access to enrollment from the EVS through the internet.