The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced updates to instructions and systems changes to facilitate the submission of data on supplemental benefits in the Medicare Advantage (MA) Encounter Data System (EDS) on February 21. CMS notes that MA organizations, inclusive of PACE, have always been able to submit data on supplemental benefits in EDS, though the system did not accept all submissions of supplemental benefits data because of missing elements within the system.

Since recent updates, CMS now believes all plans and PACE organizations can and therefore must submit data on supplemental benefits. Submission of data on supplemental benefits is required beginning with the contract year 2024 dates of services at their earliest convenience. The memo outlines instructions for organizations and notes that those submitting very limited information on supplemental benefits are likely to hear from CMS, as they will be monitoring submissions. Future technical assistance is expected as the feedback and challenges are assessed.