The Do Not Forward (DNF) Initiative

50.1 - The Do Not Forward (DNF) Initiative (Rev.: 4388; Issued: 09-06-19; Effective: 10-07-19; Implementation: 10-07-19) As part of the Medicare DNF Initiative, A/B MACs and DME MACs must use “return service requested” envelopes for mailing all hardcopy remittance advices. When the post office returns a remittance advice due to an incorrect address, follow the same procedures followed for returned checks; that is: • Flag the provider “DNF”; A/B MAC staff must notify the provider enrollment area, and DME MACs must notify the National Supplier Clearing House (NSC); • Cease generating any further payments or remittance advice to that provider or supplier until they furnish a new address that is verified; and • When the provider returns a new address, MACs remove the DNF flag after the address has been verified, and pay the provider any funds still being held due to a DNF flag. MACs must also reissue any remittance that has been held as well. NOTE: Previously, CMS required corrections only to the “pay to” address. However, with the implementation of this new initiative, CMS requires corrections to all addresses before the MAC can remove the DNF flag and begin paying the provider or supplier again. Therefore, do not release any payments to DNF providers until the provider enrollment area or the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) has verified and updated all addresses for that provider’s location. MACs must initially publish the requirement that providers must notify the A/B MAC or NSC of any changes of address, both on their Web sites and in their next regularly scheduled bulletins. MACs must continue to remind suppliers and providers of this requirement in their bulletins at least yearly thereafter. See Chapter 1 for additional information pertaining to the DNF initiative.