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MassHealth Connectivity Method FAQ

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for using the MassHealth Connectivity Method.

Table of Contents

What is the MassHealth Connectivity Method?

The MassHealth connectivity method provides a secure, system-to-system connection between MassHealth and its trading partners to send and receive HIPAA transactions. Submitters may also upload files through the Provider Online Service Center (POSC).

This connectivity method is ideal for trading partners who transmit a large volume of HIPAA transactions through an automated process. It was implemented in accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Operating Rules.

What types of HIPAA transactions are supported?

MassHealth supports the following transaction types:

  • Batch Processing: 270/271, 276/277, 835, 837I, 837P, 999/TA1
  • Real-Time Processing: 270/271, 276/277, 999/TA1

What submission options are available?

Trading partners can choose between two envelope standards, transmitted via the following internet protocols:

  • HTTP MIME Multipart (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)
  • SOAP+WSDL (Simple Object Access Protocol/Web Services Description Language)

What are the differences between the two submission options?

Both the HTTP MIME and SOAP submission options utilize a set of standards for interoperable communication which uses web services and HTTP headers to transmit data. The main difference is the technology.

SOAP is a standard, Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based communications protocol. Based on a contract between a client and a server, SOAP uses specific tags in a Web Service Description Language (WSDL), an XML technology, for transporting data.

HTTP MIME is an application layer protocol for transmitting messages. The HTTP Multipart MIME envelope method uses a Java servlet to transport HTTP requests and responses (data) through a web service. It is a layer within a web service.

In other words, the HTTP Multipart MIME uses servlets in a Java web server. SOAP uses web services. For example, SOAP is a standard web service for interoperability. Java implemented the interoperability communication standards through servlets.

Do both options offer real-time and batch processing?

Yes.

Are the changes state or federally mandated?

The changes are federally mandated for payors. MassHealth must provide this connectivity method option to all its trading partners. However, the changes are not federally mandated for MassHealth trading partners. Trading partners may choose to adopt this method or leverage other transaction submission options available through MassHealth (i.e., POSC DDE and POSC batch upload).

Is it secure?

Yes. The MassHealth connectivity method is compliant with the EOHHS Virtual Gateway security standards.

Is it a requirement to use the MassHealth connectivity method?

It would be ideal for all trading partners to transition to the MassHealth connectivity method when it is technically feasible.

Is testing required?

Yes. The MassHealth EDI Department will assist you throughout the entire process to ensure a successful implementation. Contact the MassHealth EDI Department at EDI@MAhealth.net to coordinate testing.

How long will testing take?

The testing timeframe may vary, depending on if you have implemented either HTTP MIME or SOAP with other payors. If you are not already sending batch files for HIPAA transactions, testing may take longer.

How do I test my SOAP or HTTP MIME message envelope?

You will need to use the appropriate URL to ensure that you connect to the proper environment when sending a test message envelope (with payload) to the MassHealth test environment.

Do I need a different username and password for the test environment?

No. You can use the credentials (Username & Password) that you use for production. The credentials must be included in the security section of your message envelope. You can use the same credentials in your message envelope that you use to access the POSC test environment.

How do I prepare a test message envelope?

MassHealth recommends that you first decide which technology submission option you want to use: SOAP or HTTP MIME. Then you will need to test the HIPAA transaction that you intend to use as the “payload” before testing the message envelope.

Currently, if you are not submitting electronic batch HIPAA transactions, you will need to upload a HIPAA compliant test file to the POSC test environment before submitting a test message envelope with the payload. To upload a test file to the POSC test environment, click on the following link to log on to the POSC and upload the file in the usual manner: https://mmis-portal-tptest.ehs.state.ma.us/EHSProviderPortal.

How does the MassHealth connectivity batch method work?

At a high-level, the batch process is as follows.

  1. A trading partner generates an X12 transaction (payload), packages it within either SOAP or an HTTP MIME Multipart message, and sends the message envelope to MassHealth.
  2. MassHealth receives the request and immediately issues a batch receipt confirmation for the trading partner to retrieve. Note: The batch receipt confirmation is not an ASC X12-acknowledgment transaction. The message will say that the batch was received, if the envelope processed, and if there were errors. It will contain status and error codes for both HTTP and envelope processing.
  3. The trading partner retrieves the batch receipt confirmation and sends a request for an X12 acknowledgment.
  4. MassHealth processes the batch request and issues a response specific to the payload type for the trading partner to retrieve. Note: After the batch is processed, the trading partner will be able to request a Batch Retrieval to retrieve the ASC X12 Acknowledgment transactions, such as a 999 or TA1. Trading partners may also request a response for that payload type, such as 271 or 276.
  5. The trading partner retrieves the X12 response, loads the message envelope into their system, and reviews the HIPAA transaction set response.

How does the MassHealth connectivity real-time method work?

At a high-level, the real-time process is as follows.

  1. A trading partner generates a single X12 transaction (payload), packages it within either SOAP or an HTTP MIME Multipart message, and sends the message envelope to MassHealth.
  2. MassHealth receives and processes the request and immediately issues a response with an X12 transaction set for 271, 277, or 999/TA1 for the trading partner to retrieve.

Notes:

  • There is no batch receipt confirmation for real-time transactions.
  • MassHealth only accepts 270 and 276 real-time transactions.

Where can I find additional information on the WSDL and XSD files?

Please refer to the schema and definitions specified in the Phase II CORE Connectivity Rule 270 specification available at www.caqh.org.

Click on the following links for the XSD and WSDL file specifications:

Note: Open in Notepad or an XML editor tool.

You may also refer to the MassHealth Connectivity Companion Guide.

What are some of the common status/error codes for HTTP MIME envelope processing?

  • A successful file submission will usually return a status code of “200 OK” or “202 Accepted.”
  • An unsuccessful file submission will usually return an error code of “400 Bad Request.”
  • If MassHealth was unable to authenticate the sender, an error code of “403 Forbidden” or “401 Unauthorized” is usually returned.
  • If MassHealth was unable to receive your file or the message could not be processed, an error code of “500 Internal Error” is usually returned.

What are some of the common status/error codes for the SOAP envelope processing acknowledgment?

  • A successfully processed envelope will usually return a status code of “Success.”
  • An unsuccessfully processed envelope will usually return the name of the field causing the error and will indicate one of three types of errors. If an illegal value was provided, a required field was missing, or a field was sent that was not understood, the trading partner will usually receive one of the following error codes: <FieldName>Illegal, <FieldName>Required, or <FieldName>NotUnderstood.
  • A “VersionMismatch” error code will usually be returned if there is an issue with CORERuleVersion being sent.
  • If there are security issues (for example, with the username/password), an “UnAuthorized” error code is usually returned.
  • If the batch file checksum value computed on the recipient did not match the value that was sent in the envelope, a “ChecksumMismatched” error code is usually returned.
  • If there is a formatting issue with the envelope, a “Sender” error code is usually returned.
  • If the message could not be processed, a “Receiver” error code is usually returned.

What is a “payload”?

A payload contains the X12 transaction content encoded in a standard messaging envelope.

What is a “message envelope”?

A message envelope contains the payload and is inside of the transport protocol envelope that is sent over the public internet.

How do I connect to the production environment?

Please contact the EDI Department at the MassHealth Customer Service Center by sending an email to EDI@MAHealth.net or by calling (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711. The production environment will be made available only to trading partners who successfully pass testing.

How do I contact an EDI at the MassHealth Customer Service Center?

If you have any questions, please contact the EDI Department at the MassHealth Customer Service Center by sending an email to EDI@MAHealth.net or by calling (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711.

Contact   for MassHealth Connectivity Method FAQ

Date published: March 13, 2024

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