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The Workers’ Compensation Board is in the process of building a new online business information system, OnBoard, which will eventually replace the Board’s legacy paper-based claims systems and the eCase system with a single, web-based platform. OnBoard will provide stakeholders with increased accuracy, paperless transactions and a user-friendly interface for interacting with the Board.
OnBoard: Limited Release, the first phase of OnBoard, will be implemented on March 7, 2022. Payers (insurers, self-insured employers, and third-party administrators) should be aware of some key dates and updates ahead of the phased launch of OnBoard: Limited Release.
For complete details about OnBoard: Limited Release, see Subject Number 046-1495, OnBoard: Limited Release Implementation Update for Payers.
OnBoard: Limited Release (OBLR), which will roll out in three phases, is designed to move several key processes for health care providers and insurers from paper to online. This includes the prior authorization request (PAR) process for medication, durable medical equipment, and medical treatment or testing. It also includes the submission of Request for Decision on Unpaid Medical Bill(s) (Form HP-1.0) within OBLR.
The first phase to launch is explained in detail below, but here is a quick look at the full implementation schedule:
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Phase One
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Medication PARs & Form HP-1.0
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March 7, 2022
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Phase Two
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Durable Medical Equipment PARs
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April 4, 2022
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Phase Three
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Treatment/Testing PARs
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May 2, 2022
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Medication PARs will be used for medication requests (replacing the current New York Workers’ Compensation Drug Formulary [Drug Formulary] prior authorization request process). With the implementation of OnBoard: Limited Release Phase One, medical marijuana will also be requested via a Medication PAR, which will replace the current process using the Attending Doctor’s Request for Approval of Variance and Carrier's Response (Form MG-2).
Drug Formulary
It is important to note that the current Drug Formulary application within the Medical Portal will not be accessible as of 5 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022, but will be available again as “read-only” on March 7, 2022, so that previously approved medication requests may be reviewed. All prior authorization requests that are in progress as of 5 p.m. on March 4, 2022, will be suspended and converted to a Medication PAR within OnBoard: Limited Release. Processing will continue in OBLR as of 7 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2022.
Refills and renewals of prescription medications must comply with the Drug Formulary as of March 7, 2022, when the OBLR Medication PAR process takes effect. As communicated in Subject Number 046-1408, the effective dates were previously amended to coincide with the launch of OnBoard: Limited Release.
Form HP-1.0
As of March 7, 2022, health care providers will request Board action on unpaid medical bills by submitting Form HP-1.0 online, ensuring accuracy and timely receipt. For now, health care providers will continue to receive administrative and arbitration awards by mail, and the objection and judgement processes will remain paper based. In this first phase, payers will not be affected as the processing of Form HP-1.0 after submission will remain the same.
If you haven't already, ensure you have added all roles for OnBoard: Limited Release within the Medical Portal administration pages. For administration instructions, view the Registrations and Administration Instructions for Payers.
The Board has developed instruction guides for payers. These instruction guides are available now and will help you during each phase of OnBoard: Limited Release. See the list below for a quick overview of what each instruction page includes.
OnBoard Training: Payers
The Board will be hosting an OnBoard: Limited Release training webinar for payers, pharmacy benefit managers and medical review organizations. Please join to learn about:
- Accessing and navigating the new system.
- Assigning Medication PARs to a Level 1 or Level 2 reviewer.
- Responding to a Medication PAR.
Registration is not required, but take a moment now to add the training webinar to your calendar using the link below. If you cannot attend the webinar, the full session will be recorded and made available on the Board's YouTube channel and resources page.
February 23, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Add to your calendar
Join webinar
Additional Resources
- A registration guide for payers, PBMs and MROs, as well as an insurer-specific fact sheet, training, and other information about OnBoard: Limited Release is available at wcb.ny.gov/onboard.
- Training information will be shared via WCB Notifications. Sign up to receive these updates and others at wcb.ny.gov/onboard/#get-involved.
- Sign up for additional notifications related to the Board, such as Subject Numbers, at wcb.ny.gov/Notify.
- For assistance registering for the Medical Portal, contact Customer Support at WCBCustomerSupport@wcb.ny.gov.
- For questions about the MTGs, contact the Medical Director’s Office at WCBMedicalDirectorsOffice@wcb.ny.gov
- For general questions about the OnBoard project, email OnBoard@wcb.ny.gov.
- For any other questions, contact Customer Service at (877) 632-4996.
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