Encrypted CCW Beneficiary ID
The unique CCW identifier for a beneficiary. The CCW assigns a unique beneficiary identification number to each individual who receives Medicare and/ or Medicaid, and uses that number to identify an individual's records in all CCW data files (e.g., Medicare claims, MAX claims, MDS assessment data). This number does not change during a beneficiary's lifetime and each number is used only once. The BENE_ID is specific to the CCW and is not applicable to any other identification system or data source.
Some additional information on this variable: