This page explains what is needed to meet the Application Deadline and provides a list of Application Deadlines.
This page describes the Reconciliation requirement and lists Reconciliation Deadlines.
The RDS User Guide provides comprehensive, detailed information about participating in the RDS Program. Get overview information and step-by-step instructions for key program areas and more.
Reason codes are identification numbers that correspond to a specific message about a record in a response file or a notification file.
The Sample Retiree File Spreadsheet assists Plan Sponsors and Vendors with creating and uploading retiree files to CMS' RDS Center on the RDS Secure Website.
Announcements
A new “My RDS Email” feature is now live in the RDS Secure Website. The My RDS Email page displays the history of email sent to you by CMS’ RDS Center.
The RDS Public Website will be updated on Thursday, October 12, 2023. As part of this update, there will be global updates to website URLs. If you use links, bookmarks, or favorites to access the RDS Public Website, please make sure to update them. Please note that any hyperlinks to RDS Public Website pages contained in RDS program emails sent prior to October 12, 2023, will no longer be valid and may redirect to the RDS Public Website homepage.
Beginning in January 2024, CMS’ RDS Center will implement an update to the sequestration policy, whereby the mandatory two percent (2%) payment reduction will be applied at each interim payment request rather than applying the reduction only to the final payment.
On September 1, 2023, CMS’ RDS Center implemented two new Reason Codes to communicate RDS eligibility information during retiree data transfers. These codes will support the conditions defined in 42 CFR § 423.4.
CMS’ RDS Center has published a new Technical Article, Reassigning the Authorized Representative (AR) and Account Manager (AM) Roles. This article contains critical information to keep in mind when changing your Plan Sponsor representatives.
One week from today, on Friday, September 1, 2023, CMS’ RDS Center will implement two new Reason Codes that will be used to communicate RDS eligibility information during retiree data transfers. These codes will support the conditions defined in 42 CFR § 423.4.
RDS Spotlight
Changes have been made to the email accounts used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS’) Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) Program. Effective immediately, Plan Sponsors can only use the RDS@cms.hhs.gov email address to communicate with the RDS Program.
Do you know where to go when you have questions about RDS Reconciliation? The answers to your questions are available 24-7 on the RDS Public Website.
As a requirement of Reconciliation, Plan Sponsors must finalize their application's Covered Retiree List (CRL) and submit final cost data to CMS' RDS Center. Please review the following guidance and resources for successfully reporting final costs during Reconciliation.
As a requirement of Reconciliation, Plan Sponsors must finalize their application's Covered Retiree List (CRL) and submit final cost data to CMS' RDS Center. Please review the following guidance and resources for successfully finalizing your application’s retiree count during Reconciliation.
In preparation for the final Reconciliation payment request, the Plan Sponsor agrees to the CRL in the Reconciliation: Finalize Covered Retirees step by completing the following tasks:
To avoid missed Reconciliation Deadlines and delayed subsidy payments, ensure that your RDS user accounts and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are active and that you are able to access the RDS Secure Website today! Please encourage all users assigned to your RDS application(s) to log in to the Secure Website as soon as possible, and well in advance of your deadline date.
Review the summary of Reconciliation steps and the user roles responsible for completing each step. Know your responsibilities during Reconciliation, coordinate with other Plan Sponsor users and vendors (if applicable), and protect your Plan Sponsor’s subsidy!