This section provides an overview of information Plan Sponsors must supply to CMS in order to complete an Annual Plan Application. Refer to the applicable User Guide sections for detailed information on each topic:
After the application is submitted, certain information may be modified using the RDS Secure Website, while other information cannot be modified. Refer to Make Changes to an Application After Submission for additional information.
For more information, refer to Application Submission: Create Application.
Retiree EDI Methods and Sources |
Possible Notification Methods |
RDS Secure Website |
RDS Secure Website |
Vendor Connect:Direct |
RDS Center Connect:Direct to Vendor Connect:Direct RDS Center Connect:Direct to Vendor Connect:Direct with a copy sent to the RDS Secure Website RDS Secure Website Only |
Coordination of Benefits (COB): Voluntary Data Sharing Agreement (VDSA) or Mandatory Insurer Reporting (MIR) |
Coordination of Benefits (COB): Voluntary Data Sharing Agreement (VDSA) or Mandatory Insurer Reporting (MIR) Coordination of Benefits (COB): Voluntary Data Sharing Agreement (VDSA) or Mandatory Insurer Reporting (MIR) with a copy sent to the RDS Secure Website RDS Secure Website Only |
Plan Sponsor Connect:Direct |
RDS Center Connect:Direct to Plan Sponsor RDS Center Connect:Direct to Plan Sponsor Connect:Direct with a copy sent to the RDS Secure Website RDS Secure Website Only |
For more information, refer to Application Submission: Benefit Options.
For more information, refer to Application Submission: Actuary and Manage the Actuary Role.
For more information, refer to Application Submission: Banking Information.
The Designee is an optional RDS role – the Plan Sponsor does not need to assign Designees to applications nor are Designees required to submit applications. If the Plan Sponsor chooses to assign Designees to their applications, Designees can be assigned and registered to an RDS application before or after Application Submission. If the Plan Sponsor opts to assign Designees to its applications, the following information must be maintained.
For more information, refer to Manage the Designee Role.
For more information, refer to Retiree Management and Retiree File Layouts.