Participating in the RDS Program begins with creating a Plan Sponsor Account, and submitting a timely RDS application prior to the expiration of the Application Deadline. For more information about the Application Deadline, including what is required to be submitted by the Application Deadline, refer to Important Application Deadline Information.
Ongoing maintenance of an approved RDS application is recommended throughout the application plan year. These tasks include managing RDS Secure Website user roles, managing retiree information, completing Payment Setup, performing Cost Reporting, submitting interim payments if the Plan Sponsor has elected an Interim Payment Frequency, and completing Reconciliation. NOTE: Beginning May 8, 2020, all current and future RDS applications’ Payment Frequency will be set to a maximum frequency of monthly interim payments, consistent with the general payment rules regarding timing set forth in 42 C.F.R. 423.888(b)(1). Although 12 interim payment requests are permitted, a Plan Sponsor may choose to submit fewer than 12 interim payment requests, or forego interim payments and instead choose to submit one final payment request during Reconciliation as described in 42 C.F.R. 423.888(b)(2)(ii). Please refer to Important Enhancement to RDS Payment Frequency for important details.
For more information on the RDS Program Lifecycle, refer to How the Program Works: RDS Program Lifecycle.