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Announcements

Check this page often for news about important program updates, training opportunities, and educational information.
Date Sort ascending Title
Now Available: New RDS Secure Website Functionality and Communications

On November 11, 2015, CMS' RDS Center announced upcoming changes to the RDS Secure Website and in the communications process when making payments.

Coming Soon – New RDS Secure Website Functionality and Communications

CMS' RDS Center will soon be implementing changes to the RDS Secure Website and in the communications process when making payments.

New RDS Common Questions Category: Top Plan Sponsor Questions

CMS' RDS Center has added a list of Top Plan Sponsor Questions to the Common Questions section of the RDS Program Website.

Meet Your 2016 Application Deadline: Tips for Success

September and October are the busiest months for RDS Plan Sponsors preparing their annual applications.

Authorized Representative Verification Requirement Removed

Previously, in order to receive Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) payment, Plan Sponsors were required to submit an Authorized Representative Verification Form to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to verify that the Authorized Representative listed on the application has the legal authority to bind the Plan Sponsor to the terms of the Plan Sponsor Agreement.

Maintain Active User Accounts to Receive Payment

CMS' RDS Center will not make payments to a Plan Sponsor if the Authorized Representative or Account Manager has an inactive RDS Secure Website user account.

Prepare Now - Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is Approaching

The Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) is quickly approaching. OEP can have a significant impact on your ability to receive subsidy for a covered retiree.

Coming Soon – Removal of Authorized Representative Verification Requirement

Currently, as a condition of requesting Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) payments, Plan Sponsors are required to submit an Authorized Representative Verification form to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS') RDS Center acknowledging that the Authorized Representative listed on the application has the legal authority to bind the Plan Sponsor to the terms of the Plan Sponsor Agreement.

RDS User Guide Updated - Avoid an Overpayment at Reconciliation

CMS' RDS Center has added a new Avoid an Overpayment at Reconciliation section to the RDS User Guide.

Cost Threshold and Cost Limit Amounts for Plan Years Ending in 2016, and the Parameters for Medicare Part D Plans in 2016

On Monday, April 6, 2015 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Cost Threshold and Cost Limit amounts that apply to Plan Sponsors participating in CMS' Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) Program, with qualified prescription drug years that end in 2015, as well as the parameters for Medicare Part D plans in 2016.