HHS Releases User Manual for Prescription Drug Data Reporting

On September 8, 2022, HHS released an updated user manual that explains how to use the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) module within the Health Insurance Oversight System. The RxDC module is designed for use by group health plans and health insurers to satisfy the CAA prescription drug and healthcare spending reporting requirements.

To promote greater transparency in prescription drug pricing, the CAA requires group health plans and health insurers to report detailed data about prescription drug and healthcare spending. On November 23, 2021, the DOL, IRS and HHS (the departments) issued an interim final rule that explained the specific data that must be reported; please see our December 9, 2021, summary of this guidance. The first reports (for calendar years 2020 and 2021) are due by December 27, 2022. Subsequent reports are due annually by June 1. The departments are required to compile the submitted information in publicly available biannual reports.

It is anticipated that group health plans will contract with insurers and third-party administrators to submit the required information on the plan’s behalf. Although the required data includes some plan-specific information, most of the required information can be submitted on an aggregated basis. In fact, insurers and third-party administrators are encouraged to aggregate most of the required data by state and market segment.

The user manual focuses on the technical data reporting aspects. Instructions are provided for registering an account, accessing the RxDC module, completing and uploading data files, and creating and reviewing submissions.

Group health plan sponsors should consult with their carriers, third-party administrators, pharmacy benefit managers and other vendors to ensure all the necessary prescription drug and healthcare spending data is timely and accurately reported in accordance with the interim final rule and data submission instructions.

HIOS RxDC User Manual »