Part D Sponsors’ Access Process for Medicare Plan Finder Web Portal
Relevant to: PDP, OEC, Enrollment and Payment Systems, Drug Pricing, Part D
Each week, we scan the latest CMS memos to find the most important ones that apply for PACE programs. Below is a summary of what you need to know.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this site is a summary for informational purposes only, and Grane PBM, Inc. assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the site’s content. The information does not constitute legal or regulatory advice or replace the original CMS memo. Readers are advised to consult the CMS memo in its entirety and to verify information independently before making any decisions based on this information.
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Introduction
The Department of Health & Human Services recently released an important memo regarding user authorization for the Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) Communications Web Portal. Addressed to all types of prescription drug plans, the memo outlines how plan sponsors can access detailed reports related to Star Ratings and the accuracy of drug pricing displayed on the MPF. For secure access, the memo highlights the significant role of Medicare Compliance Officers in managing user access through Acumen’s User Security Web Portal.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- March 25, 2025: Date of memorandum issuance
- October 31, 2024: Announcement of monitoring for MPF drug pricing submissions
- Annual Enrollment Period: Monitoring period for significant price increases (specific date not provided)
- Dates for adding new Medicare Compliance Officers and users for contracts continuing from 2023 or new in 2024 or 2025 (specific deadline not provided)
PACE Compliance
This memo is relevant to PACE programs because of its implications on access and compliance with the Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) Communications Web Portal, which may affect data accuracy and reporting for PACE organizations.
PACE organizations that are Part D Sponsors need to ensure that their Medicare Compliance Officer is familiar with the steps required to authorize users for the MPF Communications Web Portal. This is crucial for maintaining up-to-date information and compliance.
- Each PACE organization must have their Medicare Compliance Officer identify and authorize users for the MPF Communications Web Portal.
- If a PACE contract was continuing from a previous year, existing users should be reviewed and can potentially retain their access, or new users may be added.
- New PACE contracts from 2024 or 2025 will require the Medicare Compliance Officer to potentially update contact details and authorize new users.
- Access is limited to five authorized users per contract, ensuring that user management is efficient and secure for the PACE organizations.
- The PACE program must ensure their compliance officer logs into the User Security Web Portal following the steps outlined in the memo to manage user permissions adequately.
PACE programs should also be aware that the MPF drug pricing submissions are monitored for significant price increases, which could impact the PACE formularies and plan performance metrics.
Required Actions
This memorandum outlines the process for gaining access to the Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) Communications Web Portal for Part D Sponsors. The steps to complete are as follows:
1. Identify and authorize individuals for access:
The Medicare Compliance Officer needs to identify individuals who should have access to the MPF Communications Web Portal. For continuing contracts from 2023, previously authorized users retain their access. For new contracts in 2024 or 2025, the officer adds or authorizes users who currently have access to other Acumen web portals.
2. Log onto the User Security Web Portal:
The Compliance Officer logs onto the User Security Web Portal to manage users. Existing officers from 2023 should already have access, while new contracts need updated contact info in HPMS to gain credentials. Officers log in via the website, accepting Terms and Conditions, and using CMS IDM credentials.
3. Designate and authorize user access:
The Compliance Officer reviews and modifies, if necessary, the list of authorized users through the User Security Web Portal. They may add new users, select which contract(s) they access, and authorize necessary permissions, including Summary and Confidential Beneficiary Reports for access to reports.
FAQs
- “What is the Medicare Plan Finder Communications Web Portal used for?”
- “Who manages the MPF Communications Web Portal access?”
- “How can Medicare Compliance Officers designate new users for the MPF Communications Web Portal?”
- “What steps do I follow to log into the User Security Web Portal?”
- “Are there limitations on the number of users who can access the MPF Communications Web Portal?”
