Changes to 2023 CAA RxDC Reporting for Self-Funded Groups

In response to recent federal regulatory guidelines, Anthem Blue Cross is changing the submission process for Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC). Starting this year, Administrative Service Only (ASO) clients will be responsible for filing certain data.

The RxDC reporting provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requires reporting on drug utilization and spending trends to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This reporting also includes reporting on premium and other information that Anthem Blue Cross does not maintain.

For the initial filing of 2020/2021 data that was due December 27, 2022, Anthem Blue Cross submitted the aggregated data by market segment on behalf of their ASO clients, for the benefits they administer and maintain. For this initial reporting year, this submission included aggregated D1 Premium and Life Years report for the benefits they administer and maintain.

Important Filing Change
Beginning with the filing of 2022 data due June 1, 2023, ASO groups or their delegates will be responsible for the filing of the D1 Premium and Life Years report. This will also require the submission of a corresponding Plan List by the ASO group.

Anthem Blue Cross will continue to complete the following reporting on behalf of ASO clients:
•    P2 – Group Health Plan List
•    D2 – Spending by Category Reporting (included in aggregate submission for the business they administer and maintain)
•    Narrative Response applicable to their business

For clients that have integrated pharmacy coverage through CarelonRx (formerly known as IngenioRx), Anthem Blue Cross will also submit the aggregated data in the D3 – D8 Pharmacy specific reports.

They will also submit the applicable Narrative File with their aggregate reporting submission.

Why are they making this change?
To obtain all of the required information to file one consolidated D1 report, Anthem Blue Cross would have to collect, store, and report data from clients and third-party vendors. This raises concerns because this reporting includes financial and competitively sensitive data.

The Interim Final rule continues to evolve. Recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance discourages the submission of multiple D1 reports for a group health plan. This change in direction more closely aligns with CMS guidance. In many cases, Anthem Blue Cross's ASO clients use one or more third-parties or carveout vendors to support their business including, but not limited to, PBMs, Behavioral Health vendors, and Stop Loss carriers. 

In addition, the D1 reporting includes other data elements such as the employer and employee premium contribution which Anthem Blue Cross does not currently collect and maintain. The safe harbor regarding reporting of non-collected member and employer contributions on the D1 report expired after the December 27, 2022, reporting. 

Your clients have access to all of their data required to submit a complete D1 report, as they are ultimately the source for their data. With the recent CMS guidance alluding to only one D1 report for each client, it makes the most sense for them to take ownership of the filing for the D1 report.

Important Next Step
If your clients have not already obtained the needed access for the RxDC reporting submission, they should begin to do so in preparation for the June 1, 2023, submission. You can find more information on the CMS site regarding the access and forms needed for submission.
•    The RxDC reporting instructions PDF will outline the data to be submitted in the D1 Premium and Life Years report along with the accompanying Plan Report.
•    The site also has the template for the D1 Premium and Life Years file.
•    The HIOS Portal User Manual PDF provides instructions on obtaining the needed access for filing. 
•    The HIOS Portal RxDC Quick Reference Guide PDF explains the file submission and upload process.

For more information, log in to EmployerAccess or visit the CAA/Transparency Resource Center or contact your Sales Consultant or Executive.