Plan Connectivity Preparation

Provided below are descriptions of documentation and forms necessary to participate in the MAPD Program.  The documents are available in the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

Welcome Packet

The Welcome Packet is a collection of documents designed to assist new Plans through the connectivity process. The packet includes:

• Welcome Letter
• Preparation for Annual Enrollment Preparation (AEP) Connectivity Overview (PowerPoint)
• AEP Timeline
• Connectivity Type Summary
• AEP Connectivity Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Who Does What (Help Desk contact information)

Data Exchange Preparation Procedures (DEPP)

This document is designed to provide guidance to all Plans needing to establish or update connectivity to exchange data for participation in the MAPD program.

Plan Connectivity Checklist

The Plan Connectivity Checklist provides the steps Plans will take to establish or update connectivity with CMS. The connectivity types are divided into sections.

Request for Server to Server Access to CMS Enterprise File Transfer (EFT) Corporate Secure Point of Entry (SPOE) ID Request Form

Use this form to obtain a Secure Point of Entry (SPOE) ID which is needed by the Plan to access CMS’s Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) server for file exchange. Plans will fill out this form for the following connectivity types:

• T1 Connect: Direct
• TIBCO MFT SFTP/HTTP
• TIBCO PS
• Gentran (if automating)

Enterprise File Transfer (EFT) Partner Server Form

This document will provide the detailed technical information needed by the Enterprise File Transfer (EFT) Team to establish or update connectivity. Plans that will use a TIBCO MFT Platform Server (PS) or Internet Server (IS) connection must complete the EFT Partner Server Form. This form is not needed for other connectivity methods.

External Point of Contact (EPOC) Access Acknowledgement Form

This form is used to add, remove, or recertify EPOC role(s) that users will request with their IDM account within the CMS Enterprise Portal. Failure to submit accurate information in this form will result in no, or delayed, access for all Plan users. Note: Both the EPOC Designation Letter and EPOC Access Acknowledgment form are required for role approval and re-certification.

EPOC Designation Letter Template

Before a Plan can register in the CMS Enterprise Portal, they must submit an EPOC Designation Letter, on company letterhead. This form is used to validate and recertify the EPOC role that users will request with their IDM account within the CMS Enterprise Portal.  Note: Both the EPOC Designation Letter and EPOC Access Acknowledgment form are required for role approval and re-certification.

EPOC and MARx Role Request Guides

These guides will assist users with requesting the EPOC and other MARx roles within the CMS Enterprise Portal. The roles are needed to establish connectivity.