URL Submission

CMS requires issuers to submit URL data for the plans they intend to offer on the Exchange. URL submissions, including updates, are collected in the HIOS MPMS Module. Issuers must submit the following URLs:

  • Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
  • Plan Brochure
  • Payment
  • Formulary
  • Network
  • Transparency in Coverage
  • Machine-Readable & Technical POC

These URLs should lead to live, active webpages that contain accurate issuer marketing information for consumers by the deadlines communicated in the table below. CMS reviews the information provided at each URL to ensure there are no inaccuracies in issuer marketing material when compared to data within an issuer’s submitted QHP Application. CMS also checks that issuers meet provider directory accessibility standards when a network URL is selected. Throughout Open Enrollment and the coverage year, CMS will refresh URL data on HealthCare.gov on an iterative basis; the relevant issuers and states will be notified once URL data is refreshed and available to consumers.

URL Submission Systems and Deadlines

The table below outlines where each URL should be submitted, when the URL should be submitted, and when the data at those URLs should be live and active for plan year (PY) 2024.

URL Submission Systems and Deadlines

URL Type

Submission Location

Submission Deadline

Live and Active Deadline

Transparency in Coverage

Transparency in Coverage section of MPMS

June 14, 2023*

Upon URL Submission

SBC, Plan Brochure, Payment, Formulary, Network

URLs section of MPMS

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Machine-Readable Index.JSON

Issuer Details of MPMS

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

*If you choose to submit a QHP Application by the Early Bird deadline, Transparency in Coverage URLs are required by the Early Bird submission deadline, 5/17/23.

SBC Instructions and Template 

Authorized for use for plan or policy years that begin on or after January 1, 2021.

Issuers offering health insurance coverage on the Exchange must provide applicants, enrollees, and policyholders with an accurate Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). Issuers are required to provide the SBC in a manner compliant with the standards set forth in 45 CFR 147.200, which implements section 2715 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Specifically, issuers must fully comply with the requirements of § 147.200(a)(3), which requires issuers to “provide an SBC in the form, and in accordance with the instructions for completing the SBC, that are specified by the Secretary in guidance.” Instructions for completing the SBC are below.
Please refer to the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary section of the CCIIO website for additional information, including the approved SBC Template for issuers to use when completing their SBCs. Additional regulatory guidance related to SBCs can be found in the Draft 2024 Letter to Issuers.

Application Resources

  • Instructions
    • PY2024 QHP Issuer Application Instructions: URLs (Coming soon!)

  • Frequently Asked Questions