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) 2025.
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 12, 2024* | Upon URL Submission |
SBC, Plan Brochure, Payment, Formulary, Network | URLs section of MPMS | September 18, 2024 | September 18, 2024 |
Machine-Readable Index.JSON | Issuer Details of MPMS | September 18, 2024 | September 18, 2024 |
*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, 5/15/24.
Key Changes for PY2025:
- No changes for the 2025 QHP Application.
Tips for the URL Collection Section
- Verify that URLs are functional before submission.
- All URLs submitted via the MPMS (SBC, Plan Brochure, Payment, Network, Formulary) should be submitted by September 18, 2024. All URLs must be active and directly route consumers to the appropriate document by the deadline for returning signed QHP Certification Agreements.
- Please note that the URL requirements described here apply only to on-Exchange plans; URLS for off-Exchange plans should still be submitted to the Rate & Benefits Information System (RBIS).
- All QHP SBC URL submissions must end with “.PDF” to ensure that the SBC URL leads directly to an SBC form.
- Payment URLs are tested in a separate environment/outside of MPMS.
SBC Instructions and Template
- Instructions for Completing the SBC (Individual): Individual Health Insurance Coverage (PDF)
- Instructions for Completing the SBC (SHOP): Group Health Plan Coverage (PDF)
- Instructions
- Template
- Issuers, including issuers in FFE states, states performing plan management functions, and SBE-FPs, are strongly encouraged to generate and download the URL Template directly from the HIOS MPMS Module, and must submit URL data in the HIOS MPMS Module.
- PY2025 URL Template (Updated 8/2/24)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
- QHP URL Reviews Checklist (Updated 6/4/24)
- Instructional Video