Employer & Union Retiree Drug Subsidy The Retiree Drug Subsidy
Guidance for employers and unions regarding information and application instruction documents relating to the Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS).
Final
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: April 10, 2013
The Retiree Drug Subsidy
The retiree drug subsidy (RDS) is one of several options available under Medicare that enables employers and unions to continue assisting their Medicare eligible retirees in obtaining more generous drug coverage. It is generally considered the easiest and most straightforward of the available options, and can often be implemented with little or no benefit design changes to current coverage. The primary web site for the RDS program, including the online tool for submitting subsidy applications, is hosted by the RDS Center (see link below under "Related Links Outside of CMS"). This page provides links to guidance and application instruction documents relating to the RDS, as well as overview documents.
HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.