The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) currently offers researchers two options for accessing CMS Research Identifiable File (RIF) data:
CMS is announcing two changes to the current research data request and access policies. Researchers will be required to use the CCW VRDC to conduct all research using CMS RIF data.
CMS will be implementing this policy change in two phases. To assist with planning and implementation of phase 1 (new research studies using the CCW VRDC and new fees for physical data), CMS has issued a request for information (RFI) from stakeholders that will inform the implementation of phase 2 (the transition of ongoing research studies into the CCW VRDC, beginning in 2025).
AACI encourages member institutions to provide feedback to CMS. Institutions can submit their responses to the questions on the CMS RFI to [email protected]. The RFI is open for comment until May 15, 2024.