Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: March 20, 2020

General Information

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is authorized by Section 1106(c) of the Social Security Act to charge requesters the cost of making research data available. Once CMS approves data files for use, requesters must submit payment electronically.

Electronic Payments

CMS uses Pay.gov to allow requesters to electronically pay the fees associated with accessing CMS data. Pay.gov is operated by the U.S. Treasury Department and is a convenient and fast way to make secure electronic payments to Federal Government agencies. Pay.gov accepts payments via: (1) bank account (ACH) or (2) credit/debit card.

Pay.gov instructions:

1. Once your CMS data request is approved, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from DataUseAgreement@cms.hhs.gov or EPPE-NOREPLY@cms.hhs.gov containing a link to Pay.gov.
2. Go to Pay.gov’s “CMS Data Payment Form.”
3. Review the overview page and click on “Continue to the Form”.
4. Complete the form.
5. Submit your payment.  You will receive a confirmation e-mail from Pay.gov.
6. Forward the confirmation e-mail to FilesforOrder@cms.hhs.gov.  Please include the data use agreement number in the subject line.

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.