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About AB2D

The AB2D API shares access to Medicare Parts A and B data. AB2D is only available to active, stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) sponsors. Also known as Part D sponsors, these are insurers that deliver Part D benefits to Medicare enrollees.

Definitions of Part A and Part B claims data
Data type Definition
Medicare Part A claims data Inpatient hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care
Medicare Part B claims data Various doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services

What are permitted uses of the data? 

The final rule specifies that data may be used for:

  • Optimizing therapeutic outcomes through improved medication use
  • Improving care coordination
  • Other purposes [that qualify] as “fraud and abuse detection or compliance activities”

The following uses are not permitted:

  • Inform coverage determinations under Part D;
  • Conduct retroactive reviews of medically accepted indication(s) determinations;
  • Facilitate enrollment changes to a different prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan offered by the same parent organization; or
  • Inform marketing of benefits

Explore use cases

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History of the AB2D API

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed AB2D to follow the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA) and final rule. This is in accordance with requirements to share claims data with PDP sponsors that have active contracts.

AB2D provides PDP sponsors with Medicare data to promote the best use of medications and improve health outcomes. AB2D electronically exchanges healthcare information using the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard for efficient and secure data sharing.

What are the other CMS claims-based FHIR APIs?

  • Beneficiary Claims Data API

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    The Beneficiary Claims Data API (BCDA) helps Alternative Payment Model participants provide high-quality, coordinated care by making it easier to access bulk Medicare Parts A, B, and D claims data.

  • Blue Button 2.0

    BB 2.0 logo

    The Blue Button 2.0 (BB2.0) API enables enrollees to connect their Medicare claims data to applications, services, and research programs they trust.

  • Data at the Point of Care

    DPC logo

    The Data at the Point of Care (DPC) API enables healthcare providers with claims data to fill in gaps in patient history at the point of care and deliver high-quality services to Medicare enrollees.

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