Templates
What is a Template?
For the purposes of SERFF Plan Management, a template is a Microsoft Excel workbook typically used to collect a large amount of plan and issuer-level data for the use of QHP certification, Exchange operations, and oversight activities. Issuers should download the templates from their source and complete them on the desktop, initiating any validation checks within the Excel templates themselves. Templates generally have additional validation that is performed upon upload into the SERFF system. The validation checks are created and managed by the regulatory body providing the data collection template and are initiated in SERFF via web services.
Where can I find the Templates?
To view the latest version of the QHP Templates click here.
How do I attach a Template?
To attach a Template, a Plan Binder must be in 'Edit' or 'Revise' mode.
To attach, expand the desired Template view. Select 'Attach File'. The SERFF File Attachment Upload window will appear. Select 'Browse' and locate the Template to upload. Click 'Upload'. Only one file may be uploaded for each Template item.
An uploaded file can be removed by clicking the 'Remove' link located to the right of the file name.
Note: Template files may be large increasing the upload time. For improved upload time, it is highly recommended that template files be zipped prior to upload. For more information on zipping a file click here.
Where are the NCQA and URAC Templates?
When filing QHPs through SERFF, the NCQA and URAC Data Collection Templates are not required. SERFF obtains accreditation information directly from these entities which will be displayed on the Company and Contact tab. For appropriate information to load into the Binder, the correct NCQA and URAC application IDs must be added to the Company profile. For more information about updating the Company profile, click here.
How do I validate a Template?
Templates must be validated with the Exchange prior to submission of the Binder. Template validation may take several hours to process, so please plan accordingly when submitting your Binder.
To validate a Template, your Plan Binder must be in 'View' mode. Select 'Validate' on the Templates tab. The 'Validate Templates' window will appear listing all Templates. Only those Templates containing an uploaded XML document or zip file containing an XML document will be available for selection. Select the Templates you wish to submit for validation and click 'Submit'. If you upload an XML document that has been compressed in a zip file, it will be unzipped and displayed as an XML when the upload is complete.
An icon will appear next to the Template(s) selected for validation indicating the Templates are Pending Validation. All validation icons are identified and displayed in the Icon Legend located on the Templates tab. The status changes will be indicated by the icons. Once validation has been processed, either a message with errors or a processed file will be returned on the Templates tab.
How do I populate the Standard Component ID, Plan Name, Metal Level, Availability, and Unique Plan Design on the Plans Tab?
Once the Plan and Benefits Template has been uploaded to a draft Binder, the Plans Tab will be populated with the Standard Component ID, Plan Name, Metal Level, Availability, and Unique Plan Design with the data provided within the template.
For additional information regarding the QHP Templates, please click here to view the SERFF User Manual.
Didn't find what you needed here?
The SERFF Help Desk is a great source of information.
Contact the SERFF Help Desk by calling 816-783-8500 or emailing serffhelp@naic.org.