Federal law requires that group health plans and health insurance issuers make certain information publicly available to better aid consumers in understanding how they will be charged for the health services they receive. This page is available in compliance with the federal requirements.

As part of the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule set forth by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (referred to collectively as the “Tri-Agencies”), group health plans and health insurance issuers are required to make available to the public negotiated rates for all covered items with in-network providers, and historical payments to and billed charges from, out-of-network providers through machine-readable files (MRFs) posted on an internet website, updated monthly. These files will permit the public to have access to health plan payment information that can be used to understand health plan pricing and the cost for health care services.

The files that are posted will include:

  • In-network provider negotiated rate files
  • Out-of-network provider historic allowed amount files
  • Table of Contents files

File format

To ensure data integrity, all files must conform to a non-proprietary, open standard format, like JSON, XML or YAML, and be made available via HTTPS. The content of the files is formatted to technical standards in guidance published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). See CMS Technical Guidance for reference.

Blue Cross of Idaho will publish machine-readable files in the JSON format to its website on or around the first day of every month.

Access machine-readable files

Click here to link to the Blue Cross of Idaho Machine Readable Files (MRFs) Hub. To access Albertsons Companies in-network provider negotiated rates and historical out-of-network allowed amounts click on SELF INSURED and and use Albertsons Companies in the Search by Company Name. The screenshot below shows you how to search for Albertsons Companies MRFs.

Frequently asked questions

What are machine-readable files (MRFs)?

MRFs are files that will be generated on a monthly basis. The Tri-Agencies require that plans and issuers disclose in-network provider negotiated rates and historical out-of-network allowed amounts.

Whom does it impact?

The consumer, most group health plans, and issuers of group or individual health insurance organizations.

When will the machine-readable files be available?

Beginning July 1, 2022, the files will be accessible from a link on this page to a page on the Blue Cross of Idaho website. The link will be added to the “Access machine-readable files” section above.

Do I need a user account to access the machine-readable files?

No. The files will be accessible free of charge, without having to establish a user account, password or other credentials, and without having to submit any personally identifying information such as a name, email address or telephone number.

Will Blue Cross of Idaho retain the MRF data, and, if so, for how long?

Files are externally available for the current month only. For example, files posted on July 1 will be available until July 31. Updated files will be posted on August 1, replacing the July files.