Plain-Language Definitions for the Terms That Matter
The acronyms, programs, and standards that come up across Medicaid,
eligibility, and marketplace work — defined clearly, without the jargon.
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ARC-AMPE
The CMS security and privacy framework that state exchanges and connected Medicaid systems are expected to meet. Successor to MARS-E 2.0.
AVS
An electronic system states use to verify the assets of Medicaid applicants and recipients, as required for certain eligibility determinations. CITIZ3N’s eligibility verification supports AVS under Section 1940.
Related: Eligibility Verification (AVS) →Community Engagement Requirement
A Medicaid requirement, established under the 2025 federal law (OBBBA / H.R.1), that certain adults complete qualifying activities — such as work, education, volunteering, or caregiving — to maintain coverage. Often referred to as “work requirements.” States must implement it by January 1, 2027.
Related: Community Engagement Verification →Federal Data Services Hub
A federal system that lets state Medicaid and exchange systems verify applicant information — such as income and citizenship — against federal data sources during eligibility and enrollment.
FEHB
The program providing health insurance to federal employees, retirees, and their families, administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
FFM
A health insurance exchange operated by the federal government —primarily via HealthCare.gov and managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — for states that chose not to build their own state-run marketplace.
ICHRA
An arrangement that lets an employer reimburse employees, tax-free, for individual health insurance and qualifying medical expenses instead of offering a traditional group plan.
Related: ICHRA Platform →MMIS
It is an automated, integrated computer system used by state Medicaid agencies to process health claims, manage program data, and check patient eligibility
NIST 800-53
A catalog of security and privacy controls published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, widely used as the baseline for federal information systems.
OBBBA
The 2025 federal law that, among other provisions, established the Medicaid community engagement requirement with a state implementation deadline of January 1, 2027.
Related: January 1, 2027 Deadline →Program Integrity
The work of ensuring Medicaid funds and benefits are used correctly — verifying eligibility, preventing improper payments, and supporting oversight. Effective program integrity keeps humans in the loop rather than relying on automation alone.
Related: Verify: FWA →SBM
A health insurance exchange operated by a state rather than the federal government, where residents shop for and enroll in coverage.
Related: Marketplace →Section 1940
A section of the Social Security Act requiring states to use an Asset Verification System (AVS) to verify assets for certain Medicaid eligibility determinations.
Related: Section 1940 Compliance →Section 508
A federal accessibility requirement that information technology used by federal and federally funded programs be accessible to people with disabilities.
SHOP
A marketplace where small employers offer health coverage to their employees.
Related: SHOP Platform →SOC 2 Type 2
An independent audit report on how an organization’s security controls operate over a period of time, covering criteria such as security, availability, and confidentiality.
State IES
The state system that determines eligibility for Medicaid and other benefit programs and connects to enrollment and verification systems.
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