submit claim using java

hi,
i need to develop a software(healthcare related) that will send claim.
I am a java developer, so i would prefer developing it using java. I
need some very basic information, specially where to start from.

1. Are there any libraries that will help me do it?
2. are there any java libraries?
3. how to easily form the claim in x12n format?
4. what protocol to use? https/ftp?

Please feel free to give me any advice or information regarding this.
Thanks.
Asif.