March 1, 2010
Chance to Comment on Practical Marketing Guidance Improvements
In an exciting and unprecedented development, CMS has released an updated draft version of the Medicare Marketing Guidelines for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Plans that contains a significant and long sought beneficiary improvement. CMS is proposing a requirement that all plans beginning in 2011 must "prominently display" one of 3 statements on the outside of all mailings to beneficiaries. The statement will indicate whether the mailing is an advertisement; important plan information; or health, wellness, or prevention information.
This new proposed requirement is a significant change because it helps beneficiaries sort through the countless pieces of mail they receive each year from current and prospective plan sponsors. It will make it possible for beneficiaries to easily distinguish essential plan documentation from marketing and promotional pieces. The inclusion of this language in the guidelines is a result of a suggestion made by Lisa Federico, a SHIP Coordinator in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as HAP's own advocacy on the issue.
HAP would like your help letting CMS know by March 5 that this proposed change would greatly benefit Medicare beneficiaries as well as SHIP counselors. Your support is important because some groups likely will oppose this new requirement and undoubtedly will share their opinions with CMS.
So what exactly can you do to help? We need your support to help let CMS know that this change actually is needed and extremely valuable. To make it easy for you to provide CMS with your support, HAP has written language to help you get started. Just follow this easy, step-by-step guide:
- Request a copy of HAP's comments of support for this proposed change.
- Fill out your contact information on the top of the form.
- Read the proposed change (see page 50 of the guidelines) and HAP's comments and adapt the language to suit your preferences.
- Email the file to CMS at Marketingpolicy@cms.hhs.gov, with "Comments on Marketing Guidelines" in the subject line by March 5.
We appreciate your consideration in supporting this initiative for change to CMS's marketing rules. Taking part in this action will help the beneficiaries you serve who are often unaware or unable to take part in these opportunities to affect change. Even if you've never provided comments to CMS before, you can get involved now. If you have questions or concerns about the comments process, please be in touch with HAP.
Sincerely,
The HAP Team
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