New Marketing, Education Requirements for PFFS Plans Implemented by CMS
June 4th, 2007
Abby L. Block, Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) Center for Beneficiary Choices sent a memo May 29 to Medicare Advantage (MA) Private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans reminding them that CMS is requiring new outreach processes to ensure beneficiaries and providers are informed about the distinctive features of Medicare PFFS plans.
Block recently testified about PFFS plan payment policy at a House Committee on Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing. At the hearing, she told lawmakers that CMS was taking steps to clarify marketing guidelines, conduct outreach, and strengthen oversight.
The memo to PFFS plans noted that the organizations must have the new processes – as described in the 2008 Call Letter – in place prior to marketing calendar year 2008 PFFS plans.
The memo explained that MA organizations offering PFFS plans must provide their CMS Regional Office Plan Manager with listings of planned PFFS marketing and sales events using a spreadsheet attached to the memo.
The memo also included a list of best practices and a section with model language that Block suggested plans incorporate into their sales presentations.
Read the memo.
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