Community Advance Letter

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

7500 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

August, 2018

Dear [R First] [R Last]:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, would like you to help us better understand the needs of Americans enrolled in Medicare.

Since 1991, we have conducted an important study called the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. For the last 25 years, this survey has been the nation’s primary source of information about how Medicare affects the people it serves. Because we cannot interview everyone on Medicare, we selected a sample of enrollees to represent all of those on Medicare. You have been selected as a result of a scientific process that ensures all beneficiaries are represented in the survey.

In order to get an accurate picture of the needs of the Medicare population, we need to meet with all selected beneficiaries. Through this study, we gather important information that cannot be obtained in any other way. A few of the topics we would like to discuss with you include: your access to health care services, your use of health care services, the rising cost of care, and your satisfaction with the care you received.

As a participant in the study, you will represent thousands of other people similar to you. All of your information will be kept private to the extent permitted by law, as prescribed by The Federal Privacy Act of 1974. Your participation is voluntary. Let me emphasize that your Medicare benefits cannot be affected in any way by the answers that you provide, or by whether or not you choose to participate. I hope you will decide to join us in this important study.

NORC at the University of Chicago, a respected social science research organization, has been contracted to conduct the study. A professional interviewer will contact you in person or by phone to setup a visit. If you agree to participate in the study, the interview will take about one hour.

If you have any questions about the study or would like to schedule an appointment to participate in this important study, please call NORC toll-free at 1-877-389-3429, or email NORC at [email protected]. Enclosed is a brochure that provides you with more information about the survey. You can also visit the MCBS respondent website at www.mcbs.norc.org to learn more.

The Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey is important to the future of Medicare. Please help us in this national effort to improve your Medicare program.

Sincerely,

Debra Reed-Gillette

Director, Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

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