You can now discuss plan benefits with members

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made updates to section 60 of the Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines. CMS now allows pharmacists and providers to talk about plan benefits with patients.

This update changes how you can interact with members. You can now discuss plan benefits with members in a health care setting, such as your office. But the discussion must be:

• Requested by the member
• Part of a course of treatment

For more details, please see section 60 of the Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines.

We’ll update your provider agreement
You must comply with the Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines, as noted in your provider agreement. We’re updating your provider agreement to include neutrality as well. Neutrality means you can’t promote one plan over another.

We’re here to help

If you have any questions about this new guidance, just call 1-800-624-0756 (TTY: 711).