Program_Memos / 2002 / AB-02-010

Why This Topic Matters

It helps organizations understand CMS-directed outreach responsibilities related to colorectal cancer screening awareness and beneficiary communication. It is useful for teams managing Medicare notices, newsletters, websites, and patient education materials.

Article Sections

1. Background

   Provides the public health and Medicare context for the memorandum, including the awareness campaign focus and the reason outreach was being emphasized.

2. Distribution of CRC Materials

   Summarizes the categories of public education materials available through CMS and CDC and how they were intended to be shared with beneficiaries, providers, and partners.

3. CRC Message in Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Medicare Benefits (EOMB) - Requirement

   Describes required beneficiary notice content for the awareness campaign and notes the circumstances under which the message was to appear.

4. Article in Beneficiary Newsletter and Web Site - Requirement

   Outlines expectations for placing a beneficiary-focused article in newsletters and on web sites during the campaign period.

5. Article in Provider Newsletter and Web Site

   Discusses optional provider communication content and general topics that provider newsletters and web sites could address.

6. Attachment 1 – Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Publications

   Lists publication ordering and download information for campaign materials distributed through CMS and CDC channels.

7. Attachment 2 – Article

   Contains a beneficiary-oriented article with general educational points about colorectal cancer, screening, and related resources.