HSAG Medicare Consumer Advisory Council Overview

Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) are directed to “... establish a Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) for the purpose of advising [the QIO] regarding consumer-oriented activities.” The creation of these Councils reflects the new philosophy of CMS to increase “responsiveness to beneficiaries, physicians and other health care providers, states and lawmakers . . .”

CAC members will represent organizations whose primary responsibility is to protect the interest of Medicare beneficiaries and provide broad community representation.

The Health Services Advisory Group CAC will:

• assist in identifying barriers to obtaining quality health care from all perspectives on behalf of beneficiaries and consumers
• assist in communicating accurate and clear information to Medicare beneficiaries and other consumers, utilizing all media, to improve their knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Quality Improvement Organization within the Medicare system
• review and make recommendations regarding consumer-related health care messages, materials, and activities planned by HSAG
• provide feedback on effectiveness of HSAG’s beneficiary-related activities and assist HSAG in recruiting beneficiaries and consumers to obtain their perspectives