Medicare conducting survey of beneficiaries

An official survey of Medicare beneficiaries is under way, and the Missouri SMP

(Senior Medicare Patrol) is offering some pointers to folks who may receive visits.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has contracted with NORC at

the University of Chicago to conduct a national study to provide information on the health

care experiences of Medicare recipients. As part of the effort, the NORC representatives are interviewing Medicare beneficiaries in Missouri.

Because the Missouri SMP has been vigilant in warning people against unwittingly answering

personal healthcare questions, the SMP wants to make the public aware that this

survey – titled the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey – is an official research study of

the U.S. government.

The data collected will be used to analyze health care policy issues and improve planning

of health care services.

Interviewers will visit pre-selected households. While Medicare officials are seeking

consumers’ cooperation with these researchers, participation is completely voluntary. Interviewers will wear photo ID, will adhere to strict professional standards, and will be trained and legally bound to pledges of confidentiality.

Individuals’ answers will be kept private, and answers will not affect a participant’s

benefits.

Consumers will not be required to supply their Medicare numbers, credit card numbers

or bank account numbers to these interviewers.

If you have questions, please call the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-888-515-6565. If you

have any concerns about privacy or confidentiality, visit http://www.mcbs.norc.org.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MP0204, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department

of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are

encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official

Administration for Community Living policy.

Toll Free 888-515-6565