CMS Pub. 100-11, ch. 3
The PACE Marketing Guidelines (PMG) interpret and provide guidance on marketing requirements and related provisions of the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) rules (Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 460 (See Appendix 1 for a list of related laws and regulations). PACE Organizations (PO) must follow all Federal laws and regulations that impact marketing including, but not limited to those listed in Appendix 1. POs also must comply with any State specific requirements. POs must ensure the activities of all subcontractors, downstream entities, and/or delegated entities are compliant with all aforementioned laws and regulations.
POs should direct questions regarding a marketing material or practice that is not addressed in this guidance to their CMS Account Manager (AM).
POs may not begin marketing until their initial application has been approved, and they have received their signed PACE program agreement. Additionally, POs may not market new PACE centers or service areas until they receive their amended, signed program agreement.
42 CFR 460.82(a)(1)
The following information must be included in marketing materials provided to prospective participants, prior to an enrollment decision:
Note: Additional information on enrollment and disenrollment is available in the PACE Manual at http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Internet-Only-Manuals-IOMs-Items/CMS019036.html
Description of benefits and services;
Premiums; e.g.,
Note: POs do not have to include all of the information outlined in section 20 in all marketing materials; rather the PO must ensure that the aggregate of materials received by a prospective participant contains the required information.
42 CFR 460.82(d)(1)
Marketing materials must inform a prospective PACE participant that they must receive all needed health care services, including primary care and specialist physician services (other than emergency services), from the PO or an entity authorized by the PO.
42 CFR 460.82(d)(2)
All marketing materials must state clearly that PACE participants may be fully and personally liable for the costs of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.
The PACE Marketing Module in HPMS is an automated tool used to enter, track, and maintain marketing materials submitted for review and approval. POs must submit marketing materials subject to CMS review in HPMS. This includes materials associated with PACE initial or service area expansion (SAE) applications, and materials created and used by subcontractors on the PO’s behalf.
The HPMS module facilitates dual reviews by the CMS Regional Office and the state. Except where otherwise noted, marketing materials must be reviewed and approved by CMS and the state prior to their use by the PO.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Prior to submission, the PO should ensure all marketing materials are in accordance with the requirements of this guidance and other CMS and state issued guidance and instructions. CMS does not review marketing materials for typographical or grammatical errors, unless such errors render the materials inaccurate or misleading.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
POs must place a unique marketing material identification (ID) number on all marketing materials (except as indicated below) to facilitate CMS review and oversight.
The marketing material ID includes: (1) PO contract number (i.e., HXXXX), and (2) any series of alpha numeric characters chosen by the PO.
The following marketing materials do not require a marketing material ID:
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Non-English or alternate format materials must be given a unique material ID using the method outlined above. When submitting these materials in HPMS, POs must designate that they are non-English or alternate format versions. See section 30.4.2 for additional information about the submission of non-English and alternate format materials.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
POs must select a CMS and state reviewer when submitting materials for review. POs should refer to the HPMS Marketing Module User Guide for instructions on how to submit materials in HPMS.
Note: Under certain circumstances, and with prior CMS approval, materials may be submitted outside of HPMS.
42 CFR 460.82(b)(2)
Materials submitted as a part of an initial or a SAE application must:
42 CFR 460.82(b), 460.82(c)
Non-English and alternate format material must either be based on previously approved English/standard print versions of the same material, or include an English translation with the non-English/alternate format material submission. Both non-English and alternate format materials should be submitted as alternate format materials in HPMS. If the alternate format cannot be submitted in HPMS (e.g., braille), the PO should contact its AM and/or the state point of contact to discuss a different method for submission.
Note: POs do not need to submit large-print materials as an alternate format material in HPMS if the only modification to the material is an increased font size and/or layout changes due to the increased font size.
Multi-lingual is defined as material that incorporates English and another language(s). POs should include a note in the HPMS comments field specifying that the material is multi-lingual. Multi-lingual material should not be submitted as an alternate format material.
Any revisions that are made to the original English versions of materials should also be made to the non-English and alternate format versions and re-submitted in HPMS.
Note: See Appendix 1 for a definition of alternate formats.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Website content, other than content that would fall under section 80 of this guidance, must be submitted for review in HPMS. POs should submit a document that includes a link(s) to any PO website(s) so that CMS may review the information as it appears on the live or test website. POs may submit screen shots in lieu of a live website.
The PO should submit updated pages of their website in HPMS for CMS and state approval. POs must submit links to the updated pages in HPMS and include their own material ID and date stamp.
POs that have been approved to operate may make their website publicly available during the CMS review period; however, POs must indicate that the website is pending CMS review until CMS has either approved or disapproved the website. If the website, or portions of the website, are disapproved, POs must submit their revised website to CMS within 20 calendar days, or they must remove the disapproved content from public view. POs may not post websites for new PACE centers or service areas until they have received their amended, signed program agreement.
42 CFR 460.82(b)(3)(i)
Marketing materials will be reviewed within 45 calendar days of submission. The 45 day period begins on the date of submission in HPMS. Materials that have been submitted, but not reviewed within the 45-day time frame, are deemed approved.
Note: Materials associated with an application will be reviewed within 45 days or prior to the due date of the application, whichever comes firsts.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Once reviewed, all marketing materials in HPMS will have an indication of their status, as: approved, disapproved, withdrawn, alternate format, or deemed.
Note: If a PO does not have a signed program agreement, all submitted and approved marketing materials will be considered conditionally approved, meaning that the material is approved once the PO receives a signed PACE program agreement. A PO may not market until it has received a signed program agreement.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Materials marked “approved” may be used in the format in which they were submitted. CMS retains the right to disapprove previously approved marketing materials if they are subsequently found to be inaccurate, altered, or otherwise non-compliant.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Materials marked “disapproved” may not be used. A reason for the disapproval will be included in HPMS.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
POs may withdraw a marketing material following submission and review. POs should submit a written request to their AM stating the reason(s) for the withdrawal.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Non-English and alternate format materials will be marked as “Alternate Format” and are not reviewed or given an approval designation by CMS because they are based on previously approved materials.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
Materials that are submitted, but not reviewed by CMS within 45 days are deemed approved. The status of “deemed” will be notated on the 46th day. Materials marked as “deemed” may be used in the format in which they were submitted.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
POs may modify and resubmit previously disapproved materials. POs should highlight changes and/or insert notes regarding all modifications in the comments section of HPMS. Please see the HPMS Marketing Module User Guide for additional information.
42 CFR 460.82(b)
A template includes placeholders for variable data that may be populated by a PO. Templates allow POs to submit one “master document” with variable elements tailored to one or multiple PACE centers. Variable elements may include the PO name, address, telephone number, and/or URL.
POs must submit templates in HPMS and indicate how the variable data will be populated. POs should insert the name of the field using brackets (e.g. [PO name]), or by populate the fields with all variables (e.g., [PO name Center A, PO name Center B, PO name Center C]). Template Materials will
have only one marketing ID number regardless of the number and combination of variables.
42 CFR 460.32(a)(2), 460.82(e)(1), 460.112(a)
POs are prohibited from any discriminatory marketing practices with the exception of being able to target those individuals who may be eligible for the PACE program (Chapter 5, Section 20.1 of the PACE Manual). Moreover, PACE participants have the right not to be discriminated against in the delivery of required PACE services based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or source of payment. POs must comply with other anti-discrimination rules and requirements.
42 CFR 460.82(c)
POs must have interpreter services available to assist non-English or limited English proficient (LEP) participants. POs must provide printed copies of all marketing materials to prospective and current participants in English and any other principal languages of the community, as determined by the state.
42 CFR 460.82(c)(2)
POs must ensure all marketing materials are available in alternate formats so they are accessible and appropriate for individuals with disabilities (e.g., those with visual or hearing impairments). This includes providing documents in braille, if necessary or requested. Reasonable accommodations to communicate marketing information must be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act (see Appendix 2). CMS expects that a PO will make the necessary accommodations (i.e., provide the alternate format) as expeditiously as possible. A PO may provide an audio alternative format with the agreement of the current or prospective participant.
42 CFR 460.82(e)(2)
All marketing material text, including footnotes, must be printed with a font size equivalent to or larger than Times New Roman twelve (12)-point. The equivalency standard applies to both the height and width of the font.
Exceptions to the font size rule, include:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
PO's must include a TTY telephone number in the same font, size, and style as the other telephone numbers whenever they list their customer service telephone number, except as outlined below. POs may use their own TTY telephone number or a state relay service, as long as the telephone number is accessible from TTY equipment. TTY customer service telephone numbers must be toll-free.
TTY telephone numbers do not need to be included in:
The TTY number used in television ads may be a different font, size, or style than other telephone numbers to limit confusion.
42 CFR 460.82(a)
Hold time messages that play recorded information and discuss health-education and general information (e.g., hours of operation, flu shot reminders) or generic statements such as “Thank you for holding” are not considered marketing and do not need to be submitted in HPMS for review or approval.
However, hold time messages that promote the PACE organization or include benefit information are considered marketing and must be submitted in HPMS for review and approval. POs are prohibited from using hold time messages to market other products.
42 CFR 460.82(e)(2)
Marketing material that uses or refers to studies, statistical data, or survey results regarding customer satisfaction, quality, or cost must include the following information, in text or as a footnote:
Note: This information should also be included in the comments field in HPMS.
POs referencing studies or statistical data must include the following in their HPMS submission(s):
separate page if the PO is not submitting the materials through HPMS. The PO is prohibited from using DHHS, CMS, or Medicare logos.
42 CFR 460.82(a)(2),(e)(2)
POs may only distribute marketing materials that are accurate and appropriately represent the PO, PACE Program, its benefits and services. This requirement extends to contractors that may be directly or indirectly involved in marketing the PO.
POs may:
POs must not:
42 CFR 460.82(e)(2)
Product endorsements and testimonials must adhere to the following guidelines:
Note: The re-publication of an individual user's content or comment from social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn) that promotes a PO is considered an endorsement or testimonial and must adhere to the guidance in this section.
42 CFR 460.82(a), 460.98(b)(2)
When marketing ACSs, POs must make it clear that:
42 CFR 460.82(e)
POs and their subcontractors must not engage in direct, unsolicited contact with non-referred prospective participants, including outbound calls.
Specifically, POs must not:
POs may conduct the following activities:
Provide an opt-out process for participants/family members/caregivers who no longer wish to receive email communications;
Return phone calls and messages from prospective participants, family members, and/or caregivers;
Note: POs may make an initial follow-up call or mailing based on referrals from a prospective participant's family, friends or neighbor, or from community partners and resources such as social workers, physician offices, and housing managers. However, if upon initial contact, the prospective participant/family member/caregiver shows no interest, further contact is prohibited.
42 CFR 460.82(e)(4)
POs are prohibited from using third parties whose sole responsibility is to directly contact prospective participants to solicit enrollment.
Note: This does not preclude POs from subcontracting administrative tasks such as printing and web development, nor does it preclude POs from working with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and other community advocates.
42 CFR 460.82(e)
POs may offer gifts to prospective participants, provided they:
Note: POs should track and document items given to current participants. POs are not required to track pre-enrollment promotional items on a per person basis; however, they must
not structure pre-enrollment activities so as to avoid the $75 per year aggregate maximum.
Note: Additional information regarding gifts and gift cards is available on the DHHS Office of Inspector General's (OIG's) website (available at http://www.oig.hhs.gov/).
42 CFR 460.82(e)(3)
POs must include a written statement on all marketing materials promoting drawings, prizes, or any promise of a free gift that there is no obligation to enroll in PACE. For example:
42 CFR 460.82(a)(2), 460.82(b), 460.82(e)
POs may choose to have a website. POs must ensure that their website, including websites owned by parent companies that include PACE content,
meet all marketing requirements outlined in this chapter. PO websites must be compliant with web-based technology and information standards for people with disabilities, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
In addition, PO websites must:
42 CFR 460.82(b)
CMS views the following as materials largely designed to get the consumer's attention and provide contact information for purposes of requesting more information. POs must ensure that these materials meet applicable requirements and should have a system to track, maintain these materials so that they may be made available to CMS upon request.
These are not subject to CMS review and approval and should not be submitted in HPMS:
• Materials that provide information to current participants, family members, or caregivers, about their current enrollment in the PACE program or provide non-PACE-specific health information.
Items such as billboards, bus or bench ads, etc. that advertise the PO’s name and provide contact information without providing more detailed information.
Ad-hoc participant communications materials provide information that is targeted to current participants or a customized/limited subset of participants. They do not include information about the PO’s benefit structure. They apply to specific situations, cover participant-specific processes, or other operational issues. These materials are not marketing materials.
Advertising/promotional materials are primarily intended to attract or appeal to a prospective participant. Advertising/promotional materials contain less detail than other marketing materials, and may provide benefit information at a level to entice a prospective participant to request additional information.
Alternate formats are methods/forms of communication used to convey information to participants with disabilities (e.g., Braille, large print, and audio). These materials address reasonable accommodation requirements to communicate marketing information.
Banner ads are typically in television ads and flash information quickly across a screen with the sole purpose of enticing a prospective participant to contact the PO to enroll or request more information. A “banner-like” ad is usually in some media other than television (e.g., outdoor advertising and internet banner ads), and is intended to be very brief and to entice someone to call the PO or to alert someone that information is forthcoming. These types of ads are considered informational and are not considered marketing materials.
Enrollment materials are used to convey information specific to enrollment and disenrollment. Enrollment materials that are used prior to enrollment are considered marketing materials (see Appendix 2).
HPMS is a web-enabled information system that supports the implementation and ongoing operations of POs. HPMS and its software modules may be used by POs to enter, track, and maintain marketing materials submitted to CMS for review and approval.
Marketing materials are information POs provide to the public about its program. Marketing materials can be used to educate prospective participants. These materials must be approved by CMS and the SAA.
Mobile apps are programs that are typically downloaded and run on a mobile device. Mobile apps differ from websites in that a website is accessed via a device's web browser.
Nominal value is currently defined by CMS as being worth $15 or less, based on the retail value of the item in question. Any promotional activity or item (i.e., gift) offered by POs, including those that will be used to encourage retention of participants, must be of nominal value.
Note: CMS sets the maximum, not the minimum, for nominal value.
Outdoor advertising is outdoor marketing intended to capture the attention of a passing audience (e.g., billboards, signs attached to transportation vehicles), and to influence them to request more detailed information on the product being advertised.
PACE is a managed care Medicare/Medicaid program authorized under sections 1894, 1905(a), and 1934 of the Social Security Act and Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 460 (see Appendix 2).
A PACE program agreement is an agreement between a PO, CMS, and the SAA for the operation of a PACE program. A PO may only operate in a state in accordance with a PACE program agreement.
A template material is any marketing material that includes placeholders for variable data to be populated at a later time.
A website address is an address that is typed into an internet browser, also known as a Universal Resource Locator (URL).
(Rev. 4, Issued: 08-30-13, Effective: 05-08-13, Implementation: 10-29-13)
The PACE regulations can be found at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2009-title42-vol4/CFR-2009-title42-vol4-part460
Additional information on the HIPAA Privacy Rule and its use and disclosure requirements can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/
Additional information on the Americans with Disabilities Act can be found at http://www.ada.gov/
Additional information on sections 501 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act can be found at
http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/sec504.htm and
http://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/504/disability_primer_1.html
Additional information can be found at https://www.hpms.cms.gov
(Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220), August 7, 1998)
All POs that choose to create and maintain an Internet website must ensure that it is compliant with web-based technology and information standards for people with disabilities as specified in section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. For additional information, please go to the following website address:
http://www.section508.gov
Note: These Federal requirements are extended to all POs through the requirements for non-discrimination under Federal grants and programs (29 USC §794).
Additional information on PACE Enrollment and Disenrollment can be found in the PACE Manual at http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Internet-Only-Manuals-IOMs-Items/CMS019036.html
Additional information on the PACE provisions in the Social Security Act can be found at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title18/1894.htm; https://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title19/1934.htm and http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title19/1905.htm