On March 30, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the 2010 “call letter,” which functions as a request for proposals to private health insurers and organizations that want to sponsor Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

This issue brief reviews the call letter — the first issued by the Obama Administration — and examines the implications for beneficiaries of some of the proposed changes, including its emphasis on accountability of health plan sponsors, promoting informed choices for beneficiaries, and providing protections for beneficiaries.

The brief was prepared for the Foundation by the Center for Medicare Advocacy.

Issue Brief (.pdf)