The Advisory Panel on Medicare Education (APME), originally chartered on January 21, 1999, advises the Secretary of DHHS and the Administrator of CMS on opportunities to enhance the federal government's effectiveness in implementing a national Medicare education program. Specifically, the APME advises DHHS and CMS on: educating people with Medicare about options for selecting a health plan under Medicare; using public-private partnerships; outreach to vulnerable and under-served communities: assembling an information base of best practices; and, building a community infrastructure for information, counseling and assistance. The APME provides CMS with a broad range of views and information from interested audiences that contribute to operating an effective program at available levels of Federal funding.

The Administrator of CMS appoints APME members for two-year terms. Members must have expertise in one or more of the following areas: senior citizen advocacy, outreach to minority communities, health communications, disease-related advocacy, health economics research, health insurers and plans, providers and clinicians, and/or matters of labor and retirement.

The Charter for the Advisory Panel on Medicare Education was renewed on January 14, 2005. This charter will expire on January 14, 2007. The APME meets approximately four times per year usually in Washington, D.C. Each meeting includes an opportunity for public comment.

CMS Advisory Committee Information Hotline: 1-877-449-5659