Change in Use of First-class Postage From Requirement to Recommendation
folder_openChanges to Protocols and Guidelinescalendar_todayPosted September 1, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Home Health Care CAHPS (HHCAHPS) Survey Coordination Team are changing the requirement that vendors mail HHCAHPS Survey questionnaires using first-class postage or indicia to be a recommendation. Vendors should discuss with their client home health agencies the advantages and disadvantages of using first-class postage versus bulk rate mailing and make an appropriate decision about the postage to use for their particular survey. This change is effective immediately and will be reflected in the next version of the HHCAHPS Protocols and Guidelines Manual, which will be posted on the HHCAHPS Web site in early September.

If you have any questions about this change in survey protocol, please contact the HHCAHPS Coordination Team by e mail at hhcahps@rti.org or by calling (866) 354-0985.