CMS launches initiative to assist newly insured

(HealthDay)—A national initiative has been launched to help answer questions that people may have about their new health coverage and to offer health providers the tools needed to promote patient engagement, according to a press release from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The national initiative, "From Coverage to Care," is an ongoing project that will be needed as more people obtain coverage. The initiative is designed to help answer questions about health coverage and help people take advantage of its benefits, including making use of primary care and preventive services. In addition, tools will be given to assist health providers in promoting patient engagement.

The launch of the initiative coincides with the release of the new Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You, which includes steps to help consumers and providers be informed about the benefits available through their coverage. The Roadmap includes information on terms of health care coverage, differences between primary and emergency health care, and cost differences between in- and out-of-network care.

"Helping to ensure that new health care consumers know about the benefits available through their coverage, and how to use it appropriately to obtain primary care and preventive services is essential to improving the health of the nation and reducing health care costs," Cara V. James, M.D., director of the CMS Office of Minority Health said in a statement.