picture of an African American female doctor with caption: EDUCATE, INFORM, COLLABORATE - Discover the Health Disparities Program

OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (OEA)

The Office of External Affairs & Beneficiary Services (OEA) provides consultation and support for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) components in achieving strategic communication objectives. It also manages the operations of creative services, including publications and dissemination strategies, graphics, broadcast and video production, and program training to maximize success in promoting the Agency’s programs.

OEA contributes to the formulation of policies, programs, and systems as well as oversees beneficiary services, intergovernmental affairs, media relations, and tribal affairs, including CMS' Ombudsman program, call center operations, Web sites, and Medicare contractor communications. OEA coordinates with the Office of Legislation on the development and advancement of new legislative initiatives and improvements.

Other functions of OEA include overseeing the analysis and evaluation of customer data for the purpose of improving beneficiary communication tools (including but not limited to brochures, program/media campaigns, handbooks, Web sites, reports, presentations/briefings) and identifying best practices for the benefit of beneficiaries and other CMS customers.

  • The Tribal Affairs Group

    The Tribal Affairs Group is specifically assigned to address all issues associated with the health of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs). As part of this function, the Tribal Affairs Group provides consultation and support to CMS components for all activities related to American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs) health.

  • The Low-Income Subsidy Program

    Medicare beneficiaries who have limited income and resources may qualify for extra help to pay for prescription drugs costs. This Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program from Medicare provides financial assistance for such Medicare beneficiaries who are need.

  • Faith-based Division

    CMS offers support to small community-based and faith-based organizations. This initiative has supported CMS health disparity reduction efforts.

  • The Partner Relations Group

    The Partner Relations Group (PRG) within OEA oversees national outreach programs to improve and protect the health of racial and ethnic minority populations by educating, informing, and providing access to partners about Medicare and Medicaid policies and programs that seek to eliminate health disparities.