The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are seeking nominations for membership to the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC). The MEDCAC supplements CMS’ internal expertise and provides unbiased consideration of state-of-the-art technology and science. Nominees are selected based upon their individual qualifications and not as representatives of professional associations or societies. Nominations for both voting and nonvoting members are being accepted and must be received by December 9, 2013.
Nominations for membership should be mailed to CMS, Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, Attention: Maria Ellis, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop S3-02-01, Baltimore, Maryland 21244.
The MEDCAC reviews and evaluates medical literature, technology assessments, and hears public testimony to address the impact of medical items and services on health outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries. It provides independent guidance and expert advice to the HHS secretary and the CMS administrator about the strength of the scientific evidence available to CMS for ”reasonable and necessary” determinations under Medicare.
Up to 100 experts in clinical and administrative medicine, biologic and physical sciences, public health administration, patient advocacy, health care data and information management and analysis, health care economics, and medical ethics serve on the MEDCAC. No more than 15 members with knowledge specific to the topic in question are selected to serve on the panel for each MEDCAC meeting. The committee meets in a public forum approximately four to eight times a year.
Additional details about the nomination process can be found on the Regulations and Guidance page of the CMS website.
