Certification FAQs
What organization administers the MedicareWebWatch certification program?
HealthMetrix Research Inc., an independent managed care research organization, developed and administers the MedicareWebWatch voluntary certification program.
What is the scope of website features that the MedicareWebWatch certification program addresses?
The certification program addresses five website categories covering 50 features:
- Plan-specific content (15 features)
- External content resources (5 features)
- Member connectivity and solutions (20 features)
- Design and navigation (8 features)
- Privacy and security (2 features)
Upon successful certification, what resources and deliverables are available to each Medicare plan?
The following licensed resources and deliverables are available upon successful certification.
- 2012 MedicareWebWatch certification seal for display in print and electronic media
- 2012 MedicareWebWatch certification status page link
- 2012 MedicareWebWatch customized news release
Are there fees associated with the MedicareWebWatch certification program and resources?
Yes, HealthMetrix Research has established the fee schedule below for the certification review and licensing program.
- 2012 certification with annual licensing fee: $2,000.00
(Valid through January 15, 2013) - Recertification with annual licensing fee: $1,500.00
(Valid January 15, 2012 - January 15, 2013) - Certification review for non-certified websites fee: $500.00
(The $500.00 fee will be credited to the annual licensing fee) - Webinar registration fee for non-certified websites: $300.00
Do Medicare plans have the opportunity to modify their websites based on the results of the initial certification and request a follow-up review?
Yes, HealthMetrix Research provides the initial certification review results and will conduct a follow-up review within 60 days, upon request.
Are Section 508 accessibility standards validated to ensure website compliance?
Yes. MedicareWebWatch tests Section 508 compliance for each website home page and member content page.
What about the CMS Guidelines (Chapter 3) for websites?
HealthMetrix Research assumes that Medicare plan websites meet the CMS website content and design criteria, although the CMS criteria are less comprehensive in scope than for MedicareWebWatch certification.
If a plan does not meet all the MedicareWebWatch criteria, does HealthMetrix Research provide recommendations to help meet the criteria?
Yes.
What information has HealthMetrix Research provided to CMS regarding the MedicareWebWatch certification program?
HealthMetrix Research president Alan Mittermaier presented an overview about the MedicareWebWatch certification program on October 8, 2009 to the CMS Marketing Product Consistency Team (PCT). Attendees included staff from the CMS Division of Policy, Analysis & Planning along with marketing reviewers from all 11 CMS regional offices. There are no compliance issues related to displaying and/or distributing the MedicareWebWatch certification images and news release on plan websites or print media.
Does HealthMetrix Research receive external funding or sponsorship for conducting the MedicareWebWatch certification program?
No.
