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Title VI-Protecting the Civil Rights of Beneficiaries

As stewards of federal funds, we are statutorily responsible for assuring CMS Program beneficiaries have equal access to quality health care.  The aged, disabled, and poor are vulnerable in the health care arena.  CMS requires managers, Medical Professionals, Social Research Analysts, and Health Insurance Specialists, in both central and regional offices, receive training on the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  The Act provides that "no person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."  The training will also include discussions on Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally assisted education programs) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability).  This course provides awareness of beneficiaries' rights under CMS programs and our obligation to inform and protect beneficiaries' rights to equal services from health care providers, contractors, and States.