The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) affords requesters all of the rights accorded to them by law, including the right of access to any non-privileged agency record, and to protect from inappropriate disclosure any agency record that may and should be withheld under the statute. CMS establishes implementing policies and procedures, provides authoritative advice and guidance, receives and processes FOIA requests for records. CMS oversees component and Medicare contractor compliance to the statutes, and offers a customer service to the members of the public.

Freedom of Information Act Contacts

Refer to the links section below for information on the Freedom of Information Group’s (FIG) contacts including:

1. Freedom of Information Group, Baltimore, MD

2. CMS Regional Office Coordinators

3. Intermediary and Carrier Directory

The Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), found in Title 5 of the United States Code, section 552, was enacted in 1966 and provides that, upon request from any person, a Federal agency must release any agency record unless that record falls within one of the nine statutory exemptions and three exclusions. The FOIA binds only Federal agencies, and covers only records in the possession and control of Federal agencies. For additional information on FOIA, refer to the section in the Related Links Outside CMS.

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