Digital Engagement that Delivers: 10 Essential CMS Bid Tips for Medicare Advantage Plans

Why Digital Belongs in Every CMS Bid

As Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans prepare to submit their annual proposals to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by early June, one thing is clear: digital strategies are no longer a bonus—they’re a baseline.

Whether it’s improving member satisfaction, addressing health equity, or reducing administrative burden, the right digital tools make the difference between a bid that blends in and one that wins.

According to PEW research, about 77% of older adults prefer being walked through learning new digital devices and software. And, with over 38% using telehealth, according to research by the University of Michigan, it's essential that patients feel comfortable doing so. Digital health literacy isn’t just beneficial—it’s critical. Fortunately, a growing number of older adults are already turning to learning skills online, according to research, which makes now the perfect time to integrate smart digital engagement.

Top 10 CMS Bid Tips to Boost Outcomes and Satisfaction

We have compiled a list of actionable tips to help enhance Medicare Advantage Plans’ CMS bids, aligned with evolving CMS priorities.

CMS Bid Tip #1: Strengthen Digital Literacy with Peer-Led Learning

Digital literacy is essential for CMS priorities and education that addresses the needs of older adults is even better. Peer-to-peer (older adults teaching older adults) education models foster trust and empowerment, making it easier for older adults to embrace new technologies and digital health tools.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp offers 24/7 live and on-demand classes led by older adults, building both digital and health literacy through relatable instruction.

CMS Bid Tip #2: Seamlessly Integrate Wellness and Learning Resources

Embedding wellness programs and learning platforms directly into your member portal ensures easy, continuous access without additional member friction.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp can be seamlessly integrated into existing member portals, offering easy access to digital education and support services.

CMS Bid Tip #3: Promote Preventive Health with Digital Navigation Support

Supporting members in navigating telehealth services, online benefits, and preventive care resources can significantly improve health outcomes. Education is a crucial way to make these resources more accessible. 

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp provides targeted education on telehealth use, member portals, and plan apps, helping members access care more efficiently.

CMS Bid Tip #4: Enhance Star Ratings through Meaningful Engagement

Member satisfaction and engagement are key drivers for improving CAHPS scores, HEDIS measures, and ultimately your plan’s Star Rating.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp’s engagement programming has been shown to boost satisfaction and encourage preventive service participation.

CMS Bid Tip #5: Prioritize Digital Health Literacy to Meet CMS Expectations

CMS increasingly expects health plans to address digital health literacy gaps to promote equitable access to care. Virtual programming can help to address the needs of those in rural areas and with limited mobility. 

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp focuses on digital health literacy training, helping members build confidence and independence in accessing digital health services. It’s virtual training allow it to be accessed by anyone with a device and internet anywhere. 

CMS Bid Tip #6: Educate Members to Improve Benefit Utilization

Clear, ongoing communication about plan benefits ensures members are aware of wellness offerings, preventive screenings, and savings opportunities.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp offers programming that educates members about their benefits and encourages proactive health engagement. It can offer customized programming to meet the needs of specific partners. 

CMS Bid Tip #7: Increase Efficiency with Scalable Digital Engagement

Empowering members to independently find information and support reduces strain on call centers and administrative teams.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp’s scalable digital learning and support reduce reliance on high-touch service models while maintaining high member satisfaction.

CMS Bid Tip #8: Address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) with Community-Driven Learning

Offering opportunities for social connection and mental well-being through educational programming helps address critical SDOH factors.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp’s community classes combat loneliness and foster inclusion, directly supporting CMS equity and well-being initiatives.

CMS Bid Tip #9: Maintain Continuous Member Engagement Year-Round

Keeping members connected to learning and support resources year-round increases loyalty and encourages consistent wellness habits.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp provides always-available live and on-demand programming that sustains engagement across the calendar year.

CMS Bid Tip #10: Leverage AI-Driven Support for Personalized Member Outreach

AI can personalize member communications, prompt preventive care, and make benefit navigation easier, leading to stronger connections.

How GetSetUp Can Help:

GetSetUp’s AI assistant, Helen, offers personalized, proactive support tailored for Medicare-eligible members.

Focus on Building a Stronger, More Impactful CMS Bid

Improving your CMS bid means focusing on strategies that truly support members—through better digital health literacy, stronger engagement, preventive care education, and social connection. Whether through peer-to-peer learning, seamless integration, scalable support, or AI-driven outreach, digital solutions can help meet CMS priorities while improving overall health outcomes.

If you’re exploring how to strengthen these areas with a proven partner, GetSetUp is here to help.

👉 Connect with GetSetUp today to learn how we can support your CMS bid goals.