CMS toolkit for making written material clear and effective

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the Toolkit for Making Written Material Clear and Effective.  This is an update of the 1999 Writing and Designing Print Materials for Beneficiaries: A Guide for State Medicaid Agencies, which expands upon and broadens the reach of the original guide.  It is divided into 11 parts, including how to use a reader-centered approach in written material, guidelines for writing and design, how to collect and use feedback, using readability formulas, writing for a website, writing for older adults, and using culturally appropriate translations.  It is intended to help with all written material, including pamphlets, posters, brochures, postcards, and application sheets.  It is written for the CMS reader, but could be used for any audience. 

It is available on the CMS website and can be saved or printed from any computer. 
Click here to view the toolkit

CMS is welcome to feedback and suggestions.  Please email david.boyd@cms.hhs.gov to provide comments or suggestions.