CMS has published a notice outlining the criteria and standards to be used for evaluating the performance of fiscal intermediaries (FIs) and carriers in the administration of the Medicare program during FY 2009. The criteria and standards, which address claims processing accuracy and timeliness, customer service, payment safeguards, fiscal responsibility, and administrative management requirements, are effective October 1, 2008, but CMS will accept comments until August 26, 2008.