[Federal Register: August 4, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 149)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 45025-45127]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04au05-8]                         
 

[[Page 45025]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part III





Department of Health and Human Services





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services



-----------------------------------------------------------------------



42 CFR Parts 409, 411, 424, and 489



Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing 
for Skilled Nursing Facilities for FY 2006; Final Rule


[[Page 45026]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

42 CFR Parts 409, 411, 424, and 489

[CMS-1282-F]
RIN 0938-AN65

 
Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated 
Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities for FY 2006

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In this final rule we update the payment rates used under the 
prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), 
for fiscal year (FY) 2006. Annual updates to the PPS rates are required 
by section 1888(e) of the Social Security Act (the Act), as amended by 
the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 
1999 (BBRA), the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and 
Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA), and the Medicare Prescription Drug, 
Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), relating to Medicare 
payments and consolidated billing for SNFs. This final rule also 
responds to public comments submitted on the proposed rule published on 
May 19, 2005 (70 FR 29070), and promulgates provisions set forth in 
that proposed rule, along with several additional technical revisions 
to the regulations.

DATES: Effective Date: This final rule becomes effective on October 1, 
2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Gay, (410) 786-4528 (for 
information related to the case-mix classification methodology, and for 
information related to swing-bed providers).
    Jeanette Kranacs, (410) 786-9385 (for information related to the 
development of the payment rates, and for information related to the 
wage index).
    Bill Ullman, (410) 786-5667 (for information related to coverage 
requirements, level of care determinations, consolidated billing, and 
general information).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To assist readers in referencing sections 
contained in this document, we are providing the following Table of 
Contents.

Table of Contents

I. Background
    A. Current System for Payment of SNF Services Under Part A of 
the Medicare Program
    B. Requirements of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) for 
Updating the SNF PPS
    C. The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement 
Act of 1999 (BBRA)
    D. The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and 
Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA)
    E. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and 
Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA)
    F. General Overview of the SNF PPS
    1. Payment Provisions--Federal Rates
    2. Payment Provisions--Initial Transition Period
    G. Use of the SNF Market Basket Index
II. Summary of the Provisions of the FY 2006 Proposed Rule
III. Analysis of and Response to Public Comments on the FY 2006 
Proposed Rule
    A. General Comments on the FY 2006 Proposed Rule
    1. Public Comment Schedule for the FY 2006 Proposed Rule
    B. Update of Federal Payment Rates Under the SNF PPS
    1. Costs and Services Covered by the Federal Rates
    2. Methodology Used for the Calculation of the Federal Rates
    C. Case-Mix Adjustment and Other Clinical Issues
    1. Proposed Refinements to the RUG-III Case-Mix Classification 
System
    2. Proposed Increases to the RUG-III Case-Mix Weight Values
    3. Implementation Issues
    4. Additional Clinical and Related Issues
    a. Proposed Changes to the MDS Coding Requirements (``Look-
Back'' Period, 5-day Grace Periods for PPS MDS Assessments, and 
Projection of Anticipated Therapy Services during the 5-day PPS 
Assessment (Section T))
    b. Long-Term Payment and Quality Incentive Proposals
    c. Proposal to Clarify ``Direct'' and ``Indirect'' Employment 
Relationships for Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists
    d. Completion of Other Medicare Required Assessments (OMRAs)
    e. Concurrent Therapy
    5. Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates and Associated Indexes
    D. Wage Index Adjustment to Federal Rates
    1. Proposal to Incorporate the Revised OMB Definitions for 
Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Combined Statistical Areas
    2. Determining the Labor-Related Portion of the SNF PPS Rate
    3. Calculating the Budget Neutrality Factor
    E. Updates to the Federal Rates
    F. Relationship of Case-Mix Classification System to Existing 
SNF Level-of-Care Criteria
    1. Proposals on the 9 New Rehabilitation Plus Extensive Services 
Groups
    G. Example of Computation of Adjusted PPS Rates and SNF Payment
    H. SNF Market Basket Index
    1. Background
    2. Use of the SNF Market Basket Percentage
    3. Market Basket Forecast Error Adjustment
    4. Federal Rate Update Factor
    I. Consolidated Billing
    J. Application of the SNF PPS to SNF Services Furnished by 
Swing-Bed Hospitals
    K. Qualifying Three-Day Inpatient Hospital Stay Requirement
IV. Provisions of the Final Rule
V. Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking
VI. Collection of Information Requirements
VII. Regulatory Impact Analysis
    A. Overall Impact
    B. Anticipated Effects
    C. Accounting Statement
    D. Alternatives Considered Regulation Text
VIII. Addendum

    In addition, because of the many terms to which we refer by 
abbreviation in this final rule, we are listing these abbreviations and 
their corresponding terms in alphabetical order below:

ADL Activity of Daily Living
ARD Assessment Reference Date
BBA Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105-33
BBRA Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 
1999, Pub. L. 106-113
BEA (U.S. Department of Commerce) Bureau of Economic Analysis
BIPA Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and 
Protection Act of 2000, Pub. L. 106-554
CAH Critical Access Hospital
CBSA Core-Based Statistical Area
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CMS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
CMSA Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area
CPT (Physicians') Current Procedural Terminology
DRG Diagnosis Related Group
FI Fiscal Intermediary
FR Federal Register
FY Fiscal Year
GAO Government Accountability Office
HCPCS Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
ICD-9-CM International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, 
Clinical Modification
IFC Interim Final Rule With Comment Period
MDS Minimum Data Set
MEDPAR Medicare Provider Analysis and Review File
MMA Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act 
of 2003, Pub. L. 108-173
MSA Metropolitan Statistical Area
NECMA New England County Metropolitan Area
OIG Office of Inspector General
OMRA Other Medicare Required Assessment
PMSA Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area
PPI Producer Price Index
PPS Prospective Payment System
PRM Provider Reimbursement Manual

[[Page 45027]]

RAI Resident Assessment Instrument
RAP Resident Assessment Protocol
RAVEN Resident Assessment Validation Entry
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act, Pub. L. 96-354
RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis
RUG Resource Utilization Group
SCHIP State Children's Health Insurance Program
SNF Skilled Nursing Facility
STM Staff Time Measurement
UMRA Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, Pub. L. 104-4

I. Background

    On May 19, 2005, we published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register (70 FR 29070, hereafter referred to as the FY 2006 SNF PPS 
proposed rule), setting forth the proposed updates to the payment rates 
used under the prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing 
facilities (SNFs), for FY 2006. Annual updates to the PPS rates are 
required by section 1888(e) of the Social Security Act (the Act), as 
amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement 
Act of 1999 (BBRA, Pub. L. 106-113), the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP 
Benefits Improvement and rotection Act of 2000 (BIPA, Pub. L. 106-554), 
and the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act 
of 2003 (MMA, Pub. L. 100-173), relating to Medicare payments and 
consolidated billing for SNFs. In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we 
invited public comments on a number of proposed revisions and technical 
corrections to the regulations.

A. Current System for Payment of SNF Services Under Part A of the 
Medicare Program

    Section 4432 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA, Pub. L. 105-
33) amended section 1888 of the Act to provide for the implementation 
of a per diem PPS for SNFs, covering all costs (routine, ancillary, and 
capital-related) of covered SNF services furnished to beneficiaries 
under Part A of the Medicare program, effective for cost reporting 
periods beginning on or after July 1, 1998. We are updating the per 
diem payment rates for SNFs for FY 2006. Major elements of the SNF PPS 
include:
     Rates. Per diem Federal rates were established for urban 
and rural areas using allowable costs from FY 1995 cost reports. These 
rates also included an estimate of the cost of services that, before 
July 1, 1998, were paid under Part B but furnished to Medicare 
beneficiaries in a SNF during a Part A covered stay. The rates were 
adjusted annually using a SNF market basket index. Rates were case-mix 
adjusted using a classification system (Resource Utilization Groups, 
version III (RUG-III)) based on beneficiary assessments (using the 
Minimum Data Set (MDS) version 2.0) (In section III.C of this final 
rule, we discuss refinements to the case-mix classification system). 
The rates were also adjusted by the hospital wage index to account for 
geographic variation in wages. (In section III.D of this final rule, we 
discuss the wage index adjustment in detail.) Correction notices were 
published in the Federal Register on October 7, 2004 (69 FR 60158) and 
on December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78445) that announced corrections to 
several of the wage factors. Additionally, as noted in the July 30, 
2004 update notice (69 FR 45775), section 101 of BBRA and certain 
sections of BIPA also affect the payment rate.
     Transition. The SNF PPS included an initial 3-year, phased 
transition that blended a facility-specific payment rate with the 
Federal case-mix adjusted rate. For each cost reporting period after a 
facility migrated to the new system, the facility-specific portion of 
the blend decreased and the Federal portion increased in 25 percentage 
point increments. For most facilities, the facility-specific rate was 
based on allowable costs from FY 1995; however, since the last year of 
the transition was FY 2001, all facilities were paid at the full 
Federal rate by the following fiscal year (FY 2002). Therefore, as 
discussed in section I.F.2 of this final rule, we are no longer 
including adjustment factors related to facility-specific rates for the 
coming fiscal year.
     Coverage. The establishment of the SNF PPS did not change 
Medicare's fundamental requirements for SNF coverage. However, because 
the RUG-III classification is based, in part, on the beneficiary's need 
for skilled nursing care and therapy, we have attempted, where 
possible, to coordinate claims review procedures involving level of 
care determinations with the outputs of beneficiary assessment and RUG-
III classifying activities. We discuss this coordination in greater 
detail in section III.F of this final rule. Moreover, the Part A SNF 
benefit has not only level of care requirements, but also a set of 
technical, or ``posthospital'' requirements as well. In section III.K 
of this final rule, we discuss one aspect of the technical requirement 
for a qualifying prior inpatient hospital stay of at least 3 
consecutive days, on which we invited public comment in the FY 2006 SNF 
PPS proposed rule.
     Consolidated Billing. The SNF PPS includes a consolidated 
billing provision that requires a SNF to submit consolidated Medicare 
claims for almost all of the services that the resident receives during 
the course of a covered Part A stay. (In addition, this provision 
places with the SNF the Medicare billing responsibility for physical 
and occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services that 
the resident receives during a noncovered stay.) The statute excludes 
from the consolidated billing provision a few services--primarily those 
of physicians and certain other types of practitioners--which remain 
separately billable to Part B by the outside entity that furnishes 
them. We discuss this provision in greater detail in section III.I of 
this final rule.
     Application of the SNF PPS to SNF services furnished by 
swing-bed hospitals. Section 1883 of the Act permits certain small, 
rural hospitals to enter into a Medicare swing-bed agreement, under 
which the hospital can use its beds to provide either acute or SNF 
care, as needed. For critical access hospitals (CAHs), Part A pays on a 
reasonable cost basis for SNF services furnished under a swing-bed 
agreement. However, in accordance with section 1888(e)(7) of the Act, 
these services furnished by non-CAH rural hospitals are paid under the 
SNF PPS, effective with cost reporting periods beginning on or after 
July 1, 2002. A more detailed discussion of this provision appears in 
section III.J of this final rule.
     Technical corrections. We are also taking this opportunity 
to make certain technical corrections in the text of the regulations, 
as discussed in greater detail in section IV. of this final rule.

B. Requirements of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) for Updating 
the SNF PPS

    Section 1888(e)(4)(H) of the Act requires that we publish in the 
Federal Register:
    1. The unadjusted Federal per diem rates to be applied to days of 
covered SNF services furnished during the FY.
    2. The case-mix classification system to be applied with respect to 
these services during the FY.
    3. The factors to be applied in making the area wage adjustment 
with respect to these services.
    In the July 30, 1999 final rule (64 FR 41670), we indicated that we 
would announce any changes to the guidelines for Medicare level of care 
determinations related to modifications in the RUG-III classification 
structure (see section III.F of this final rule).
    Along with a number of other revisions discussed later in this 
preamble, this final rule provides the

[[Page 45028]]

annual updates to the Federal rates as mandated by the Act.

C. The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 
1999 (BBRA)

    There were several provisions in the BBRA that resulted in 
adjustments to the SNF PPS. These provisions were described in detail 
in the final rule that we published in the Federal Register on July 31, 
2000 (65 FR 46770). In particular, sections 101(a) and (b) of the BBRA 
provided for a temporary 20 percent increase in the per diem adjusted 
payment rates for 15 specified RUG-III groups (SE3, SE2, SE1, SSC, SSB, 
SSA, CC2, CC1, CB2, CB1, CA2, CA1, RHC, RMC, and RMB). Under section 
101(c) of the BBRA, this temporary increase remains in effect until the 
later of October 1, 2000, or the implementation of case-mix refinements 
in the PPS. (We discuss refinements to the case-mix classification 
system in section III.C of this final rule.) In addition, section 
101(d) of the BBRA included a 4 percent across-the-board increase in 
the adjusted Federal per diem payment rates each year for FYs 2001 and 
2002, exclusive of the 20 percent increase.
    We included further information on all of the provisions of the 
BBRA that affect the SNF PPS in Program Memoranda A-99-53 and A-99-61 
(December 1999), and Program Memorandus AB-00-18 (March 2000). In 
addition, for swing-bed hospitals with more than 49 (but less than 100) 
beds, section 408 of the BBRA provided for the repeal of certain 
statutory restrictions on length of stay and aggregate payment for 
patient days, effective with the end of the SNF PPS transition period 
described in section 1888(e)(2)(E) of the Act. In the July 31, 2001 
final rule (66 FR 39562), we made conforming changes to the regulations 
in Sec.  413.114(d), effective for services furnished in cost reporting 
periods beginning on or after July 1, 2002, to reflect section 408 of 
the BBRA.

D. The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and 
Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA)

    The BIPA included several provisions that resulted in adjustments 
to the PPS for SNFs. These provisions were described in detail in the 
final rule that we published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2001 
(66 FR 39562), as follows:
     Section 203 of the BIPA exempted critical access hospital 
(CAH) swing-beds from the SNF PPS; we included further information on 
this provision in Program Memorandum A-01-09 (January 16, 2001).
     Section 311 of the BIPA eliminated the 1 percent reduction 
in the SNF market basket that the statutory update formula had 
previously specified for FY 2001, and changed the 1 percent reduction 
specified for FYs 2002 and 2003 to a 0.5 percent reduction. This 
section also required us to conduct a study of alternative case-mix 
classification systems for the SNF PPS, and to submit a report to the 
Congress on the results of the study.
     Section 312 of the BIPA provided for a temporary 16.66 
percent increase in the nursing component of the case-mix adjusted 
Federal rate for services furnished on or after April 1, 2001, and 
before October 1, 2002. This section also required the Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an audit of SNF nursing staff 
ratios and submit a report to the Congress on whether the temporary 
increase in the nursing component should be continued. GAO issued this 
report (GAO-03-176) in November 2002.
     Section 313 of the BIPA repealed the consolidated billing 
requirement for services (other than physical and occupational therapy, 
and speech-language pathology services) furnished to SNF residents 
during noncovered stays, effective January 1, 2001.
     Section 314 of the BIPA adjusted the payment rates for all 
of the 14 rehabilitation RUGs (RUC, RUB, RUA, RVC, RVB, RVA, RHC, RHB, 
RHA, RMC, RMB, RMA, RLB, and RLA), in order to correct an anomaly under 
which the existing payment rates for three particular rehabilitation 
RUGs--RHC, RMC, and RMB--were higher than the rates for some other, 
more intensive rehabilitation RUGs. Under the BIPA adjustment, the 
temporary increase that sections 101(a) and (b) of the BBRA had applied 
to the RHC, RMC, and RMB rehabilitation RUGs was revised from 20 
percent to 6.7 percent, and the BIPA adjustment also applied this 
temporary 6.7 percent increase to each of the other 11 rehabilitation 
RUGs. Under this provision, the temporary increase remained at 20 
percent for each of the 12 non-rehabilitation RUGs specified in section 
101(b) of the BBRA (SE3, SE2, SE1, SSC, SSB, SSA, CC2, CC1, CB2, CB1, 
CA2, and CA1).
     Section 315 of the BIPA authorized us to establish a 
geographic reclassification procedure that is specific to SNFs, but 
only after collecting the data necessary to establish a SNF wage index 
that is based on wage data from nursing homes.
    We included further information on several of these provisions in 
Program Memorandum A-01-08 (January 16, 2001).

E. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act 
of 2003 (MMA)

    A provision of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and 
Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) resulted in a further adjustment to the 
PPS for SNFs. Specifically, section 511 of the MMA amended paragraph 
(12) of section 1888(e) of the Act to provide for a temporary 128 
percent increase in the PPS per diem payment for any SNF resident with 
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), effective with services 
furnished on or after October 1, 2004. As discussed in Transmittal No. 
160 (Change Request No. 3291, April 30, 2004, available online at 
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/ transmittals/comm--date--dsc.asp), this 

add-on applies to claims with diagnosis code 042. Like the temporary 
add-on payments created by section 101(a) of the BBRA (as amended by 
section 314 of the BIPA), this special AIDS add-on was not intended to 
remain in effect indefinitely. As amended by section 511 of the MMA, 
section 1888(e)(12)(B) of the Act specifies that this temporary 
increase for patients with AIDS is to remain in effect only until ``* * 
* such date as the Secretary certifies that there is an appropriate 
adjustment in the case mix * * * to compensate for the increased costs 
associated with [such] residents * * *.'' As discussed in the FY 2006 
SNF PPS proposed rule (70 FR 29080), we are not addressing the issue of 
such certification at this time and, accordingly, the temporary add-on 
payments created by section 511 of the MMA will remain in effect during 
FY 2006.
    The law further provided that the 128 percent increase in payment 
under the AIDS add-on is to be ``* * * determined without regard to any 
increase'' under section 101 of the BBRA (as amended by section 314 of 
the BIPA). As explained in the MMA Conference report, this means that 
if a resident qualifies for the temporary 128 percent increase in 
payment under the special AIDS add-on, ``the BBRA temporary RUG add-on 
does not apply in this case * * *.'' (H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 108-391 at 
662).
    In addition, section 410 of the MMA contained a provision that 
affects the SNF consolidated billing requirement's treatment of certain 
services furnished as of January 1, 2005, by rural health clinics 
(RHCs) and Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). This provision 
was discussed in Transmittal No. 390 (Change Request No. 3575), issued 
on December 10, 2004, which is available online at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/



[[Page 45029]]

manuals/ transmittals/comm--date--dsc.asp.

F. General Overview of the SNF PPS

    We implemented the Medicare SNF PPS for cost reporting periods 
beginning on or after July 1, 1998. Under the PPS, we pay SNFs through 
prospective, case-mix adjusted per diem payment rates applicable to all 
covered SNF services. These payment rates cover all the costs of 
furnishing covered skilled nursing services (routine, ancillary, and 
capital-related costs) other than costs associated with approved 
educational activities. Covered SNF services include post-hospital 
services for which benefits are provided under Part A and all items and 
services that, before July 1, 1998, had been paid under Part B (other 
than physician and certain other services specifically excluded under 
the BBA) but furnished to Medicare beneficiaries in a SNF during a 
covered Part A stay. A complete discussion of these provisions appears 
in the May 12, 1998 interim final rule (63 FR 26252).
1. Payment Provisions--Federal Rate
    The PPS uses per diem Federal payment rates based on mean SNF costs 
in a base year updated for inflation to the first effective period of 
the PPS. We developed the Federal payment rates using allowable costs 
from hospital-based and freestanding SNF cost reports for reporting 
periods beginning in FY 1995. The data used in developing the Federal 
rates also incorporated an estimate of the amounts that would be 
payable under Part B for covered SNF services furnished to individuals 
during the course of a covered Part A stay in a SNF.
    In developing the rates for the initial period, we updated costs to 
the first effective year of PPS (the 15-month period beginning July 1, 
1998) using a SNF market basket, and then standardized for the costs of 
facility differences in case-mix and for geographic variations in 
wages. The database used to compute the Federal payment rates excluded 
providers that received new provider exemptions from the routine cost 
limits, as well as costs related to payments for exceptions to the 
routine cost limits. In accordance with the formula prescribed in the 
BBA, we set the Federal rates at a level equal to the weighted mean of 
freestanding costs plus 50 percent of the difference between the 
freestanding mean and weighted mean of all SNF costs (hospital-based 
and freestanding) combined. We computed and applied separately the 
payment rates for facilities located in urban and rural areas. In 
addition, we adjusted the portion of the Federal rate attributable to 
wage-related costs by a wage index.
    The Federal rate also incorporates adjustments to account for 
facility case-mix, using a classification system that accounts for the 
relative resource utilization of different patient types. This 
classification system, Resource Utilization Groups, version III (RUG-
III), uses beneficiary assessment data from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 
completed by SNFs to assign beneficiaries to one of 44 RUG-III groups. 
The May 12, 1998 interim final rule (63 FR 26252) included a complete 
and detailed description of the RUG-III classification system. A 
further discussion of the case-mix classification system, including the 
issue of case-mix refinements, appears in section III.C of this final 
rule.
    The Federal rates in this final rule reflect an update to the rates 
that we published for FY 2005 equal to the full change in the SNF 
market basket index. According to section 1888(e)(4)(E)(ii)(IV) of the 
Act, for FY 2006, we have adjusted the current rates by the full SNF 
market basket index.
2. Payment Provisions--Initial Transition Period
    The SNF PPS included an initial, phased transition from a facility-
specific rate (which reflected the individual facility's historical 
cost experience) to the Federal case-mix adjusted rate. The transition 
extended through the facility's first three cost reporting periods 
under the PPS, up to, and potentially including, the one that began in 
FY 2001. (Further, once section 102 of the BBRA took effect, a facility 
could elect to bypass the remainder of its transition period and go 
directly to being paid entirely under the Federal rates.) Accordingly, 
starting with cost reporting periods beginning in FY 2002, we base 
payments entirely on the Federal rates and, as mentioned previously in 
this final rule, we no longer include adjustment factors related to 
facility-specific rates for the coming fiscal year.

G. Use of the SNF Market Basket Index

    Section 1888(e)(5) of the Act requires us to establish a SNF market 
basket index that reflects changes over time in the prices of an 
appropriate mix of goods and services included in the covered SNF 
services. The SNF market basket index is used to update the Federal 
rates on an annual basis. The final rule published on July 31, 2001 (66 
FR 39562) revised and rebased the market basket to reflect 1997 total 
cost data. The SNF market basket index is discussed in greater detail 
in section III.H of this final rule.
    In addition, as explained in the FY 2004 final rule (68 FR 46058, 
August 4, 2003) and in section III.H of this final rule, the annual 
update of the payment rates includes, as appropriate, an adjustment to 
account for market basket forecast error. This adjustment takes into 
account the forecast error from the most recently available fiscal year 
for which there are final data, and is applied whenever the difference 
between the forecasted and actual change in the market basket exceeds a 
0.25 percentage point threshold. For FY 2004 (the most recently 
available fiscal year for which there are final data), the estimated 
increase in the market basket index was 3.0 percentage points, while 
the actual increase also was 3.0 percentage points. Therefore, the 
payment rates for FY 2006 do not include a forecast error adjustment, 
as there is no difference between the estimated and actual amounts of 
change. Table 1 below shows the forecasted and actual market basket 
amounts for FY 2004.

  Table 1.--FY 2004 Forecast Error Correction for CMS SNF Market Basket
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              FY 2004
                                Forecasted    Actual  FY      forecast
            Index                 FY 2004        2004          error
                                 increase*    increase**   correction***
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNF..........................          3.0           3.0           0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Published in August 4, 2003 Federal Register; based on second quarter
  2003 Global Insight/DRI-WEFA forecast.
** Based on the second quarter 2005 Global Insight/DRI-WEFA forecast.
*** The FY 2004 forecast error correction will be applied to the FY 2006
  PPS update. Any forecast error less than 0.25 percentage points is not
  reflected in the update.


[[Page 45030]]

II. Summary of the Provisions of the FY 2006 Proposed Rule

    The FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule included proposed updates to the 
FY 2006 Federal payment rates used under the SNF PPS. In accordance 
with section 1888(e)(4)(E)(ii)(IV) of the Act, the updates reflect the 
full SNF market basket percentage change for the fiscal year. We also 
proposed to introduce, as of January 1, 2006, a refined case-mix 
classification system that would add nine new Rehabilitation plus 
Extensive Services groups at the top of the existing RUG hierarchy. The 
FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule discussed and invited public comment on a 
number of other clinical issues as well, involving alternative ways to 
improve quality and efficiency and ensure accurate payments under the 
SNF PPS.
    We also proposed to incorporate OMB's revised definitions for 
Metropolitan Statistical Areas and its new definitions of Micropolitan 
Statistical Areas and Combined Statistical Areas, and we invited 
comments on the appropriateness of implementing this change through a 
transition period similar to that adopted under the inpatient hospital 
PPS (IPPS). Further, we invited public comments on additional HCPCS 
codes that could represent the type of ``high-cost, low probability'' 
services within certain designated service categories (that is, 
chemotherapy and its administration, radioisotope services, and 
customized prosthetic devices) that section 103 of the BBRA has 
authorized us to exclude from the SNF consolidated billing provision. 
We also invited comments on the apparent hospital practice of having 
patients spend time in observation status prior to a formal inpatient 
admission, and on the potential implications of this practice for the 
SNF benefit's qualifying 3-day hospital stay requirement.
    In addition to discussing these general issues in the FY 2006 SNF 
PPS proposed rule, we also proposed making the following specific 
revisions to the existing text of the regulations:
     In Sec.  424.3, we would make a technical correction to 
the definition of ``HCPCS''.
     In Sec.  424.20, we would revise paragraph (e)(2) to 
clarify the distinction between ``direct'' and ``indirect'' employment 
relationships in terms of the ability of nurse practitioners and 
clinical nurse specialists to perform SNF certifications and 
recertifications.
    More detailed information on each of these issues, to the extent 
that we received public comments on them, appears in the discussion 
contained in the following sections of this preamble.

III. Analysis of and Responses to Public Comments on the FY 2006 
Proposed Rule

    In response to the publication of the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed 
rule, we received 149 timely items of correspondence from the public. 
We received numerous comments from various trade associations and major 
organizations. Comments also originated from nursing homes, hospitals, 
and other providers, suppliers, and practitioners, nursing home 
resident advocacy groups, health care consulting firms, and private 
citizens. The following discussion, arranged by subject area, includes 
a summary of the public comments that we received, and our responses to 
the comments appear under the appropriate heading.

A. General Comments on the FY 2006 SNF PPS Proposed Rule

1. Public Comment Schedule for the FY 2006 SNF PPS Proposed Rule
    Comment: A few commenters noted that the July 12, 2005, closing 
date for the public comment period fell less than 60 days after the 
proposed rule's May 19, 2005, publication date in the Federal Register, 
and expressed concern about abbreviating the comment period available 
for the proposed rule. They asserted that a timeframe of less than 60 
days was burdensome, and affected their ability to furnish 
comprehensive responses. They asked us to provide the full 60-day 
comment period in the future.
    Response: We note that in accordance with the requirements of 
section 1871(b)(1) of the Act, ``notice of the proposed regulation in 
the Federal Register'' was provided as of May 13, 2005. At that same 
time, the document was also posted on the CMS website. Accordingly, the 
contents of the proposed rule were, in fact, available to the public 
for the full 60-day comment period.

B. Update of Federal Payment Rates Under the SNF PPS

    This final rule sets forth a schedule of Federal prospective 
payment rates applicable to Medicare Part A SNF services beginning 
October 1, 2005. The schedule incorporates per diem Federal rates that 
provide Part A payment for all costs of services furnished to a 
beneficiary in a SNF during a Medicare-covered stay. In the proposed 
rule, we proposed case-mix refinements, including the introduction of 9 
new RUGs. As part of this process, we proposed to update and 
recalibrate the therapy and nursing case-mix indexes associated with 
all RUGs. We also proposed to increase both the nursing and therapy 
case-mix indexes and provide additional funding to the system in order 
to account for the variation in non-therapy ancillary costs.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concern regarding the overall 
fiscal impact of the proposed changes and recommended that the 
aggregate expenditure levels be increased, either by further increasing 
the case-mix weights or by increasing the baseline expenditure levels. 
Other commenters stated that they had been unable to reconcile their 
independent analyses with the information contained in the proposed 
rule, and were concerned that the impact of the proposed rate structure 
would exceed the CMS projections. In other cases, commenters submitted 
technical questions on the accuracy of the methodology used in 
developing our proposals, and urged that these methodological issues be 
addressed for the final rule.
    Response: Throughout the comment period, we examined the data 
presented in the proposed rule, updated the analyses to reflect the 
most recent available data, and corrected minor technical errors. We 
received information from industry representatives and others, which 
helped us to verify the accuracy of the data used in the rate 
calculations, and then to ensure that the resulting rates correctly 
reflected the policies specified in the proposed rule. To accomplish 
these objectives, we made several adjustments to our models to better 
reflect the methodologies described in the proposed rule.
    For example, for our modeling in the proposed rule, we used a 
therapy case-mix index that originally had been created for use in our 
FY 2001 refinements proposal, and utilized the same therapy case-mix 
weights for the new groups as for the original rehabilitation groups; 
that is, the therapy case-mix weight for the ultra high rehabilitation 
and combined ultra high rehabilitation/extensive care RUG groups were 
the same. As part of our ongoing review, we also tested several 
adjustments to our model, including recalibration of the therapy case-
mix weights, using different sets of decision rules, to create separate 
therapy weights for the nine new groups. The purpose of this exercise 
was to test whether the adjusted model(s) better reflected the policy 
outlined in the proposed rule.
    Using the adjusted therapy case-mix weights, we repeated the 
payment simulation described in the proposed

[[Page 45031]]

rule. We then recalculated the payment adjustment needed to ensure 
parity when comparing the aggregate expenditure levels of the 44-group 
and 53-group RUG models. We found that, in recalibrating both the 
nursing and therapy case-mix weights, applying the payment adjustment 
solely to the nursing case-mix weights was no longer appropriate. Thus, 
we tested a second adjustment to the model that modified the payment 
simulation provision to apply the payment adjustment to both the 
nursing and therapy case-mix weights. We posted the analyses on our CMS 
web site.
    Industry representatives and others used these data to replicate 
these analyses, to suggest alternative methodologies, and to develop 
their formal comments on the proposed rule. Thus, the information 
exchange through the CMS website was productive, and was beneficial in 
terms of finalizing our analysis.
    Comment: A commenter questioned the methodology used to recalibrate 
the therapy case-mix weights, and also expressed concerns about the 
small staff time measurement (STM) sample size used to create separate 
therapy weights for each of the RUG-III groups.
    Response: As part of the ongoing analysis described above, we 
reviewed the methodology used to create the case-mix weights for the 
initial introduction of the SNF PPS in 1998, and the ABT recalibration 
that was published in our FY 2001 proposed rule. We found that, as 
mentioned by a commenter, we were relying on extremely small sample 
sizes for several of the combined rehabilitation and extensive care 
groups. In addition, we found several variations in the decision rules 
used in the two sets of analyses. We were able to adjust for these 
methodological differences by recreating the therapy case-mix indexes 
using the original decision rules.
    Once these methodological changes were made, we examined the model 
to determine the potential impact of using small sample sizes to 
establish therapy case-mix weights for all 23 rehabilitation groups; 
that is, 14 existing rehabilitation groups and 9 combined 
rehabilitation and extensive care groups. We concluded that we could 
not fully adjust for these small sample sizes when recalibrating the 
therapy case-mix weights, either as proposed or as noted on our 
website. Therefore, we have determined that retaining the same therapy 
case-mix weights that are being used in the 44-group RUG model would 
best reflect our policy objectives as stated in the proposed rule. 
These weights will be applied to the RUG groups based on the 
rehabilitation level. For example, a therapy case-mix weight of 2.25 
will be used for the RUC, RUB, RUA, RUX, and RUL groups.
    Once the case-mix weight structure was determined, we developed the 
final rates in accordance with the procedures outlined in the proposed 
rule. As we updated the nursing case-mix index only, we then applied 
the payment simulation to the nursing case-mix weights by adding 8.65 
percent to maintain parity between the 44-group and 53-group models. 
Then, a final adjustment of 8.51 percent was made to the nursing 
weights to reflect the variability in non-therapy ancillary 
utilization.
    In conducting these analyses, it was clear that relying on data 
collected before the introduction of the SNF PPS is not a permanent 
solution. We intend to revisit the structural development of the case-
mix weights as part of our upcoming STM study, in which we will survey 
SNFs and collect data to better reflect current practice patterns and 
resource use in the SNF PPS. In addition, we intend to investigate 
alternative methods of updating the payment system as part of our 
ongoing program monitoring and evaluation activities.
1. Costs and Services Covered by the Federal Rates
    The Federal rates apply to all costs (routine, ancillary, and 
capital-related costs) of covered SNF services other than costs 
associated with approved educational activities as defined in Sec.  
413.85. Under section 1888(e)(2) of the Act, covered SNF services 
include post-hospital SNF services for which benefits are provided 
under Part A (the hospital insurance program), as well as all items and 
services (other than those services excluded by statute) that, before 
July 1, 1998, were paid under Part B (the supplementary medical 
insurance program) but furnished to Medicare beneficiaries in a SNF 
during a Part A covered stay. (These excluded service categories are 
discussed in greater detail in section V.B.2 of the May 12, 1998 
interim final rule (63 FR 26295 through 26297)).
2. Methodology Used for the Calculation of the Federal Rates
    The FY 2006 rates reflect an update using the full amount of the 
latest market basket index. The FY 2006 market basket increase factor 
is 3.1 percent. A complete description of the multi-step process was 
initially delineated in the May 12, 1998 interim final rule (63 FR 
26252), and was further revised in subsequent rules. We note that in 
accordance with section 101(a) of the BBRA and section 314 of the BIPA, 
the existing, temporary increase in the per diem adjusted payment rates 
of 20 percent for certain specified clinically complex RUGs (and 6.7 
percent for rehabilitation RUGs) remains in effect until January 1, 
2006, when the refined RUG-53 classification system is implemented.
    We used the SNF market basket to adjust each per diem component of 
the Federal rates forward to reflect price increases occurring between 
the midpoint of the Federal fiscal year beginning October 1, 2004, and 
ending September 30, 2005, and the midpoint of the Federal fiscal year 
beginning October 1, 2005, and ending September 30, 2006, to which the 
payment rates apply. In accordance with section 1888(e)(4)(E)(ii)(IV) 
of the Act, the payment rates for FY 2005 are updated by a factor equal 
to the full market basket index percentage increase to determine the 
payment rates for FY 2006. The rates are further adjusted by a wage 
index budget neutrality factor, described later in this section. The 
unadjusted rates are the same under both the 44-group RUG-III 
classification system and the refined RUG-53 classification system. 
Tables 2 and 3 below reflect the updated components of the unadjusted 
Federal rates for FY 2006.

                            Table 2.--FY 2006 Unadjusted Federal Rate Per Diem--Urban
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Nursing--case-  Therapy--case-  Therapy--non-
                   Rate component                          mix             mix          case-mix    Non-case-mix
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Diem Amount....................................       $137.59         $103.64          $13.65        $70.22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 45032]]


                            Table 3.--FY 2006 Unadjusted Federal Rate Per Diem--Rural
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Nursing--case-  Therapy--case-  Therapy--non-
                   Rate component                          mix             mix          case-mix    Non-case-mix
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Diem Amount....................................       $131.45         $119.51          $14.58        $71.52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Case-Mix Adjustment and Other Clinical Issues

1. Proposed Refinements to the RUG-III Case-Mix Classification System
    Under the BBA, we must publish the SNF PPS case-mix classification 
methodology applicable for the next Federal fiscal year before August 1 
of each year. In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we proposed to 
implement refinements in the existing 44-group RUG-III case-mix 
classification system that would add 9 new Rehabilitation plus 
Extensive Services groups at the top of the existing hierarchy. A full 
discussion of our proposal can be found in this year's proposed rule 
for FY 2006 (70 FR 29075-81). The following is a discussion of the 
comments that we received on this issue.
    Comment: A number of commenters viewed the introduction of the 
proposed refinements in a positive light, both as a means to address 
the needs of a specific heavy-care population and as a way to remove 
the uncertainty over the past several years surrounding the pending 
expiration of the BBRA's temporary add-on payments, which had made it 
difficult for SNFs to predict with any certainty what their payments 
would be from one year to the next. Other commenters questioned why we 
introduced RUG refinements through the regulatory process before 
finalizing a long term research project and submitting a report to the 
Congress on the results of that research. Several commenters suggested 
that it would be more appropriate to wait until the upcoming STM study 
is completed, so that we could take advantage of more recent data on 
practice patterns and resource use. Still others were concerned that 
the proposed refinements do not go far enough to reimburse SNFs 
adequately for non-therapy ancillaries, and questioned why we proposed 
a series of incremental changes to the existing RUG-III system rather 
than developing a comprehensive replacement to the current SNF PPS.
    Response: The RUG refinements and the SNF PPS report to the 
Congress on alternative systems have often been viewed as two 
components of a single project. However, while there is a definite 
relationship, the RUG refinements and the SNF PPS report to the 
Congress are, and should be viewed as, end products of two separate 
Congressional mandates.
    The BBRA legislation authorized temporary payment adjustments that 
were intended to serve as short term, interim adjustments to the 
payment rates and RUG-III case-mix classification system as published 
in our July 30, 1999 final rule (64 FR 41644). In fact, while the 
legislation included a contingency plan to maintain the temporary 
payments until refinements to better account for ``medically complex'' 
patients were introduced, the Congress clearly envisioned that these 
temporary payments would expire on October 1, 2000. Given this short 
time frame, it seems clear that the ``refinements'' could be expected 
to be modest in scope. We believe the rulemaking process was the most 
appropriate vehicle for introducing any refinement policy changes, as 
it affords all stakeholders the opportunity to comment before any 
policy recommendations are finalized.
    In contrast, section 311(e) of the BIPA directed us to conduct a 
study of the different systems for categorizing patients in Medicare 
SNFs, and to issue a report with any appropriate recommendations to the 
Congress. Based upon the broad language describing the purpose of this 
study, and the multi-year timeframe provided for conducting it, we 
believe that the Congress clearly intended for this study to address 
more comprehensive changes, by evaluating a number of different 
classification systems and considering the full range of patient types. 
The results of this broader research will be discussed in a report that 
will be released to the Congress once it has been completed.
    However, we believe the need for ongoing evaluation and change 
should not preclude the more immediate introduction of incremental 
adjustments and improvements to the SNF PPS. We intend to use the 
report to Congress to outline a series of next steps, including the 
need for a new STM study, that support our ongoing efforts to enhance 
the accuracy and efficiency of the SNF PPS.
    We note that many of the concerns advanced by the commenters are 
similar to the ones that some commenters expressed in response to the 
SNF PPS proposed rule for FY 2004 (68 FR 26758, May 16, 2003), when we 
last invited public comments on the issue of case-mix refinements. 
However, as we subsequently observed in the final rule for FY 2004, 
other commenters were at that same time urging us ``* * * to move 
quickly to identify and implement short-term incremental improvements 
to provide more appropriate reimbursement for patients with heavy non-
therapy ancillary needs'' (68 FR 46041, August 4, 2003). As discussed 
in this year's FY 2006 proposed rule, we believe the refinements that 
we have developed offer an effective means of enabling the SNF PPS to 
make more accurate payments for non-therapy ancillary services (thus 
ensuring continued access to quality care for the very vulnerable 
heavy-care population), while at the same time avoiding the drawbacks 
in terms of added complexity that were inherent in previous proposals 
to address this issue (70 FR 29079). Accordingly, we are implementing 
the case-mix refinements as set forth in the proposed rule.
    Comment: Commenters suggested we expand the proposed RUG-53 
classification system by, for instance, creating an additional 
Rehabilitation RUG between Medium and High and the expansion of the 
Extensive Services category to include criteria such as cardiac 
respiratory conditions that require monitoring and the administration 
of aerosol medications.
    Response: During future analysis, most notably our upcoming STM 
study, we will evaluate whether the RUG categories should be further 
modified.
    In addition, we have discovered that in the FY 2006 SNF PPS 
proposed rule, we inadvertently misidentified some RUG classification 
categories corresponding to Rehab High, Rehab Medium, and Rehab Low in 
Table 3a (``Crosswalk Between Existing RUG-III Rehabilitation Groups 
and the Proposed Extensive Plus Rehabilitation Groups''). Accordingly, 
in this final rule, we are reprinting the retitled and corrected Table 
3a, as set forth below.

[[Page 45033]]



  Table 3a.--Crosswalk Between Existing RUG-III Rehabilitation Groups and the New Rehabilitation Plus Extensive
                                                 Services Groups
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              New rehabilitation plus extensive
                                         Current  rehabilitation groups                services groups
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rehab Ultra.........................   RUC--ADL 16-18.............   RUX--ADL 16-18.
                                       RUB--ADL 9-15..............   RUL--ADL 7-15.
                                       RUA--ADL 4-8...............
Rehab Very High.....................   RVC--ADL 16-18.............   RVX--ADL 16-18.
                                       RVB--ADL 9-15..............   RVL--ADL 7-15.
                                       RVA--ADL 4-8...............
Rehab High..........................   RHC--ADL 13-18.............   RHX--ADL 13-18.
                                       RHB--ADL 8-12..............   RHL--ADL 7-12.
                                       RHA--ADL 4-7...............
Rehab Medium........................   RMC--ADL 15-18.............   RMX--ADL 15-18.
                                       RMB--ADL 8-14..............   RML--ADL 7-14.
                                       RMA--ADL 4-7...............
Rehab Low...........................   RLB--ADL 14-18.............   RLX--ADL 7-18.
                                       RLA--ADL 4-13..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Proposed Increases to the RUG-III Case-Mix Weight Values
    To help address the high degree of variability in the use of non-
therapy ancillary services that we have identified both within and 
across groups, in the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we proposed to 
increase the case-mix weights for all 53 RUGs (that is, the 44 existing 
RUG-III groups, as well as the proposed 9 new Rehabilitation plus 
Extensive Services groups). Specifically, we proposed to apply an 
increase of 8.4 percent to the component of the case-mix weights that 
includes both nursing and non-therapy ancillary costs (producing a 3 
percent increase in aggregate spending), and to do so in a manner that 
would integrate the increase into base line spending levels and 
continue it in future years (70 FR 29079). (As noted previously in 
section III.B, the proposed 8.4 percent increase to the nursing 
component of the case-mix weights is now 8.51 percent in this final 
rule.) The following is a discussion of the comments that we received 
on this issue.
    Comment: A number of commenters were concerned about the adequacy 
of payment for non-therapy ancillary services, and questioned whether 
the proposed increase in the nursing case-mix weights fully addresses 
the issue. Several commenters recommended that the case-mix weights 
should be adjusted by more than the 8.4 percent presented in the 
proposed rule. Others suggested that, rather than adjusting the case-
mix weights by a factor comparable to outlier pools (that is, 3 percent 
of aggregate spending) established for other prospective payment 
systems, we implement a SNF outlier pool that could more specifically 
target high-cost cases. A few commenters also recommended that we adopt 
a payment adjustment for hospital-based SNFs, either as part of an 
outlier policy or as an adjustment to the base rates that would address 
not only the different levels of non-therapy ancillary utilization 
between hospital-based and freestanding facilities, but the overall 
cost structure differences related to differences in patient 
characteristics and care needs. In addition, several commenters 
recommended creating a variable per diem payment mechanism similar to 
the mechanism used for inpatient psychiatric hospitals, where higher 
payments could be made for the early (and presumably more costly) days 
of a SNF stay. Finally, a few commenters expressed concern that the 
effect of the refinements would be to redirect dollars away from 
beneficiaries needing complex medical services.
    Response: As discussed here and in our proposed rule, the 
variability in non-therapy ancillary utilization increased the 
difficulty of any refinement to the RUG-III system without increasing 
the system complexity to such a degree that it would become both 
burdensome and confusing to the facility staff responsible for 
administering the system. In evaluating potential options, we 
recognized that this across-the-board increase in the nursing component 
is only an incremental improvement, but it is a change that did not 
give rise to the concerns about undue complexity noted above.
    Moreover, while the introduction of these refinements fulfills our 
obligations under section 101 of the BBRA, we note it is just the first 
of an ongoing series of analyses aimed at enhancing the SNF PPS payment 
structure. For example, we are already examining the potential for an 
outlier program to further enhance program accuracy and beneficiary 
access to care.
    The introduction of this incremental change is part of this ongoing 
process that will also include update activities such as the upcoming 
STM study and investigation of potential alternatives to the RUG system 
itself. However, the commitment to long term analysis and refinement 
should not preclude the introduction of more immediate methodological 
and policy updates.
    While most commenters viewed the adoption of the nine new groups as 
beneficial, a few commenters were concerned that money was being 
redirected away from the complex medical RUGs. We are confident that 
the introduction of these refinements benefits heavy-care 
beneficiaries. However, as shown in Table 12 of this final rule, 
changes in the FY 2006 rate structure reflect an interrelationship 
between many factors, including the elimination of the BBRA add-ons, 
changes in the wage index, and the introduction of the refinements.
    Comment: Some commenters suggested that the underfunding in the 
Medicaid system should be addressed at the same time as the Medicare 
RUGs refinement, and expressed concern about the impact that Medicare 
payment rate reductions would have in combination with changes in State 
Medicaid payments.
    Response: While Medicare and Medicaid are independent programs that 
are subject to different ratesetting and budgetary mechanisms, we 
recognize their interrelationship, particularly for those States that 
utilize variations of Medicare's RUG case-mix classification system. We 
further recognize that Medicaid needs to establish rates that 
accurately reflect the cost of Medicaid services. In order to

[[Page 45034]]

assist in realizing that objective, we plan to use our upcoming STM 
study to look at the entire RUG payment system, including facilities 
that are predominately Medicaid-based. Additionally, the Pay for 
Performance quality initiatives discussed in the FY 2006 proposed rule 
could apply to both covered Part A and noncovered (Part B) stays of 
dual-eligibles.
3. Implementation Issues
    In order to enable nursing homes and Medicare contractors to have 
sufficient lead time to prepare for the changes associated with 
implementing the RUG-III case-mix refinements, in the FY 2006 SNF PPS 
proposed rule we proposed an effective date for the refinements of 
January 1, 2006, rather than the start of the fiscal year on October 1, 
2005. (Under the terms of section 101(c) of the BBRA, the temporary 
add-on payments enacted by sections 101(a) and (b) of the BBRA for 
certain designated RUG-III groups would expire on the date that these 
refinements take effect.) The following is a discussion of the comments 
that we received on this issue.
    Comment: Generally, commenters were supportive of the delay in 
implementing the case-mix refinements. However, some commenters were 
concerned that the January 2006 date does not provide adequate 
preparation time, especially for the software vendors and facilities 
that will need to update their MDS data systems. They pointed out the 
need for adequate lead time to ensure a smooth transition. In addition, 
a few commenters wanted to know which date would determine when the new 
RUG classification would need to be reported on the claim (for example 
the Assessment Reference Date (ARD, item A3a), the Minimum Data Set 
(MDS) completion date (item R2b), the service date, or the admission 
date), as well as whether the MDS edits will provide a 44-group RUG for 
corrected MDSs. Finally, a few commenters noted that the RAVEN software 
would need to be updated prior to any changes to the existing RUG-III 
classification system.
    Response: We agree that software vendors and SNFs must have enough 
time to design, test, and implement the system changes needed to 
support these refinements. For this reason, we have scheduled a 
software vendor conference call on August 4, 2005 to review the data 
specifications, and respond to questions on the changes. Further 
information on this vendor teleconference is posted on our Quality 
Improvement Evaluation System (QIES) website at the following address: 
http://www.qtso.com/vendor.html We will also make available the new software specifications at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/mds20/mdssoftw.asp.
 and vendors should implement the appropriate software by 

November 22, 2005. This timeline provides the vendors over 3 months to 
update their programs for SNFs. We also plan to release training 
materials and billing instructions in sufficient time so that SNFs will 
be able to transition to the refined RUG model.
    As stated in the proposed rule, we will begin to apply the RUG 
case-mix refinement on January 1, 2006. Even though payments are 
determined by the MDS, the CMS claims processing systems operate on a 
date of service basis. Thus, the new rates need to go into effect as of 
January 1, 2006, rather than by the ARD date. This procedure is 
consistent with the billing procedures used at the start of each rate 
year. Providers are always instructed to prepare separate bills for 
services prior to and on or after October 1. This ensures that the 
claim is paid using the correct rate.
    We believe that by scheduling implementation for January 1, 2006, 
rather than October 1, 2005 (the beginning of FY 2006), we are allowing 
ample time for providers to adjust to the refined RUG case-mix 
classification system and to train and educate their staff. This date 
also allows vendors sufficient time to update their programs to meet 
our requirements. Finally, by providing a date certain, all systems 
(State, CMS, FI, providers) can be configured uniformly, thus limiting 
potential billing errors.
    The provider shall bill the appropriate RUG category based on the 
calendar date of service. For days of service before January 1, 2006, 
the provider shall record the 44-group RUG on the claim. For days of 
service beginning on January 1, 2006, the provider shall record the 53-
group RUG on the claim.
    If for some unforeseen reason, a software vendor is not able to 
update its program by mid-November, the State system ``Final Validation 
Report'' to the provider will list both the 44-group RUG and the 53-
group RUG for SNF PPS assessments with ARDs of 11/22/2005 through 1/13/
2006. These are the potential transition assessments that could be used 
for days of service both before January 1, 2006 and for days of service 
in 2006. For example, a 60-day SNF PPS MDS can be completed as early as 
day 50 of the beneficiary's SNF Part A stay. If the resident's 50th day 
of the stay is November 22, 2005 and the provider chooses this date as 
the ARD for the 60-day PPS MDS, the 44-group RUG would be billed from 
day 61 (December 3, 2005) to day 89 (December 31, 2005) and the 53-
group RUG would be billed for day 90 (January 1, 2006).
    For assessments with ARDs before November 22, 2005, only the 44-
group RUG is appropriate for billing and the ``Final Validation 
Report'' will only report the 44-group RUG when the facility submits an 
incorrect 44-group RUG on the assessment. For assessments with ARDs 
after January 13, 2006, only the 53-group RUG is appropriate for 
billing and the ``Final Validation Report'' will only report the 53-
group RUG when the facility submits an incorrect 53-group RUG on the 
assessment. For assessments with ARDs from November 22, 2005 through 
January 13, 2006, the MDS may be submitted with either the 44-group RUG 
or the 53-group RUG.
    Correction assessments (Modifications or Significant Correction 
Assessments) will be processed in the same manner as other assessments. 
The RUG grouper (44-group vs. 53-group RUG) that will be calculated and 
accepted will be determined by the ARD of the Modification or 
Significant Correction Assessment.
    We believe that these steps provide adequate support, and will 
proceed with the implementation of the refinements effective January 1, 
2006.
4. Additional Clinical and Related Issues
    In addition to the proposed case-mix refinements, the FY 2006 SNF 
PPS proposed rule discussed and invited public comment on a number of 
other clinical and related issues involving alternative ways to improve 
quality and efficiency and continue to ensure accurate payments under 
the SNF PPS.
a. Proposed Changes to the MDS Coding Requirements (``Look Back'' 
Period, 5-Day Grace Periods for PPS MDS Assessments, and Projection of 
Anticipated Therapy Services During the 5-Day PPS Assessment (Section 
T))
    In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we invited public comment on 
possible changes in MDS coding requirements, such as decreasing the 
length of the ``look-back'' period (to restrict coding of certain high 
intensity services to those actually received in the SNF), decreasing 
or eliminating the grace periods associated with PPS MDS assessments 
(specifically with reference to the 5-day PPS MDS assessment), and 
possibly eliminating the projection of anticipated therapy services 
during the 5-day PPS assessment (70 FR 29080).
    Comment: We received numerous comments on several potential changes 
to the MDS and the case-mix

[[Page 45035]]

classification system that we proposed. The overwhelming majority of 
commenters opposed the elimination of two current policies: The 
availability of grace days when completing the MDS, and the method of 
estimating therapy services during the first 15 days of a SNF 
admission. However, a few commenters supported eliminating the method 
of estimating therapy services, mentioning findings by the GAO and the 
Data Assessment and Verification Project (DAVE) that demonstrated a 
mismatch between the estimated and actual amount of therapy provided, 
and expressing concern that there may be some abuse of this policy. In 
addition, a few commenters suggested limiting the use of grace days to 
the 5-day and 14-day assessments. We also received numerous comments on 
the change in the MDS assessment ``look back'' period to restrict MDS 
reporting to services furnished in the SNF rather than during the 
preceding hospital stay. While some commenters supported the change in 
terms of SNF reimbursement policy, most commenters believed there were 
strong care planning reasons for retaining the current policy. 
Specifically, the commenters were concerned that facility staff would 
be unable to perform an accurate assessment of the resident, and that 
the elimination of the data would result in an underestimate of 
resource needs and negatively affect the development of an 
individualized care plan. A number of commenters also recommended that 
the type of changes discussed in the proposed rule needed to be 
coordinated with other CMS initiatives, including the development of 
MDS 3.0 and the upcoming STM study.
    Response: After reviewing the comments, we agree that the changes 
discussed above should be addressed as part of a comprehensive 
examination of both the MDS 3.0 design initiative and the case-mix 
classification system. Therefore, we will not implement changes at this 
time, but will continue to study these and other issues during the 
upcoming STM study and MDS 3.0 design initiative.
b. Long-Term Payment and Quality Incentive Proposals
    In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we discussed and invited 
comment on various long-term payment and quality incentives (70 FR 
29080-29081). The following is a discussion of the comments that we 
received on these issues.
    Comment: Commenters generally responded positively to our 
discussion of these issues. Regarding Pay for Performance initiatives, 
the overwhelming majority of commenters believed that its design should 
be a collaborative process between CMS, industry representatives, and 
other stakeholders to ensure development of a fair and equitable 
program. In some cases, the comments we received contained detailed 
suggestions on the design, validation, and use of quality measures in 
such a program. A few commenters also suggested specific funding 
structures. Other commenters suggested that additional work is needed 
to evaluate the interaction between performance measures used for 
payment and the design structure of an MDS 3.0 assessment tool. 
Commenters also expressed interest in the integrated post acute payment 
system, and were supportive of the idea that reimbursement under such a 
system could be more closely linked to actual patient need. Similarly, 
the majority of commenters believed that the development of electronic 
health records has a real potential for improving the accuracy and 
efficiency of the system. Commenters were also very supportive of 
enhanced discharge planning, and saw it as a way of achieving improved 
outcomes in terms of quality of care as well as quality of life for 
facility residents.
    Response: We agree with the commenters that the most effective way 
of designing any of these initiatives would be through a collaborative 
process. To that end, we have begun work on a SNF Pay for Performance 
model, and have already had informal discussions with stakeholders, 
where we asked them for their input and comments on specific design 
issues. These issues included the type of measures that would be most 
appropriate, and the importance of ensuring that they reflect the needs 
of the entire population, from post acute patients to chronic, long-
term care patients. We also informed the stakeholders that we have 
contracted with Abt Associates to design a demonstration model, and we 
asked for their feedback on the type of model that would be most 
effective in fostering quality of care. We plan to follow up with a 
general meeting early this fall, where we will discuss design issues 
and potential quality measures in greater detail. We expect to follow 
similar procedures as we undertake development of the various other 
initiatives discussed here and in the proposed rule.
c. Proposal To Clarify ``Direct'' and ``Indirect'' Employment 
Relationships for Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists
    The Medicare statute specifies that a nurse practitioner (NP) or a 
clinical nurse specialist (CNS) can perform the required level of care 
certifications and recertifications in a SNF only if the NP or CNS `` * 
* * does not have a direct or indirect employment relationship with the 
facility * * *'' (section 1814(a)(2) of the Act). In the FY 2006 SNF 
PPS proposed rule, we proposed revising our policies at Sec.  
424.20(e)(2) of the regulations to distinguish more clearly between 
``direct'' and ``indirect'' employment relationships in terms of the 
ability of NPs and CNSs to perform SNF certifications and 
recertifications. We noted that NPs and CNSs who are employed by SNFs 
not only perform the types of delegated physician tasks that are 
permitted under the long-term care facility requirements for 
participation at 42 CFR 483.40(e), but typically perform general 
nursing services as well. In those situations where no direct 
employment relationship exists between an NP or CNS and the SNF, we 
proposed that an indirect employment relationship exists for any NP or 
CNS who performs these general nursing services for the SNF under the 
regulations at 42 CFR 409.21 (70 FR 29082).
    Comment: Many commenters expressed concern that our proposal to 
define ``indirect'' employment in terms of the provision of general 
nursing services was overly restrictive. They argued that adopting this 
approach would inhibit NPs and CNSs from engaging in their full scope 
of practice, and would limit SNF residents' access to their services. 
It was also asserted that our proposed definition actually goes well 
beyond the intent of the Congressional restriction on indirect 
employment relationships, as it could encompass even those NPs and CNSs 
who operate in independent practice and have no employment relationship 
whatsoever with the SNF, either directly or through another entity. In 
addition, some commenters suggested that our proposed approach 
represents a double standard, in that it would not subject physicians 
to similar restrictions.
    Response: Regarding the concerns about unduly impeding the scope of 
practice for NPs and CNSs and limiting resident access to their 
services, we note that under section 1814(a)(2) of the Act, the 
statutory prohibition against an NP or CNS having a direct or indirect 
employment relationship with the SNF applies solely in terms of 
performing the

[[Page 45036]]

required certification and recertifications of the beneficiary's need 
for Part A SNF services, and does not carry over to any other context. 
This means that while the presence of such an employment relationship 
would serve to preclude an NP or CNS from performing the required SNF 
certification and recertifications, it would not additionally prevent 
the NP or CNS from furnishing the full range of direct patient care to 
the SNF's residents. Further, regarding the issue of the differential 
treatment of physicians (who are not subject to this restriction), we 
note that the statute itself specifically applies the restriction to 
NPs and CNSs, but not to physicians.
    In essence, we believe that a direct employment relationship is one 
in which the SNF itself exercises the right of direction and control 
over the NP or CNS that characterizes an employment relationship under 
the common law test (see the regulations at 20 CFR 404.1005, 404.1007, 
and 404.1009), while an indirect employment relationship is one in 
which another entity exercises this right on the SNF's behalf. However, 
we agree that an indirect employment relationship should not be defined 
so broadly as to encompass an NP or CNS who is operating in independent 
practice and, thus, has no employer-employee relationship whatsoever, 
either with the SNF or with any other entity. Moreover, we believe this 
term should not encompass situations where an entity other than the 
SNF, although employing the NP or CNS, does not do so on the SNF's 
behalf. For example, it is common for an NP or CNS who is employed by a 
group practice to see SNF residents on behalf of one of the group 
practice's physicians. There may be instances where the group practice 
enters into an agreement with the SNF that includes having the group 
practice's NP or CNS employee furnish general nursing services to the 
SNF's residents. As these general nursing services would fall within 
the package of bundled services for which the SNF is financially and 
professionally responsible, the group practice under such an agreement 
essentially would be exercising its authority as the NP's or CNS's 
employer on the SNF's behalf, so that an indirect employment 
relationship would exist between the SNF and the NP or CNS.
    By contrast, if the group practice's agreement with the SNF does 
not involve the provision of bundled nursing services (for example, it 
is solely for the purpose of gaining admitting privileges for the group 
practice's physicians, or for providing excluded NP or CNS services to 
the SNF's residents), then the group practice's exercise of its 
authority as the NP's or CNS's employer would not be done on the SNF's 
behalf. Consequently, an indirect employment relationship would not 
arise under such an agreement, and the NP or CNS would not be precluded 
from either furnishing the separately billable NP or CNS services to 
the SNF's residents, or from completing the required certifications and 
recertifications. Similarly, an indirect employment relationship would 
not arise in those instances where the only services that the NP or CNS 
furnishes to the SNF's residents under the agreement are delegated 
physician tasks under 42 CFR 483.40(e).
    Accordingly, in response to comments, we are modifying this aspect 
of the proposed rule in the regulations at Sec.  424.20 to specify that 
in contrast to a direct employment relationship with a SNF (in which 
the SNF itself exercises the right of direction and control over the NP 
or CNS that characterizes an employment relationship under the common 
law test), an indirect employment relationship exists in situations 
where an NP or CNS meets both of the following conditions: (1) The NP 
or CNS has a direct employment relationship with an entity other than 
the SNF itself; and (2) The NP's or CNS's employer enters into an 
agreement with the SNF for the provision of bundled general nursing 
services to the SNF's residents. Under this definition, an NP or CNS 
who is employed by an entity other than the SNF can still perform SNF 
certifications and recertifications, as long as his or her employer has 
not entered into such an agreement with the SNF.
d. Completion of Other Medicare Required Assessments (OMRAs)
    In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we noted that one of the 
requirements governing the completion of Other Medicare Required 
Assessments (OMRAs) specifies that an OMRA ``is due'' 8 to 10 days 
after the cessation of all therapy (occupational and physical therapies 
and speech-language pathology services) in all situations where the 
beneficiary was assigned a rehabilitation RUG on the previous 
assessment. We then went on to clarify how the last day of therapy is 
determined in this context.
    Comment: Most commenters supported introduction of the 
clarification, while a small number of commenters expressed concern 
about the wording. Others expressed concerns on issues that are not 
directly related to the OMRA language, including comments expressing 
concern about the limited ability to capture the ``short-stay patients 
discharged before the five-day assessment,'' and suggesting that we 
introduce either an at-admission or an at-discharge assessment, or that 
we eliminate the 5-day assessment.
    Response: After reviewing the comments, we agree that we can 
further clarify our discussion of OMRA assessments in the proposed 
rule. Therefore, we wish to clarify that in our previous statements 
that the OMRA ``is due'' 8 to 10 days after the cessation of all 
therapy, and that therapeutic leave days are counted in determining the 
OMRA ``due date,'' the due date to which we refer is, in fact, the 
Assessment Reference Date (ARD). Thus, it is the ARD of the OMRA that 
must be set 8 to 10 days after the cessation of all therapy, and 
therapeutic leave days are counted when setting the OMRA ARD. Further, 
we note that we will keep the commenters' additional suggestions in 
this area in mind as we pursue our ongoing efforts to improve the 
accuracy and efficiency of the SNF PPS and the MDS processing system.
e. Concurrent Therapy
    In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we solicited public comment 
on whether additional guidance might be warranted to help prevent the 
inappropriate provision of concurrent therapy in situations where it is 
not clinically justified (70 FR 29082-29083). The following is a 
discussion of the comments that we received on this issue.
    Comment: A majority of commenters support the continuation of 
concurrent therapy as a delivery mode for rehabilitation services when 
properly furnished by the therapist. Many commenters suggested that CMS 
establish guidelines or develop examples that would provide guidance on 
the appropriate use of concurrent therapy, while a few commenters 
pointed out that CMS already has authority to conduct medical reviews 
and opposed further regulation. We also received some comments that 
suggested ways to decrease confusion among therapists, including 
educational outreach with the assistance of the professional 
associations, and establishing a single set of guidelines for Medicare 
Part A and Medicare Part B. Several commenters reported abuse and some 
reported that staff are being coerced to maximize minutes and 
reimbursement. One commenter expressed concern that, in the absence of 
concurrent therapy, some patients might not receive any services. 
However, another commenter suggested that the overuse of concurrent 
therapy

[[Page 45037]]

could mean that a beneficiary might never receive necessary 
individualized care.
    Response: We addressed the practice of concurrent therapy in the FY 
2006 SNF PPS proposed rule in order to reiterate Medicare policy and to 
solicit public comment. Our concern was two-fold: That therapists' 
professional judgment was being overridden by pressures to be more 
productive by treating multiple beneficiaries concurrently; and that 
the Medicare policy that allows for the treatment of multiple 
beneficiaries was being used inappropriately and could lead to 
diminished quality of care. We wished to convey that the therapist's 
professional judgment should not be compromised and concurrent therapy 
should be performed only when it is clinically appropriate to render 
care to more than one individual (other than group therapy) at the same 
time. We agree that, at times, such care can be provided concurrently 
with another therapy patient, as long as the decision to do so is 
driven by valid clinical considerations. As requested by several 
commenters and based on the reports of overuse and/or abuse of 
concurrent therapy, we will continue to monitor these issues. We intend 
to work with professional organizations to determine the type of 
guidelines and educational materials that would be most helpful to 
therapists and other stakeholders. In addition, we also intend to 
address concurrent and group therapy utilization patterns during our 
STM study scheduled to start later this calendar year.
5. Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates and Associated Indexes
    We have established January 1, 2006, as the beginning date for the 
use of the case-mix refinements. Accordingly, from October 1, 2005, 
through December 31, 2005, we will make payment based entirely on the 
existing 44-group RUG-III classification system. Tables 4, 5, 6, and 7 
reflect the corresponding rate information for the existing 44-group 
RUG-III classification system to be used during this time.
    Beginning on January 1, 2006, we will make payment based entirely 
on the refined RUG-53 classification system (and, thus, would not 
include the add-on payments). Tables 4a, 5a, 6a, and 7a reflect the 
corresponding rate information for the RUG-53 classification system.
    As part of our ongoing analysis of the 53-group model, we updated 
the nursing case-mix weights presented in the proposed rule using 2001 
data, the most current data available. In addition, based on comments, 
we adjusted the 53-group model to retain the existing therapy case-mix 
weights for the 23 Rehabilitation and combined Rehabilitation/Extensive 
Care groups. We then used the updated case-mix data to repeat the 
payment simulation described in the proposed rule. The payment 
simulation showed that adjustments were needed to maintain parity 
between the 44-group and 53-group models. Thus, we modified the payment 
simulation model to apply the payment adjustment to both the nursing 
and therapy case-mix weights proportionally by the aggregate number of 
days in therapy RUGs versus non-therapy RUGs. This parity was achieved 
by increasing the nursing case-mix weight by 8.65 percent. Finally, 
using the methodology described in the proposed rule, we calculated an 
8.51 percent nursing case-mix weight adjustment factor to use to 
address variability in non-therapy ancillary costs. The steps taken to 
calculate the 53-group model nursing case-mix weights are shown on the 
SNF PPS website, at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/snfpps.

    Tables 4 and 5 reflect the updated SNF Federal rates for FY 2006 
for the existing 44-group RUG-III classification system. Tables 4a and 
5a reflect the updated SNF Federal rates for FY 2006 for the RUG-53 
classification system. The first nine groups listed in Tables 4a and 5a 
are for the new Rehabilitation plus Extensive Services groups.

                                     Table 4.--RUG-44 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates and Associated Indexes--Urban
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Non-case     Non-case
                       RUG III category                          Nursing      Therapy      Nursing      Therapy    mix therapy      mix       Total rate
                                                                  index        index      component    component    component    component
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUC..........................................................         1.30         2.25       178.87       233.19  ...........        70.22       482.28
RUB..........................................................         0.95         2.25       130.71       233.19  ...........        70.22       434.12
RUA..........................................................         0.78         2.25       107.32       233.19  ...........        70.22       410.73
RVC..........................................................         1.13         1.41       155.48       146.13  ...........        70.22       371.83
RVB..........................................................         1.04         1.41       143.09       146.13  ...........        70.22       359.44
RVA..........................................................         0.81         1.41       111.45       146.13  ...........        70.22       327.80
RHC..........................................................         1.26         0.94       173.36        97.42  ...........        70.22       341.00
RHB..........................................................         1.06         0.94       145.85        97.42  ...........        70.22       313.49
RHA..........................................................         0.87         0.94       119.70        97.42  ...........        70.22       287.34
RMC..........................................................         1.35         0.77       185.75        79.80  ...........        70.22       335.77
RMB..........................................................         1.09         0.77       149.97        79.80  ...........        70.22       299.99
RMA..........................................................         0.96         0.77       132.09        79.80  ...........        70.22       282.11
RLB..........................................................         1.11         0.43       152.72        44.57  ...........        70.22       267.51
RLA..........................................................         0.80         0.43       110.07        44.57  ...........        70.22       224.86
SE3..........................................................         1.70  ...........       233.90  ...........        13.65        70.22       317.77
SE2..........................................................         1.39  ...........       191.25  ...........        13.65        70.22       275.12
SE1..........................................................         1.17  ...........       160.98  ...........        13.65        70.22       244.85
SSC..........................................................         1.13  ...........       155.48  ...........        13.65        70.22       239.35
SSB..........................................................         1.05  ...........       144.47  ...........        13.65        70.22       228.34
SSA..........................................................         1.01  ...........       138.97  ...........        13.65        70.22       222.84
CC2..........................................................         1.12  ...........       154.10  ...........        13.65        70.22       237.97
CC1..........................................................         0.99  ...........       136.21  ...........        13.65        70.22       220.08
CB2..........................................................         0.91  ...........       125.21  ...........        13.65        70.22       209.08
CB1..........................................................         0.84  ...........       115.58  ...........        13.65        70.22       199.45
CA2..........................................................         0.83  ...........       114.20  ...........        13.65        70.22       198.07
CA1..........................................................         0.75  ...........       103.19  ...........        13.65        70.22       187.06
IB2..........................................................         0.69  ...........        94.94  ...........        13.65        70.22       178.81
IB1..........................................................         0.67  ...........        92.19  ...........        13.65        70.22       176.06
IA2..........................................................         0.57  ...........        78.43  ...........        13.65        70.22       162.30

[[Page 45038]]


IA1..........................................................         0.53  ...........        72.92  ...........        13.65        70.22       156.79
BB2..........................................................         0.68  ...........        93.56  ...........        13.65        70.22       177.43
BB1..........................................................         0.65  ...........        89.43  ...........        13.65        70.22       173.30
BA2..........................................................         0.56  ...........        77.05  ...........        13.65        70.22       160.92
BA1..........................................................         0.48  ...........        66.04  ...........        13.65        70.22       149.91
PE2..........................................................         0.79  ...........       108.70  ...........        13.65        70.22       192.57
PE1..........................................................         0.77  ...........       105.94  ...........        13.65        70.22       189.81
PD2..........................................................         0.72  ...........        99.06  ...........        13.65        70.22       182.93
PD1..........................................................         0.70  ...........        96.31  ...........        13.65        70.22       180.18
PC2..........................................................         0.65  ...........        89.43  ...........        13.65        70.22       173.30
PC1..........................................................         0.64  ...........        88.06  ...........        13.65        70.22       171.93
PB2..........................................................         0.51  ...........        70.17  ...........        13.65        70.22       154.04
PB1..........................................................         0.50  ...........        68.80  ...........        13.65        70.22       152.67
PA2..........................................................         0.49  ...........        67.42  ...........        13.65        70.22       151.29
PA1..........................................................         0.46  ...........        63.29  ...........        13.65        70.22       147.16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Table 4a.--RUG-53 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates and Associated Indexes--Urban
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Non-case     Non-case
                       RUG-53 category                           Nursing      Therapy      Nursing      Therapy    mix therapy      mix       Total rate
                                                                  index        index      component    component    component    component
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUX..........................................................         1.90         2.25       261.42       233.19  ...........        70.22       564.83
RUL..........................................................         1.40         2.25       192.63       233.19  ...........        70.22       496.04
RVX..........................................................         1.54         1.41       211.89       146.13  ...........        70.22       428.24
RVL..........................................................         1.33         1.41       182.99       146.13  ...........        70.22       399.34
RHX..........................................................         1.42         0.94       195.38        97.42  ...........        70.22       363.02
RHL..........................................................         1.37         0.94       188.50        97.42  ...........        70.22       356.14
RMX..........................................................         1.93         0.77       265.55        79.80  ...........        70.22       415.57
RML..........................................................         1.68         0.77       231.15        79.80  ...........        70.22       381.17
RLX..........................................................         1.31         0.43       180.24        44.57  ...........        70.22       295.03
RUC..........................................................         1.28         2.25       176.12       233.19  ...........        70.22       479.53
RUB..........................................................         0.99         2.25       136.21       233.19  ...........        70.22       439.62
RUA..........................................................         0.84         2.25       115.58       233.19  ...........        70.22       418.99
RVC..........................................................         1.23         1.41       169.24       146.13  ...........        70.22       385.59
RVB..........................................................         1.09         1.41       149.97       146.13  ...........        70.22       366.32
RVA..........................................................         0.82         1.41       112.82       146.13  ...........        70.22       329.17
RHC..........................................................         1.22         0.94       167.86        97.42  ...........        70.22       335.50
RHB..........................................................         1.11         0.94       152.72        97.42  ...........        70.22       320.36
RHA..........................................................         0.94         0.94       129.33        97.42  ...........        70.22       296.97
RMC..........................................................         1.15         0.77       158.23        79.80  ...........        70.22       308.25
RMB..........................................................         1.09         0.77       149.97        79.80  ...........        70.22       299.99
RMA..........................................................         1.04         0.77       143.09        79.80  ...........        70.22       293.11
RLB..........................................................         1.14         0.43       156.85        44.57  ...........        70.22       271.64
RLA..........................................................         0.85         0.43       116.95        44.57  ...........        70.22       231.74
SE3..........................................................         1.86  ...........       255.92  ...........        13.65        70.22       339.79
SE2..........................................................         1.49  ...........       205.01  ...........        13.65        70.22       288.88
SE1..........................................................         1.26  ...........       173.36  ...........        13.65        70.22       257.23
SSC..........................................................         1.23  ...........       169.24  ...........        13.65        70.22       253.11
SSB..........................................................         1.13  ...........       155.48  ...........        13.65        70.22       239.35
SSA..........................................................         1.10  ...........       151.35  ...........        13.65        70.22       235.22
CC2..........................................................         1.22  ...........       167.86  ...........        13.65        70.22       251.73
CC1..........................................................         1.06  ...........       145.85  ...........        13.65        70.22       229.72
CB2..........................................................         0.98  ...........       134.84  ...........        13.65        70.22       218.71
CB1..........................................................         0.91  ...........       125.21  ...........        13.65        70.22       209.08
CA2..........................................................         0.90  ...........       123.83  ...........        13.65        70.22       207.70
CA1..........................................................         0.80  ...........       110.07  ...........        13.65        70.22       193.94
IB2..........................................................         0.74  ...........       101.82  ...........        13.65        70.22       185.69
IB1..........................................................         0.72  ...........        99.06  ...........        13.65        70.22       182.93
IA2..........................................................         0.61  ...........        83.93  ...........        13.65        70.22       167.80
IA1..........................................................         0.56  ...........        77.05  ...........        13.65        70.22       160.92
BB2..........................................................         0.73  ...........       100.44  ...........        13.65        70.22       184.31
BB1..........................................................         0.69  ...........        94.94  ...........        13.65        70.22       178.81
BA2..........................................................         0.60  ...........        82.55  ...........        13.65        70.22       166.42
BA1..........................................................         0.52  ...........        71.55  ...........        13.65        70.22       155.42
PE2..........................................................         0.85  ...........       116.95  ...........        13.65        70.22       200.82
PE1..........................................................         0.82  ...........       112.82  ...........        13.65        70.22       196.69
PD2..........................................................         0.78  ...........       107.32  ...........        13.65        70.22       191.19
PD1..........................................................         0.76  ...........       104.57  ...........        13.65        70.22       188.44
PC2..........................................................         0.71  ...........        97.69  ...........        13.65        70.22       181.56

[[Page 45039]]


PC1..........................................................         0.69  ...........        94.94  ...........        13.65        70.22       178.81
PB2..........................................................         0.55  ...........        75.67  ...........        13.65        70.22       159.54
PB1..........................................................         0.54  ...........        74.30  ...........        13.65        70.22       158.17
PA2..........................................................         0.53  ...........        72.92  ...........        13.65        70.22       156.79
PA1..........................................................         0.50  ...........        68.80  ...........        13.65        70.22       152.67
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Table 5.--RUG-44 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates and Associated Indexes--Rural
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Non-case     Non-case
                       RUG III category                          Nursing      Therapy      Nursing      Therapy    mix therapy      mix       Total rate
                                                                  index        index      component    component    component    component
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUC..........................................................         1.30         2.25       170.89       268.90  ...........        71.52       511.31
RUB..........................................................         0.95         2.25       124.88       268.90  ...........        71.52       465.30
RUA..........................................................         0.78         2.25       102.53       268.90  ...........        71.52       442.95
RVC..........................................................         1.13         1.41       148.54       168.51  ...........        71.52       388.57
RVB..........................................................         1.04         1.41       136.71       168.51  ...........        71.52       376.74
RVA..........................................................         0.81         1.41       106.47       168.51  ...........        71.52       346.50
RHC..........................................................         1.26         0.94       165.63       112.34  ...........        71.52       349.49
RHB..........................................................         1.06         0.94       139.34       112.34  ...........        71.52       323.20
RHA..........................................................         0.87         0.94       114.36       112.34  ...........        71.52       298.22
RMC..........................................................         1.35         0.77       177.46        92.02  ...........        71.52       341.00
RMB..........................................................         1.09         0.77       143.28        92.02  ...........        71.52       306.82
RMA..........................................................         0.96         0.77       126.19        92.02  ...........        71.52       289.73
RLB..........................................................         1.11         0.43       145.91        51.39  ...........        71.52       268.82
RLA..........................................................         0.80         0.43       105.16        51.39  ...........        71.52       228.07
SE3..........................................................         1.70  ...........       223.47  ...........        14.58        71.52       309.57
SE2..........................................................         1.39  ...........       182.72  ...........        14.58        71.52       268.82
SE1..........................................................         1.17  ...........       153.80  ...........        14.58        71.52       239.90
SSC..........................................................         1.13  ...........       148.54  ...........        14.58        71.52       234.64
SSB..........................................................         1.05  ...........       138.02  ...........        14.58        71.52       224.12
SSA..........................................................         1.01  ...........       132.76  ...........        14.58        71.52       218.86
CC2..........................................................         1.12  ...........       147.22  ...........        14.58        71.52       233.32
CC1..........................................................         0.99  ...........       130.14  ...........        14.58        71.52       216.24
CB2..........................................................         0.91  ...........       119.62  ...........        14.58        71.52       205.72
CB1..........................................................         0.84  ...........       110.42  ...........        14.58        71.52       196.52
CA2..........................................................         0.83  ...........       109.10  ...........        14.58        71.52       195.20
CA1..........................................................         0.75  ...........        98.59  ...........        14.58        71.52       184.69
IB2..........................................................         0.69  ...........        90.70  ...........        14.58        71.52       176.80
IB1..........................................................         0.67  ...........        88.07  ...........        14.58        71.52       174.17
IA2..........................................................         0.57  ...........        74.93  ...........        14.58        71.52       161.03
IA1..........................................................         0.53  ...........        69.67  ...........        14.58        71.52       155.77
BB2..........................................................         0.68  ...........        89.39  ...........        14.58        71.52       175.49
BB1..........................................................         0.65  ...........        85.44  ...........        14.58        71.52       171.54
BA2..........................................................         0.56  ...........        73.61  ...........        14.58        71.52       159.71
BA1..........................................................         0.48  ...........        63.10  ...........        14.58        71.52       149.20
PE2..........................................................         0.79  ...........       103.85  ...........        14.58        71.52       189.95
PE1..........................................................         0.77  ...........       101.22  ...........        14.58        71.52       187.32
PD2..........................................................         0.72  ...........        94.64  ...........        14.58        71.52       180.74
PD1..........................................................         0.70  ...........        92.02  ...........        14.58        71.52       178.12
PC2..........................................................         0.65  ...........        85.44  ...........        14.58        71.52       171.54
PC1..........................................................         0.64  ...........        84.13  ...........        14.58        71.52       170.23
PB2..........................................................         0.51  ...........        67.04  ...........        14.58        71.52       153.14
PB1..........................................................         0.50  ...........        65.73  ...........        14.58        71.52       151.83
PA2..........................................................         0.49  ...........        64.41  ...........        14.58        71.52       150.51
PA1..........................................................         0.46  ...........        60.47  ...........        14.58        71.52       146.57
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Table 5a.--RUG-53 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates and Associated Indexes--Rural
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Non-case     Non-case
                       RUG-53 category                           Nursing      Therapy      Nursing      Therapy    mix therapy      mix       Total rate
                                                                  index        index      component    component       comp      component
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUX..........................................................         1.90         2.25       249.76       268.90  ...........        71.52       590.18
RUL..........................................................         1.40         2.25       184.03       268.90  ...........        71.52       524.45
RVX..........................................................         1.54         1.41       202.43       168.51  ...........        71.52       442.46
RVL..........................................................         1.33         1.41       174.83       168.51  ...........        71.52       414.86
RHX..........................................................         1.42         0.94       186.66       112.34  ...........        71.52       370.52
RHL..........................................................         1.37         0.94       180.09       112.34  ...........        71.52       363.95

[[Page 45040]]


RMX..........................................................         1.93         0.77       253.70        92.02  ...........        71.52       417.24
RML..........................................................         1.68         0.77       220.84        92.02  ...........        71.52       384.38
RLX..........................................................         1.31         0.43       172.20        51.39  ...........        71.52       295.11
RUC..........................................................         1.28         2.25       168.26       268.90  ...........        71.52       508.68
RUB..........................................................         0.99         2.25       130.14       268.90  ...........        71.52       470.56
RUA..........................................................         0.84         2.25       110.42       268.90  ...........        71.52       450.84
RVC..........................................................         1.23         1.41       161.68       168.51  ...........        71.52       401.71
RVB..........................................................         1.09         1.41       143.28       168.51  ...........        71.52       383.31
RVA..........................................................         0.82         1.41       107.79       168.51  ...........        71.52       347.82
RHC..........................................................         1.22         0.94       160.37       112.34  ...........        71.52       344.23
RHB..........................................................         1.11         0.94       145.91       112.34  ...........        71.52       329.77
RHA..........................................................         0.94         0.94       123.56       112.34  ...........        71.52       307.42
RMC..........................................................         1.15         0.77       151.17        92.02  ...........        71.52       314.71
RMB..........................................................         1.09         0.77       143.28        92.02  ...........        71.52       306.82
RMA..........................................................         1.04         0.77       136.71        92.02  ...........        71.52       300.25
RLB..........................................................         1.14         0.43       149.85        51.39  ...........        71.52       272.76
RLA..........................................................         0.85         0.43       111.73        51.39  ...........        71.52       234.64
SE3..........................................................         1.86  ...........       244.50  ...........        14.58        71.52       330.60
SE2..........................................................         1.49  ...........       195.86  ...........        14.58        71.52       281.96
SE1..........................................................         1.26  ...........       165.63  ...........        14.58        71.52       251.73
SSC..........................................................         1.23  ...........       161.68  ...........        14.58        71.52       247.78
SSB..........................................................         1.13  ...........       148.54  ...........        14.58        71.52       234.64
SSA..........................................................         1.10  ...........       144.60  ...........        14.58        71.52       230.70
CC2..........................................................         1.22  ...........       160.37  ...........        14.58        71.52       246.47
CC1..........................................................         1.06  ...........       139.34  ...........        14.58        71.52       225.44
CB2..........................................................         0.98  ...........       128.82  ...........        14.58        71.52       214.92
CB1..........................................................         0.91  ...........       119.62  ...........        14.58        71.52       205.72
CA2..........................................................         0.90  ...........       118.31  ...........        14.58        71.52       204.41
CA1..........................................................         0.80  ...........       105.16  ...........        14.58        71.52       191.26
IB2..........................................................         0.74  ...........        97.27  ...........        14.58        71.52       183.37
IB1..........................................................         0.72  ...........        94.64  ...........        14.58        71.52       180.74
IA2..........................................................         0.61  ...........        80.18  ...........        14.58        71.52       166.28
IA1..........................................................         0.56  ...........        73.61  ...........        14.58        71.52       159.71
BB2..........................................................         0.73  ...........        95.96  ...........        14.58        71.52       182.06
BB1..........................................................         0.69  ...........        90.70  ...........        14.58        71.52       176.80
BA2..........................................................         0.60  ...........        78.87  ...........        14.58        71.52       164.97
BA1..........................................................         0.52  ...........        68.35  ...........        14.58        71.52       154.45
PE2..........................................................         0.85  ...........       111.73  ...........        14.58        71.52       197.83
PE1..........................................................         0.82  ...........       107.79  ...........        14.58        71.52       193.89
PD2..........................................................         0.78  ...........       102.53  ...........        14.58        71.52       188.63
PD1..........................................................         0.76  ...........        99.90  ...........        14.58        71.52       186.00
PC2..........................................................         0.71  ...........        93.33  ...........        14.58        71.52       179.43
PC1..........................................................         0.69  ...........        90.70  ...........        14.58        71.52       176.80
PB2..........................................................         0.55  ...........        72.30  ...........        14.58        71.52       158.40
PB1..........................................................         0.54  ...........        70.98  ...........        14.58        71.52       157.08
PA2..........................................................         0.53  ...........        69.67  ...........        14.58        71.52       155.77
PA1..........................................................         0.50  ...........        65.73  ...........        14.58        71.52       151.83
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Wage Index Adjustment to Federal Rates

    Section 1888(e)(4)(G)(ii) of the Act requires that we adjust the 
Federal rates to account for differences in area wage levels, using a 
wage index that we find appropriate. Since the inception of a PPS for 
SNFs, we have used hospital wage data in developing a wage index to be 
applied to SNFs. We are continuing that practice for FY 2006.
1. Proposal To Incorporate the Revised OMB Definitions for Metropolitan 
Statistical Areas and Combined Statistical Areas
    In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we proposed to incorporate 
into the SNF PPS the revised OMB definitions for Metropolitan 
Statistical Areas, as well as the new definitions of Micropolitan 
Statistical Areas and Combined Statistical Areas. For a full discussion 
of this proposal, see our FY 2006 proposed rule (70 FR 29090-94). We 
also invited comments on the appropriateness of implementing this 
change through a transition period similar to that adopted under the 
inpatient hospital PPS (IPPS)(70 FR 29095). The following is a 
discussion of the comments that we received on this issue.
    Comment: A number of commenters questioned the continued use of the 
hospital wage index, and suggested that, rather than using the hospital 
wage index to implement the OMB designations, CMS postpone action until 
a SNF-specific wage index can be created. Commenters also recommended 
adopting policies included in the IPPS, such as the creation of a 
geographic reclassification policy for SNFs and the introduction of a 
``rural floor'' (ensuring that no urban wage index value is lower than 
the State-wide rural wage index.
    Response: As part of our ongoing program analysis, we periodically 
reevaluate the suitability of establishing a SNF-specific wage index 
and a provider reclassification methodology. However, as we noted in 
the FY 2004 SNF PPS final rule when this issue was

[[Page 45041]]

raised previously (68 FR 46046, August 4, 2003), in view of the 
volatility of existing SNF wage data and the significant amount of 
resources that would be required to improve the quality of that data, 
we do not expect to propose a SNF-specific wage index until we can 
demonstrate that it would significantly improve our ability to 
determine payment for facilities and justify the resources required to 
collect the data, as well as the increased burden on providers.
    In addition, we note that the development of the hospital wage data 
can also be scrutinized and evaluated by the SNF industry when 
commenting on the hospital proposed rule that is published each spring. 
Therefore, because of the problems associated with the current SNF-
specific data, and our inability to demonstrate that a SNF-specific 
wage index would be more reflective of the wages and salaries paid in a 
specific area, we continue to believe that hospital wage data are the 
most appropriate data for adjusting payments made to SNFs.
    We also noted in the FY 2004 final rule that while section 315 of 
the BIPA does authorize the SNF PPS to use a reclassification 
methodology that would allow providers to seek geographic 
reclassification, it specifically provides that such reclassification 
cannot be implemented until we have collected the data necessary to 
establish a SNF-specific wage index. At that time, we also invited 
input from the industry that could demonstrate that the adoption of a 
``rural floor'' would provide a more accurate wage index. To date, 
however, we have not received evidence that such an approach would, in 
fact, accomplish this result. Accordingly, we are not adopting these 
suggested changes at this time.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that we withdraw or 
postpone implementation of this provision because the fiscal impact of 
the wage index changes have a disproportionate effect on different 
facilities or in different localities. One commenter also questioned 
whether CMS has the legislative authority to implement the OMB 
designations, as the SNF PPS structure distinguishes between urban and 
rural providers, but doesn't include a category for micropolitan areas.
    Response: The statute provides the Secretary with broad authority 
to select an appropriate wage index, and we believe that the adoption 
of these OMB designations is consistent with and in compliance with the 
statutory authority. We further understand that impact on providers 
based on the wage index adjustments (which, by statute, must be 
accomplished in a budget neutral manner) will always vary as an 
inherent aspect of such adjustments, and would occur regardless of 
whether we continue to use the current MSA designations or use the more 
accurate CBSA designations established by OMB in June 2003. Therefore, 
we continue to believe that an appropriate wage index includes the CBSA 
designations described in the proposed rule.
    Comment: A large number of commenters urged CMS to develop a 
transition policy to minimize the fiscal impact of the transition to 
the OMB designations. Many commenters urged CMS to adopt broad 
protections for facilities against changes in the wage index due to the 
adoption of the new OMB designations. Commenters offered various 
recommendations about how to provide such protection. Some advocated 
transition mechanisms such as blending wage index factors specifically 
for those facilities that would experience a wage index decrease 
(similar to the approach adopted under the IPPS), with a one to four 
year phase-in period to allow SNFs to make appropriate adjustments in 
their operations. In addition, many commenters recommended caps on 
gains and losses or a hold harmless provision for SNFs facing 
significant wage index reductions under the proposal.
    Response: In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, while we did not 
view it as appropriate or necessary to propose a transition period, we 
provided various transition options and specifically invited comments 
on our proposed approaches. We continue to recognize that some SNFs 
will experience decreases in their applicable wage index as a result of 
the conversion from the MSA to the CBSA structure. We also agree that 
it is appropriate to assist providers in adapting to these changes in a 
manner that provides the most benefit to the largest number of 
providers. Therefore, based in part upon the comments, we now agree 
that a transition period for SNFs would be appropriate and beneficial.
    In evaluating transition options, we looked for approaches that 
would provide relief to the largest percentage of adversely affected 
SNFs with the least impact to the rest of the facilities, who either 
received small increases or remained the same. One possible approach 
that we considered would involve creating a floor (for example, at a 2 
percent decrease), to be funded by also imposing a ceiling (for 
example, at a 5 percent gain). Instead, we have decided to use a 1-year 
transition with a blended wage index for all providers. The wage index 
for each provider will consist of a blend of 50 percent of the FY 2006 
MSA-based wage index and 50 percent of the FY 2006 CBSA-based wage 
index (both using FY 2002 hospital wage data). We refer to this blended 
wage index as the FY 2006 SNF PPS transition wage index and these 
values can be found in the Addendum in Table A. This option achieves 
our objective of creating a transition policy that provides relief to 
the largest percentage of adversely affected SNFs with the least impact 
to the rest of the facilities. In addition, the 50/50 blend option 
allows us to achieve a high degree of stability in the unadjusted base 
rates. The adoption of this option results in only minimal change to 
the budget neutrality factor, from 1.0011 to 1.0012. In fact, the 
unadjusted base rates applicable to all SNFs actually show a slight 
increase.
    Accordingly, as noted above, after consideration of these comments, 
we have modified the wage index proposal to include the transition 
policy discussed above. This transition policy is for a one-year 
period. It goes into effect October 1, 2005, and remains in effect 
through September 30, 2006. Thus, the transition will end at the start 
of FY 2007.
    In addition, we solicited comments on approaches to calculating the 
wage index values for areas without hospitals for FY 2006 and 
subsequent years. We received no comments on our approach and we will 
implement the methodology described in the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed 
rule (70 FR 29096).
2. Determining the Labor-Related Portion of the SNF PPS Rate
    The wage index adjustment is applied to the labor-related portion 
of the Federal rate, which is 75.922 percent of the total rate, as 
explained in section III.H.1 of this final rule. This percentage 
reflects the labor-related relative importance for FY 2006. The labor-
related relative importance is calculated from the SNF market basket, 
and approximates the labor-related portion of the total costs after 
taking into account historical and projected price changes between the 
base year and FY 2006. The price proxies that move the different cost 
categories in the market basket do not necessarily change at the same 
rate, and the relative importance captures these changes. Accordingly, 
the relative importance figure more closely reflects the cost share 
weights for FY 2006 than the base year weights from the SNF market 
basket.
    We calculate the labor-related relative importance for FY 2006 in 
four steps.

[[Page 45042]]

First, we compute the FY 2006 price index level for the total market 
basket and each cost category of the market basket. Second, we 
calculate a ratio for each cost category by dividing the FY 2006 price 
index level for that cost category by the total market basket price 
index level. Third, we determine the FY 2006 relative importance for 
each cost category by multiplying this ratio by the base year (FY 1997) 
weight. Finally, we sum the FY 2006 relative importance for each of the 
labor-related cost categories (wages and salaries, employee benefits, 
nonmedical professional fees, labor-intensive services, and capital-
related expenses) to produce the FY 2006 labor-related relative 
importance. Tables 6 and 7 show the Federal rates by labor-related and 
non-labor-related components for the existing 44-group RUG-III 
classification system. Tables 6a and 7a show the Federal rates by 
labor-related and non-labor-related components for the refined 53-group 
RUG classification system.

Table 6.--RUG-44 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates for Urban SNFs by Labor
                         and Non-Labor Component
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Labor      Non-labor
         RUG III category           Total rate    portion      portion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUC..............................       482.28       366.16       116.12
RUB..............................       434.12       329.59       104.53
RUA..............................       410.73       311.83        98.90
RVC..............................       371.83       282.30        89.53
RVB..............................       359.44       272.89        86.55
RVA..............................       327.80       248.87        78.93
RHC..............................       341.00       258.89        82.11
RHB..............................       313.49       238.01        75.48
RHA..............................       287.34       218.15        69.19
RMC..............................       335.77       254.92        80.85
RMB..............................       299.99       227.76        72.23
RMA..............................       282.11       214.18        67.93
RLB..............................       267.51       203.10        64.41
RLA..............................       224.86       170.72        54.14
SE3..............................       317.77       241.26        76.51
SE2..............................       275.12       208.88        66.24
SE1..............................       244.85       185.90        58.95
SSC..............................       239.35       181.72        57.63
SSB..............................       228.34       173.36        54.98
SSA..............................       222.84       169.18        53.66
CC2..............................       237.97       180.67        57.30
CC1..............................       220.08       167.09        52.99
CB2..............................       209.08       158.74        50.34
CB1..............................       199.45       151.43        48.02
CA2..............................       198.07       150.38        47.69
CA1..............................       187.06       142.02        45.04
IB2..............................       178.81       135.76        43.05
IB1..............................       176.06       133.67        42.39
IA2..............................       162.30       123.22        39.08
IA1..............................       156.79       119.04        37.75
BB2..............................       177.43       134.71        42.72
BB1..............................       173.30       131.57        41.73
BA2..............................       160.92       122.17        38.75
BA1..............................       149.91       113.81        36.10
PE2..............................       192.57       146.20        46.37
PE1..............................       189.81       144.11        45.70
PD2..............................       182.93       138.88        44.05
PD1..............................       180.18       136.80        43.38
PC2..............................       173.30       131.57        41.73
PC1..............................       171.93       130.53        41.40
PB2..............................       154.04       116.95        37.09
PB1..............................       152.67       115.91        36.76
PA2..............................       151.29       114.86        36.43
PA1..............................       147.16       111.73        35.43
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Table 6a.--RUG-53 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates for Urban SNFs by
                      Labor and Non-Labor Component
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Labor      Non-labor
         RUG-53 category            Total rate    portion      portion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUX..............................       564.83       428.83       136.00
RUL..............................       496.04       376.60       119.44
RVX..............................       428.24       325.13       103.11
RVL..............................       399.34       303.19        96.15
RHX..............................       363.02       275.61        87.41
RHL..............................       356.14       270.39        85.75
RMX..............................       415.57       315.51       100.06
RML..............................       381.17       289.39        91.78
RLX..............................       295.03       223.99        71.04
RUC..............................       479.53       364.07       115.46

[[Page 45043]]


RUB..............................       439.62       333.77       105.85
RUA..............................       418.99       318.11       100.88
RVC..............................       385.59       292.75        92.84
RVB..............................       366.32       278.12        88.20
RVA..............................       329.17       249.91        79.26
RHC..............................       335.50       254.72        80.78
RHB..............................       320.36       243.22        77.14
RHA..............................       296.97       225.47        71.50
RMC..............................       308.25       234.03        74.22
RMB..............................       299.99       227.76        72.23
RMA..............................       293.11       222.53        70.58
RLB..............................       271.64       206.23        65.41
RLA..............................       231.74       175.94        55.80
SE3..............................       339.79       257.98        81.81
SE2..............................       288.88       219.32        69.56
SE1..............................       257.23       195.29        61.94
SSC..............................       253.11       192.17        60.94
SSB..............................       239.35       181.72        57.63
SSA..............................       235.22       178.58        56.64
CC2..............................       251.73       191.12        60.61
CC1..............................       229.72       174.41        55.31
CB2..............................       218.71       166.05        52.66
CB1..............................       209.08       158.74        50.34
CA2..............................       207.70       157.69        50.01
CA1..............................       193.94       147.24        46.70
IB2..............................       185.69       140.98        44.71
IB1..............................       182.93       138.88        44.05
IA2..............................       167.80       127.40        40.40
IA1..............................       160.92       122.17        38.75
BB2..............................       184.31       139.93        44.38
BB1..............................       178.81       135.76        43.05
BA2..............................       166.42       126.35        40.07
BA1..............................       155.42       118.00        37.42
PE2..............................       200.82       152.47        48.35
PE1..............................       196.69       149.33        47.36
PD2..............................       191.19       145.16        46.03
PD1..............................       188.44       143.07        45.37
PC2..............................       181.56       137.84        43.72
PC1..............................       178.81       135.76        43.05
PB2..............................       159.54       121.13        38.41
PB1..............................       158.17       120.09        38.08
PA2..............................       156.79       119.04        37.75
PA1..............................       152.67       115.91        36.76
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table 7.--RUG-44 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates for Rural SNFs by Labor
                         and Non-Labor Component
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Labor      Non-labor
         RUG III category           Total rate    portion      portion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUC..............................       511.31       388.20       123.11
RUB..............................       465.30       353.27       112.03
RUA..............................       442.95       336.30       106.65
RVC..............................       388.57       295.01        93.56
RVB..............................       376.74       286.03        90.71
RVA..............................       346.50       263.07        83.43
RHC..............................       349.49       265.34        84.15
RHB..............................       323.20       245.38        77.82
RHA..............................       298.22       226.41        71.81
RMC..............................       341.00       258.89        82.11
RMB..............................       306.82       232.94        73.88
RMA..............................       289.73       219.97        69.76
RLB..............................       268.82       204.09        64.73
RLA..............................       228.07       173.16        54.91
SE3..............................       309.57       235.03        74.54
SE2..............................       268.82       204.09        64.73
SE1..............................       239.90       182.14        57.76
SSC..............................       234.64       178.14        56.50
SSB..............................       224.12       170.16        53.96
SSA..............................       218.86       166.16        52.70

[[Page 45044]]


CC2..............................       233.32       177.14        56.18
CC1..............................       216.24       164.17        52.07
CB2..............................       205.72       156.19        49.53
CB1..............................       196.52       149.20        47.32
CA2..............................       195.20       148.20        47.00
CA1..............................       184.69       140.22        44.47
IB2..............................       176.80       134.23        42.57
IB1..............................       174.17       132.23        41.94
IA2..............................       161.03       122.26        38.77
IA1..............................       155.77       118.26        37.51
BB2..............................       175.49       133.24        42.25
BB1..............................       171.54       130.24        41.30
BA2..............................       159.71       121.26        38.45
BA1..............................       149.20       113.28        35.92
PE2..............................       189.95       144.21        45.74
PE1..............................       187.32       142.22        45.10
PD2..............................       180.74       137.22        43.52
PD1..............................       178.12       135.23        42.89
PC2..............................       171.54       130.24        41.30
PC1..............................       170.23       129.24        40.99
PB2..............................       153.14       116.27        36.87
PB1..............................       151.83       115.27        36.56
PA2..............................       150.51       114.27        36.24
PA1..............................       146.57       111.28        35.29
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Table 7a.--RUG-53 Case-Mix Adjusted Federal Rates for Rural SNFs by
                      Labor and Non-Labor Component
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Labor      Non-labor
         RUG-53 category            Total rate    portion      portion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUX..............................       590.18       448.08       142.10
RUL..............................       524.45       398.17       126.28
RVX..............................       442.46       335.92       106.54
RVL..............................       414.86       314.97        99.89
RHX..............................       370.52       281.31        89.21
RHL..............................       363.95       276.32        87.63
RMX..............................       417.24       316.78       100.46
RML..............................       384.38       291.83        92.55
RLX..............................       295.11       224.05        71.06
RUC..............................       508.68       386.20       122.48
RUB..............................       470.56       357.26       113.30
RUA..............................       450.84       342.29       108.55
RVC..............................       401.71       304.99        96.72
RVB..............................       383.31       291.02        92.29
RVA..............................       347.82       264.07        83.75
RHC..............................       344.23       261.35        82.88
RHB..............................       329.77       250.37        79.40
RHA..............................       307.42       233.40        74.02
RMC..............................       314.71       238.93        75.78
RMB..............................       306.82       232.94        73.88
RMA..............................       300.25       227.96        72.29
RLB..............................       272.76       207.08        65.68
RLA..............................       234.64       178.14        56.50
SE3..............................       330.60       251.00        79.60
SE2..............................       281.96       214.07        67.89
SE1..............................       251.73       191.12        60.61
SSC..............................       247.78       188.12        59.66
SSB..............................       234.64       178.14        56.50
SSA..............................       230.70       175.15        55.55
CC2..............................       246.47       187.12        59.35
CC1..............................       225.44       171.16        54.28
CB2..............................       214.92       163.17        51.75
CB1..............................       205.72       156.19        49.53
CA2..............................       204.41       155.19        49.22
CA1..............................       191.26       145.21        46.05
IB2..............................       183.37       139.22        44.15
IB1..............................       180.74       137.22        43.52
IA2..............................       166.28       126.24        40.04
IA1..............................       159.71       121.26        38.45

[[Page 45045]]


BB2..............................       182.06       138.22        43.84
BB1..............................       176.80       134.23        42.57
BA2..............................       164.97       125.25        39.72
BA1..............................       154.45       117.26        37.19
PE2..............................       197.83       150.20        47.63
PE1..............................       193.89       147.21        46.68
PD2..............................       188.63       143.21        45.42
PD1..............................       186.00       141.21        44.79
PC2..............................       179.43       136.23        43.20
PC1..............................       176.80       134.23        42.57
PB2..............................       158.40       120.26        38.14
PB1..............................       157.08       119.26        37.82
PA2..............................       155.77       118.26        37.51
PA1..............................       151.83       115.27        36.56
------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Calculating the Budget Neutrality Factor
    Section 1888(e)(4)(G)(ii) of the Act also requires that we apply 
this wage index in a manner that does not result in aggregate payments 
that are greater or lesser than would otherwise be made in the absence 
of the wage adjustment. For FY 2006 (Federal rates effective October 1, 
2005), we are applying the wage index applicable to SNF payments using 
the most recent hospital wage data applicable to FY 2006 payments (as 
discussed previously in section III.D.1 of this final rule), and 
applying an adjustment to fulfill the budget neutrality requirement. 
This requirement is met by multiplying each of the components of the 
unadjusted Federal rates by a factor equal to the ratio of the volume 
weighted mean wage adjustment factor (using the wage index from the 
previous year) to the volume weighted mean wage adjustment factor, 
using the wage index for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2005. The 
same volume weights are used in both the numerator and denominator and 
were derived from 1997 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review File 
(MEDPAR) data. The wage adjustment factor used in this calculation is 
defined as the labor share of the rate component multiplied by the wage 
index plus the non-labor share. The budget neutrality factor has been 
recalculated to reflect the addition of a transition policy. Effective 
October 1, 2005, we will adopt a budget neutrality factor of 1.0012. In 
order to give the public a sense of the magnitude of this adjustment, 
last year's factor was 1.0011.

E. Updates to the Federal Rates

    In accordance with section 1888(e)(4)(E) of the Act, the final 
payment rates listed here reflect an update equal to the full SNF 
market basket, which equals 3.1 percent.
    We will continue to disseminate the rates, wage index, and case-mix 
classification methodology in the Federal Register before August 1 
preceding the start of each succeeding fiscal year. Along with a number 
of other revisions discussed elsewhere in this preamble, this final 
rule provides the annual updates to the Federal rates as required by 
statute.

F. Relationship of Case-Mix Classification System to Existing SNF 
Level-of-Care Criteria

    As discussed in Sec.  413.345, we include in each update of the 
Federal payment rates in the Federal Register the designation of those 
specific RUGs under the classification system that represent the 
required SNF level of care, as provided in Sec.  409.30. This 
designation reflects an administrative presumption that we initially 
adopted under the original 44-group RUG-III classification system. 
Under the presumption, any beneficiary correctly assigned to one of the 
upper 26 of the 44 RUG-III groups in the initial 5-day, Medicare-
required assessment is automatically classified as meeting the SNF 
level of care definition up to the assessment reference date (ARD) for 
that assessment.
    A beneficiary assigned to any of the lower 18 of the 44 RUG-III 
groups is not automatically classified as either meeting or not meeting 
the definition, but instead receives an individual level of care 
determination using the existing administrative criteria. This 
presumption recognizes the strong likelihood that beneficiaries 
assigned to one of the upper 26 groups during the immediate post-
hospital period require a covered level of care, which would be 
significantly less likely for those beneficiaries assigned to one of 
the lower 18 groups.
1. Proposals on the 9 New Rehabilitation Plus Extensive Services Groups
    In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we noted that the 9 new 
Rehabilitation plus Extensive Services groups that we proposed to add 
at the top of the existing RUG-III hierarchy would effectively 
encompass care ``* * * that is at least as intensive as that identified 
by any of the upper 26 RUG-III groups under the original, 44-group RUG-
III classification system.'' Accordingly, with the adoption of those 9 
new groups as discussed elsewhere in this final rule (and as proposed), 
we hereby designate as representing a covered level of care under the 
administrative presumption the upper 35 groups of the refined case-mix 
classification system (including the upper 26 groups that were 
previously so designated under the original 44-group system, plus the 
additional 9 Rehabilitation plus Extensive Services groups that we are 
now adopting), consisting of the following RUG classifications:
     All groups within the new Rehabilitation plus Extensive 
Services category;
     All groups within the Ultra High Rehabilitation category;
     All groups within the Very High Rehabilitation category;
     All groups within the High Rehabilitation category;
     All groups within the Medium Rehabilitation category;
     All groups within the Low Rehabilitation category;
     All groups within the Extensive Services category;
     All groups within the Special Care category; and

[[Page 45046]]

     All groups within the Clinically Complex category.
    Comment: Commenters consistently supported the extension of the 
administrative presumption to the nine new RUG groups.
    Response: We appreciate the commenters' support, and will implement 
this provision as proposed without modification.

G. Example of Computation of Adjusted PPS Rates and SNF Payment

    As explained in section II., from October 1, 2005, through December 
31, 2005, we will make payment based entirely on the existing 44-group 
RUG-III classification system (including any associated add-on 
payments). Using the model SNF (XYZ) described in Table 10, the 
following shows the adjustments made to the Federal per diem rate to 
compute the provider's actual per diem PPS for the time period 
mentioned above using the existing 44-group RUG-III classification 
system.
    Beginning January 1, 2006, we will make payment based on the 
refined RUG-53 classification system (and, thus, would not include the 
add-on payments). Table 10a shows an example of the actual per diem PPS 
payments under the RUG-53 classification system.
    The Labor and Non-labor columns are derived from Tables 6 or 6a. In 
addition, the adjustment for residents with AIDS enacted in section 511 
of the MMA is reflected in Tables 10 and 10a.

      Table 10.--RUG-44, SNF XYZ: Located in Benton County, IA (Urban CBSA Designation), Wage Index: 0.8710 (See Transition Wage Index in Table A)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Adjusted                  Adjusted     Percent      Medicare
                    RUG group                        Labor      Wage index     labor      Non-labor       rate      adjustment      days       Payment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RVC.............................................      $282.30       0.8710      $245.88       $89.53      $335.41     *$357.88           14       $5,010
RHA.............................................       218.15       0.8710       190.01        69.19       259.20      *276.57           16        4,425
CC2.............................................       180.67       0.8710       157.36        57.30       214.66     **489.42           10        4,894
SSC.............................................       181.72       0.8710       158.28        57.63       215.91    ***259.09           30        7,773
IA2.............................................       123.22       0.8710       107.32        39.08       146.40       146.40           30        4,392
                                                 --------------
    Total.......................................  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........          100      26,494
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 *Reflects a 6.7 percent adjustment from section 314 of the BIPA.
 **Reflects a 128 percent adjustment from section 511 of the MMA. Section 101(a) of the BBRA no longer applies because of the MMA section 511
  adjustment.
 ***Reflects a 20 percent adjustment from section 101(a) of the BBRA.


      Table 10a.--RUG-53, SNF XYZ: Located in Benton County, IA (Urban CBSA Designation) Wage Index: 0.8710 (See Transition Wage Index in Table A)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Adjusted                  Adjusted     Percent      Medicare
                    RUG group                        Labor      Wage index     labor      Non-labor       rate      adjustment      days       Payment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RVX.............................................      $325.13        0.871      $283.19      $103.11      $386.30      $386.30           14       $5,408
RHA.............................................       225.47        0.871       196.38        71.50       267.88       267.88           16        4,286
CC2.............................................       191.12        0.871       166.47        60.61       227.08       517.73           10        5,177
RLX.............................................       223.99        0.871       195.10        71.04       266.14       266.14           30        7,984
IA2.............................................       127.40        0.871       110.97        40.40       151.37       151.37           30        4,541
                                                 --------------
    Total.......................................  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........          100      27,396
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Reflects a 128 percent adjustment from section 511 of the MMA.

H. SNF Market Basket Index

1. Background
    Section 1888(e)(5)(A) of the Act requires us to establish a SNF 
market basket index (input price index) that reflects changes over time 
in the prices of an appropriate mix of goods and services included in 
the SNF PPS. This final rule incorporates the latest available 
projections of the SNF market basket index. Accordingly, we have 
developed a SNF market basket index that encompasses the most commonly 
used cost categories for SNF routine services, ancillary services, and 
capital-related expenses. In the July 31, 2001 Federal Register (66 FR 
39562), we included a complete discussion on the rebasing of the SNF 
market basket to FY 1997. There are 21 separate cost categories and 
respective price proxies. These cost categories were illustrated in 
Table 10.A, Table 10.B, and Appendix A, along with other relevant 
information, in the July 31, 2001 Federal Register.
    Each year, we calculate a revised labor-related share based on the 
relative importance of labor-related cost categories in the input price 
index. Table 11 summarizes the updated labor-related share for FY 2006.

     Table 11.--Labor-related Relative Importance, FY2005 and FY2006
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Relative          Relative
                                         importance,       importance,
                                       labor-related,    labor-related,
                                         FY 2005 (97       FY 2006 (97
                                           index)            index)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wages and salaries..................            54.356            54.391
Employee benefits...................            11.506            11.648
Nonmedical professional fees........             2.708             2.739

[[Page 45047]]


Labor-intensive services............             4.114             4.128
Capital-related.....................             3.092             3.016
                                     -------------------
    Total...........................            75.776           75.922
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Global Insights, Inc., formerly DRI-WEFA, 2nd Quarter, 2005.

2. Use of the SNF Market Basket Percentage
    Section 1888(e)(5)(B) of the Act defines the SNF market basket 
percentage as the percentage change in the SNF market basket index, as 
described in the previous section, from the average index level of the 
prior fiscal year to the average index level of the current fiscal 
year. For the Federal rates established in this final rule, this 
percentage increase in the SNF market basket index is used to compute 
the update factor occurring between FY 2005 and FY 2006. We used the 
Global Insights, Inc. (formerly DRI-WEFA), 2nd quarter 2005 forecasted 
percentage increase in the FY 1997-based SNF market basket index for 
routine, ancillary, and capital-related expenses, described in the 
previous section, to compute the update factor.
    Comment: The current SNF market basket is based on FY 1997 Medicare 
cost report data. Several commenters requested that CMS utilize more 
up-to-date cost reports in the SNF market basket in order to produce 
more accurate and representative weights for the various cost 
categories, such as compensation and pharmaceuticals. They also 
requested that CMS review the price proxies used in the market basket, 
specifically the Employment Cost Index (ECI) for wages and salaries for 
Private Nursing Homes. This price proxy includes wage price data for 
SNFs as well as for other nursing and long-term care facilities. One 
commenter claimed the staffing mix in a SNF is much different than in 
these other types of facilities. Finally, a few commenters suggested 
that CMS collect SNF-specific labor data provided by the SNF industry.
    Response: CMS is considering revising and rebasing the SNF market 
basket in the near future. We would expect to use the most recent and 
complete SNF Medicare cost reports available. Moreover, we would use 
the SNF Medicare cost reports to develop as many viable cost category 
weights (such as wages and salaries, benefits, contract labor, and 
pharmaceuticals) as possible. We also plan to review alternative price 
proxies based on our criteria of relevance, reliability, timeliness, 
and public availability. We will include a detailed discussion of our 
analysis when we propose a revised and rebased SNF market basket, and 
will also provide an opportunity for public comment.
    Comment: Several commenters requested that the SNF rebasing follow 
the same frequency planned for IPPS hospital rebasing, currently set at 
every four years.
    Response: As noted above, we intend to revise and rebase the SNF 
market basket in the near future, and we would use the most recent and 
complete SNF Medicare cost reports available to do this. We will keep 
the commenters' suggestions in mind in considering whether to establish 
a schedule for rebasing the SNF market basket.
    Comment: Several commenters requested that the SNF market basket be 
revised to reflect industry data and CMS's own data, which show that 
prescription drugs represent more than 10 percent of SNF costs. They 
cite the CMS Health Care Financing Review, which shows that Medicare 
SNF facility charges for pharmaceuticals from 1997 to 2001 represent 
over 10 percent of total Medicare SNF facility charges. Also, one 
commenter stated the pharmaceutical cost weight was derived using a 
combination of nursing facility and hospital cost reports.
    Response: The market basket is intended to reflect the average 
change in the price of a basket of goods and services that SNFs 
purchase in order to furnish patient care. The current market basket is 
based on the purchasing behavior of SNFs in 1997. Preliminary analysis 
shows that both the FY 2002 and FY 2003 pharmaceutical cost weights 
(the cost of pharmaceuticals as a percent of total costs), based on 
freestanding SNF Medicare cost reports, are slightly below 3 percent, 
compared to 3 percent in the 1997-based SNF market basket. It would be 
inappropriate for the market basket weight to reflect trends in 
charges, which have little relationship to the actual costs incurred.
    The pharmaceutical cost weight in the 1997-based SNF market basket 
is based on Medicare cost reports of freestanding SNF facilities. As 
discussed in the SNF PPS proposed rule for FY 2002, hospital cost 
report data were not used to derive this cost weight (66 FR 24013, May 
10, 2001).
    Comment: In view of the concern regarding the adequacy of the 
pharmaceutical cost weight included in the SNF market basket, we 
received a comment recommending that we identify discrepancies between 
the forecasted and actual cost of pharmaceuticals, and develop an 
adjustment mechanism similar to the forecast error correction policy 
described previously in section I.G of this final rule.
    Response: As part of the forecast error correction, the difference 
between the projected and actual pharmaceutical price increases is 
incorporated. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to develop a 
separate mechanism.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that CMS should study the effect 
of adding a separate weight for professional liability insurance (PLI), 
and should work with the SNF industry to determine how the weight 
should be calculated and how to develop an appropriate price index.
    Response: We intend to review both SNF cost reports and other 
industry data to determine the feasibility of developing a weight and 
price proxy for PLI for SNFs. We look forward to working with the SNF 
industry on this effort, and have already received feedback about the 
nature of PLI for SNFs.
3. Market Basket Forecast Error Adjustment
    As discussed in the June 10, 2003, supplemental proposed rule (68 
FR 34768) and finalized in the August 4, 2003, final rule (68 FR 
46067), the regulations at 42 CFR 413.337(d)(2) provide for an 
adjustment to account for market basket forecast error. The initial

[[Page 45048]]

adjustment applied to the update of the FY 2003 rate that occurred in 
FY 2004, and took into account the cumulative forecast error for the 
period from FY 2000 through FY 2002. Subsequent adjustments in 
succeeding FYs take into account the forecast error from the most 
recently available fiscal year for which there is final data, and are 
applied whenever the difference between the forecasted and actual 
change in the market basket exceeds a 0.25 percentage point threshold. 
As discussed previously in section I.G of this final rule, as the 
difference between the estimated and actual amounts of increase in the 
market basket index for FY 2004 (the most recently available fiscal 
year for which there is final data) did not exceed the 0.25 percentage 
point threshold, the payment rates for FY 2006 do not include a 
forecast error adjustment.
4. Federal Rate Update Factor
    Section 1888(e)(4)(E)(ii)(IV) of the Act requires that the update 
factor used to establish the FY 2006 Federal rates be at a level equal 
to the full market basket percentage change. Accordingly, to establish 
the update factor, we determined the total growth from the average 
market basket level for the period of October 1, 2004 through September 
30, 2005 to the average market basket level for the period of October 
1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. Using this process, the market 
basket update factor for FY 2006 SNF Federal rates is 3.1 percent. We 
used this revised update factor to compute the Federal portion of the 
SNF PPS rate shown in Tables 2 and 3.

I. Consolidated Billing

    As established by section 4432(b) of the BBA, the consolidated 
billing requirement places with the SNF the Medicare billing 
responsibility for virtually all of the services that the SNF's 
residents receive, except for a small number of services that the 
statute specifically identifies as being excluded from this provision. 
Section 103 of the BBRA amended this provision by further excluding a 
number of high-cost, low probability services (identified by Healthcare 
Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes) within several broader 
categories that otherwise remained subject to the provision. Section 
313 of the BIPA further amended this provision by repealing its Part B 
aspect, that is, its applicability to services furnished to a resident 
during a SNF stay that Medicare does not cover. (However, physical and 
occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services remain 
subject to consolidated billing, regardless of whether the resident who 
receives these services is in a covered Part A stay.) In addition, 
section 313 of the BIPA specified that consolidated billing applies 
only to services furnished to those individuals residing in an 
institution (or portion of an institution) that is actually certified 
by Medicare as a SNF. Further, as noted in section I.E. of this final 
rule, section 410 of the MMA revised the SNF consolidated billing 
requirement as to certain services furnished on or after January 1, 
2005, by rural health clinics (RHCs) and Federally qualified health 
centers (FQHCs).
    To date, the Congress has enacted no further legislation affecting 
the consolidated billing provision. However, as we noted in the April 
10, 2000 proposed rule (65 FR 19232), section 1888(e)(2)(A)(iii) of the 
Act, as added by section 103 of the BBRA, not only identified for 
exclusion from this provision a number of particular service codes 
within four specified categories (that is, chemotherapy items, 
chemotherapy administration services, radioisotope services, and 
customized prosthetic devices), but `` * * * also gives the Secretary 
the authority to designate additional, individual services for 
exclusion within each of the specified service categories.'' In the FY 
2001 proposed rule, we also noted that the BBRA Conference Report (H.R. 
Conf. Rep. No. 106-479 at 854) characterizes the individual services 
that this legislation targets for exclusion as ``* * * high-cost, low 
probability events that could have devastating financial impacts 
because their costs far exceed the payment [SNFs] receive under the 
prospective payment system * * *.'' According to the conferees, section 
103(a) ``is an attempt to exclude from the PPS certain services and 
costly items that are provided infrequently in SNFs * * *.'' By 
contrast, we noted that the Congress declined to designate for 
exclusion any of the remaining services within those four categories 
(thus leaving all of those services subject to SNF consolidated 
billing), because they are relatively inexpensive and are furnished 
routinely in SNFs.
    As we further explained in the July 31, 2000 final rule (65 FR 
46790), any additional service codes that we might designate for 
exclusion under our discretionary authority must meet the same criteria 
that the Congress used in identifying the original codes excluded from 
consolidated billing under section 103(a) of the BBRA: They must fall 
within one of the four service categories specified in the BBRA, and 
they also must meet the same standards of high cost and low probability 
in the SNF setting. Accordingly, we characterized this statutory 
authority to identify additional service codes for exclusion ``* * * as 
essentially affording the flexibility to revise the list of excluded 
codes in response to changes of major significance that may occur over 
time (for example, the development of new medical technologies or other 
advances in the state of medical practice)'' (65 FR 46791). In view of 
the amount of time that has elapsed since we last invited comments on 
this issue, we invited public comments in the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed 
rule on codes in any of these four service categories which represent 
recent medical advances that might meet the BBRA criteria for exclusion 
from SNF consolidated billing (70 FR 29098).
    Comment: Commenters proposed for exclusion particular services that 
fell within the four specified categories specified by section 103 of 
the BBRA (chemotherapy items, chemotherapy administration services, 
radioisotope services, and customized prosthetic devices).
    Response: We will further examine whether these particular services 
should be excluded as we complete work on the 2006 annual updated list 
of the specific HCPCS codes that are excluded from consolidated 
billing, which we plan to issue this fall.
    Comment: Noting that some chemotherapy drugs have two HCPCS codes 
assigned--both a C code and a J code--two commenters pointed out that a 
number of the chemotherapy medications that we exclude by J code also 
have C codes assigned to them. They asserted that hospital outpatient 
departments are mandated to use C codes when billing Medicare for some 
chemotherapy medications under the hospital outpatient prospective 
payment system and asked that we add the corresponding C codes for the 
following codes: J9040, J9060, J9065, J9070, J9093, J9100, J9130, 
J9150, J9181, J9200, J9208, J9211, J9265, and J9280.
    Response: It is our understanding that hospital outpatient 
departments can, in fact, use J codes when billing Medicare for 
chemotherapy medications. Accordingly, at this time we see no need to 
add the corresponding C codes when the J code chemotherapy medications 
are already excluded.
    Comment: Although the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule specifically 
invited comments on possible exclusions within the specific service 
categories identified in the BBRA legislation, a number of commenters 
took this opportunity to reiterate concerns about other aspects of 
consolidated billing.

[[Page 45049]]

For example, we received a number of comments concerning the possible 
exclusion of additional categories of services from SNF consolidated 
billing, beyond those specified in the BBRA. The commenters identified 
services such as barium swallows, video fluoroscopies, hyperbaric 
oxygen therapy, sterile larvae therapy, ultrasonic procedures and 
duplex scans, PET scans, and nuclear medicine as appropriate candidates 
for exclusion. In addition, a number of commenters recommended a 
further set of services for exclusion. These additional services are 
durable medical equipment (including, but not limited to, wound care 
devices and diabetic shoes), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and 
specialized bariatric equipment.
    Response: As we noted previously in the final rule of August 4, 
2003 (68 FR 46060), the original set of consolidated billing exclusions 
at section 1888(e)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act (as enacted by section 4432(b) 
of the BBA) broadly excluded entire categories of services from 
consolidated billing (primarily, those of physicians and certain other 
types of medical practitioners). By contrast, the set of statutory 
exclusions at section 1888(e)(2)(A)(iii) of the Act, as subsequently 
enacted by section 103 of the BBRA, was more specifically targeted 
within a number of broader service categories. In the FY 2006 SNF PPS 
proposed rule, we noted that the original BBRA legislation (as well as 
the implementing regulations) provides the Secretary the authority to 
designate additional, individual services for exclusion within each of 
the BBRA-specified service categories. However, the statute does not 
provide the Secretary the authority to create additional categories of 
excluded services beyond those specified in the law. Therefore, based 
on the statute, we cannot exclude services and items from consolidated 
billing unless they fall into the categories of services provided in 
the statute.
    Comment: Some commenters cited the existing list of exclusions (in 
Sec.  411.15(p)(3)(iii)) for certain high-intensity outpatient hospital 
services, and expressed the view that these exclusions should not be 
limited to only those services that actually require the intensity of a 
hospital setting, but rather, should also encompass services furnished 
in other, nonhospital settings as well. As examples, they cited 
services such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and computerized 
axial tomography (CT) scans furnished in freestanding imaging centers, 
and radiation therapy furnished in physician's clinics or ambulatory 
care centers, all of which may be cheaper and more accessible in 
certain particular localities (such as rural settings) than those 
furnished by hospitals.
    Response: As we noted in the May 12, 1998 interim final rule (63 FR 
26298), in the July 31, 2000 final rule (65 FR 46790 through 46791), 
and again in the August 4, 2003 final rule (68 FR 46061), the exclusion 
of certain outpatient hospital services (in Sec.  411.15(p)(3)(iii)) is 
targeted specifically at those services ``* * * that, under commonly 
accepted standards of medical practice, lie exclusively within the 
purview of hospitals * * *'' (emphasis added); that is, services which 
generally require the intensity of the hospital setting in order to be 
furnished safely and effectively. We have determined that this high 
level of outpatient hospital care is beyond the scope of SNF 
comprehensive care plans and should be excluded from consolidated 
billing. However, this exclusion does not encompass services furnished 
in any other health care setting. Thus, to the extent that advances in 
medical practice over time may make it feasible to perform such a 
service more widely in a less intensive, nonhospital setting, this 
would not argue in favor of excluding the nonhospital performance of 
the service from consolidated billing under these regulations, but 
rather, would call into question whether the service should continue to 
be excluded from consolidated billing at all, even when performed in 
the hospital setting. In addition, we note that unlike the outpatient 
hospital exclusions in Sec.  411.15(p)(3)(iii), the statutory 
exclusions enacted by the BBRA for certain chemotherapy and other 
services apply regardless of the setting (hospital versus freestanding) 
in which the services are furnished. However, we do not have the 
authority to add services such as MRIs, CT scans, or radiation therapy 
to the existing statutory list administratively.
    Comment: Several commenters also proposed expanding the list of 
excluded services by redefining categories of service that are 
currently excluded from consolidated billing. For example, while the 
BBRA excludes specific chemotherapy services by HCPCS codes, these 
commenters recommended not only adding to the list of excluded 
chemotherapy pharmaceuticals, but expanding the exclusion to encompass 
all related services associated with a chemotherapy treatment, such as 
supplies and other pharmaceuticals used to treat side effects. In 
addition, several commenters recommended exclusion of oral chemotherapy 
agents that are not separately billable to Medicare Part B for any 
beneficiary, and are currently covered only as part of the overall 
package of services furnished under the Part A inpatient hospital or 
SNF benefits.
    Response: In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we noted that the 
BBRA's list of services excluded by HCPCS code is a targeted list, 
narrowly carving out only certain individual ``high-cost, low 
probability'' services within a number of broader service categories--
such as chemotherapy services--that otherwise remained subject to 
consolidated billing. As we noted in the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, 
the BBRA provides the Secretary the authority to designate additional, 
individual services for exclusion within each of the service categories 
that it specifies. However, the statute does not provide authority to 
exclude other services that, while related, fall outside of the 
specified service categories themselves. For example, although anti-
nausea drugs are commonly used in conjunction with chemotherapy, they 
are not in themselves chemotherapeutic agents and, consequently, do not 
fall within one of the excluded categories designated in the BBRA. 
Further, we believe that the Congress was clear in its intent regarding 
the particular items and services to be excluded from consolidated 
billing, by use of the HCPCS codes specified in the Act. Regarding the 
suggestion to exclude from consolidated billing those oral chemotherapy 
agents that are not separately billable to Part B (and are currently 
covered only under the Part A inpatient hospital and SNF benefits), we 
note that expanding the existing statutory drug coverage available 
under Part B to include those drugs is not within our authority.
    We note that some chemotherapy pharmaceuticals that commenters 
proposed for exclusion have already been added to the list of HCPCS 
codes excluded from the consolidated billing provisions. The most 
recent annual update regarding HCPCS exclusions from consolidated 
billing can be found in Transmittal No. 360 (Change Request (CR) No. 
3542), issued on November 5, 2004, which is available online at http://www.cms.hhs.gov
 /manuals/transmittals /comm--date--dsc.asp.

    Comment: A few commenters requested an expansion of the existing 
Part B dialysis exclusion to encompass dialysis services furnished 
directly by the SNF. In addition, several commenters noted that 
erythropoietin (EPO or Aranesp) currently is excluded from consolidated 
billing only when furnished in conjunction with the Part B dialysis 
benefit, and they

[[Page 45050]]

recommended expanding this exclusion to encompass its use in connection 
with other, non-dialysis forms of treatment (such as chemotherapy).
    Response: As we noted previously in the final rule published on 
August 4, 2003 (68 FR 46062), under section 1888(e)(2)(A)(ii) of the 
Act, the exclusion of dialysis services from consolidated billing 
applies only to those services that meet the requirements for coverage 
under the separate Part B dialysis benefit at section 1861(s)(2)(F) of 
the Act. The Part B benefit allows for home dialysis and dialysis 
performed on the premises of a certified dialysis facility. By 
contrast, if the SNF itself elects to furnish dialysis services to a 
resident during a covered Part A stay (either directly with its own 
resources, or under an ``arrangement'' with a certified dialysis 
facility in which the SNF itself does the billing), the services are no 
longer considered Part B dialysis services, but instead are Part A SNF 
services. Accordingly, they would no longer be subject to the statutory 
exclusion of Part B dialysis services from consolidated billing, and 
would instead be bundled into the comprehensive PPS per diem payment 
that the SNF receives for the package of services that it furnishes 
during the resident's covered Part A stay.
    Similarly, under section 1888(e)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act, the 
exclusion of EPO from consolidated billing applies only to those 
services that meet the requirements for coverage under the separate 
Part B EPO benefit at section 1861(s)(2)(O) of the Act. Section 
1861(s)(2)(O) of the Act permits coverage of EPO and items related to 
its administration for those dialysis patients who can self-administer 
the drug, subject to methods and standards established by the Secretary 
for its safe and effective use (as described in Sec.  405.2163(g) and 
(h)). Since EPO that is used for non-dialysis patients does not fall 
within the scope of section 1861(s)(2)(O) of the Act, that usage does 
not fall within the scope of the EPO exclusion from consolidated 
billing.
    Comment: One commenter requested that we amend 42 CFR Sec.  
409.20(a)(3) and 409.23 to add recreational therapy to the current list 
of rehabilitation services (i.e., physical and occupational therapy and 
speech-language pathology services).
    Response: The purpose of the two above-cited sections of the 
regulations is to implement section 1861(h)(3) of the Act, which 
currently specifies that ``* * * `extended care services' means the 
following items and services furnished to an inpatient of a skilled 
nursing facility * * * (3) physical or occupational therapy or speech-
language pathology services furnished by the skilled nursing facility 
or by others under arrangements with them made by the facility * * *.'' 
Notably, recreational therapy is not included in this statutory 
definition and we cannot adopt the commenter's request to revise the 
regulations.

J. Application of the SNF PPS to SNF Services Furnished by Swing-Bed 
Hospitals

    In accordance with section 1888(e)(7) of the Act (as amended by 
section 203 of the BIPA), Part A pays critical access hospitals (CAHs) 
on a reasonable cost basis for SNF services furnished under a swing-bed 
agreement. However, as noted previously in section I.A. of this final 
rule, the services furnished by non-CAH rural hospitals are paid under 
the SNF PPS. In the July 31, 2001 final rule (66 FR 39562), we 
announced the conversion of swing-bed rural hospitals to the SNF PPS, 
effective with the start of the provider's first cost reporting period 
beginning on or after July 1, 2002. We selected this date consistent 
with the statutory provision to integrate swing-bed rural hospitals 
into the SNF PPS by the end of the SNF transition period, June 30, 
2002.
    As of June 30, 2003, all swing-bed rural hospitals have come under 
the SNF PPS. Therefore, the SNF PPS rates and wage indexes outlined in 
earlier sections of this final rule for SNFs also apply to all swing-
bed rural hospitals. A complete discussion of assessment schedules, the 
MDS and the transmission software, Raven-SB for Swing Beds can be found 
in the July 31, 2001 final rule (66 FR 39562). The latest changes in 
the MDS for swing-bed rural hospitals are listed on our SNF PPS web 
site, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/snfpps/default.asp.


K. Qualifying Three-Day Inpatient Hospital Stay Requirement

    In the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, we noted that one of the 
prerequisites for Part A coverage under the Medicare SNF benefit is a 
qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 consecutive days, and that under 
current policy, only time following the formal inpatient admission to 
the hospital counts toward meeting this requirement. We invited 
comments on having patients spend time in observation status prior to a 
formal inpatient admission, and on the potential implications of this 
practice for the SNF benefit's qualifying 3-day hospital stay 
requirement.
    Comment: Of the comments that we received on this issue, most 
expressed support for the idea that hospital time spent in observation 
status immediately preceding a formal inpatient admission should count 
toward satisfying the SNF benefit's statutory qualifying three-day 
hospital stay requirement, while some advocated eliminating the 
statutory requirement altogether. Still others recommended counting all 
time spent in the hospital (not only in observation status, but also in 
the emergency room as well), while some others supported counting the 
observation time but were opposed to counting time spent in the 
emergency room. Other commenters raised related issues regarding the 
availability of information in this area, such as the inability of 
existing CMS operating systems (including the claims and cost reporting 
systems) to accommodate the counting of observation time for this 
purpose without further modification, and the inability of SNFs to 
distinguish between observation and emergency room time spent in the 
hospital. Some of these commenters also suggested taking certain 
additional measures, such as requiring the hospital to certify that a 
beneficiary has met the SNF benefit's qualifying 3-day stay requirement 
(and to assume the financial liability for any related coverage 
denials), and examining ways in which SNFs can obtain better 
information from hospitals about the specific nature and duration of a 
patient's hospital stay.
    Response: Regarding the comments that expressed support for 
repealing the statutory 3-day qualifying hospital stay requirement 
altogether, we note that such an action would require legislation by 
the Congress to amend the law itself and, thus, is beyond the scope of 
this final rule. Further, we do not share the belief expressed by some 
commenters that time spent in the emergency room is essentially 
comparable to observation time in this context. As we noted in the FY 
2006 SNF PPS proposed rule, except for scheduled admissions, the 
emergency room generally serves as the overall point of entry into the 
hospital for most patients; thus, the mere presence of time spent in 
the emergency room prior to formal admission would not, in itself, 
serve to identify the degree of severity of a particular patient's 
condition during that time.
    With regard to the comments that suggested other possible 
modifications to the 3-day inpatient hospital stay requirement, we note 
that we are continuing to review this issue, but are not yet ready to 
make a final determination at this time. As we observed in the FY 2006 
SNF PPS proposed rule, the SNF benefit was never intended to cover 
long-term, relatively low-level ``custodial'' care;

[[Page 45051]]

rather, the Congress envisioned this benefit more narrowly, in terms of 
serving as a less expensive alternative to what would otherwise be the 
final, convalescent portion of an acute care stay of several days as an 
inpatient at a hospital. Thus, any potential changes in the SNF 
benefit's qualifying hospital stay requirement would need to be 
carefully evaluated, in order to ensure that they accurately reflect 
Congressional intent in establishing the qualifying hospital stay 
requirement, and would not result in altering the unique nature of the 
SNF benefit in a manner that is inconsistent with that intent.

IV. Provisions of the Final Rule

    In section III. above, ``Analysis of and Responses to Public 
Comments on the FY 2006 SNF PPS Proposed Rule,'' we have added a 
statement at the end of each issue indicating our final decision either 
to adopt the provisions as set forth in the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed 
rule or to make modifications based on public comments. However, all 
other changes, including clarifying and technical changes that are not 
issue-specific will be addressed in this section below.
    Specifically, we are making the following technical correction in 
the regulations text, as discussed in the FY 2006 SNF PPS proposed 
rule: we are correcting the definition of ``HCPCS'' that appears in 
Sec.  424.3, by removing the acronym ``CMS'' and adding the word 
``Healthcare'' in its place.
    Further, we note that we are taking this opportunity to make two 
additional technical corrections in Part 409 of the regulations. The 
first involves updating an obsolete citation that appears in several 
places in Sec.  409.60(c). This section of the regulations sets forth 
several administrative presumptions that serve to help determine the 
end of a benefit period in a SNF, and it makes repeated references to 
an obsolete citation (Sec.  405.330) for the provision dealing with 
limitation of liability for care that is custodial or not reasonable 
and necessary. Accordingly, we are hereby updating that obsolete 
citation by replacing it with the current citation, Sec.  411.400.
    The other correction to Part 409 involves the regulations at 42 CFR 
409.31(b)(2), which describe one aspect of the SNF level of care 
requirements. In a final rule published on August 22, 2003 (68 FR 
50855), we added Sec.  409.31(b)(2)(iii) regarding Medicare+Choice 
(M+C) enrollees. However, in republishing Sec.  409.31(b)(2)(ii), we 
inadvertently omitted several words that previously had appeared in the 
text. Accordingly, we are now taking this opportunity to restore the 
missing language, so that Sec.  409.31(b)(2)(ii) is revised to reflect 
its original complete and accurate language.
    Finally, we note that in the FY 2004 final rule (68 FR 46060, 
46070, August 4, 2003), we added two radiopharmaceuticals, Zevalin and 
Bexxar, to the list of chemotherapy drugs that are excluded from 
consolidated billing (and, thus, are separately billable to Part B when 
furnished to a SNF resident during a covered Part A stay). The final 
rule specified that regulation text at 42 CFR 411.15(p)(2)(xii) and 42 
CFR 489.20(s)(12) list the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System 
(HCPCS) codes for Zevalin (A9522 and A9523) ``as of January 1, 2004.'' 
At the time the FY 2004 final rule was published, the codes for Bexxar 
were not yet available (see 68 FR 46060) but were about to be issued. 
Accordingly, we are now adding the initial Bexxar HCPCS codes to 42 CFR 
411.15(p)(2)(xii) and 42 CFR 489.20(s)(12) effective ``as of January 1, 
2004.'' These codes for Bexxar are A9533 and A9534. As we clarified in 
the September 29, 2003 Federal Register (68 FR 55883), the HCPCS codes 
to be utilized in connection with Bexxar and Zevalin include any 
successor codes that may replace (or supplement) the codes currently 
listed in the regulation. Such successor codes are disseminated through 
program instructions.

V. Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking

    Regarding the technical corrections to Parts 409, 411, and 489 of 
the regulations that we discuss in the preceding section, we note that 
we would ordinarily publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the 
Federal Register to provide a period for public comment before 
revisions in the regulations text would take effect; however, we can 
waive this procedure if we find good cause that a notice and comment 
procedure is impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest and incorporate a statement of the finding and its reasons in 
the notice issued. We find it unnecessary to undertake notice and 
comment rulemaking in connection with these particular revisions, as 
they merely provide technical corrections to the regulations, without 
making any substantive changes. Therefore, for good cause, we waive 
notice and comment procedures for the revisions that we are making to 
the regulations text in Parts 409, 411, and 489.

VI. Collection of Information Requirements

    This document does not impose information collection and 
recordkeeping requirements. Consequently, it need not be reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget under the authority of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

VII. Regulatory Impact Analysis

A. Overall Impact

    We have examined the impacts of this final rule as required by 
Executive Order 12866 (September 1993, Regulatory Planning and Review), 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA, September 16, 1980, Pub. L. 96-
354), section 1102(b) of the Social Security Act, the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4), and Executive Order 13132.
    Executive Order 12866 (as amended by Executive Order 13258, which 
merely reassigns responsibility of duties) directs agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). A 
regulatory impact analysis (RIA) must be prepared for major rules with 
economically significant effects ($100 million or more in any 1 year). 
This final rule is a major rule, as defined in Title 5, United States 
Code, section 804(2), because we estimate the impact to the Medicare 
program, and the annual effects to the overall economy, would be more 
than $100 million.
    The RFA requires agencies to analyze options for regulatory relief 
of small businesses. For purposes of the RFA, small entities include 
small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. 
Most SNFs and most other providers and suppliers are small entities, 
either by their nonprofit status or by having revenues of $11.5 million 
or less in any 1 year. For purposes of the RFA, approximately 53 
percent of SNFs are considered small businesses according to the Small 
Business Administration's latest size standards, with total revenues of 
$11.5 million or less in any 1 year (for further information, see 65 FR 
69432, November 17, 2000). Individuals and States are not included in 
the definition of a small entity. In addition, approximately 29 percent 
of SNFs are nonprofit organizations.
    This final rule updates the SNF PPS rates published in the FY 2005 
update

[[Page 45052]]

notice on July 30, 2004 (69 FR 45775) and the associated correction 
notices published on October 7, 2004 (69 FR 60158), and December 30, 
2004 (69 FR 78445).
    In addition, section 1102(b) of the Act requires us to prepare a 
regulatory impact analysis if a rule may have a significant impact on 
the operations of a substantial number of small rural hospitals. This 
analysis must conform to the provisions of section 603 of the RFA. For 
purposes of section 1102(b) of the Act, we define a small rural 
hospital as a hospital that is located outside of a Metropolitan 
Statistical Area and has fewer than 100 beds. We anticipate that the 
impact on swing-bed facilities will be similar to the impact on rural 
hospital-based facilities, which benefit from the case-mix refinement 
(see Table 12 below).
    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 also 
requires that agencies assess anticipated costs and benefits before 
issuing any rule that may result in expenditure in any 1 year by State, 
local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector, of $110 million or more. This final rule will not have a 
substantial effect on the governments mentioned, or on private sector 
costs.
    Executive Order 13132 establishes certain requirements that an 
agency must meet when it promulgates a proposed rule (and subsequent 
final rule) that imposes substantial direct requirement costs on State 
and local governments, preempts State law, or otherwise has Federalism 
implications. As stated above, this final rule will not have a 
substantial effect on State and local governments.

B. Anticipated Effects

    This final rule sets forth updates of the SNF PPS rates contained 
in the FY 2005 update notice (69 FR 45775) and the associated 
correction notices (69 FR 60158 and 69 FR 78445), and implements a 
refinement to the RUG-III case-mix classification system to be 
incorporated into the Medicare SNF PPS effective January 1, 2006.
    As described in Section III., providers will continue to be paid 
under the current 44-group RUG-III system from October 1, 2005 through 
December 31, 2005. Beginning January 1, 2006, providers will be paid 
under the refined RUG-53 system.
    Based on the above, we estimate the FY 2006 impact will be a net 
increase of $20 million in payments to SNF providers (this reflects a 
$1.02 billion reduction from the expiration of temporary payment 
increases, offset by a $510 million increase from the refined case-mix 
classification system and a $530 million increase from the update to 
the payment rates, as explained in greater detail later in this 
section). The impact analysis in Table 12 of this final rule represents 
the projected effects of the policy changes in the SNF PPS from FY 2005 
to FY 2006. We estimate the effects by estimating payments while 
holding all other payment variables constant. We use the best data 
available, but we do not attempt to predict behavioral responses to 
these changes, and we do not make adjustments for future changes in 
such variables as days or case-mix.
    We note that certain events may combine to limit the scope or 
accuracy of our impact analysis, because such an analysis is future-
oriented and, thus, susceptible to forecasting errors due to other 
changes in the forecasted impact time period. Some examples are newly-
legislated general Medicare program funding changes by the Congress, or 
changes specifically related to SNFs. In addition, changes to the 
Medicare program may continue to be made as a result of the BBA, the 
BBRA, the BIPA, the MMA, or new statutory provisions. Although these 
changes may not be specific to the SNF PPS, the nature of the Medicare 
program is such that the changes may interact, and the complexity of 
the interaction of these changes could make it difficult to predict 
accurately the full scope of the impact upon SNFs.
    In accordance with section 1888(e)(4)(E) of the Act, we are 
updating the payment rates for FY 2006. The BBRA, BIPA, and MMA 
provided for several temporary adjustments to the SNF PPS payment rates 
that together, using the most recent data available, accounted for an 
estimated impact of $1.4 billion per year.
    We note that in accordance with section 101(a) of the BBRA and 
section 314 of the BIPA, the existing, temporary increase in the per 
diem adjusted payment rates of 20 percent for certain specified 
clinically complex RUGs (and 6.7 percent for other, rehabilitation 
RUGs) would expire with the implementation of the case-mix refinements 
in the SNF PPS. As explained in section II. of this final rule, section 
511 of the MMA, which provides for a 128 percent increase in the PPS 
per diem payment for any SNF resident with Acquired Immune Deficiency 
Syndrome (AIDS), remains in effect. However, we have not provided a 
separate impact analysis for the MMA provision. Our latest estimates 
indicate that there are less than 2,000 beneficiaries who qualify for 
the AIDS add-on payment. The impact to Medicare is included in the 
``total'' column of Table 12.
    In updating the rates for FY 2006, we made a number of standard 
annual revisions and clarifications mentioned elsewhere in this final 
rule (for example, the update to the wage and market basket indexes 
used for adjusting the Federal rates). These revisions would increase 
payments to SNFs by approximately $530 million.
    The aggregate change in payments associated with this final rule is 
estimated to be an increase in payments to SNFs of $20 million for FY 
2006. The decrease of $1.02 billion due to the elimination of the 
temporary add-ons, together with the additional payment due to the 
refined case-mix classification system of $510 million and the market 
basket increase of $530 million, results in a net change in payments of 
$20 million. There are two areas of change that produce this impact on 
SNFs:
    1. The implementation of a refined case-mix classification system 
under section 1888(e)(4)(G)(i) of the Act and, consequently, the 
expiration of the temporary 20 percent/6.7 percent add-ons to the 
Federal rates for the specified RUG groups.
    2. The total change in payments from FY 2005 levels to FY 2006 
levels. This includes all of the previously noted changes in addition 
to the effect of the update to the rates.
    The impacts are shown in Table 12. The breakdown of the various 
categories of data in the table follows.
    The first column shows the breakdown of all SNFs by urban or rural 
status, hospital-based or freestanding status, and census region.
    The first row of figures in the first column describes the 
estimated effects of the various changes on all facilities. The next 6 
rows show the effects on facilities split by hospital-based, 
freestanding, urban, and rural categories. The urban and rural 
designations are based on the location of the facility under the CBSA 
designations. The next 20 rows show the effects on urban versus rural 
status by census region.
    The second column in the table shows the number of facilities in 
the impact database.
    The third column of the table shows the effect of the annual update 
to the wage index. This represents the effect of using the most recent 
wage data available. The total impact of this change is zero percent; 
however, there are distributional effects of the change.
    The fourth column of the table shows the effect of using the new 
OMB geographic designations based on

[[Page 45053]]

CBSAs. During the FY 2006 transition to CBSAs, SNFs will receive a 
transition-based wage index value consisting of a blend of 50 percent 
of the FY 2006 MSA-based wage index and 50 percent of the FY 2006 CBSA-
based wage index (see Table A in the Addendum), as described in Section 
III.D.1 of this final rule.
    The fifth column of the table shows the effect of the elimination 
of the add-on for specified RUG groups. As expected, this results in a 
decrease in payments for all providers.
    The sixth column of the table shows the effect of the refinements 
to the case-mix classification system. Table 12 shows that there is a 
positive 3 percent overall impact from the case-mix refinements. 
Distributional effects are noted for specific providers. For example, 
hospital-based facilities are expected to receive greater than an 7.7 
percent increase in payment, compared with freestanding facilities that 
show an increase in payments of between 2.2 percent and 2.6 percent. 
Additionally, rural Census regions show increases in payments of 3.4 
percent.
    The seventh column of the table shows the effect of all of the 
changes on the FY 2006 payments. As the market basket increase of 3.1 
percentage points is constant for all providers, it is not shown 
individually; however, we note that the ``Total FY 2006 change'' column 
does incorporate this increase. It is projected that aggregate payments 
will increase by $20 million, assuming facilities do not change their 
care delivery and billing practices in response.
    As can be seen from this table, the combined effects of all of the 
changes would vary by specific types of providers and by location. For 
example, though facilities in the urban New England and rural South 
Atlantic regions experience payment decreases of 0.4 percent and 0.4 
percent, respectively, some providers (such as those in the rural 
Pacific and rural New England regions) show increases of 4.1 percent 
and 2.4 percent, respectively. Payment increases for facilities in the 
Rural Pacific area of the country are the highest for any provider 
category.

                                                 Table 12.--Projected Impact to the SNF PPS for FY 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Eliminate add-
                                                             Number of      Update wage     MSA to CBSA    on to certain     Case-mix      Total FY 2006
                                                            facilities         data          (percent)         RUGs         refinements       change
                                                                             (percent)                       (percent)       (percent)       (percent)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total...................................................          15,675             0.0             0.0            -6.0             3.0             0.1
Urban...................................................          10,599             0.0             0.0            -6.0             2.9             0.0
Rural...................................................           5,076             0.1             0.1            -6.0             3.4             0.7
Hospital based urban....................................           1,097             0.0             0.0            -6.3             7.8             4.6
Freestanding urban......................................           8,693             0.0             0.0            -5.9             2.2            -0.6
Hospital based rural....................................           1,160             0.0             0.1            -6.8             7.7             4.1
Freestanding rural......................................           3,372             0.1             0.1            -5.9             2.6             0.1
---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Urban by Region
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New England.............................................             917            -0.2            -0.1            -6.4             3.2            -0.4
Middle Atlantic.........................................           1,499             0.2             0.0            -6.1             3.0             0.2
South Atlantic..........................................           1,739            -0.3             0.0            -5.9             2.9            -0.3
East North Central......................................           2,009            -0.4             0.0            -5.7             2.9            -0.2
East South Central......................................             531             0.3             0.0            -6.0             2.6             0.0
West North Central......................................             836            -0.6             0.0            -5.9             3.6             0.3
West South Central......................................           1,093            -0.1             0.1            -5.8             2.6             0.0
Mountain................................................             467            -0.3             0.1            -5.6             2.9             0.2
Pacific.................................................           1,501             1.2             0.0            -6.2             2.9             1.0
---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Rural by Region
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New England.............................................             139             2.0             0.0            -5.7             3.0             2.4
Middle Atlantic.........................................             283            -0.1             0.1            -6.0             3.6             0.7
South Atlantic..........................................             612            -0.3             0.0            -6.2             3.0            -0.4
East North Central......................................             947             0.3             0.0            -5.9             3.8             1.4
East South Central......................................             571             0.1             0.1            -6.3             2.6            -0.4
West North Central......................................           1,219            -0.5             0.1            -6.2             4.1             0.7
West South Central......................................             823             0.2             0.0            -6.2             2.7            -0.2
Mountain................................................             298             0.6            -0.2            -5.9             3.8             1.4
Pacific.................................................             182             1.6             0.0            -4.2             3.6             4.1
---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Ownership
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government..............................................             693             0.0             0.2            -6.5             4.8             1.6
Proprietary.............................................           9,317             0.0             0.0            -5.9             2.3            -0.6
Voluntary...............................................           3,493            -0.1             0.0            -6.0             4.9             1.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment: Several commenters asked that we provide additional data 
and files to help them model the impact on providers.
    Response: CMS worked to make additional data and updated analyses 
readily available throughout the comment period, and posted these 
additional data and analyses to the CMS website as soon as they became 
available.
    Comment: A few commenters expressed concern that the proposed FY 
2006 market basket update was included in our impact analysis. They 
contended that the market basket update reflects changes in price 
levels that have already taken place and, in their view, reimburses 
them for expenses they have already incurred. By including the market 
basket update in the impact

[[Page 45054]]

analysis, these commenters argue that we have understated the actual 
impact of the FY 2006 changes.
    Response: The impact analyses presented here and in the proposed 
rule utilize the same methodology that has been in effect since the 
introduction of the SNF PPS. Specifically, we determine the impact 
analysis by estimating aggregate payments attributable to each major 
component of the rate, including the market basket adjustment, while 
holding all other payment variables constant. By including the FY 2006 
market basket variable in the analysis, and then comparing the 
expenditures to the FY 2005 levels (which also include a market basket 
update factor), we obtain a more accurate picture of aggregate spending 
changes.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concern regarding the overall 
fiscal impact of the proposed changes and recommended that the 
aggregate expenditure levels be increased. Other commenters stated that 
they had been unable to reconcile their independent analyses with the 
information contained in the proposed rule, and were concerned that the 
impact of the proposed rate structure would exceed the CMS projections.
    Response: As mentioned in Section III., throughout the comment 
period, we reexamined the data presented in the proposed rule, updated 
the analyses to reflect the most recent available data, and corrected 
minor technical errors. We also received information from industry 
representatives and others, which helped us to verify the accuracy of 
the data used in the rate calculations, and then to ensure that the 
resulting rates correctly reflected the policies specified in the 
proposed rule. We then repeated the payment simulation described in the 
proposed rule. Next we recalculated the payment adjustment needed to 
ensure parity when comparing the aggregate expenditure levels of the 
44-group and 53-group RUG models. As a final step, we applied an 8.51 
percent increase to the nursing weights to reflect variation in non-
therapy ancillary costs.
    The impact analyses presented here and in the proposed rule utilize 
the same methodology that has been in effect since the introduction of 
the SNF PPS. The numbers presented in the impact analysis section 
represent the impact to the Federal Government which is calculated as 
total payments net of coinsurance. However, when considering total 
payments (not total impact), such as determining any adjustment to the 
nursing weights to reflect the variation in non-therapy ancillary 
costs, we use total payments including the coinsurance amounts.
    We further note that, while the market basket increases are 
mandated in the statute, the Congress established an oversight 
mechanism to adjust or eliminate the updates based on MedPAC's annual 
analysis and recommendations. For FY 2006, MedPAC recommended a zero 
update. Had the Congress accepted that recommendation and enacted a 
change, the market basket adjustment would have been zero, and we would 
have included that factor in our impact analyses.

C. Accounting Statement

    As required by OMB Circular A-4 (available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a004/a-4.pdf
), in Table 13 below, we 

have prepared an accounting statement showing the classification of the 
expenditures associated with the provisions of this final rule. This 
table provides our best estimate of the change in Medicare payments 
under the SNF PPS as a result of the policies in this final rule based 
on the data for 15,675 SNFs in our database. All expenditures are 
classified as transfers to Medicare providers (that is, SNFs).

      Table 13.--Accounting Statement: Classification of Estimated
 Expenditures, From the 2005 SNF PPS Rate Year to the 2006 SNF PPS Rate
                           Year (in Millions)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Category                            Transfers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annualized Monetized Transfers.........  $20 million.
From Whom To Whom?.....................  Federal Government to SNF
                                          Medicare Providers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Alternatives Considered

    Section 1888(e) of the Act establishes the SNF PPS for the payment 
of Medicare SNF services for cost reporting periods beginning on or 
after July 1, 1998. This section of the statute prescribes a detailed 
formula for calculating payment rates under the SNF PPS, and does not 
provide for the use of any alternative methodology. It specifies that 
the base year cost data to be used for computing the payment rates must 
be from FY 1995 (October 1, 1994, through September 30, 1995.) In 
accordance with the statute, we also incorporated a number of elements 
into the SNF PPS, such as a case-mix classification methodology, the 
MDS assessment schedule, a market basket index, a wage index, and the 
urban and rural distinction used in the development or adjustment of 
the Federal rates. Further, section 1888(e)(4)(H) of the Act 
specifically requires us to disseminate the payment rates for each new 
fiscal year through the Federal Register, and to do so before the 
August 1 that precedes the start of the new fiscal year.
    Because we have determined that this final rule will have a 
significant economic impact on SNFs, we will discuss the alternatives 
we considered. We reviewed the options considered in the proposed rule 
and took into consideration comments received during the public comment 
period as discussed in the preamble.
    As discussed previously in section II. of this final rule, we will 
implement refinements to the RUG-III case-mix classification system 
under section 1888(e)(4)(G)(i) of the Act. At the same time, we 
continue to evaluate longer-range, more comprehensive changes in the 
case-mix classification system. One alternative that we considered was 
to defer refinements at this time until our evaluation of longer-range, 
more comprehensive changes is complete. However, we believe that these 
refinements will serve to improve the distribution of payments under 
the PPS in a manner that more accurately accounts for the care needs of 
the most medically complex patients. While our additional research may 
identify more comprehensive modifications, it is not currently known 
when the results of this research would become available. Therefore, we 
have decided to implement the refinements discussed elsewhere in this 
final rule.
    As discussed in section III.D, we considered several budget neutral 
options that would most effectively implement the adoption of the CBSA 
designation. Among the alternatives that we considered were the options 
discussed in the proposed rule and new options that took into 
consideration comments received during the public comment period, as 
discussed elsewhere in this final rule.

[[Page 45055]]

    In accordance with the provisions of Executive Order 12866, this 
regulation was reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

List of Subjects

42 CFR Part 409

    Health facilities, Medicare.

42 CFR Part 411

    Kidney diseases, Medicare, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

42 CFR Part 424

    Emergency medical services, Health facilities, Health professions, 
Medicare.

42 CFR Part 489

    Health facilities, Medicare, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.


0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Centers for Medicare & 
Medicaid Services amends 42 CFR chapter IV as follows:

PART 409--HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS

0
1. The authority citation for part 409 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 1102 and 1871 of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 1302 and 1395hh).

Subpart D--Requirements for Coverage of Posthospital SNF Care

0
2. Amend Sec.  409.31 by--
0
A. Republishing paragraph (b)(2) introductory text.
0
B. Revising paragraph (b)(2)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  409.31  Level of care requirement.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Those services must be furnished for a condition--
    (i) * * *
    (ii) Which arose while the beneficiary was receiving care in a SNF 
or swing-bed hospital for a condition for which he or she received 
inpatient hospital or inpatient CAH services; or
* * * * *

Subpart F--Scope of Hospital Insurance Benefits

0
3. Amend Sec.  409.60(c) by removing the references to ``Sec.  
405.330'' and adding ``Sec.  411.400'' in its place.

PART 411--EXCLUSIONS FROM MEDICARE AND LIMITATIONS ON MEDICARE 
PAYMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 411 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 1102 and 1871 of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 1302 and 1395hh).

Subpart A--General Exclusions and Exclusion of Particular Services

0
2. Amend Sec.  411.15 by--
0
A. Republishing paragraph (p)(2) introductory text.
0
B. Revising paragraph (p)(2)(xii) to read as follows:


Sec.  411.15  Particular services excluded from coverage.

* * * * *
    (p) * * *
    (2) Exceptions. The following services are not excluded from 
coverage, provided that the claim for payment includes the SNF's 
Medicare provider number in accordance with Sec.  424.32(a)(5) of this 
chapter:
* * * * *
    (xii) Those chemotherapy items identified, as of July 1, 1999, by 
HCPCS codes J9000-J9020; J9040-J9151; J9170-J9185; J9200-J9201; J9206-
J9208; J9211; J9230-J9245; and J9265-J9600; and, as of January 1, 2004, 
by HCPCS codes A9522, A9523, A9533, and A9534.
* * * * *

PART 424--CONDITIONS FOR MEDICARE PAYMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 424 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 1102 and 1871 of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 1302 and 1395hh).

Subpart B--Certification and Plan of Treatment Requirements


Sec.  424.3  Definitions.

0
2. In Sec.  424.3, in the definition of ``HCPCS'' remove the word 
``CMS'' and add the word ``Healthcare'' in its place.
0
3. In Sec.  424.20, paragraph (e)(2) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  424.20  Requirements for posthospital SNF care.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (2) A nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, neither of 
whom has a direct or indirect employment relationship with the facility 
but who is working in collaboration with a physician. For purposes of 
this section--
    (i) Collaboration means a process whereby a nurse practitioner or 
clinical nurse specialist works with a doctor of medicine or osteopathy 
to deliver health care services. The services are delivered within the 
scope of the nurse's professional expertise, with medical direction and 
appropriate supervision as provided for in guidelines jointly developed 
by the nurse and the physician or other mechanisms defined by Federal 
regulations and the law of the State in which the services are 
performed.
    (ii) A direct employment relationship with the facility is one in 
which the nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist meets the 
common law definition of the facility's ``employee,'' as specified in 
Sec.  404.1005, Sec.  404.1007, and Sec.  404.1009 of title 20 of the 
regulations. When a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist 
meets this definition with respect to an entity other than the facility 
itself, and that entity has an agreement with the facility for the 
provision of nursing services under Sec.  409.21 of this subchapter, 
the facility is considered to have an indirect employment relationship 
with the nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. An indirect 
employment relationship does not exist if the agreement between the 
entity and the facility involves only the performance of delegated 
physician tasks under Sec.  483.40(e) of this chapter.
* * * * *

PART 489--PROVIDER AGREEMENTS AND SUPPLIER APPROVAL

0
1. The authority citation for part 489 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 1102 and 1871 of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 1302 and 1395hh).

Subpart B--Essentials of Provider Agreements

0
2. Section 489.20 is amended by:
0
A. Republishing the introductory text and the paragraph (s) 
introductory text.
0
B. Revising paragraph (s)(12).


Sec.  489.20  Basic commitments.

    The provider agrees to the following:
* * * * *
    (s) In the case of an SNF, either to furnish directly or make 
arrangements (as defined in Sec.  409.3 of this chapter) for all 
Medicare-covered services furnished to a resident (as defined in Sec.  
411.15(p)(3) of this chapter) of the SNF, except the following:
* * * * *
    (12) Those chemotherapy items identified, as of July 1, 1999, by 
HCPCS codes J9000-J9020; J9040-J9151; J9170-J9185; J9200-J9201; J9206-
J9208; J9211; J9230-J9245; and J9265-J9600; and, as of January 1, 2004, 
by HCPCS codes A9522, A9523, A9533, and A9534.
* * * * *
 (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773, 
Medicare--Hospital

[[Page 45056]]

Insurance Program; and No. 93.774, Medicare--Supplementary Medical 
Insurance Program)

    Dated: July 19, 2005.
Mark B. McClellan,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
    Approved: July 27, 2005.
Michael O. Leavitt,
Secretary.

[[Page 45057]]

Addendum--FY 2006 Transition Wage Index and CBSA Tables

    In this addendum, we provide the tables referred to in the preamble 
to this final rule. Tables 8 and 9 provide the CBSA-based wage index 
values for urban and rural providers. Though we will use the 
transition-based wage index values presented in Table A for FY 2006, 
CBSA-based wage index values will be used for FY 2007 when the 
transition will expire. Tables 8 and 9 serve the purpose of showing a 
possible format of how the CBSA-based wage index values will be 
presented for FY 2007.
    Table A provides the following information: Social Security 
Administration (SSA) State and County Code; State and County name; 
existing MSA-based labor market area designation; MSA-based urban/rural 
geographic designation; FY 2006 MSA-based wage index; FY 2006 CBSA-
based wage index; CBSA-based labor market area; CBSA-based urban/rural 
geographic designation (which will be used for the FY 2006 transition); 
and the FY 2006 transition wage index (based on 50 percent of the FY 
2006 MSA-based wage index and 50 percent of the FY 2006 CBSA-based wage 
index).

                  Table 8.--FY 2006 Wage Index For Urban Areas Based On CBSA Labor Market Areas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           Wage
                  CBSA code                                Urban area (constituent counties)              index
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10180........................................  Abilene, TX.............................................   0.7896
                                               Callahan County, TX
                                               Jones County, TX
                                               Taylor County, TX
10380........................................  Aguadilla-Isabela-San Sebastian, PR.....................   0.4738
                                               Aguada Municipio, PR
                                               Aguadilla Municipio, PR
                                               Anasco Municipio, PR
                                               Isabela Municipio, PR
                                               Lares Municipio, PR
                                               Moca Municipio, PR
                                               Rincon Municipio, PR
                                               San Sebastian Municipio, PR
10420........................................  Akron, OH...............................................   0.8982
                                               Portage County, OH
                                               Summit County, OH
10500........................................  Albany, GA..............................................   0.8628
                                               Baker County, GA
                                               Dougherty County, GA
                                               Lee County, GA
                                               Terrell County, GA
                                               Worth County, GA
10580........................................  Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY.............................   0.8589
                                               Albany County, NY
                                               Rensselaer County, NY
                                               Saratoga County, NY
                                               Schenectady County, NY
                                               Schoharie County, NY
10740........................................  Albuquerque, NM.........................................   0.9684
                                               Bernalillo County, NM
                                               Sandoval County, NM
                                               Torrance County, NM
                                               Valencia County, NM
10780........................................  Alexandria, LA..........................................   0.8033
                                               Grant Parish, LA
                                               Rapides Parish, LA
10900........................................  Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.......................   0.9818
                                               Warren County, NJ
                                               Carbon County, PA
                                               Lehigh County, PA
                                               Northampton County, PA
11020........................................  Altoona, PA.............................................   0.8944
                                               Blair County, PA
11100........................................  Amarillo, TX............................................   0.9156
                                               Armstrong County, TX
                                               Carson County, TX
                                               Potter County, TX
                                               Randall County, TX
11180........................................  Ames, IA................................................   0.9536
                                               Story County, IA
11260........................................  Anchorage, AK...........................................   1.1895
                                               Anchorage Municipality, AK
                                               Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK
11300........................................  Anderson, IN............................................   0.8586
                                               Madison County, IN
11340........................................  Anderson, SC............................................   0.8997
                                               Anderson County, SC
11460........................................  Ann Arbor, MI...........................................   1.0859

[[Page 45058]]


                                               Washtenaw County, MI
11500........................................  Anniston-Oxford, AL.....................................   0.7682
                                               Calhoun County, AL
11540........................................  Appleton, WI............................................   0.9288
                                               Calumet County, WI
                                               Outagamie County, WI
11700........................................  Asheville, NC...........................................   0.9285
                                               Buncombe County, NC
                                               Haywood County, NC
                                               Henderson County, NC
                                               Madison County, NC
12020........................................  Athens-Clarke County, GA................................   0.9855
                                               Clarke County, GA
                                               Madison County, GA
                                               Oconee County, GA
                                               Oglethorpe County, GA
12060........................................  Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA......................   0.9793
                                               Barrow County, GA
                                               Bartow County, GA
                                               Butts County, GA
                                               Carroll County, GA
                                               Cherokee County, GA
                                               Clayton County, GA
                                               Cobb County, GA
                                               Coweta County, GA
                                               Dawson County, GA
                                               DeKalb County, GA
                                               Douglas County, GA
                                               Fayette County, GA
                                               Forsyth County, GA
                                               Fulton County, GA
                                               Gwinnett County, GA
                                               Haralson County, GA
                                               Heard County, GA
                                               Henry County, GA
                                               Jasper County, GA
                                               Lamar County, GA
                                               Meriwether County, GA
                                               Newton County, GA
                                               Paulding County, GA
                                               Pickens County, GA
                                               Pike County, GA
                                               Rockdale County, GA
                                               Spalding County, GA
                                               Walton County, GA
12100........................................  Atlantic City, NJ.......................................   1.1615
                                               Atlantic County, NJ
12220........................................  Auburn-Opelika, AL......................................   0.8100
                                               Lee County, AL
12260........................................  Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC..........................   0.9748
                                               Burke County, GA
                                               Columbia County, GA
                                               McDuffie County, GA
                                               Richmond County, GA
                                               Aiken County, SC
                                               Edgefield County, SC
12420........................................  Austin-Round Rock, TX...................................   0.9437
                                               Bastrop County, TX
                                               Caldwell County, TX
                                               Hays County, TX
                                               Travis County, TX
                                               Williamson County, TX
12540........................................  Bakersfield, CA.........................................   1.0470
                                               Kern County, CA
12580........................................  Baltimore-Towson, MD....................................   0.9897
                                               Anne Arundel County, MD
                                               Baltimore County, MD
                                               Carroll County, MD
                                               Harford County, MD
                                               Howard County, MD
                                               Queen Anne's County, MD

[[Page 45059]]


                                               Baltimore City, MD
12620........................................  Bangor, ME..............................................   0.9993
                                               Penobscot County, ME
12700........................................  Barnstable Town, MA.....................................   1.2600
                                               Barnstable County, MA
12940........................................  Baton Rouge, LA.........................................   0.8593
                                               Ascension Parish, LA
                                               East Baton Rouge Parish, LA
                                               East Feliciana Parish, LA
                                               Iberville Parish, LA
                                               Livingston Parish, LA
                                               Pointe Coupee Parish, LA
                                               St. Helena Parish, LA
                                               West Baton Rouge Parish, LA
                                               West Feliciana Parish, LA
12980........................................  Battle Creek, MI........................................   0.9508
                                               Calhoun County, MI
13020........................................  Bay City, MI............................................   0.9343
                                               Bay County, MI
13140........................................  Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX................................   0.8412
                                               Hardin County, TX
                                               Jefferson County, TX
                                               Orange County, TX
13380........................................  Bellingham, WA..........................................   1.1731
                                               Whatcom County, WA
13460........................................  Bend, OR................................................   1.0786
                                               Deschutes County, OR
13644........................................  Bethesda-Frederick-Gaithersburg, MD.....................   1.1483
                                               Frederick County, MD
                                               Montgomery County, MD
13740........................................  Billings, MT............................................   0.8834
                                               Carbon County, MT
                                               Yellowstone County, MT
13780........................................  Binghamton, NY..........................................   0.8562
                                               Broome County, NY
                                               Tioga County, NY
13820........................................  Birmingham-Hoover, AL...................................   0.8959
                                               Bibb County, AL
                                               Blount County, AL
                                               Chilton County, AL
                                               Jefferson County, AL
                                               St. Clair County, AL
                                               Shelby County, AL
                                               Walker County, AL
13900........................................  Bismarck, ND............................................   0.7574
                                               Burleigh County, ND
                                               Morton County, ND
13980........................................  Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA...................   0.7954
                                               Giles County, VA
                                               Montgomery County, VA
                                               Pulaski County, VA
                                               Radford City, VA
14020........................................  Bloomington, IN.........................................   0.8447
                                               Greene County, IN
                                               Monroe County, IN
                                               Owen County, IN
14060........................................  Bloomington-Normal, IL..................................   0.9075
                                               McLean County, IL
14260........................................  Boise City-Nampa, ID....................................   0.9052
                                               Ada County, ID
                                               Boise County, ID
                                               Canyon County, ID
                                               Gem County, ID
                                               Owyhee County, ID
14484........................................  Boston-Quincy, MA.......................................   1.1558
                                               Norfolk County, MA
                                               Plymouth County, MA
                                               Suffolk County, MA
14500........................................  Boulder, CO.............................................   0.9734
                                               Boulder County, CO


[[Page 45060]]


14540........................................  Bowling Green, KY.......................................   0.8211
                                               Edmonson County, KY
                                               Warren County, KY
14740........................................  Bremerton-Silverdale, WA................................   1.0675
                                               Kitsap County, WA
14860........................................  Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT.........................   1.2592
                                               Fairfield County, CT
15180........................................  Brownsville-Harlingen, TX...............................   0.9804
                                               Cameron County, TX
15260........................................  Brunswick, GA...........................................   0.9311
                                               Brantley County, GA
                                               Glynn County, GA
                                               McIntosh County, GA
15380........................................  Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY...............................   0.9511
                                               Erie County, NY
                                               Niagara County, NY
15500........................................  Burlington, NC..........................................   0.8905
                                               Alamance County, NC
15540........................................  Burlington-South Burlington, VT.........................   0.9410
                                               Chittenden County, VT
                                               Franklin County, VT
                                               Grand Isle County, VT
15764........................................  Cambridge-Newton-Framingham, MA.........................   1.1172
                                               Middlesex County, MA
15804........................................  Camden, NJ..............................................   1.0517
                                               Burlington County, NJ
                                               Camden County, NJ
                                               Gloucester County, NJ
15940........................................  Canton-Massillon, OH....................................   0.8935
                                               Carroll County, OH
                                               Stark County, OH
15980........................................  Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL...............................   0.9356
                                               Lee County, FL
16180........................................  Carson City, NV.........................................   1.0234
                                               Carson City, NV
16220........................................  Casper, WY..............................................   0.9026
                                               Natrona County, WY
16300........................................  Cedar Rapids, IA........................................   0.8825
                                               Benton County, IA
                                               Jones County, IA
                                               Linn County, IA
16580........................................  Champaign-Urbana, IL....................................   0.9594
                                               Champaign County, IL
                                               Ford County, IL
                                               Piatt County, IL
16620........................................  Charleston, WV..........................................   0.8445
                                               Boone County, WV
                                               Clay County, WV
                                               Kanawha County, WV
                                               Lincoln County, WV
                                               Putnam County, WV
16700........................................  Charleston-North Charleston, SC.........................   0.9245
                                               Berkeley County, SC
                                               Charleston County, SC
                                               Dorchester County, SC
16740........................................  Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC.......................   0.9750
                                               Anson County, NC
                                               Cabarrus County, NC
                                               Gaston County, NC
                                               Mecklenburg County, NC
                                               Union County, NC
                                               York County, SC
16820........................................  Charlottesville, VA.....................................   1.0187
                                               Albemarle County, VA
                                               Fluvanna County, VA
                                               Greene County, VA
                                               Nelson County, VA
                                               Charlottesville City, VA
16860........................................  Chattanooga, TN-GA......................................   0.9088
                                               Catoosa County, GA
                                               Dade County, GA

[[Page 45061]]


                                               Walker County, GA
                                               Hamilton County, TN
                                               Marion County, TN
                                               Sequatchie County, TN
16940........................................  Cheyenne, WY............................................   0.8775
                                               Laramie County, WY
16974........................................  Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL...........................   1.0790
                                               Cook County, IL
                                               DeKalb County, IL
                                               DuPage County, IL
                                               Grundy County, IL
                                               Kane County, IL
                                               Kendall County, IL
                                               McHenry County, IL
                                               Will County, IL
17020........................................  Chico, CA...............................................   1.0511
                                               Butte County, CA
17140........................................  Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN.........................   0.9615
                                               Dearborn County, IN
                                               Franklin County, IN
                                               Ohio County, IN
                                               Boone County, KY
                                               Bracken County, KY
                                               Campbell County, KY
                                               Gallatin County, KY
                                               Grant County, KY
                                               Kenton County, KY
                                               Pendleton County, KY
                                               Brown County, OH
                                               Butler County, OH
                                               Clermont County, OH
                                               Hamilton County, OH
                                               Warren County, OH
17300........................................  Clarksville, TN-KY......................................   0.8284
                                               Christian County, KY
                                               Trigg County, KY
                                               Montgomery County, TN
                                               Stewart County, TN
17420........................................  Cleveland, TN...........................................   0.8139
                                               Bradley County, TN
                                               Polk County, TN
17460........................................  Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH.............................   0.9213
                                               Cuyahoga County, OH
                                               Geauga County, OH
                                               Lake County, OH
                                               Lorain County, OH
                                               Medina County, OH
17660........................................  Coeur d'Alene, ID.......................................   0.9647
                                               Kootenai County, ID
17780........................................  College Station-Bryan, TX...............................   0.8900
                                               Brazos County, TX
                                               Burleson County, TX
                                               Robertson County, TX
17820........................................  Colorado Springs, CO....................................   0.9468
                                               El Paso County, CO
                                               Teller County, CO
17860........................................  Columbia, MO............................................   0.8345
                                               Boone County, MO
                                               Howard County, MO
17900........................................  Columbia, SC............................................   0.9057
                                               Calhoun County, SC
                                               Fairfield County, SC
                                               Kershaw County, SC
                                               Lexington County, SC
                                               Richland County, SC
                                               Saluda County, SC
17980........................................  Columbus, GA-AL.........................................   0.8560
                                               Russell County, AL
                                               Chattahoochee County, GA
                                               Harris County, GA
                                               Marion County, GA

[[Page 45062]]


                                               Muscogee County, GA
18020........................................  Columbus, IN............................................   0.9588
                                               Bartholomew County, IN
18140........................................  Columbus, OH............................................   0.9860
                                               Delaware County, OH
                                               Fairfield County, OH
                                               Franklin County, OH
                                               Licking County, OH
                                               Madison County, OH
                                               Morrow County, OH
                                               Pickaway County, OH
                                               Union County, OH
18580........................................  Corpus Christi, TX......................................   0.8550
                                               Aransas County, TX
                                               Nueces County, TX
                                               San Patricio County, TX
18700........................................  Corvallis, OR...........................................   1.0729
                                               Benton County, OR
19060........................................  Cumberland, MD-WV.......................................   0.9317
                                               Allegany County, MD
                                               Mineral County, WV
19124........................................  Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX.................................   1.0228
                                               Collin County, TX
                                               Dallas County, TX
                                               Delta County, TX
                                               Denton County, TX
                                               Ellis County, TX
                                               Hunt County, TX
                                               Kaufman County, TX
                                               Rockwall County, TX
19140........................................  Dalton, GA..............................................   0.9079
                                               Murray County, GA
                                               Whitfield County, GA
19180........................................  Danville, IL............................................   0.9028
                                               Vermilion County, IL
19260........................................  Danville, VA............................................   0.8489
                                               Pittsylvania County, VA
                                               Danville City, VA
19340........................................  Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.....................   0.8724
                                               Henry County, IL
                                               Mercer County, IL
                                               Rock Island County, IL
                                               Scott County, IA
19380........................................  Dayton, OH..............................................   0.9064
                                               Greene County, OH
                                               Miami County, OH
                                               Montgomery County, OH
                                               Preble County, OH
19460........................................  Decatur, AL.............................................   0.8469
                                               Lawrence County, AL
                                               Morgan County, AL
19500........................................  Decatur, IL.............................................   0.8067
                                               Macon County, IL
19660........................................  Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL..................   0.9299
                                               Volusia County, FL
19740........................................  Denver-Aurora, CO.......................................   1.0723
                                               Adams County, CO
                                               Arapahoe County, CO
                                               Broomfield County, CO
                                               Clear Creek County, CO
                                               Denver County, CO
                                               Douglas County, CO
                                               Elbert County, CO
                                               Gilpin County, CO
                                               Jefferson County, CO
                                               Park County, CO
19780........................................  Des Moines, IA..........................................   0.9669
                                               Dallas County, IA
                                               Guthrie County, IA
                                               Madison County, IA
                                               Polk County, IA

[[Page 45063]]


                                               Warren County, IA
19804........................................  Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI............................   1.0424
                                               Wayne County, MI
20020........................................  Dothan, AL..............................................   0.7721
                                               Geneva County, AL
                                               Henry County, AL
                                               Houston County, AL
20100........................................  Dover, DE...............................................   0.9776
                                               Kent County, DE
20220........................................  Dubuque, IA.............................................   0.9024
                                               Dubuque County, IA
20260........................................  Duluth, MN-WI...........................................   1.0213
                                               Carlton County, MN
                                               St. Louis County, MN
                                               Douglas County, WI
20500........................................  Durham, NC..............................................   1.0244
                                               Chatham County, NC
                                               Durham County, NC
                                               Orange County, NC
                                               Person County, NC
20740........................................  Eau Claire, WI..........................................   0.9201
                                               Chippewa County, WI
                                               Eau Claire County, WI
20764........................................  Edison, NJ..............................................   1.1249
                                               Middlesex County, NJ
                                               Monmouth County, NJ
                                               Ocean County, NJ
                                               Somerset County, NJ
20940........................................  El Centro, CA...........................................   0.8906
                                               Imperial County, CA
21060........................................  Elizabethtown, KY.......................................   0.8802
                                               Hardin County, KY
                                               Larue County, KY
21140........................................  Elkhart-Goshen, IN......................................   0.9627
                                               Elkhart County, IN
21300........................................  Elmira, NY..............................................   0.8250
                                               Chemung County, NY
21340........................................  El Paso, TX.............................................   0.8977
                                               El Paso County, TX
21500........................................  Erie, PA................................................   0.8737
                                               Erie County, PA
21604........................................  Essex County, MA........................................   1.0538
                                               Essex County, MA
21660........................................  Eugene-Springfield, OR..................................   1.0818
                                               Lane County, OR
21780........................................  Evansville, IN-KY.......................................   0.8713
                                               Gibson County, IN
                                               Posey County, IN
                                               Vanderburgh County, IN
                                               Warrick County, IN
                                               Henderson County, KY
                                               Webster County, KY
21820........................................  Fairbanks, AK...........................................   1.1408
                                               Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
21940........................................  Fajardo, PR.............................................   0.4153
                                               Ceiba Municipio, PR
                                               Fajardo Municipio, PR
                                               Luquillo Municipio, PR
22020........................................  Fargo, ND-MN............................................   0.8486
                                               Cass County, ND
                                               Clay County, MN
22140........................................  Farmington, NM..........................................   0.8509
                                               San Juan County, NM
22180........................................  Fayetteville, NC........................................   0.9416
                                               Cumberland County, NC
                                               Hoke County, NC
22220........................................  Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO...................   0.8661
                                               Benton County, AR
                                               Madison County, AR
                                               Washington County, AR
                                               McDonald County, MO

[[Page 45064]]


22380........................................  Flagstaff, AZ...........................................   1.2092
                                               Coconino County, AZ
22420........................................  Flint, MI...............................................   1.0655
                                               Genesee County, MI
22500........................................  Florence, SC............................................   0.8947
                                               Darlington County, SC
                                               Florence County, SC
22520........................................  Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL..............................   0.8272
                                               Colbert County, AL
                                               Lauderdale County, AL
22540........................................  Fond du Lac, WI.........................................   0.9640
                                               Fond du Lac County, WI
22660........................................  Fort Collins-Loveland, CO...............................   1.0122
                                               Larimer County, CO
22744........................................  Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach, FL.......   1.0432
                                               Broward County, FL
22900........................................  Fort Smith, AR-OK.......................................   0.8230
                                               Crawford County, AR
                                               Franklin County, AR
                                               Sebastian County, AR
                                               Le Flore County, OK
                                               Sequoyah County, OK
23020........................................  Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, FL..................   0.8872
                                               Okaloosa County, FL
23060........................................  Fort Wayne, IN..........................................   0.9793
                                               Allen County, IN
                                               Wells County, IN
                                               Whitley County, IN
23104........................................  Fort Worth-Arlington, TX................................   0.9486
                                               Johnson County, TX
                                               Parker County, TX
                                               Tarrant County, TX
                                               Wise County, TX
23420........................................  Fresno, CA..............................................   1.0538
                                               Fresno County, CA
23460........................................  Gadsden, AL.............................................   0.7938
                                               Etowah County, AL
23540........................................  Gainesville, FL.........................................   0.9388
                                               Alachua County, FL
                                               Gilchrist County, FL
23580........................................  Gainesville, GA.........................................   0.8874
                                               Hall County, GA
23844........................................  Gary, IN................................................   0.9395
                                               Jasper County, IN
                                               Lake County, IN
                                               Newton County, IN
                                               Porter County, IN
24020........................................  Glens Falls, NY.........................................   0.8559
                                               Warren County, NY
                                               Washington County, NY
24140........................................  Goldsboro, NC...........................................   0.8775
                                               Wayne County, NC
24220........................................  Grand Forks, ND-MN......................................   0.7901
                                               Polk County, MN
                                               Grand Forks County, ND
24300........................................  Grand Junction, CO......................................   0.9550
                                               Mesa County, CO
24340........................................  Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI................................   0.9390
                                               Barry County, MI
                                               Ionia County, MI
                                               Kent County, MI
                                               Newaygo County, MI
24500........................................  Great Falls, MT.........................................   0.9052
                                               Cascade County, MT
24540........................................  Greeley, CO.............................................   0.9570
                                               Weld County, CO
24580........................................  Green Bay, WI...........................................   0.9483
                                               Brown County, WI
                                               Kewaunee County, WI
                                               Oconto County, WI
24660........................................  Greensboro-High Point, NC...............................   0.9104

[[Page 45065]]


                                               Guilford County, NC
                                               Randolph County, NC
                                               Rockingham County, NC
24780........................................  Greenville, NC..........................................   0.9425
                                               Greene County, NC
                                               Pitt County, NC
24860........................................  Greenville, SC..........................................   1.0027
                                               Greenville County, SC
                                               Laurens County, SC
                                               Pickens County, SC
25020........................................  Guayama, PR.............................................   0.3181
                                               Arroyo Municipio, PR
                                               Guayama Municipio, PR
                                               Patillas Municipio, PR
25060........................................  Gulfport-Biloxi, MS.....................................   0.8929
                                               Hancock County, MS
                                               Harrison County, MS
                                               Stone County, MS
25180........................................  Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV...........................   0.9489
                                               Washington County, MD
                                               Berkeley County, WV
                                               Morgan County, WV
25260........................................  Hanford-Corcoran, CA....................................   1.0036
                                               Kings County, CA
25420........................................  Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA.................................   0.9313
                                               Cumberland County, PA
                                               Dauphin County, PA
                                               Perry County, PA
25500........................................  Harrisonburg, VA........................................   0.9088
                                               Rockingham County, VA
                                               Harrisonburg City, VA
25540........................................  Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT................   1.1073
                                               Hartford County, CT
                                               Litchfield County, CT
                                               Middlesex County, CT
                                               Tolland County, CT
25620........................................  Hattiesburg, MS.........................................   0.7601
                                               Forrest County, MS
                                               Lamar County, MS
                                               Perry County, MS
25860........................................  Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC............................   0.8921
                                               Alexander County, NC
                                               Burke County, NC
                                               Caldwell County, NC
                                               Catawba County, NC
25980........................................  Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA\1\..........................  .......
                                               Liberty County, GA
                                               Long County, GA
26100........................................  Holland-Grand Haven, MI.................................   0.9055
                                               Ottawa County, MI
26180........................................  Honolulu, HI............................................   1.1214
                                               Honolulu County, HI
26300........................................  Hot Springs, AR.........................................   0.9005
                                               Garland County, AR
26380........................................  Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA..........................   0.7894
                                               Lafourche Parish, LA
                                               Terrebonne Parish, LA
26420........................................  Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land, TX..........................   0.9992
                                               Austin County, TX
                                               Brazoria County, TX
                                               Chambers County, TX
                                               Fort Bend County, TX
                                               Galveston County, TX
                                               Harris County, TX
                                               Liberty County, TX
                                               Montgomery County, TX
                                               San Jacinto County, TX
                                               Waller County, TX
26580........................................  Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH............................   0.9477
                                               Boyd County, KY
                                               Greenup County, KY

[[Page 45066]]


                                               Lawrence County, OH
                                               Cabell County, WV
                                               Wayne County, WV
26620........................................  Huntsville, AL..........................................   0.9146
                                               Limestone County, AL
                                               Madison County, AL
26820........................................  Idaho Falls, ID.........................................   0.9420
                                               Bonneville County, ID
                                               Jefferson County, ID
26900........................................  Indianapolis, IN........................................   0.9920
                                               Boone County, IN
                                               Brown County, IN
                                               Hamilton County, IN
                                               Hancock County, IN
                                               Hendricks County, IN
                                               Johnson County, IN
                                               Marion County, IN
                                               Morgan County, IN
                                               Putnam County, IN
                                               Shelby County, IN
26980........................................  Iowa City, IA...........................................   0.9747
                                               Johnson County, IA
                                               Washington County, IA
27060........................................  Ithaca, NY..............................................   0.9793
                                               Tompkins County, NY
27100........................................  Jackson, MI.............................................   0.9304
                                               Jackson County, MI
27140........................................  Jackson, MS.............................................   0.8311
                                               Copiah County, MS
                                               Hinds County, MS
                                               Madison County, MS
                                               Rankin County, MS
                                               Simpson County, MS
27180........................................  Jackson, TN.............................................   0.8964
                                               Chester County, TN
                                               Madison County, TN
27260........................................  Jacksonville, FL........................................   0.9290
                                               Baker County, FL
                                               Clay County, FL
                                               Duval County, FL
                                               Nassau County, FL
                                               St. Johns County, FL
27340........................................  Jacksonville, NC........................................   0.8236
                                               Onslow County, NC
27500........................................  Janesville, WI..........................................   0.9538
                                               Rock County, WI
27620........................................  Jefferson City, MO......................................   0.8387
                                               Callaway County, MO
                                               Cole County, MO
                                               Moniteau County, MO
                                               Osage County, MO
27740........................................  Johnson City, TN........................................   0.7937
                                               Carter County, TN
                                               Unicoi County, TN
                                               Washington County, TN
27780........................................  Johnstown, PA...........................................   0.8354
                                               Cambria County, PA
27860........................................  Jonesboro, AR...........................................   0.7911
                                               Craighead County, AR
                                               Poinsett County, AR
27900........................................  Joplin, MO..............................................   0.8582
                                               Jasper County, MO
                                               Newton County, MO
28020........................................  Kalamazoo-Portage, MI...................................   1.0381
                                               Kalamazoo County, MI
                                               Van Buren County, MI
28100........................................  Kankakee-Bradley, IL....................................   1.0721
                                               Kankakee County, IL
28140........................................  Kansas City, MO-KS......................................   0.9476
                                               Franklin County, KS
                                               Johnson County, KS

[[Page 45067]]


                                               Leavenworth County, KS
                                               Linn County, KS
                                               Miami County, KS
                                               Wyandotte County, KS
                                               Bates County, MO
                                               Caldwell County, MO
                                               Cass County, MO
                                               Clay County, MO
                                               Clinton County, MO
                                               Jackson County, MO
                                               Lafayette County, MO
                                               Platte County, MO
                                               Ray County, MO
28420........................................  Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA............................   1.0619
                                               Benton County, WA
                                               Franklin County, WA
28660........................................  Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX............................   0.8526
                                               Bell County, TX
                                               Coryell County, TX
                                               Lampasas County, TX
28700........................................  Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA........................   0.8054
                                               Hawkins County, TN
                                               Sullivan County, TN
                                               Bristol City, VA
                                               Scott County, VA
                                               Washington County, VA
28740........................................  Kingston, NY............................................   0.9255
                                               Ulster County, NY
28940........................................  Knoxville, TN...........................................   0.8441
                                               Anderson County, TN
                                               Blount County, TN
                                               Knox County, TN
                                               Loudon County, TN
                                               Union County, TN
29020........................................  Kokomo, IN..............................................   0.9508
                                               Howard County, IN
                                               Tipton County, IN
29100........................................  La Crosse, WI-MN........................................   0.9564
                                               Houston County, MN
                                               La Crosse County, WI
29140........................................  Lafayette, IN...........................................   0.8736
                                               Benton County, IN
                                               Carroll County, IN
                                               Tippecanoe County, IN
29180........................................  Lafayette, LA...........................................   0.8428
                                               Lafayette Parish, LA
                                               St. Martin Parish, LA
29340........................................  Lake Charles, LA........................................   0.7833
                                               Calcasieu Parish, LA
                                               Cameron Parish, LA
29404........................................  Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI.......................   1.0429
                                               Lake County, IL
                                               Kenosha County, WI
29460........................................  Lakeland, FL............................................   0.8912
                                               Polk County, FL
29540........................................  Lancaster, PA...........................................   0.9694
                                               Lancaster County, PA
29620........................................  Lansing-East Lansing, MI................................   0.9794
                                               Clinton County, MI
                                               Eaton County, MI
                                               Ingham County, MI
29700........................................  Laredo, TX..............................................   0.8068
                                               Webb County, TX
29740........................................  Las Cruces, NM..........................................   0.8467
                                               Dona Ana County, NM
29820........................................  Las Vegas-Paradise, NV..................................   1.1437
                                               Clark County, NV
29940........................................  Lawrence, KS............................................   0.8537
                                               Douglas County, KS
30020........................................  Lawton, OK..............................................   0.7872
                                               Comanche County, OK

[[Page 45068]]


30140........................................  Lebanon, PA.............................................   0.8459
                                               Lebanon County, PA
30300........................................  Lewiston, ID-WA.........................................   0.9886
                                               Nez Perce County, ID
                                               Asotin County, WA
30340........................................  Lewiston-Auburn, ME.....................................   0.9331
                                               Androscoggin County, ME
30460........................................  Lexington-Fayette, KY...................................   0.9075
                                               Bourbon County, KY
                                               Clark County, KY
                                               Fayette County, KY
                                               Jessamine County, KY
                                               Scott County, KY
                                               Woodford County, KY
30620........................................  Lima, OH................................................   0.9225
                                               Allen County, OH
30700........................................  Lincoln, NE.............................................   1.0214
                                               Lancaster County, NE
                                               Seward County, NE
30780........................................  Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR.......................   0.8747
                                               Faulkner County, AR
                                               Grant County, AR
                                               Lonoke County, AR
                                               Perry County, AR
                                               Pulaski County, AR
                                               Saline County, AR
30860........................................  Logan, UT-ID............................................   0.9164
                                               Franklin County, ID
                                               Cache County, UT
30980........................................  Longview, TX............................................   0.8730
                                               Gregg County, TX
                                               Rusk County, TX
                                               Upshur County, TX
31020........................................  Longview, WA............................................   0.9579
                                               Cowlitz County, WA
31084........................................  Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA.....................   1.1783
                                               Los Angeles County, CA
31140........................................  Louisville, KY-IN.......................................   0.9251
                                               Clark County, IN
                                               Floyd County, IN
                                               Harrison County, IN
                                               Washington County, IN
                                               Bullitt County, KY
                                               Henry County, KY
                                               Jefferson County, KY
                                               Meade County, KY
                                               Nelson County, KY
                                               Oldham County, KY
                                               Shelby County, KY
                                               Spencer County, KY
                                               Trimble County, KY
31180........................................  Lubbock, TX.............................................   0.8783
                                               Crosby County, TX
                                               Lubbock County, TX
31340........................................  Lynchburg, VA...........................................   0.8691
                                               Amherst County, VA
                                               Appomattox County, VA
                                               Bedford County, VA
                                               Campbell County, VA
                                               Bedford City, VA
                                               Lynchburg City, VA
31420........................................  Macon, GA...............................................   0.9443
                                               Bibb County, GA
                                               Crawford County, GA
                                               Jones County, GA
                                               Monroe County, GA
                                               Twiggs County, GA
31460........................................  Madera, CA..............................................   0.8713
                                               Madera County, CA
31540........................................  Madison, WI.............................................   1.0659
                                               Columbia County, WI

[[Page 45069]]


                                               Dane County, WI
                                               Iowa County, WI
31700........................................  Manchester-Nashua, NH...................................   1.0354
                                               Hillsborough County, NH
                                               Merrimack County, NH
31900........................................  Mansfield, OH \1\.......................................  .......
                                               Richland County, OH
32420........................................  Mayaguez, PR............................................   0.4020
                                               Hormigueros Municipio, PR
                                               Mayaguez Municipio, PR
32580........................................  McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr, TX..............................   0.8934
                                               Hidalgo County, TX
32780........................................  Medford, OR.............................................   1.0225
                                               Jackson County, OR
32820........................................  Memphis, TN-MS-AR.......................................   0.9397
                                               Crittenden County, AR
                                               DeSoto County, MS
                                               Marshall County, MS
                                               Tate County, MS
                                               Tunica County, MS
                                               Fayette County, TN
                                               Shelby County, TN
                                               Tipton County, TN
32900........................................  Merced, CA..............................................   1.1109
                                               Merced County, CA
33124........................................  Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL...........................   0.9750
                                               Miami-Dade County, FL
33140........................................  Michigan City-La Porte, IN..............................   0.9399
                                               LaPorte County, IN
33260........................................  Midland, TX.............................................   0.9514
                                               Midland County, TX
33340........................................  Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI.......................   1.0146
                                               Milwaukee County, WI
                                               Ozaukee County, WI
                                               Washington County, WI
                                               Waukesha County, WI
33460........................................  Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.................   1.1075
                                               Anoka County, MN
                                               Carver County, MN
                                               Chisago County, MN
                                               Dakota County, MN
                                               Hennepin County, MN
                                               Isanti County, MN
                                               Ramsey County, MN
                                               Scott County, MN
                                               Sherburne County, MN
                                               Washington County, MN
                                               Wright County, MN
                                               Pierce County, WI
                                               St. Croix County, WI
33540........................................  Missoula, MT............................................   0.9473
                                               Missoula County, MT
33660........................................  Mobile, AL..............................................   0.7891
                                               Mobile County, AL
33700........................................  Modesto, CA.............................................   1.1885
                                               Stanislaus County, CA
33740........................................  Monroe, LA..............................................   0.8031
                                               Ouachita Parish, LA
                                               Union Parish, LA
33780........................................  Monroe, MI..............................................   0.9468
                                               Monroe County, MI
33860........................................  Montgomery, AL..........................................   0.8618
                                               Autauga County, AL
                                               Elmore County, AL
                                               Lowndes County, AL
                                               Montgomery County, AL
34060........................................  Morgantown, WV..........................................   0.8420
                                               Monongalia County, WV
                                               Preston County, WV
34100........................................  Morristown, TN..........................................   0.7961
                                               Grainger County, TN

[[Page 45070]]


                                               Hamblen County, TN
                                               Jefferson County, TN
34580........................................  Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA..............................   1.0454
                                               Skagit County, WA
34620........................................  Muncie, IN..............................................   0.8930
                                               Delaware County, IN
34740........................................  Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI..............................   0.9664
                                               Muskegon County, MI
34820........................................  Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC..............   0.8934
                                               Horry County, SC
34900........................................  Napa, CA................................................   1.2643
                                               Napa County, CA
34940........................................  Naples-Marco Island, FL.................................   1.0139
                                               Collier County, FL
34980........................................  Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro, TN....................   0.9741
                                               Cannon County, TN
                                               Cheatham County, TN
                                               Davidson County, TN
                                               Dickson County, TN
                                               Hickman County, TN
                                               Macon County, TN
                                               Robertson County, TN
                                               Rutherford County, TN
                                               Smith County, TN
                                               Sumner County, TN
                                               Trousdale County, TN
                                               Williamson County, TN
                                               Wilson County, TN
35004........................................  Nassau-Suffolk, NY......................................   1.2719
                                               Nassau County, NY
                                               Suffolk County, NY
35084........................................  Newark-Union, NJ-PA.....................................   1.1883
                                               Essex County, NJ
                                               Hunterdon County, NJ
                                               Morris County, NJ
                                               Sussex County, NJ
                                               Union County, NJ
                                               Pike County, PA
35300........................................  New Haven-Milford, CT...................................   1.1887
                                               New Haven County, CT
35380........................................  New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA.........................   0.8995
                                               Jefferson Parish, LA
                                               Orleans Parish, LA
                                               Plaquemines Parish, LA
                                               St. Bernard Parish, LA
                                               St. Charles Parish, LA
                                               St. John the Baptist Parish, LA
                                               St. Tammany Parish, LA
35644........................................  New York-Wayne-White Plains, NY-NJ......................   1.3188
                                               Bergen County, NJ
                                               Hudson County, NJ
                                               Passaic County, NJ
                                               Bronx County, NY
                                               Kings County, NY
                                               New York County, NY
                                               Putnam County, NY
                                               Queens County, NY
                                               Richmond County, NY
                                               Rockland County, NY
                                               Westchester County, NY
35660........................................  Niles-Benton Harbor, MI.................................   0.8879
                                               Berrien County, MI
35980........................................  Norwich-New London, CT..................................   1.1345
                                               New London County, CT
36084........................................  Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA.............................   1.5346
                                               Alameda County, CA
                                               Contra Costa County, CA
36100........................................  Ocala, FL...............................................   0.8925
                                               Marion County, FL
36140........................................  Ocean City, NJ..........................................   1.1011
                                               Cape May County, NJ

[[Page 45071]]


36220........................................  Odessa, TX..............................................   0.9884
                                               Ector County, TX
36260........................................  Ogden-Clearfield, UT....................................   0.9029
                                               Davis County, UT
                                               Morgan County, UT
                                               Weber County, UT
36420........................................  Oklahoma City, OK.......................................   0.9031
                                               Canadian County, OK
                                               Cleveland County, OK
                                               Grady County, OK
                                               Lincoln County, OK
                                               Logan County, OK
                                               McClain County, OK
                                               Oklahoma County, OK
36500........................................  Olympia, WA.............................................   1.0927
                                               Thurston County, WA
36540........................................  Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA.............................   0.9560
                                               Harrison County, IA
                                               Mills County, IA
                                               Pottawattamie County, IA
                                               Cass County, NE
                                               Douglas County, NE
                                               Sarpy County, NE
                                               Saunders County, NE
                                               Washington County, NE
36740........................................  Orlando, FL.............................................   0.9464
                                               Lake County, FL
                                               Orange County, FL
                                               Osceola County, FL
                                               Seminole County, FL
36780........................................  Oshkosh-Neenah, WI......................................   0.9183
                                               Winnebago County, WI
36980........................................  Owensboro, KY...........................................   0.8780
                                               Daviess County, KY
                                               Hancock County, KY
                                               McLean County, KY
37100........................................  Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA........................   1.1622
                                               Ventura County, CA
37340........................................  Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL.......................   0.9839
                                               Brevard County, FL
37460........................................  Panama City-Lynn Haven, FL..............................   0.8005
                                               Bay County, FL
37620........................................  Parkersburg-Marietta, WV-OH.............................   0.8270
                                               Washington County, OH
                                               Pleasants County, WV
                                               Wirt County, WV
                                               Wood County, WV
37700........................................  Pascagoula, MS..........................................   0.8156
                                               George County, MS
                                               Jackson County, MS
37860........................................  Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL..........................   0.8096
                                               Escambia County, FL
                                               Santa Rosa County, FL
37900........................................  Peoria, IL..............................................   0.8870
                                               Marshall County, IL
                                               Peoria County, IL
                                               Stark County, IL
                                               Tazewell County, IL
                                               Woodford County, IL
37964........................................  Philadelphia, PA........................................   1.1038
                                               Bucks County, PA
                                               Chester County, PA
                                               Delaware County, PA
                                               Montgomery County, PA
                                               Philadelphia County, PA
38060........................................  Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ.............................   1.0127
                                               Maricopa County, AZ
                                               Pinal County, AZ
38220........................................  Pine Bluff, AR..........................................   0.8680
                                               Cleveland County, AR
                                               Jefferson County, AR

[[Page 45072]]


                                               Lincoln County, AR
38300........................................  Pittsburgh, PA..........................................   0.8845
                                               Allegheny County, PA
                                               Armstrong County, PA
                                               Beaver County, PA
                                               Butler County, PA
                                               Fayette County, PA
                                               Washington County, PA
                                               Westmoreland County, PA
38340........................................  Pittsfield, MA..........................................   1.0181
                                               Berkshire County, MA
38540........................................  Pocatello, ID...........................................   0.9351
                                               Bannock County, ID
                                               Power County, ID
38660........................................  Ponce, PR...............................................   0.4939
                                               Juana Diaz Municipio, PR
                                               Ponce Municipio, PR
                                               Villalba Municipio, PR
38860........................................  Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME...................   1.0382
                                               Cumberland County, ME
                                               Sagadahoc County, ME
                                               York County, ME
38900........................................  Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA.....................   1.1266
                                               Clackamas County, OR
                                               Columbia County, OR
                                               Multnomah County, OR
                                               Washington County, OR
                                               Yamhill County, OR
                                               Clark County, WA
                                               Skamania County, WA
38940........................................  Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce, FL..........................   1.0123
                                               Martin County, FL
                                               St. Lucie County, FL
39100........................................  Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY....................   1.0891
                                               Dutchess County, NY
                                               Orange County, NY
39140........................................  Prescott, AZ............................................   0.9869
                                               Yavapai County, AZ
39300........................................  Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA................   1.0966
                                               Bristol County, MA
                                               Bristol County, RI
                                               Kent County, RI
                                               Newport County, RI
                                               Providence County, RI
                                               Washington County, RI
39340........................................  Provo-Orem, UT..........................................   0.9500
                                               Juab County, UT
                                               Utah County, UT
39380........................................  Pueblo, CO..............................................   0.8623
                                               Pueblo County, CO
39460........................................  Punta Gorda, FL.........................................   0.9255
                                               Charlotte County, FL
39540........................................  Racine, WI..............................................   0.8997
                                               Racine County, WI
39580........................................  Raleigh-Cary, NC........................................   0.9691
                                               Franklin County, NC
                                               Johnston County, NC
                                               Wake County, NC
39660........................................  Rapid City, SD..........................................   0.8987
                                               Meade County, SD
                                               Pennington County, SD
39740........................................  Reading, PA.............................................   0.9686
                                               Berks County, PA
39820........................................  Redding, CA.............................................   1.2203
                                               Shasta County, CA
39900........................................  Reno-Sparks, NV.........................................   1.0982
                                               Storey County, NV
                                               Washoe County, NV
40060........................................  Richmond, VA............................................   0.9328
                                               Amelia County, VA
                                               Caroline County, VA

[[Page 45073]]


                                               Charles City County, VA
                                               Chesterfield County, VA
                                               Cumberland County, VA
                                               Dinwiddie County, VA
                                               Goochland County, VA
                                               Hanover County, VA
                                               Henrico County, VA
                                               King and Queen County, VA
                                               King William County, VA
                                               Louisa County, VA
                                               New Kent County, VA
                                               Powhatan County, VA
                                               Prince George County, VA
                                               Sussex County, VA
                                               Colonial Heights City, VA
                                               Hopewell City, VA
                                               Petersburg City, VA
                                               Richmond City, VA
40140........................................  Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA....................   1.1027
                                               Riverside County, CA
                                               San Bernardino County, CA
40220........................................  Roanoke, VA.............................................   0.8374
                                               Botetourt County, VA
                                               Craig County, VA
                                               Franklin County, VA
                                               Roanoke County, VA
                                               Roanoke City, VA
                                               Salem City, VA
40340........................................  Rochester, MN...........................................   1.1131
                                               Dodge County, MN
                                               Olmsted County, MN
                                               Wabasha County, MN
40380........................................  Rochester, NY...........................................   0.9121
                                               Livingston County, NY
                                               Monroe County, NY
                                               Ontario County, NY
                                               Orleans County, NY
                                               Wayne County, NY
40420........................................  Rockford, IL............................................   0.9984
                                               Boone County, IL
                                               Winnebago County, IL
40484........................................  Rockingham County-Strafford County, NH..................   1.0374
                                               Rockingham County, NH
                                               Strafford County, NH
40580........................................  Rocky Mount, NC.........................................   0.8915
                                               Edgecombe County, NC
                                               Nash County, NC
40660........................................  Rome, GA................................................   0.9414
                                               Floyd County, GA
40900........................................  Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA.................   1.2969
                                               El Dorado County, CA
                                               Placer County, CA
                                               Sacramento County, CA
                                               Yolo County, CA
40980........................................  Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI......................   0.9088
                                               Saginaw County, MI
41060........................................  St. Cloud, MN...........................................   0.9965
                                               Benton County, MN
                                               Stearns County, MN
41100........................................  St. George, UT..........................................   0.9392
                                               Washington County, UT
41140........................................  St. Joseph, MO-KS.......................................   0.9519
                                               Doniphan County, KS
                                               Andrew County, MO
                                               Buchanan County, MO
                                               DeKalb County, MO
41180........................................  St. Louis, MO-IL........................................   0.8954
                                               Bond County, IL
                                               Calhoun County, IL
                                               Clinton County, IL
                                               Jersey County, IL

[[Page 45074]]


                                               Macoupin County, IL
                                               Madison County, IL
                                               Monroe County, IL
                                               St. Clair County, IL
                                               Crawford County, MO
                                               Franklin County, MO
                                               Jefferson County, MO
                                               Lincoln County, MO
                                               St. Charles County, MO
                                               St. Louis County, MO
                                               Warren County, MO
                                               Washington County, MO
                                               St. Louis City, MO
41420........................................  Salem, OR...............................................   1.0442
                                               Marion County, OR
                                               Polk County, OR
41500........................................  Salinas, CA.............................................   1.4128
                                               Monterey County, CA
41540........................................  Salisbury, MD...........................................   0.9064
                                               Somerset County, MD
                                               Wicomico County, MD
41620........................................  Salt Lake City, UT......................................   0.9421
                                               Salt Lake County, UT
                                               Summit County, UT
                                               Tooele County, UT
41660........................................  San Angelo, TX..........................................   0.8271
                                               Irion County, TX
                                               Tom Green County, TX
41700........................................  San Antonio, TX.........................................   0.8980
                                               Atascosa County, TX
                                               Bandera County, TX
                                               Bexar County, TX
                                               Comal County, TX
                                               Guadalupe County, TX
                                               Kendall County, TX
                                               Medina County, TX
                                               Wilson County, TX
41740........................................  San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA.......................   1.1413
                                               San Diego County, CA
41780........................................  Sandusky, OH............................................   0.9019
                                               Erie County, OH
41884........................................  San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA................   1.4994
                                               Marin County, CA
                                               San Francisco County, CA
                                               San Mateo County, CA
41900........................................  San German-Cabo Rojo, PR................................   0.4650
                                               Cabo Rojo Municipio, PR
                                               Lajas Municipio, PR
                                               Sabana Grande Municipio, PR
                                               San German Municipio, PR
41940........................................  San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA......................   1.5099
                                               San Benito County, CA
                                               Santa Clara County, CA
41980........................................  San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo, PR............................   0.4621
                                               Aguas Buenas Municipio, PR
                                               Aibonito Municipio, PR
                                               Arecibo Municipio, PR
                                               Barceloneta Municipio, PR
                                               Barranquitas Municipio, PR
                                               Bayamon Municipio, PR
                                               Caguas Municipio, PR
                                               Camuy Municipio, PR
                                               Canovanas Municipio, PR
                                               Carolina Municipio, PR
                                               Catano Municipio, PR
                                               Cayey Municipio, PR
                                               Ciales Municipio, PR
                                               Cidra Municipio, PR
                                               Comerio Municipio, PR
                                               Corozal Municipio, PR
                                               Dorado Municipio, PR


[[Continued on page 45075]]


From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
]                         
 
[[pp. 45075-45124]] Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated 
Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities for FY 2006

[[Continued from page 45074]]

[[Page 45075]]


                                               Florida Municipio, PR
                                               Guaynabo Municipio, PR
                                               Gurabo Municipio, PR
                                               Hatillo Municipio, PR
                                               Humacao Municipio, PR
                                               Juncos Municipio, PR
                                               Las Piedras Municipio, PR
                                               Loiza Municipio, PR
                                               Manati Municipio, PR
                                               Maunabo Municipio, PR
                                               Morovis Municipio, PR
                                               Naguabo Municipio, PR
                                               Naranjito Municipio, PR
                                               Orocovis Municipio, PR
                                               Quebradillas Municipio, PR
                                               Rio Grande Municipio, PR
                                               San Juan Municipio, PR
                                               San Lorenzo Municipio, PR
                                               Toa Alta Municipio, PR
                                               Toa Baja Municipio, PR
                                               Trujillo Alto Municipio, PR
                                               Vega Alta Municipio, PR
                                               Vega Baja Municipio, PR
                                               Yabucoa Municipio, PR
42020........................................  San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA.........................   1.1349
                                               San Luis Obispo County, CA
42044........................................  Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA............................   1.1559
                                               Orange County, CA
42060........................................  Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA....................   1.1694
                                               Santa Barbara County, CA
42100........................................  Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA..............................   1.5166
                                               Santa Cruz County, CA
42140........................................  Santa Fe, NM............................................   1.0920
                                               Santa Fe County, NM
42220........................................  Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA.................................   1.3493
                                               Sonoma County, CA
42260........................................  Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, FL...........................   0.9639
                                               Manatee County, FL
                                               Sarasota County, FL
42340........................................  Savannah, GA............................................   0.9461
                                               Bryan County, GA
                                               Chatham County, GA
                                               Effingham County, GA
42540........................................  Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA..............................   0.8540
                                               Lackawanna County, PA
                                               Luzerne County, PA
                                               Wyoming County, PA
42644........................................  Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA............................   1.1577
                                               King County, WA
                                               Snohomish County, WA
43100........................................  Sheboygan, WI...........................................   0.8911
                                               Sheboygan County, WI
43300........................................  Sherman-Denison, TX.....................................   0.9507
                                               Grayson County, TX
43340........................................  Shreveport-Bossier City, LA.............................   0.8760
                                               Bossier Parish, LA
                                               Caddo Parish, LA
                                               De Soto Parish, LA
43580........................................  Sioux City, IA-NE-SD....................................   0.9381
                                               Woodbury County, IA
                                               Dakota County, NE
                                               Dixon County, NE
                                               Union County, SD
43620........................................  Sioux Falls, SD.........................................   0.9635
                                               Lincoln County, SD
                                               McCook County, SD
                                               Minnehaha County, SD
                                               Turner County, SD
43780........................................  South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI.............................   0.9788
                                               St. Joseph County, IN
                                               Cass County, MI

[[Page 45076]]


43900........................................  Spartanburg, SC.........................................   0.9172
                                               Spartanburg County, SC
44060........................................  Spokane, WA.............................................   1.0905
                                               Spokane County, WA
44100........................................  Springfield, IL.........................................   0.8792
                                               Menard County, IL
                                               Sangamon County, IL
44140........................................  Springfield, MA.........................................   1.0248
                                               Franklin County, MA
                                               Hampden County, MA
                                               Hampshire County, MA
44180........................................  Springfield, MO.........................................   0.8237
                                               Christian County, MO
                                               Dallas County, MO
                                               Greene County, MO
                                               Polk County, MO
                                               Webster County, MO
44220........................................  Springfield, OH.........................................   0.8396
                                               Clark County, OH
44300........................................  State College, PA.......................................   0.8356
                                               Centre County, PA
44700........................................  Stockton, CA............................................   1.1307
                                               San Joaquin County, CA
44940........................................  Sumter, SC..............................................   0.8377
                                               Sumter County, SC
45060........................................  Syracuse, NY............................................   0.9574
                                               Madison County, NY
                                               Onondaga County, NY
                                               Oswego County, NY
45104........................................  Tacoma, WA..............................................   1.0742
                                               Pierce County, WA
45220........................................  Tallahassee, FL.........................................   0.8688
                                               Gadsden County, FL
                                               Jefferson County, FL
                                               Leon County, FL
                                               Wakulla County, FL
45300........................................  Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL.....................   0.9233
                                               Hernando County, FL
                                               Hillsborough County, FL
                                               Pasco County, FL
                                               Pinellas County, FL
45460........................................  Terre Haute, IN.........................................   0.8304
                                               Clay County, IN
                                               Sullivan County, IN
                                               Vermillion County, IN
                                               Vigo County, IN
45500........................................  Texarkana, TX-Texarkana, AR.............................   0.8283
                                               Miller County, AR
                                               Bowie County, TX
45780........................................  Toledo, OH..............................................   0.9574
                                               Fulton County, OH
                                               Lucas County, OH
                                               Ottawa County, OH
                                               Wood County, OH
45820........................................  Topeka, KS..............................................   0.8920
                                               Jackson County, KS
                                               Jefferson County, KS
                                               Osage County, KS
                                               Shawnee County, KS
                                               Wabaunsee County, KS
45940........................................  Trenton-Ewing, NJ.......................................   1.0834
                                               Mercer County, NJ
46060........................................  Tucson, AZ..............................................   0.9007
                                               Pima County, AZ
46140........................................  Tulsa, OK...............................................   0.8543
                                               Creek County, OK
                                               Okmulgee County, OK
                                               Osage County, OK
                                               Pawnee County, OK
                                               Rogers County, OK
                                               Tulsa County, OK

[[Page 45077]]


                                               Wagoner County, OK
46220........................................  Tuscaloosa, AL..........................................   0.8645
                                               Greene County, AL
                                               Hale County, AL
                                               Tuscaloosa County, AL
46340........................................  Tyler, TX...............................................   0.9168
                                               Smith County, TX
46540........................................  Utica-Rome, NY..........................................   0.8358
                                               Herkimer County, NY
                                               Oneida County, NY
46660........................................  Valdosta, GA............................................   0.8866
                                               Brooks County, GA
                                               Echols County, GA
                                               Lanier County, GA
                                               Lowndes County, GA
46700........................................  Vallejo-Fairfield, CA...................................   1.4936
                                               Solano County, CA
46940........................................  Vero Beach, FL..........................................   0.9434
                                               Indian River County, FL
47020........................................  Victoria, TX............................................   0.8160
                                               Calhoun County, TX
                                               Goliad County, TX
                                               Victoria County, TX
47220........................................  Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, NJ........................   0.9827
                                               Cumberland County, NJ
47260........................................  Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC..............   0.8799
                                               Currituck County, NC
                                               Gloucester County, VA
                                               Isle of Wight County, VA
                                               James City County, VA
                                               Mathews County, VA
                                               Surry County, VA
                                               York County, VA
                                               Chesapeake City, VA
                                               Hampton City, VA
                                               Newport News City, VA
                                               Norfolk City, VA
                                               Poquoson City, VA
                                               Portsmouth City, VA
                                               Suffolk City, VA
                                               Virginia Beach City, VA
                                               Williamsburg City, VA
47300........................................  Visalia-Porterville, CA.................................   1.0123
                                               Tulare County, CA
47380........................................  Waco, TX................................................   0.8518
                                               McLennan County, TX
47580........................................  Warner Robins, GA.......................................   0.8645
                                               Houston County, GA
47644........................................  Warren-Farmington Hills-Troy, MI........................   0.9871
                                               Lapeer County, MI
                                               Livingston County, MI
                                               Macomb County, MI
                                               Oakland County, MI
                                               St. Clair County, MI
47894........................................  Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV............   1.0926
                                               District of Columbia, DC
                                               Calvert County, MD
                                               Charles County, MD
                                               Prince George's County, MD
                                               Arlington County, VA
                                               Clarke County, VA
                                               Fairfax County, VA
                                               Fauquier County, VA
                                               Loudoun County, VA
                                               Prince William County, VA
                                               Spotsylvania County, VA
                                               Stafford County, VA
                                               Warren County, VA
                                               Alexandria City, VA
                                               Fairfax City, VA
                                               Falls Church City, VA

[[Page 45078]]


                                               Fredericksburg City, VA
                                               Manassas City, VA
                                               Manassas Park City, VA
                                               Jefferson County, WV
47940........................................  Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA................................   0.8557
                                               Black Hawk County, IA
                                               Bremer County, IA
                                               Grundy County, IA
48140........................................  Wausau, WI..............................................   0.9590
                                               Marathon County, WI
48260........................................  Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH.............................   0.7819
                                               Jefferson County, OH
                                               Brooke County, WV
                                               Hancock County, WV
48300........................................  Wenatchee, WA...........................................   1.0070
                                               Chelan County, WA
                                               Douglas County, WA
48424........................................  West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach, FL............   1.0067
                                               Palm Beach County, FL
48540........................................  Wheeling, WV-OH.........................................   0.7161
                                               Belmont County, OH
                                               Marshall County, WV
                                               Ohio County, WV
48620........................................  Wichita, KS.............................................   0.9153
                                               Butler County, KS
                                               Harvey County, KS
                                               Sedgwick County, KS
                                               Sumner County, KS
48660........................................  Wichita Falls, TX.......................................   0.8285
                                               Archer County, TX
                                               Clay County, TX
                                               Wichita County, TX
48700........................................  Williamsport, PA........................................   0.8364
                                               Lycoming County, PA
48864........................................  Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ....................................   1.0471
                                               New Castle County, DE
                                               Cecil County, MD
                                               Salem County, NJ
48900........................................  Wilmington, NC..........................................   0.9582
                                               Brunswick County, NC
                                               New Hanover County, NC
                                               Pender County, NC
49020........................................  Winchester, VA-WV.......................................   1.0214
                                               Frederick County, VA
                                               Winchester City, VA
                                               Hampshire County, WV
49180........................................  Winston-Salem, NC.......................................   0.8944
                                               Davie County, NC
                                               Forsyth County, NC
                                               Stokes County, NC
                                               Yadkin County, NC
49340........................................  Worcester, MA...........................................   1.1028
                                               Worcester County, MA
49420........................................  Yakima, WA..............................................   1.0155
                                               Yakima County, WA
49500........................................  Yauco, PR...............................................   0.4408
                                               Guanica Municipio, PR
                                               Guayanilla Municipio, PR
                                               Penuelas Municipio, PR
                                               Yauco Municipio, PR
49620........................................  York-Hanover, PA........................................   0.9347
                                               York County, PA
49660........................................  Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA.......................   0.8603
                                               Mahoning County, OH
                                               Trumbull County, OH
                                               Mercer County, PA
49700........................................  Yuba City, CA...........................................   1.0921
                                               Sutter County, CA
                                               Yuba County, CA
49740........................................  Yuma, AZ................................................   0.9126

[[Page 45079]]


                                               Yuma County, AZ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\At this time, there are no hospitals located in these urban areas on which to base a wage index.


 Table 9.--FY 2006 Wage Index Based on CBSA Labor Market Areas for Rural
                                  Areas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Wage
         CBSA code                     Nonurban area              index
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..........................  Alabama..........................    0.7446
2..........................  Alaska...........................    1.1977
3..........................  Arizona..........................    0.8768
4..........................  Arkansas.........................    0.7466
5..........................  California.......................    1.1054
6..........................  Colorado.........................    0.9380
7..........................  Connecticut......................    1.1730
8..........................  Delaware.........................    0.9579
10.........................  Florida..........................    0.8568
11.........................  Georgia..........................    0.7662
12.........................  Hawaii...........................    1.0551
13.........................  Idaho............................    0.8037
14.........................  Illinois.........................    0.8271
15.........................  Indiana..........................    0.8624
16.........................  Iowa.............................    0.8509
17.........................  Kansas...........................    0.8035
18.........................  Kentucky.........................    0.7766
19.........................  Louisiana........................    0.7411
20.........................  Maine............................    0.8843
21.........................  Maryland.........................    0.9353
22.........................  Massachusetts \1\................    1.2016
23.........................  Michigan.........................    0.8895
24.........................  Minnesota........................    0.9132
25.........................  Mississippi......................    0.7674
26.........................  Missouri.........................    0.7900
27.........................  Montana..........................    0.8762
28.........................  Nebraska.........................    0.8657
29.........................  Nevada...........................    0.9065
30.........................  New Hampshire....................    1.0817
31.........................  New Jersey \1\...................  ........
32.........................  New Mexico.......................    0.8635
33.........................  New York.........................    0.8154
34.........................  North Carolina...................    0.8540
35.........................  North Dakota.....................    0.7261
36.........................  Ohio.............................    0.8826
37.........................  Oklahoma.........................    0.7581
38.........................  Oregon...........................    0.9826
39.........................  Pennsylvania.....................    0.8291
40.........................  Puerto Rico1.....................    0.4047
41.........................  Rhode Island \1\.................  ........
42.........................  South Carolina...................    0.8638
43.........................  South Dakota.....................    0.8560
44.........................  Tennessee........................    0.7895
45.........................  Texas............................    0.8003
46.........................  Utah.............................    0.8118
47.........................  Vermont..........................    0.9830
48.........................  Virgin Islands...................    0.7615
49.........................  Virginia.........................    0.8013
50.........................  Washington.......................    1.0510
51.........................  West Virginia....................    0.7717
52.........................  Wisconsin........................    0.9509
53.........................  Wyoming..........................    0.9257
65.........................  Guam.............................   0.9611
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ All counties within the State are classified as urban, with the
  exception of Massachusetts and Puerto Rico. Massachusetts and Puerto
  Rico have areas designated as rural; however, no short-term, acute
  care hospitals are located in the area(s) for FY 2006. Because more
  recent data is not available for those areas, we are using last year's
  wage index value.


                              Table A.--FY 2006 SNF PPS Transition Wage Index Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 2006     2006
 SSA state/county                                  MSA urban/    MSA-    CBSA-     CBSA   CBSA urban/ Transition
       code             County name       MSA No.     rural     based    based     No.       rural    wage index
                                                                  WI       WI                              *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01000............  Autauga County,           5240  Urban        0.8618   0.8618    33860  Urban          0.8618
                    Alabama.
01010............  Baldwin County,           5160  Urban        0.7861   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7654
                    Alabama.
01020............  Barbour County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01030............  Bibb County, Alabama.       01  Rural        0.7432   0.8959    13820  Urban          0.8196
01040............  Blount County,            1000  Urban        0.9000   0.8959    13820  Urban          0.8980
                    Alabama.
01050............  Bullock County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01060............  Butler County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01070............  Calhoun County,           0450  Urban        0.7682   0.7682    11500  Urban          0.7682
                    Alabama.
01080............  Chambers County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01090............  Cherokee County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01100............  Chilton County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.8959    13820  Urban          0.8196
                    Alabama.
01110............  Choctaw County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01120............  Clarke County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01130............  Clay County, Alabama.       01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
01140............  Cleburne County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01150............  Coffee County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01160............  Colbert County,           2650  Urban        0.8272   0.8272    22520  Urban          0.8272
                    Alabama.
01170............  Conecuh County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01180............  Coosa County, Alabama       01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
01190............  Covington County,           01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01200............  Crenshaw County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01210............  Cullman County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01220............  Dale County, Alabama.     2180  Urban        0.7701   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7574
01230............  Dallas County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01240............  De Kalb County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01250............  Elmore County,            5240  Urban        0.8618   0.8618    33860  Urban          0.8618
                    Alabama.
01260............  Escambia County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01270............  Etowah County,            2880  Urban        0.7938   0.7938    23460  Urban          0.7938
                    Alabama.
01280............  Fayette County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01290............  Franklin County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.

[[Page 45080]]


01300............  Geneva County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7721    20020  Urban          0.7577
                    Alabama.
01310............  Greene County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.8645    46220  Urban          0.8039
                    Alabama.
01320............  Hale County, Alabama.       01  Rural        0.7432   0.8645    46220  Urban          0.8039
01330............  Henry County, Alabama       01  Rural        0.7432    .7721    20020  Urban          0.7577
01340............  Houston County,           2180  Urban        0.7701   0.7721    20020  Urban          0.7711
                    Alabama.
01350............  Jackson County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01360............  Jefferson County,         1000  Urban        0.9000   0.8959    13820  Urban          0.8980
                    Alabama.
01370............  Lamar County, Alabama       01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
01380............  Lauderdale County,        2650  Urban        0.8272   0.8272    22520  Urban          0.8272
                    Alabama.
01390............  Lawrence County,          2030  Urban        0.8469   0.8469    19460  Urban          0.8469
                    Alabama.
01400............  Lee County, Alabama..     0580  Urban        0.8100   0.8100    12220  Urban          0.8100
01410............  Limestone County,         3440  Urban        0.9146   0.9146    26620  Urban          0.9146
                    Alabama.
01420............  Lowndes County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.8618    33860  Urban          0.8025
                    Alabama.
01430............  Macon County, Alabama       01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
01440............  Madison County,           3440  Urban        0.9146   0.9146    26620  Urban          0.9146
                    Alabama.
01450............  Marengo County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01460............  Marion County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01470............  Marshall County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01480............  Mobile County,            5160  Urban        0.7861   0.7891    33660  Urban          0.7876
                    Alabama.
01490............  Monroe County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01500............  Montgomery County,        5240  Urban        0.8618   0.8618    33860  Urban          0.8618
                    Alabama.
01510............  Morgan County,            2030  Urban        0.8469   0.8469    19460  Urban          0.8469
                    Alabama.
01520............  Perry County, Alabama       01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
01530............  Pickens County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01540............  Pike County, Alabama.       01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
01550............  Randolph County,            01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01560............  Russell County,           1800  Urban        0.8560   0.8560    17980  Urban          0.8560
                    Alabama.
01570............  St Clair County,          1000  Urban        0.9000   0.8959    13820  Urban          0.8980
                    Alabama.
01580............  Shelby County,            1000  Urban        0.9000   0.8959    13820  Urban          0.8980
                    Alabama.
01590............  Sumter County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01600............  Talladega County,           01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01610............  Tallapoosa County,          01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01620............  Tuscaloosa County,        8600  Urban        0.8764   0.8645    46220  Urban          0.8705
                    Alabama.
01630............  Walker County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.8959    13820  Urban          0.8196
                    Alabama.
01640............  Washington County,          01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01650............  Wilcox County,              01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
01660............  Winston County,             01  Rural        0.7432   0.7446    99901  Rural          0.7439
                    Alabama.
02013............  Aleutians County            02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    East, Alaska.
02016............  Aleutians County            02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    West, Alaska.
02020............  Anchorage County,         0380  Urban        1.1784   1.1895    11260  Urban          1.1840
                    Alaska.
02030............  Angoon County, Alaska       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02040............  Barrow-North Slope          02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02050............  Bethel County, Alaska       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02060............  Bristol Bay Borough         02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02068............  Denali County, Alaska       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02070............  Bristol Bay County,         02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
02080............  Cordova-Mc Carthy           02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02090............  Fairbanks County,           02  Rural        1.1888   1.1408    21820  Urban          1.1648
                    Alaska.
02100............  Haines County, Alaska       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02110............  Juneau County, Alaska       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02120............  Kenai-Cook Inlet            02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02122............  Kenai Peninsula             02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Borough, Alaska.
02130............  Ketchikan County,           02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
02140............  Kobuk County, Alaska.       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02150............  Kodiak County, Alaska       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02160............  Kuskokwin County,           02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
02164............  Lake and Peninsula          02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Borough, Alaska.
02170............  Matanuska County,           02  Rural        1.1888   1.1895    11260  Urban          1.1892
                    Alaska.
02180............  Nome County, Alaska..       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02185............  North Slope Borough,        02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
02188............  Northwest Arctic            02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Borough, Alaska.
02190............  Outer Ketchikan             02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02200............  Prince Of Wales             02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02201............  Prince of Wales-Outer       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Ketchikan Census
                    Area, Alaska.
02210............  Seward County, Alaska       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02220............  Sitka County, Alaska.       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
02230............  Skagway-Yakutat             02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02231............  Skagway-Yakutat-            02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Angoon Census Area,
                    Alaska.

[[Page 45081]]


02232............  Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Census Area, Alaska.
02240............  Southeast Fairbanks         02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02250............  Upper Yukon County,         02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
02260............  Valdz-Chitna-Whitier        02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02261............  Valdex-Cordove Census       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Area, Alaska.
02270............  Wade Hampton County,        02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
02280............  Wrangell-Petersburg         02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    County, Alaska.
02282............  Yakutat Borough,            02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
02290............  Yukon-Koyukuk County,       02  Rural        1.1888   1.1977    99902  Rural          1.1933
                    Alaska.
03000............  Apache County,              03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
                    Arizona.
03010............  Cochise County,             03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
                    Arizona.
03020............  Coconino County,          2620  Urban        1.1845   1.2092    22380  Urban          1.1969
                    Arizona.
03030............  Gila County, Arizona.       03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
03040............  Graham County,              03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
                    Arizona.
03050............  Greenlee County,            03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
                    Arizona.
03055............  La Paz County,              03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
                    Arizona.
03060............  Maricopa County,          6200  Urban        1.0127   1.0127    38060  Urban          1.0127
                    Arizona.
03070............  Mohave County,            4120  Urban        1.1155   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.9962
                    Arizona.
03080............  Navajo County,              03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
                    Arizona.
03090............  Pima County, Arizona.     8520  Urban        0.9007   0.9007    46060  Urban          0.9007
03100............  Pinal County, Arizona     6200  Urban        1.0127   1.0127    38060  Urban          1.0127
03110............  Santa Cruz County,          03  Rural        0.9045   0.8768    99903  Rural          0.8907
                    Arizona.
03120............  Yavapai County,             03  Rural        0.9045   0.9869    39140  Urban          0.9457
                    Arizona.
03130............  Yuma County, Arizona.     9360  Urban        0.9126   0.9126    49740  Urban          0.9126
04000............  Arkansas County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04010............  Ashley County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04020............  Baxter County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04030............  Benton County,            2580  Urban        0.8661   0.8661    22220  Urban          0.8661
                    Arkansas.
04040............  Boone County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04050............  Bradley County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04060............  Calhoun County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04070............  Carroll County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04080............  Chicot County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04090............  Clark County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04100............  Clay County, Arkansas       04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
04110............  Cleburne County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04120............  Cleveland County,           04  Rural        0.7744   0.8680    38220  Urban          0.8212
                    Arkansas.
04130............  Columbia County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04140............  Conway County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04150............  Craighead County,         3700  Urban        0.7911   0.7911    27860  Urban          0.7911
                    Arkansas.
04160............  Crawford County,          2720  Urban        0.8246   0.8230    22900  Urban          0.8238
                    Arkansas.
04170............  Crittenden County,        4920  Urban        0.9416   0.9397    32820  Urban          0.9407
                    Arkansas.
04180............  Cross County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04190............  Dallas County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04200............  Desha County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04210............  Drew County, Arkansas       04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
04220............  Faulkner County,          4400  Urban        0.8747   0.8747    30780  Urban          0.8747
                    Arkansas.
04230............  Franklin County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.8230    22900  Urban          0.7987
                    Arkansas.
04240............  Fulton County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04250............  Garland County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.9005    26300  Urban          0.8375
                    Arkansas.
04260............  Grant County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.8747    30780  Urban          0.8246
                    Arkansas.
04270............  Greene County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
4280.............  Hempstead County,           04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04290............  Hot Spring County,          04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04300............  Howard County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04310............  Independence County,        04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04320............  Izard County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04330............  Jackson County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04340............  Jefferson County,         6240  Urban        0.8680   0.8680    38220  Urban          0.8680
                    Arkansas.
04350............  Johnson County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04360............  Lafayette County,           04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04370............  Lawrence County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04380............  Lee County, Arkansas.       04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
04390............  Lincoln County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.8680    38220  Urban          0.8212
                    Arkansas.
04400............  Little River County,        04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04410............  Logan County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04420............  Lonoke County,            4400  Urban        0.8747   0.8747    30780  Urban          0.8747
                    Arkansas.
04430............  Madison County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.8661    22220  Urban          0.8203
                    Arkansas.

[[Page 45082]]


04440............  Marion County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04450............  Miller County,            8360  Urban        0.8283   0.8283    45500  Urban          0.8283
                    Arkansas.
04460............  Mississippi County,         04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04470............  Monroe County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04480............  Montgomery County,          04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04490............  Nevada County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04500............  Newton County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04510............  Ouachita County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04520............  Perry County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.8747    30780  Urban          0.8246
                    Arkansas.
04530............  Phillips County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04540............  Pike County, Arkansas       04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
04550............  Poinsett County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7911    27860  Urban          0.7828
                    Arkansas.
04560............  Polk County, Arkansas       04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
04570............  Pope County, Arkansas       04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
04580............  Prairie County,             04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04590............  Pulaski County,           4400  Urban        0.8747   0.8747    30780  Urban          0.8747
                    Arkansas.
04600............  Randolph County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04610............  St Francis County,          04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04620............  Saline County,            4400  Urban        0.8747   0.8747    30780  Urban          0.8747
                    Arkansas.
04630............  Scott County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04640............  Searcy County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04650............  Sebastian County,         2720  Urban        0.8246   0.8230    22900  Urban          0.8238
                    Arkansas.
04660............  Sevier County,              04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04670............  Sharp County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04680............  Stone County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04690............  Union County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04700............  Van Buren County,           04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04710............  Washington County,        2580  Urban        0.8661   0.8661    22220  Urban          0.8661
                    Arkansas.
04720............  White County,               04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04730............  Woodruff County,            04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
                    Arkansas.
04740............  Yell County, Arkansas       04  Rural        0.7744   0.7466    99904  Rural          0.7605
05000............  Alameda County,           5775  Urban        1.5346   1.5346    36084  Urban          1.5346
                    California.
05010............  Alpine County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05020............  Amador County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05030............  Butte County,             1620  Urban        1.0511   1.0511    17020  Urban          1.0511
                    California.
05040............  Calaveras County,           05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05050............  Colusa County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05060............  Contra Costa County,      5775  Urban        1.5346   1.5346    36084  Urban          1.5346
                    California.
05070............  Del Norte County,           05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05080............  Eldorado County,          6920  Urban        1.3143   1.2969    40900  Urban          1.3056
                    California.
05090............  Fresno County,            2840  Urban        1.0428   1.0538    23420  Urban          1.0483
                    California.
05100............  Glenn County,               05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05110............  Humboldt County,            05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05120............  Imperial County,            05  Rural        1.0775   0.8906    20940  Urban          0.9841
                    California.
05130............  Inyo County,                05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05140............  Kern County,              0680  Urban        1.0470   1.0470    12540  Urban          1.0470
                    California.
05150............  Kings County,               05  Rural        1.0775   1.0036    25260  Urban          1.0406
                    California.
05160............  Lake County,                05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05170............  Lassen County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05200............  Los Angeles County,       4480  Urban        1.1783   1.1783    31084  Urban          1.1783
                    California.
05210............  Los Angeles County,       4480  Urban        1.1783   1.1783    31084  Urban          1.1783
                    California.
05300............  Madera County,            2840  Urban        1.0428   0.8713    31460  Urban          0.9571
                    California.
05310............  Marin County,             7360  Urban        1.4994   1.4994    41884  Urban          1.4994
                    California.
05320............  Mariposa County,            05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05330............  Mendocino County,           05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05340............  Merced County,            4940  Urban        1.1109   1.1109    32900  Urban          1.1109
                    California.
05350............  Modoc County,               05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05360............  Mono County,                05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05370............  Monterey County,          7120  Urban        1.4128   1.4128    41500  Urban          1.4128
                    California.
05380............  Napa County,              8720  Urban        1.3983   1.2643    34900  Urban          1.3313
                    California.
05390............  Nevada County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05400............  Orange County,            5945  Urban        1.1559   1.1559    42044  Urban          1.1559
                    California.
05410............  Placer County,            6920  Urban        1.3143   1.2969    40900  Urban          1.3056
                    California.
05420............  Plumas County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05430............  Riverside County,         6780  Urban        1.1027   1.1027    40140  Urban          1.1027
                    California.
05440............  Sacramento County,        6920  Urban        1.3143   1.2969    40900  Urban          1.3056
                    California.
05450............  San Benito County,          05  Rural        1.0775   1.5099    41940  Urban          1.2937
                    California.
05460............  San Bernardino            6780  Urban        1.1027   1.1027    40140  Urban          1.1027
                    County, California.

[[Page 45083]]


05470............  San Diego County,         7320  Urban        1.1413   1.1413    41740  Urban          1.1413
                    California.
05480............  San Francisco County,     7360  Urban        1.4994   1.4994    41884  Urban          1.4994
                    California.
05490............  San Joaquin County,       8120  Urban        1.1307   1.1307    44700  Urban          1.1307
                    California.
05500............  San Luis Obispo           7460  Urban        1.1349   1.1349    42020  Urban          1.1349
                    County, California.
05510............  San Mateo County,         7360  Urban        1.4994   1.4994    41884  Urban          1.4994
                    California.
05520............  Santa Barbara County,     7480  Urban        1.1694   1.1694    42060  Urban          1.1694
                    California.
05530............  Santa Clara County,       7400  Urban        1.5118   1.5099    41940  Urban          1.5109
                    California.
05540............  Santa Cruz County,        7485  Urban        1.5166   1.5166    42100  Urban          1.5166
                    California.
05550............  Shasta County,            6690  Urban        1.2203   1.2203    39820  Urban          1.2203
                    California.
05560............  Sierra County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05570............  Siskiyou County,            05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05580............  Solano County,            8720  Urban        1.3983   1.4936    46700  Urban          1.4460
                    California.
05590............  Sonoma County,            7500  Urban        1.3493   1.3493    42220  Urban          1.3493
                    California.
05600............  Stanislaus County,        5170  Urban        1.1885   1.1885    33700  Urban          1.1885
                    California.
05610............  Sutter County,            9340  Urban        1.0921   1.0921    49700  Urban          1.0921
                    California.
05620............  Tehama County,              05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05630............  Trinity County,             05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05640............  Tulare County,            8780  Urban        1.0123   1.0123    47300  Urban          1.0123
                    California.
05650............  Tuolumne County,            05  Rural        1.0775   1.1054    99905  Rural          1.0915
                    California.
05660............  Ventura County,           8735  Urban        1.1622   1.1622    37100  Urban          1.1622
                    California.
05670............  Yolo County,              9270  Urban        0.9950   1.2969    40900  Urban          1.1460
                    California.
05680............  Yuba County,              9340  Urban        1.0921   1.0921    49700  Urban          1.0921
                    California.
06000............  Adams County,             2080  Urban        1.0723   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0723
                    Colorado.
06010............  Alamosa County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06020............  Arapahoe County,          2080  Urban        1.0723   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0723
                    Colorado.
06030............  Archuleta County,           06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06040............  Baca County, Colorado       06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
06050............  Bent County, Colorado       06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
06060............  Boulder County,           1125  Urban        0.9734   0.9734    14500  Urban          0.9734
                    Colorado.
06070............  Chaffee County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06080............  Cheyenne County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06090............  Clear Creek County,         06  Rural        0.9380   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0052
                    Colorado.
06100............  Conejos County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06110............  Costilla County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06120............  Crowley County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06130............  Custer County,              06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06140............  Delta County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06150............  Denver County,            2080  Urban        1.0723   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0723
                    Colorado.
06160............  Dolores County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06170............  Douglas County,           2080  Urban        1.0723   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0723
                    Colorado.
06180............  Eagle County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06190............  Elbert County,              06  Rural        0.9380   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0052
                    Colorado.
06200............  El Paso County,           1720  Urban        0.9468   0.9468    17820  Urban          0.9468
                    Colorado.
06210............  Fremont County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06220............  Garfield County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06230............  Gilpin County,              06  Rural        0.9380   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0052
                    Colorado.
06240............  Grand County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06250............  Gunnison County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06260............  Hinsdale County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06270............  Huerfano County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06280............  Jackson County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06290............  Jefferson County,         2080  Urban        1.0723   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0723
                    Colorado.
06300............  Kiowa County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06310............  Kit Carson County,          06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06320............  Lake County, Colorado       06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
06330............  La Plata County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06340............  Larimer County,           2670  Urban        1.0122   1.0122    22660  Urban          1.0122
                    Colorado.
06350............  Las Animas County,          06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06360............  Lincoln County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06370............  Logan County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06380............  Mesa County, Colorado     2995  Urban        0.9550   0.9550    24300  Urban          0.9550
06390............  Mineral County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06400............  Moffat County,              06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06410............  Montezuma County,           06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06420............  Montrose County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06430............  Morgan County,              06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06440............  Otero County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06450............  Ouray County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.

[[Page 45084]]


06460............  Park County, Colorado       06  Rural        0.9380   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0052
06470............  Phillips County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06480............  Pitkin County,              06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06490............  Prowers County,             06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06500............  Pueblo County,            6560  Urban        0.8623   0.8623    39380  Urban          0.8623
                    Colorado.
06510............  Rio Blanco County,          06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06520............  Rio Grande County,          06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06530............  Routt County,               06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06540............  Saguache County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06550............  San Juan County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06560............  San Miguel County,          06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06570............  Sedgwick County,            06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06580............  Summit County,              06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06590............  Teller County,              06  Rural        0.9380   0.9468    17820  Urban          0.9424
                    Colorado.
06600............  Washington County,          06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
                    Colorado.
06610............  Weld County, Colorado     3060  Urban        0.9570   0.9570    24540  Urban          0.9570
06620............  Yuma County, Colorado       06  Rural        0.9380   0.9380    99906  Rural          0.9380
06630............  Broomfield County,        2080  Urban        1.0723   1.0723    19740  Urban          1.0723
                    Colorado.
07000............  Fairfield County,         5483  Urban        1.2196   1.2592    14860  Urban          1.2394
                    Connecticut.
07010............  Hartford County,          3283  Urban        1.1073   1.1073    25540  Urban          1.1073
                    Connecticut.
07020............  Litchfield County,        3283  Urban        1.1073   1.1073    25540  Urban          1.1073
                    Connecticut.
07030............  Middlesex County,         3283  Urban        1.1073   1.1073    25540  Urban          1.1073
                    Connecticut.
07040............  New Haven County,         5483  Urban        1.2196   1.1887    35300  Urban          1.2042
                    Connecticut.
07050............  New London County,        5523  Urban        1.1345   1.1345    35980  Urban          1.1345
                    Connecticut.
07060............  Tolland County,           3283  Urban        1.1073   1.1073    25540  Urban          1.1073
                    Connecticut.
07070............  Windham County,             07  Rural        1.1730   1.1730    99907  Rural          1.1730
                    Connecticut.
08000............  Kent County, Delaware     2190  Urban        0.9776   0.9776    20100  Urban          0.9776
08010............  New Castle County,        9160  Urban        1.0527   1.0471    48864  Urban          1.0499
                    Delaware.
08020............  Sussex County,              08  Rural        0.9579   0.9579    99908  Rural          0.9579
                    Delaware.
09000............  Washington Dc County,     8840  Urban        1.0976   1.0926    47894  Urban          1.0951
                    Dist Of Col.
10000............  Alachua County,           2900  Urban        0.9388   0.9388    23540  Urban          0.9388
                    Florida.
10010............  Baker County, Florida       10  Rural        0.8677   0.9290    27260  Urban          0.8984
10020............  Bay County, Florida..     6015  Urban        0.8005   0.8005    37460  Urban          0.8005
10030............  Bradford County,            10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10040............  Brevard County,           4900  Urban        0.9839   0.9839    37340  Urban          0.9839
                    Florida.
10050............  Broward County,           2680  Urban        1.0432   1.0432    22744  Urban          1.0432
                    Florida.
10060............  Calhoun County,             10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10070............  Charlotte County,         6580  Urban        0.9255   0.9255    39460  Urban          0.9255
                    Florida.
10080............  Citrus County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10090............  Clay County, Florida.     3600  Urban        0.9299   0.9290    27260  Urban          0.9295
10100............  Collier County,           5345  Urban        1.0139   1.0139    34940  Urban          1.0139
                    Florida.
10110............  Columbia County,            10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10120............  Dade County, Florida.     5000  Urban        0.9750   0.9750    33124  Urban          0.9750
10130............  De Soto County,             10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10140............  Dixie County, Florida       10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
10150............  Duval County, Florida     3600  Urban        0.9299   0.9290    27260  Urban          0.9295
10160............  Escambia County,          6080  Urban        0.8096   0.8096    37860  Urban          0.8096
                    Florida.
10170............  Flagler County,           2020  Urban        0.9325   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8947
                    Florida.
10180............  Franklin County,            10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10190............  Gadsden County,           8240  Urban        0.8688   0.8688    45220  Urban          0.8688
                    Florida.
10200............  Gilchrist County,           10  Rural        0.8677   0.9388    23540  Urban          0.9033
                    Florida.
10210............  Glades County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10220............  Gulf County, Florida.       10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
10230............  Hamilton County,            10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10240............  Hardee County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10250............  Hendry County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10260............  Hernando County,          8280  Urban        0.9233   0.9233    45300  Urban          0.9233
                    Florida.
10270............  Highlands County,           10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10280............  Hillsborough County,      8280  Urban        0.9233   0.9233    45300  Urban          0.9233
                    Florida.
10290............  Holmes County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10300............  Indian River County,        10  Rural        0.8677   0.9434    46940  Urban          0.9056
                    Florida.
10310............  Jackson County,             10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10320............  Jefferson County,           10  Rural        0.8677   0.8688    45220  Urban          0.8683
                    Florida.
10330............  Lafayette County,           10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10340............  Lake County, Florida.     5960  Urban        0.9464   0.9464    36740  Urban          0.9464
10350............  Lee County, Florida..     2700  Urban        0.9356   0.9356    15980  Urban          0.9356
10360............  Leon County, Florida.     8240  Urban        0.8688   0.8688    45220  Urban          0.8688
10370............  Levy County, Florida.       10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623

[[Page 45085]]


10380............  Liberty County,             10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10390............  Madison County,             10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10400............  Manatee County,           7510  Urban        0.9639   0.9639    42260  Urban          0.9639
                    Florida.
10410............  Marion County,            5790  Urban        0.8925   0.8925    36100  Urban          0.8925
                    Florida.
10420............  Martin County,            2710  Urban        1.0123   1.0123    38940  Urban          1.0123
                    Florida.
10430............  Monroe County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10440............  Nassau County,            3600  Urban        0.9299   0.9290    27260  Urban          0.9295
                    Florida.
10450............  Okaloosa County,          2750  Urban        0.8872   0.8872    23020  Urban          0.8872
                    Florida.
10460............  Okeechobee County,          10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10470............  Orange County,            5960  Urban        0.9464   0.9464    36740  Urban          0.9464
                    Florida.
10480............  Osceola County,           5960  Urban        0.9464   0.9464    36740  Urban          0.9464
                    Florida.
10490............  Palm Beach County,        8960  Urban        1.0067   1.0067    48424  Urban          1.0067
                    Florida.
10500............  Pasco County, Florida     8280  Urban        0.9233   0.9233    45300  Urban          0.9233
10510............  Pinellas County,          8280  Urban        0.9233   0.9233    45300  Urban          0.9233
                    Florida.
10520............  Polk County, Florida.     3980  Urban        0.8912   0.8912    29460  Urban          0.8912
10530............  Putnam County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10540............  Johns County, Florida     3600  Urban        0.9299   0.9290    27260  Urban          0.9295
10550............  St Lucie County,          2710  Urban        1.0123   1.0123    38940  Urban          1.0123
                    Florida.
10560............  Santa Rosa County,        6080  Urban        0.8096   0.8096    37860  Urban          0.8096
                    Florida.
10570............  Sarasota County,          7510  Urban        0.9639   0.9639    42260  Urban          0.9639
                    Florida.
10580............  Seminole County,          5960  Urban        0.9464   0.9464    36740  Urban          0.9464
                    Florida.
10590............  Sumter County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10600............  Suwannee County,            10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10610............  Taylor County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10620............  Union County, Florida       10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
10630............  Volusia County,           2020  Urban        0.9325   0.9299    19660  Urban          0.9312
                    Florida.
10640............  Wakulla County,             10  Rural        0.8677   0.8688    45220  Urban          0.8683
                    Florida.
10650............  Walton County,              10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
10660............  Washington County,          10  Rural        0.8677   0.8568    99910  Rural          0.8623
                    Florida.
11000............  Appling County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11010............  Atkinson County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11011............  Bacon County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11020............  Baker County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.8628    10500  Urban          0.8397
11030............  Baldwin County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11040............  Banks County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11050............  Barrow County,            0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11060............  Bartow County,            0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11070............  Ben Hill County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11080............  Berrien County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11090............  Bibb County, Georgia.     4680  Urban        0.9277   0.9443    31420  Urban          0.9360
11100............  Bleckley County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11110............  Brantley County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.9311    15260  Urban          0.8739
                    Georgia.
11120............  Brooks County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.8866    46660  Urban          0.8516
                    Georgia.
11130............  Bryan County, Georgia     7520  Urban        0.9461   0.9461    42340  Urban          0.9461
11140............  Bulloch County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11150............  Burke County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.9748    12260  Urban          0.8957
11160............  Butts County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
11161............  Calhoun County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11170............  Camden County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11180............  Candler County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11190............  Carroll County,           0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11200............  Catoosa County,           1560  Urban        0.9088   0.9088    16860  Urban          0.9088
                    Georgia.
11210............  Charlton County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11220............  Chatham County,           7520  Urban        0.9461   0.9461    42340  Urban          0.9461
                    Georgia.
11230............  Chattahoochee County,     1800  Urban        0.8560   0.8560    17980  Urban          0.8560
                    Georgia.
11240............  Chattooga County,           11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11250............  Cherokee County,          0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11260............  Clarke County,            0500  Urban        0.9855   0.9855    12020  Urban          0.9855
                    Georgia.
11270............  Clay County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11280............  Clayton County,           0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11281............  Clinch County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11290............  Cobb County, Georgia.     0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
11291............  Coffee County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11300............  Colquitt County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11310............  Columbia County,          0600  Urban        0.9808   0.9748    12260  Urban          0.9778
                    Georgia.
11311............  Cook County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11320............  Coweta County,            0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11330............  Crawford County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.9443    31420  Urban          0.8805
                    Georgia.

[[Page 45086]]


11340............  Crisp County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11341............  Dade County, Georgia.     1560  Urban        0.9088   0.9088    16860  Urban          0.9088
11350............  Dawson County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
                    Georgia.
11360............  Decatur County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11370............  De Kalb County,           0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11380............  Dodge County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11381............  Dooly County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11390............  Dougherty County,         0120  Urban        0.8628   0.8628    10500  Urban          0.8628
                    Georgia.
11400............  Douglas County,           0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11410............  Early County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11420............  Echols County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.8866    46660  Urban          0.8516
                    Georgia.
11421............  Effingham County,         7520  Urban        0.9461   0.9461    42340  Urban          0.9461
                    Georgia.
11430............  Elbert County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11440............  Emanuel County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11441............  Evans County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11450............  Fannin County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11451............  Fayette County,           0520  Urban          9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11460............  Floyd County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.9414    40660  Urban          0.8790
11461............  Forsyth County,           0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11462............  Franklin County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11470............  Fulton County,            0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11471............  Gilmer County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11480............  Glascock County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11490............  Glynn County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.9311    15260  Urban          0.8739
11500............  Gordon County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11510............  Grady County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11520............  Greene County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11530............  Gwinnett County,          0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11540............  Habersham County,           11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11550............  Hall County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.8874    23580  Urban          0.8520
11560............  Hancock County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11570............  Haralson County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
                    Georgia.
11580............  Harris County,            1800  Urban        0.8560   0.8560    17980  Urban          0.8560
                    Georgia.
11581............  Hart County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11590............  Heard County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
11591............  Henry County, Georgia     0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
11600............  Houston County,           4680  Urban        0.9277   0.8645    47580  Urban          0.8961
                    Georgia.
11601............  Irwin County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11610............  Jackson County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11611............  Jasper County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
                    Georgia.
11612............  Jeff Davis County,          11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11620............  Jefferson County,           11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11630............  Jenkins County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11640............  Johnson County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11650............  Jones County, Georgia     4680  Urban        0.9277   0.9443    31420  Urban          0.9360
11651............  Lamar County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
11652............  Lanier County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.8866    46660  Urban          0.8516
                    Georgia.
11660............  Laurens County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11670............  Lee County, Georgia..     0120  Urban        0.8628   0.8628    10500  Urban          0.8628
11680............  Liberty County,             11  Rural        0.8166    (\1\)    25980  Urban          0.8973
                    Georgia.
11690............  Lincoln County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11691............  Long County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166    (\1\)    25980  Urban          0.8973
11700............  Lowndes County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.8866    46660  Urban          0.8516
                    Georgia.
11701............  Lumpkin County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11702............  Mc Duffie County,         0600  Urban        0.9808   0.9748    12260  Urban          0.9778
                    Georgia.
11703............  Mc Intosh County,           11  Rural        0.8166   0.9311    15260  Urban          0.8739
                    Georgia.
11710............  Macon County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11720............  Madison County,           0500  Urban        0.9855   0.9855    12020  Urban          0.9855
                    Georgia.
11730............  Marion County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.8560    17980  Urban          0.8363
                    Georgia.
11740............  Meriwether County,          11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
                    Georgia.
11741............  Miller County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11750............  Mitchell County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11760............  Monroe County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.9443    31420  Urban          0.8805
                    Georgia.
11770............  Montgomery County,          11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11771............  Morgan County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11772............  Murray County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.9079    19140  Urban          0.8623
                    Georgia.
11780............  Muscogee County,          1800  Urban        0.8560   0.8560    17980  Urban          0.8560
                    Georgia.
11790............  Newton County,            0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.

[[Page 45087]]


11800............  Oconee County,            0500  Urban        0.9855   0.9855    12020  Urban          0.9855
                    Georgia.
11801............  Oglethorpe County,          11  Rural        0.8166   0.9855    12020  Urban          0.9011
                    Georgia.
11810............  Paulding County,          0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11811............  Peach County, Georgia     4680  Urban        0.9277   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.8470
11812............  Pickens County,           0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11820............  Pierce County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11821............  Pike County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.8980
11830............  Polk County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11831............  Pulaski County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11832............  Putnam County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11833............  Quitman County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11834............  Rabun County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11835............  Randolph County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11840............  Richmond County,          0600  Urban        0.9808   0.9748    12260  Urban         10.9778
                    Georgia.
11841............  Rockdale County,          0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11842............  Schley County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11850............  Screven County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11851............  Seminole County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11860............  Spalding County,          0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11861............  Stephens County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11862............  Stewart County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11870............  Sumter County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11880............  Talbot County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11881............  Taliaferro County,          11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11882............  Tattnall County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11883............  Taylor County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11884............  Telfair County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11885............  Terrell County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.8628    10500  Urban          0.8397
                    Georgia.
11890............  Thomas County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11900............  Tift County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11901............  Toombs County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11902............  Towns County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11903............  Treutlen County,            11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11910............  Troup County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11911............  Turner County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11912............  Twiggs County,            4680  Urban        0.9277   0.9443    31420  Urban          0.9360
                    Georgia.
11913............  Union County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11920............  Upson County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11921............  Walker County,            1560  Urban        0.9088   0.9088    16860  Urban          0.9088
                    Georgia.
11930............  Walton County,            0520  Urban        0.9793   0.9793    12060  Urban          0.9793
                    Georgia.
11940............  Ware County, Georgia.       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11941............  Warren County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11950............  Washington County,          11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11960............  Wayne County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11961............  Webster County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11962............  Wheeler County,             11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11963............  White County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
11970............  Whitfield County,           11  Rural        0.8166   0.9079    19140  Urban          0.8623
                    Georgia.
11971............  Wilcox County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11972............  Wilkes County,              11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11973............  Wilkinson County,           11  Rural        0.8166   0.7662    99911  Rural          0.7914
                    Georgia.
11980............  Worth County, Georgia       11  Rural        0.8166   0.8628    10500  Urban          0.8397
12005............  Kalawao County,             12  Rural        1.0551   1.0551    99912  Rural          1.0551
                    Hawaii.
12010............  Hawaii County, Hawaii       12  Rural        1.0551   1.0551    99912  Rural          1.0551
12020............  Honolulu County,          3320  Urban        1.1214   1.1214    26180  Urban          1.1214
                    Hawaii.
12040............  Kauai County, Hawaii.       12  Rural        1.0551   1.0551    99912  Rural          1.0551
12050............  Maui County, Hawaii..       12  Rural        1.0551   1.0551    99912  Rural          1.0551
13000............  Ada County, Idaho....     1080  Urban        0.9052   0.9052    14260  Urban          0.9052
13010............  Adams County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13020............  Bannock County, Idaho     6340  Urban        0.9351   0.9351    38540  Urban          0.9351
13030............  Bear Lake County,           13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
                    Idaho.
13040............  Benewah County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13050............  Bingham County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13060............  Blaine County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13070............  Boise County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.9052    14260  Urban          0.9075
13080............  Bonner County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13090............  Bonneville County,          13  Rural        0.9097   0.9420    26820  Urban          0.9259
                    Idaho.
13100............  Boundary County,            13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
                    Idaho.

[[Page 45088]]


13110............  Butte County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13120............  Camas County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13130............  Canyon County, Idaho.     1080  Urban        0.9052   0.9052    14260  Urban          0.9052
13140............  Caribou County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13150............  Cassia County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13160............  Clark County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13170............  Clearwater County,          13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
                    Idaho.
13180............  Custer County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13190............  Elmore County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13200............  Franklin County,            13  Rural        0.9097   0.9164    30860  Urban          0.9131
                    Idaho.
13210............  Fremont County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13220............  Gem County, Idaho....       13  Rural        0.9097   0.9052    14260  Urban          0.9075
13230............  Gooding County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13240............  Idaho County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13250............  Jefferson County,           13  Rural        0.9097   0.9420    26820  Urban          0.9259
                    Idaho.
13260............  Jerome County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13270............  Kootenai County,            13  Rural        0.9097   0.9647    17660  Urban          0.9372
                    Idaho.
13280............  Latah County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13290............  Lemhi County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13300............  Lewis County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13310............  Lincoln County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13320............  Madison County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13330............  Minidoka County,            13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
                    Idaho.
13340............  Nez Perce County,           13  Rural        0.9097   0.9886    30300  Urban          0.9492
                    Idaho.
13350............  Oneida County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13360............  Owyhee County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.9052    14260  Urban          0.9075
13370............  Payette County, Idaho       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13380............  Power County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.9351    38540  Urban          0.9224
13390............  Shoshone County,            13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
                    Idaho.
13400............  Teton County, Idaho..       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13410............  Twin Falls County,          13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
                    Idaho.
13420............  Valley County, Idaho.       13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
13430............  Washington County,          13  Rural        0.9097   0.8037    99913  Rural          0.8567
                    Idaho.
14000............  Adams County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14010............  Alexander County,           14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14020............  Bond County, Illinois       14  Rural        0.8301   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8628
14030............  Boone County,             6880  Urban        0.9984   0.9984    40420  Urban          0.9984
                    Illinois.
14040............  Brown County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14050............  Bureau County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14060............  Calhoun County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8628
                    Illinois.
14070............  Carroll County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14080............  Cass County, Illinois       14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
14090............  Champaign County,         1400  Urban        0.9594   0.9594    16580  Urban          0.9594
                    Illinois.
14100............  Christian County,           14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14110............  Clark County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14120............  Clay County, Illinois       14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
14130............  Clinton County,           7040  Urban        0.8962   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8958
                    Illinois.
14140............  Coles County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14141............  Cook County, Illinois     1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
14150............  Crawford County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14160............  Cumberland County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14170............  De Kalb County,           1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
                    Illinois.
14180............  De Witt County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14190............  Douglas County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14250............  Du Page County,           1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
                    Illinois.
14310............  Edgar County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14320............  Edwards County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14330............  Effingham County,           14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14340............  Fayette County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14350............  Ford County, Illinois       14  Rural        0.8301   0.9594    16580  Urban          0.8948
14360............  Franklin County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14370............  Fulton County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14380............  Gallatin County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14390............  Greene County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14400............  Grundy County,            1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
                    Illinois.
14410............  Hamilton County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14420............  Hancock County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14421............  Hardin County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.

[[Page 45089]]


14440............  Henderson County,           14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14450............  Henry County,             1960  Urban        0.8724   0.8724    19340  Urban          0.8724
                    Illinois.
14460............  Iroquois County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14470............  Jackson County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14480............  Jasper County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14490............  Jefferson County,           14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14500............  Jersey County,            7040  Urban        0.8962   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8958
                    Illinois.
14510............  Jo Daviess County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14520............  Johnson County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14530............  Kane County, Illinois     1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
14540............  Kankakee County,          3740  Urban        1.0721   1.0721    28100  Urban          1.0721
                    Illinois.
14550............  Kendall County,           1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
                    Illinois.
14560............  Knox County, Illinois       14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
14570............  Lake County, Illinois     1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0429    29404  Urban          1.0606
14580............  La Salle County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14590............  Lawrence County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14600............  Lee County, Illinois.       14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
14610............  Livingston County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14620............  Logan County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14630............  Mc Donough County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14640............  Mc Henry County,          1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
                    Illinois.
14650............  Mclean County,            1040  Urban        0.9075   0.9075    14060  Urban          0.9075
                    Illinois.
14660............  Macon County,             2040  Urban        0.8067   0.8067    19500  Urban          0.8067
                    Illinois.
14670............  Macoupin County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8628
                    Illinois.
14680............  Madison County,           7040  Urban        0.8962   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8958
                    Illinois.
14690............  Marion County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14700............  Marshall County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8870    37900  Urban          0.8586
                    Illinois.
14710............  Mason County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14720............  Massac County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14730............  Menard County,            7880  Urban        0.8792   0.8792    44100  Urban          0.8792
                    Illinois.
14740............  Mercer County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8724    19340  Urban          0.8513
                    Illinois.
14750............  Monroe County,            7040  Urban        0.8962   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8958
                    Illinois.
14760............  Montgomery County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14770............  Morgan County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14780............  Moultrie County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14790............  Ogle County, Illinois     6880  Urban        0.9984   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.9128
14800............  Peoria County,            6120  Urban        0.8870   0.8870    37900  Urban          0.8870
                    Illinois.
14810............  Perry County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14820............  Piatt County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.9594    16580  Urban          0.8948
                    Illinois.
14830............  Pike County, Illinois       14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
14831............  Pope County, Illinois       14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
14850............  Pulaski County,             14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14860............  Putnam County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14870............  Randolph County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14880............  Richland County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14890............  Rock Island County,       1960  Urban        0.8724   0.8724    19340  Urban          0.8724
                    Illinois.
14900............  St Clair County,          7040  Urban        0.8962   0.8954    41180  Urban          0.8958
                    Illinois.
14910............  Saline County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14920............  Sangamon County,          7880  Urban        0.8792   0.8792    44100  Urban          0.8792
                    Illinois.
14921............  Schuyler County,            14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14940............  Scott County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14950............  Shelby County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14960............  Stark County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8870    37900  Urban          0.8586
                    Illinois.
14970............  Stephenson County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14980............  Tazewell County,          6120  Urban        0.8870   0.8870    37900  Urban          0.8870
                    Illinois.
14981............  Union County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14982............  Vermilion County,           14  Rural        0.8301   0.9028    19180  Urban          0.8665
                    Illinois.
14983............  Wabash County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14984............  Warren County,              14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14985............  Washington County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14986............  Wayne County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14987............  White County,               14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14988............  Whiteside County,           14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14989............  Will County, Illinois     1600  Urban        1.0783   1.0790    16974  Urban          1.0787
14990............  Williamson County,          14  Rural        0.8301   0.8271    99914  Rural          0.8286
                    Illinois.
14991............  Winnebago County,         6880  Urban        0.9984   0.9984    40420  Urban          0.9984
                    Illinois.
14992............  Woodford County,          6120  Urban        0.8870   0.8870    37900  Urban          0.8870
                    Illinois.
15000............  Adams County, Indiana     2760  Urban        0.9706   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.9165

[[Page 45090]]


15010............  Allen County, Indiana     2760  Urban        0.9706   0.9793    23060  Urban          0.9750
15020............  Bartholomew County,         15  Rural        0.8739   0.9588    18020  Urban          0.9164
                    Indiana.
15030............  Benton County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8736    29140  Urban          0.8738
                    Indiana.
15040............  Blackford County,           15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15050............  Boone County, Indiana     3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
15060............  Brown County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9330
15070............  Carroll County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8736    29140  Urban          0.8738
                    Indiana.
15080............  Cass County, Indiana.       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15090............  Clark County, Indiana     4520  Urban        0.9293   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.9272
15100............  Clay County, Indiana.     8320  Urban        0.8337   0.8304    45460  Urban          0.8321
15110............  Clinton County,           3920  Urban        0.8736   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8680
                    Indiana.
15120............  Crawford County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15130............  Daviess County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15140............  Dearborn County,          1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
                    Indiana.
15150............  Decatur County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15160............  De Kalb County,           2760  Urban        0.9706   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.9165
                    Indiana.
15170............  Delaware County,          5280  Urban        0.8930   0.8930    34620  Urban          0.8930
                    Indiana.
15180............  Dubois County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15190............  Elkhart County,           2330  Urban        0.9627   0.9627    21140  Urban          0.9627
                    Indiana.
15200............  Fayette County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15210............  Floyd County, Indiana     4520  Urban        0.9293   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.9272
15220............  Fountain County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15230............  Franklin County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9177
                    Indiana.
15240............  Fulton County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15250............  Gibson County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8713    21780  Urban          0.8726
                    Indiana.
15260............  Grant County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15270............  Greene County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8447    14020  Urban          0.8593
                    Indiana.
15280............  Hamilton County,          3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
                    Indiana.
15290............  Hancock County,           3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
                    Indiana.
15300............  Harrison County,          4520  Urban        0.9293   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.9272
                    Indiana.
15310............  Hendricks County,         3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
                    Indiana.
15320............  Henry County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15330............  Howard County,            3850  Urban        0.9508   0.9508    29020  Urban          0.9508
                    Indiana.
15340............  Huntington County,        2760  Urban        0.9706   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.9165
                    Indiana.
15350............  Jackson County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15360............  Jasper County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.9395    23844  Urban          0.9067
                    Indiana.
15370............  Jay County, Indiana..       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15380............  Jefferson County,           15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15390............  Jennings County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15400............  Johnson County,           3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
                    Indiana.
15410............  Knox County, Indiana.       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15420............  Kosciusko County,           15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15430............  Lagrange County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15440............  Lake County, Indiana.     2960  Urban        0.9395   0.9395    23844  Urban          0.9395
15450............  La Porte County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.9399    33140  Urban          0.9069
                    Indiana.
15460............  Lawrence County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15470............  Madison County,           3480  Urban        0.9865   0.8586    11300  Urban          0.9226
                    Indiana.
15480............  Marion County,            3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
                    Indiana.
15490............  Marshall County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15500............  Martin County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15510............  Miami County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15520............  Monroe County,            1020  Urban        0.8447   0.8447    14020  Urban          0.8447
                    Indiana.
15530............  Montgomery County,          15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15540............  Morgan County,            3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
                    Indiana.
15550............  Newton County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.9395    23844  Urban          0.9067
                    Indiana.
15560............  Noble County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15570............  Ohio County, Indiana.     1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
15580............  Orange County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15590............  Owen County, Indiana.       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8447    14020  Urban          0.8593
15600............  Parke County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15610............  Perry County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15620............  Pike County, Indiana.       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15630............  Porter County,            2960  Urban        0.9395   0.9395    23844  Urban          0.9395
                    Indiana.
15640............  Posey County, Indiana     2440  Urban        0.8713   0.8713    21780  Urban          0.8713
15650............  Pulaski County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15660............  Putnam County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9330
                    Indiana.
15670............  Randolph County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15680............  Ripley County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.

[[Page 45091]]


15690............  Rush County, Indiana.       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15700............  St Joseph County,         7800  Urban        0.9788   0.9788    43780  Urban          0.9788
                    Indiana.
15710............  Scott County, Indiana     4520  Urban        0.9293   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8959
15720............  Shelby County,            3480  Urban        0.9865   0.9920    26900  Urban          0.9893
                    Indiana.
15730............  Spencer County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15740............  Starke County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15750............  Steuben County,             15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15760............  Sullivan County,            15  Rural        0.8739   0.8304    45460  Urban          0.8522
                    Indiana.
15770............  Switzerland County,         15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15780............  Tippecanoe County,        3920  Urban        0.8736   0.8736    29140  Urban          0.8736
                    Indiana.
15790............  Tipton County,            3850  Urban        0.9508   0.9508    29020  Urban          0.9508
                    Indiana.
15800............  Union County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15810............  Vanderburgh County,       2440  Urban        0.8713   0.8713    21780  Urban          0.8713
                    Indiana.
15820............  Vermillion County,        8320  Urban        0.8337   0.8304    45460  Urban          0.8321
                    Indiana.
15830............  Vigo County, Indiana.     8320  Urban        0.8337   0.8304    45460  Urban          0.8321
15840............  Wabash County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15850............  Warren County,              15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
                    Indiana.
15860............  Warrick County,           2440  Urban        0.8713   0.8713    21780  Urban          0.8713
                    Indiana.
15870............  Washington County,          15  Rural        0.8739   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.8995
                    Indiana.
15880............  Wayne County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15890............  Wells County, Indiana     2760  Urban        0.9706   0.9793    23060  Urban          0.9750
15900............  White County, Indiana       15  Rural        0.8739   0.8624    99915  Rural          0.8682
15910............  Whitley County,           2760  Urban        0.9706   0.9793    23060  Urban          0.9750
                    Indiana.
16000............  Adair County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16010............  Adams County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16020............  Allamakee County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16030............  Appanoose County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16040............  Audubon County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16050............  Benton County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8825    16300  Urban          0.8710
16060............  Black Hawk County,        8920  Urban        0.8557   0.8557    47940  Urban          0.8557
                    Iowa.
16070............  Boone County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16080............  Bremer County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8557    47940  Urban          0.8576
16090............  Buchanan County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16100............  Buena Vista County,         16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16110............  Butler County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16120............  Calhoun County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16130............  Carroll County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16140............  Cass County, Iowa....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16150............  Cedar County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16160............  Cerro Gordo County,         16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16170............  Cherokee County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16180............  Chickasaw County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16190............  Clarke County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16200............  Clay County, Iowa....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16210............  Clayton County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16220............  Clinton County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16230............  Crawford County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16240............  Dallas County, Iowa..     2120  Urban        0.9669   0.9669    19780  Urban          0.9669
16250............  Davis County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16260............  Decatur County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16270............  Delaware County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16280............  Des Moines County,          16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16290............  Dickinson County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16300............  Dubuque County, Iowa.     2200  Urban        0.9024   0.9024    20220  Urban          0.9024
16310............  Emmet County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16320............  Fayette County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16330............  Floyd County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16340............  Franklin County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16350............  Fremont County, Iowa.        6  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16360............  Greene County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16370............  Grundy County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8557    47940  Urban          0.8576
16380............  Guthrie County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.9669    19780  Urban          0.9132
16390............  Hamilton County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16400............  Hancock County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16410............  Hardin County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16420............  Harrison County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.9560    36540  Urban          0.9077
16430............  Henry County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16440............  Howard County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552

[[Page 45092]]


16450............  Humboldt County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16460............  Ida County, Iowa.....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16470............  Iowa County, Iowa....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16480............  Jackson County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16490............  Jasper County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16500............  Jefferson County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16510............  Johnson County, Iowa.     3500  Urban        0.9747   0.9747    26980  Urban          0.9747
16520............  Jones County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8825    16300  Urban          0.8710
16530............  Keokuk County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16540............  Kossuth County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16550............  Lee County, Iowa.....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16560............  Linn County, owa.....     1360  Urban        0.8825   0.8825    16300  Urban          0.8825
16570............  Louisa County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16580............  Lucas County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16590............  Lyon County, Iowa....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16600............  Madison County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.9669    19780  Urban          0.9132
16610............  Mahaska County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16620............  Marion County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16630............  Marshall County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16640............  Mills County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.9560    36540  Urban          0.9077
16650............  Mitchell County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16660............  Monona County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16670............  Monroe County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16680............  Montgomery County,          16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16690............  Muscatine County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16700............  O Brien County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16710............  Osceola County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16720............  Page County, Iowa....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16730............  Palo Alto County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16740............  Plymouth County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16750............  Pocahontas County,          16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16760............  Polk County, Iowa....     2120  Urban        0.9669   0.9669    19780  Urban          0.9669
16770............  Pottawattamie County,     5920  Urban        0.9560   0.9560    36540  Urban          0.9560
                    Iowa.
16780............  Poweshiek County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16790............  Ringgold County, Iowa       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16800............  Sac County, Iowa.....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16810............  Scott County, Iowa...     1960  Urban        0.8724   0.8724    19340  Urban          0.8724
16820............  Shelby County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16830............  Sioux County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16840............  Story County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.9536    11180  Urban          0.9065
16850............  Tama County, Iowa....       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16860............  Taylor County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16870............  Union County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16880............  Van Buren County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16890............  Wapello County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16900............  Warren County, Iowa..     2120  Urban        0.9669   0.9669    19780  Urban          0.9669
16910............  Washington County,          16  Rural        0.8594   0.9747    26980  Urban          0.9171
                    Iowa.
16920............  Wayne County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16930............  Webster County, Iowa.       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16940............  Winnebago County,           16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16950............  Winneshiek County,          16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
                    Iowa.
16960............  Woodbury County, Iowa     7720  Urban        0.9416   0.9381    43580  Urban          0.9399
16970............  Worth County, Iowa...       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
16980............  Wright County, Iowa..       16  Rural        0.8594   0.8509    99916  Rural          0.8552
17000............  Allen County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17010............  Anderson County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17020............  Atchison County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17030............  Barber County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17040............  Barton County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17050............  Bourbon County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17060............  Brown County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17070............  Butler County, Kansas     9040  Urban        0.9175   0.9153    48620  Urban          0.9164
17080............  Chase County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17090............  Chautauqua County,          17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17100............  Cherokee County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17110............  Cheyenne County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17120............  Clark County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17130............  Clay County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038

[[Page 45093]]


17140............  Cloud County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17150............  Coffey County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17160............  Comanche County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17170............  Cowley County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17180............  Crawford County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17190............  Decatur County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17200............  Dickinson County,           17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17210............  Doniphan County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.9519    41140  Urban          0.8780
                    Kansas.
17220............  Douglas County,           4150  Urban        0.8537   0.8537    29940  Urban          0.8537
                    Kansas.
17230............  Edwards County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17240............  Elk County, Kansas...       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17250............  Ellis County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17260............  Ellsworth County,           17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17270............  Finney County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17280............  Ford County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17290............  Franklin County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.9476    28140  Urban          0.8758
                    Kansas.
17300............  Geary County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17310............  Gove County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17320............  Graham County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17330............  Grant County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17340............  Gray County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17350............  Greeley County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17360............  Greenwood County,           17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17370............  Hamilton County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17380............  Harper County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17390............  Harvey County, Kansas     9040  Urban        0.9175   0.9153    48620  Urban          0.9164
17391............  Haskell County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17410............  Hodgeman County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17420............  Jackson County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8920    45820  Urban          0.8480
                    Kansas.
17430............  Jefferson County,           17  Rural        0.8040   0.8920    45820  Urban          0.8480
                    Kansas.
17440............  Jewell County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17450............  Johnson County,           3760  Urban        0.9490   0.9476    28140  Urban          0.9483
                    Kansas.
17451............  Kearny County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17470............  Kingman County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17480............  Kiowa County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17490............  Labette County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17500............  Lane County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17510............  Leavenworth County,       3760  Urban        0.9490   0.9476    28140  Urban          0.9483
                    Kansas.
17520............  Lincoln County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17530............  Linn County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.9476    28140  Urban          0.8758
17540............  Logan County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17550............  Lyon County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17560............  Mc Pherson County,          17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17570............  Marion County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17580............  Marshall County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17590............  Meade County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17600............  Miami County, Kansas.     3760  Urban        0.9490   0.9476    28140  Urban          0.9483
17610............  Mitchell County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17620............  Montgomery County,          17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17630............  Morris County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17640............  Morton County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17650............  Nemaha County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17660............  Neosho County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17670............  Ness County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17680............  Norton County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17690............  Osage County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8920    45820  Urban          0.8480
17700............  Osborne County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17710............  Ottawa County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17720............  Pawnee County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17730............  Phillips County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17740............  Pottawatomie County,        17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17750............  Pratt County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17760............  Rawlins County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17770............  Reno County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17780............  Republic County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17790............  Rice County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17800............  Riley County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17810............  Rooks County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038

[[Page 45094]]


17820............  Rush County, Kansas..       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17830............  Russell County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17840............  Saline County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17841............  Scott County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17860............  Sedgwick County,          9040  Urban        0.9175   0.9153    48620  Urban          0.9164
                    Kansas.
17870............  Seward County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17880............  Shawnee County,           8440  Urban        0.8920   0.8920    45820  Urban          0.8920
                    Kansas.
17890............  Sheridan County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17900............  Sherman County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17910............  Smith County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17920............  Stafford County,            17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17921............  Stanton County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17940............  Stevens County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17950............  Sumner County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.9153    48620  Urban          0.8597
17960............  Thomas County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17970............  Trego County, Kansas.       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17980............  Wabaunsee County,           17  Rural        0.8040   0.8920    45820  Urban          0.8480
                    Kansas.
17981............  Wallace County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17982............  Washington County,          17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17983............  Wichita County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17984............  Wilson County, Kansas       17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
17985............  Woodson County,             17  Rural        0.8040   0.8035    99917  Rural          0.8038
                    Kansas.
17986............  Wyandotte County,         3760  Urban        0.9490   0.9476    28140  Urban          0.9483
                    Kansas.
18000............  Adair County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18010............  Allen County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18020............  Anderson County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18030............  Ballard County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18040............  Barren County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18050............  Bath County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18060............  Bell County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18070............  Boone County,             1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
                    Kentucky.
18080............  Bourbon County,           4280  Urban        0.8988   0.9075    30460  Urban          0.9032
                    Kentucky.
18090............  Boyd County, Kentucky     3400  Urban        0.9477   0.9477    26580  Urban          0.9477
18100............  Boyle County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18110............  Bracken County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.8737
                    Kentucky.
18120............  Breathitt County,           18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18130............  Breckinridge County,        18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18140............  Bullitt County,           4520  Urban        0.9293   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.9272
                    Kentucky.
18150............  Butler County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18160............  Caldwell County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18170............  Calloway County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18180............  Campbell County,          1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
                    Kentucky.
18190............  Carlisle County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18191............  Carroll County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18210............  Carter County,            3400  Urban        0.9477   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.8622
                    Kentucky.
18220............  Casey County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18230............  Christian County,         1660  Urban        0.8284   0.8284    17300  Urban          0.8284
                    Kentucky.
18240............  Clark County,             4280  Urban        0.8988   0.9075    30460  Urban          0.9032
                    Kentucky.
18250............  Clay County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18260............  Clinton County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18270............  Crittenden County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18271............  Cumberland County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18290............  Daviess County,           5990  Urban        0.8780   0.8780    36980  Urban          0.8780
                    Kentucky.
18291............  Edmonson County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.8211    14540  Urban          0.8035
                    Kentucky.
18310............  Elliott County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18320............  Estill County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18330............  Fayette County,           4280  Urban        0.8988   0.9075    30460  Urban          0.9032
                    Kentucky.
18340............  Fleming County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18350............  Floyd County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18360............  Franklin County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18361............  Fulton County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18362............  Gallatin County,          1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
                    Kentucky.
18390............  Garrard County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18400............  Grant County,             1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
                    Kentucky.
18410............  Graves County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18420............  Grayson County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18421............  Green County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18440............  Greenup County,           3400  Urban        0.9477   0.9477    26580  Urban          0.9477
                    Kentucky.

[[Page 45095]]


18450............  Hancock County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.8780    36980  Urban          0.8319
                    Kentucky.
18460............  Hardin County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.8802    21060  Urban          0.8330
                    Kentucky.
18470............  Harlan County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18480............  Harrison County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18490............  Hart County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18500............  Henderson County,         2440  Urban        0.8713   0.8713    21780  Urban          0.8713
                    Kentucky.
18510............  Henry County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.8555
                    Kentucky.
18511............  Hickman County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18530............  Hopkins County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18540............  Jackson County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18550............  Jefferson County,         4520  Urban        0.9293   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.9272
                    Kentucky.
18560............  Jessamine County,         4280  Urban        0.8988   0.9075    30460  Urban          0.9032
                    Kentucky.
18570............  Johnson County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18580............  Kenton County,            1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
                    Kentucky.
18590............  Knott County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18600............  Knox County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18610............  Larue County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.8802    21060  Urban          0.8330
                    Kentucky.
18620............  Laurel County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18630............  Lawrence County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18640............  Lee County, Kentucky.       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18650............  Leslie County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18660............  Letcher County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18670............  Lewis County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18680............  Lincoln County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18690............  Livingston County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18700............  Logan County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18710............  Lyon County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18720............  Mc Cracken County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18730............  Mc Creary County,           18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18740............  Mc Lean County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.8780    36980  Urban          0.8319
                    Kentucky.
18750............  Madison County,           4280  Urban        0.8988   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.8377
                    Kentucky.
18760............  Magoffin County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18770............  Marion County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18780............  Marshall County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18790............  Martin County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18800............  Mason County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18801............  Meade County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.8555
                    Kentucky.
18802............  Menifee County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18830............  Mercer County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18831............  Metcalfe County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18850............  Monroe County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18860............  Montgomery County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18861............  Morgan County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18880............  Muhlenberg County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18890............  Nelson County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.8555
                    Kentucky.
18900............  Nicholas County,            18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18910............  Ohio County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18920............  Oldham County,            4520  Urban        0.9293   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.9272
                    Kentucky.
18930............  Owen County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18931............  Owsley County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18932............  Pendleton County,         1640  Urban        0.9734   0.9615    17140  Urban          0.9675
                    Kentucky.
18960............  Perry County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18970............  Pike County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18971............  Powell County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18972............  Pulaski County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18973............  Robertson County,           18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18974............  Rockcastle County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18975............  Rowan County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18976............  Russell County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18977............  Scott County,             4280  Urban        0.8988   0.9075    30460  Urban          0.9032
                    Kentucky.
18978............  Shelby County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.8555
                    Kentucky.
18979............  Simpson County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18980............  Spencer County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.8555
                    Kentucky.
18981............  Taylor County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18982............  Todd County, Kentucky       18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
18983............  Trigg County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.8284    17300  Urban          0.8071
                    Kentucky.
18984............  Trimble County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.9251    31140  Urban          0.8555
                    Kentucky.
18985............  Union County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.

[[Page 45096]]


18986............  Warren County,              18  Rural        0.7858   0.8211    14540  Urban          0.8035
                    Kentucky.
18987............  Washington County,          18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18988............  Wayne County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18989............  Webster County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.8713    21780  Urban          0.8286
                    Kentucky.
18990............  Whitley County,             18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18991............  Wolfe County,               18  Rural        0.7858   0.7766    99918  Rural          0.7812
                    Kentucky.
18992............  Woodford County,          4280  Urban        0.8988   0.9075    30460  Urban          0.9032
                    Kentucky.
19000............  Acadia County,            3880  Urban        0.8251   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7831
                    Louisiana.
19010............  Allen County,               19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19020............  Ascension County,         0760  Urban        0.8643   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.8618
                    Louisiana.
19030............  Assumption County,          19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19040............  Avoyelles County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19050............  Beauregard County,          19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19060............  Bienville County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19070............  Bossier County,           7680  Urban        0.8737   0.8760    43340  Urban          0.8749
                    Louisiana.
19080............  Caddo County,             7680  Urban        0.8737   0.8760    43340  Urban          0.8749
                    Louisiana.
19090............  Calcasieu County,         3960  Urban        0.7858   0.7833    29340  Urban          0.7846
                    Louisiana.
19100............  Caldwell County,            19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19110............  Cameron County,             19  Rural        0.7340   0.7833    29340  Urban          0.7587
                    Louisiana.
19120............  Catahoula County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19130............  Claiborne County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19140............  Concordia County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19150............  De Soto County,             19  Rural        0.7340   0.8760    43340  Urban          0.8050
                    Louisiana.
19160............  East Baton Rouge          0760  Urban        0.8643   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.8618
                    County, Louisiana.
19170............  East Carroll County,        19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19180............  East Feliciana              19  Rural        0.7340   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.7967
                    County, Louisiana.
19190............  Evangeline County,          19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19200............  Franklin County,            19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19210............  Grant County,               19  Rural        0.7340   0.8033    10780  Urban          0.7687
                    Louisiana.
19220............  Iberia County,              19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19230............  Iberville County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.7967
                    Louisiana.
19240............  Jackson County,             19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19250............  Jefferson County,         5560  Urban        0.8995   0.8995    35380  Urban          0.8995
                    Louisiana.
19260............  Jefferson Davis             19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    County, Louisiana.
19270............  Lafayette County,         3880  Urban        0.8251   0.8428    29180  Urban          0.8340
                    Louisiana.
19280............  Lafourche County,         3350  Urban        0.7894   0.7894    26380  Urban          0.7894
                    Louisiana.
19290............  La Salle County,            19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19300............  Lincoln County,             19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19310............  Livingston County,        0760  Urban        0.8643   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.8618
                    Louisiana.
19320............  Madison County,             19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19330............  Morehouse County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19340............  Natchitoches County,        19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19350............  Orleans County,           5560  Urban        0.8995   0.8995    35380  Urban          0.8995
                    Louisiana.
19360............  Ouachita County,          5200  Urban        0.8044   0.8031    33740  Urban          0.8038
                    Louisiana.
19370............  Plaquemines County,       5560  Urban        0.8995   0.8995    35380  Urban          0.8995
                    Louisiana.
19380............  Pointe Coupee County,       19  Rural        0.7340   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.7967
                    Louisiana.
19390............  Rapides County,           0220  Urban        0.8033   0.8033    10780  Urban          0.8033
                    Louisiana.
19400............  Red River County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19410............  Richland County,            19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19420............  Sabine County,              19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19430............  St Bernard County,        5560  Urban        0.8995   0.8995    35380  Urban          0.8995
                    Louisiana.
19440............  St Charles County,        5560  Urban        0.8995   0.8995    35380  Urban          0.8995
                    Louisiana.
19450............  St Helena County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.7967
                    Louisiana.
19460............  St James County,          5560  Urban        0.8995   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.8203
                    Louisiana.
19470............  St John Baptist           5560  Urban        0.8995   0.8995    35380  Urban          0.8995
                    County, Louisiana.
19480............  St Landry County,         3880  Urban        0.8251   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7831
                    Louisiana.
19490............  St Martin County,         3880  Urban        0.8251   0.8428    29180  Urban          0.8340
                    Louisiana.
19500............  St Mary County,             19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19510............  St Tammany County,        5560  Urban        0.8995   0.8995    35380  Urban          0.8995
                    Louisiana.
19520............  Tangipahoa County,          19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19530............  Tensas County,              19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19540............  Terrebonne County,        3350  Urban        0.7894   0.7894    26380  Urban          0.7894
                    Louisiana.
19550............  Union County,               19  Rural        0.7340   0.8031    33740  Urban          0.7686
                    Louisiana.
19560............  Vermilion County,           19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19570............  Vernon County,              19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19580............  Washington County,          19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19590............  Webster County,           7680  Urban        0.8737   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.8074
                    Louisiana.
19600............  West Baton Rouge          0760  Urban        0.8643   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.8618
                    County, Louisiana.

[[Page 45097]]


19610............  West Carroll County,        19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
19620............  West Feliciana              19  Rural        0.7340   0.8593    12940  Urban          0.7967
                    County, Louisiana.
19630............  Winn County,                19  Rural        0.7340   0.7411    99919  Rural          0.7376
                    Louisiana.
20000............  Androscoggin County,      4243  Urban        0.9331   0.9331    30340  Urban          0.9331
                    Maine.
20010............  Aroostook County,           20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
                    Maine.
20020............  Cumberland County,        6403  Urban        1.0382   1.0382    38860  Urban          1.0382
                    Maine.
20030............  Franklin County,            20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
                    Maine.
20040............  Hancock County, Maine       20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
20050............  Kennebec County,            20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
                    Maine.
20060............  Knox County, Maine...       20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
20070............  Lincoln County, Maine       20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
20080............  Oxford County, Maine.       20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
20090............  Penobscot County,         0733  Urban        0.9993   0.9993    12620  Urban          0.9993
                    Maine.
20100............  Piscataquis County,         20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
                    Maine.
20110............  Sagadahoc County,         6403  Urban        1.0382   1.0382    38860  Urban          1.0382
                    Maine.
20120............  Somerset County,            20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
                    Maine.
20130............  Waldo County, Maine..       20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
20140............  Washington County,          20  Rural        0.8843   0.8843    99920  Rural          0.8843
                    Maine.
20150............  York County, Maine...     6403  Urban        1.0382   1.0382    38860  Urban          1.0382
21000............  Allegany County,          1900  Urban        0.9317   0.9317    19060  Urban          0.9317
                    Maryland.
21010............  Anne Arundel County,      0720  Urban        0.9897   0.9897    12580  Urban          0.9897
                    Maryland.
21020............  Baltimore County,         0720  Urban        0.9897   0.9897    12580  Urban          0.9897
                    Maryland.
21030............  Baltimore City            0720  Urban        0.9897   0.9897    12580  Urban          0.9897
                    County, Maryland.
21040............  Calvert County,           8840  Urban        1.0976   1.0926    47894  Urban          1.0951
                    Maryland.
21050............  Caroline County,            21  Rural        0.9230   0.9353    99921  Rural          0.9292
                    Maryland.
21060............  Carroll County,           0720  Urban        0.9897   0.9897    12580  Urban          0.9897
                    Maryland.
21070............  Cecil County,             9160  Urban        1.0527   1.0471