[Federal Register: December 14, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 239)]
[Notices]
[Page 74018-74019]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14de05-74]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
[Document Identifier: CMS-10117-10118-10119-10135-10136]
Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements
Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
AGENCY: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services, is publishing
the following summary of proposed collections for public comment.
Interested persons are invited to send comments to regarding this
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility
of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of
the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology to minimize the information
collection burden.
We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the information
collection referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of
section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following
requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency
review because the collection of this information is needed before the
expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR
part 1320. This is necessary to ensure compliance with an
Administration Initiative. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal
clearance procedures because a statutory deadline under the Medicare
Modernization Act (MMA) would be missed.
Title II of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) modified and re-
named the existing Medicare+Choice (M+C) program established under Part
C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The program is now called
the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. Although some MMA program changes
are already in effect, several new features will take effect beginning
with the 2006 contract year. These new features include authority for
new MA regional plans to be organized as regional preferred provider
organizations (RPPOs). The MMA also amended the Social Security Act to
introduce a new process for determining beneficiary premiums and
benefits for 2006 and future years. Under the new process MA
organizations will submit a ``bid'' reflecting their revenue needs for
covering the benefits they plan to offer.
1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently
approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Qualification--
Medicare Advantage Application For Coordinated Care, Private Fee-For-
Service, Regional Preferred Provider Organization, Service Area
Expansion For Coordinated Care and Private Fee-For-Service Plans,
Medical Savings Account Plans; Use: An entity seeking a contract as an
MA organization must be able to provide Medicare's basic benefits plus
meet the organizational requirements set out in regulations at 42 CFR
part 422. An applicant must demonstrate that is can meet the benefit
and other requirements within the specific geographic area it is
requesting. The application forms are designed to provide the
information needed to determine the health plan's compliance. The
regulatory requirements are incorporated into the MA applications. The
MA application forms will be used to determine if an entity is eligible
to enter into a contract to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries;
Form Number: CMS-10117, 10118, 10119, 10135, 10136 (OMB: 0938-
0935); Frequency: Reporting: One time submission; Affected Public:
Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions and State,
Local or Tribal Government; Number of Respondents: 65; Total Annual
Responses: 90; Total Annual Hours: 2770.
CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by
January 20, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and
recommendations will be considered from the public if received by the
individuals designated below by December 28, 2005.
To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms
for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS'
Web site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/regulations/pra or E-mail
your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS
document identifier, to Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov, or call the Reports
Clearance Office on (410) 786-1326.
[[Page 74019]]
Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the
burden or any other aspect of these collections of information
requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information
collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed
to the designees referenced below by December 28, 2005:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic
Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Fax Number: (410) 786-5267, Attn:
Bonnie L. Harkless; and
OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Carolyn Lovett,
New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.
Dated: February 9, 2005
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 05-24046 Filed 12-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-M