[Federal Register: November 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 222)]
[Notices]
[Page 66954-66955]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17no06-58]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
[Document Identifier: CMS-10137]
Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements
Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS.
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 regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this
[[Page 66955]]
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 initiative of
the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal
clearance procedures because the use of normal clearance procedures is
reasonably likely to cause a statutory deadline to be missed.
For the 2008 contract year, CMS is taking several steps to reduce
the person-hours necessary to complete the Part D solicitations. These
steps include automating the majority of the Part D and Employer Group
Waiver Plan solicitations within CMS' Health Plan Management System
(HPMS), incorporating the Pharmacy Access Submission document into the
underlying Part D solicitation, and streamlining key information that
was previously requested by attachments into attestations in time to
qualify applicants prior to the first Monday in June of 2006.
1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently
approved collection.
Title of Information Collection: Application for Prescription Drug
Plans (PDP); Application for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-
PD); Application for Cost Plans to Offer Qualified Prescription Drug
Coverage; Application for Employer Group Waiver Plans to Offer
Prescription Drug Coverage; Service Area Expansion Application for
Prescription Drug Coverage.
Form Number: CMS-10137 (OMB: 0938-0936).
Use: Collection of this information is mandated in Part D of the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.
Coverage for the prescription drug benefit is provided through
prescription drug plans (PDP's) that offer drug-only coverage, or
through Medicare Advantage organizations that offer integrated
prescription drug and health care coverage. PDPs must offer a basic
drug benefit. Medicare Advantage Coordinated Care Plans must offer
either a basic benefit or may offer broader coverage for no additional
cost. Medicare Advantage Private Fee for Service Plans may choose to
offer a Part D benefit. Cost Plans that are regulated under Section
1876 of the Social Security Act, and Employer Group Plans may also
provide a Part D benefit. If any of the contracting organizations meet
basic requirements, they may also offer supplemental benefits through
enhanced alternative coverage for an additional premium. This
collection will be used by CMS to: (1) Insure that applicants meet CMS
requirements and (2) support the determination of contract awards.
Frequency: Reporting--Once.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and Not-for-profit
institutions
Number of Respondents: 216.
Total Annual Responses: 216.
Total Annual Hours: 5,316.
CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by
December 15, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and
recommendation will be considered from the public if received by the
individuals designated below by December 1, 2006.
To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms
for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS's
Web Site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995
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.
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 1, 2006: Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic Operations and
Regulatory Affairs, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore,
MD 21244-1850, Attn: Bonnie L Harkless, and, OMB Human Resources and
Housing Branch, Attention: Carolyn Lovett, New Executive Office
Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Fax Number: (202) 395-6974.
November 9, 2006.
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. E6-19428 Filed 11-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P