[Federal Register: February 27, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 38)]
[Notices]
[Page 8964]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27fe09-89]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
[Document Identifier: CMS-10237 and 10214, and CMS-10171]
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & 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 & Medicaid
Services (CMS) 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
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.
1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently
approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare
Advantage Applications--Part C and regulations under 42 CFR part 422
subpart K; Use: The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 established a new
``Part C'' in the Medicare statute Social Security Act (the Act), which
provided for a Medicare+Choice (M+C) program. Under section 1851 of the
Act, every individual entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled under
Part B, except for most individuals with end-stage renal disease
(ESRD), could elect to receive benefits either through the Original
Medicare Program or an M+C plan.
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act
of 2003 (MMA) was enacted on December 8, 2003. The MMA established the
Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D) and made revisions
to the provisions of Medicare Part C, governing what is now called the
Medicare Advantage (MA) program (formerly Medicare+Choice).
Coverage for the prescription drug benefit is provided through
contracted prescription drug plans or through Medicare Advantage (MA)
plans that offer integrated prescription drug and health care coverage
(MA-PD plans). Cost plans that are required under section 1876 of the
Social Security Act, and Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWP) may also
provide a Part D benefit. Organizations wishing to provide services
under the MA and MA-PD plans must complete an application, negotiate
rates and receive final approval from CMS. Certain existing MA plans
may also expand their contracted area by completing the Service Area
Expansion (SAE) application.
Form Number: CMS-10237 and 10214 (OMB 0938-0935);
Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private Sector; Number of
Respondents: 267; Total Annual Responses: 267; Total Annual Hours:
6,490. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Betty
Burrier at 410-786-4649. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)
2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently
approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Coordination of
Benefits between Part D Plans and Other Prescription Coverage
Providers; Use: Section 1860D-23 and 1860D-24 of the Social Security
Act requires the Secretary to establish requirements for prescription
drug plans to ensure the effective coordination between Part D plans,
State pharmaceutical Assistance programs and other payers. This
collection request will assist CMS, Part D plans and other payers with
coordination of prescription drug benefits at the point-of-sale and
tracking of the beneficiary's True out-of-pocket (TrOOP) expenditures
using the TrOOP facilitator. This information will be used by Part D
plans, other health insurers or payers, pharmacies and CMS to
coordinate prescription drug benefits provided to the Medicare
beneficiary. Beginning in CY 2009, CMS, via the TrOOP facilitation
contractor, will automate the transfer of beneficiary coverage
information when a beneficiary changes plans. Form Number: CMS-10171
(OMB 0938-0978); Frequency: Hourly, yearly and occasionally;
Affected Public: Business or other for-profits; Number of Respondents:
56,988; Total Annual Responses: 1,139,760; Total Annual Hours:
1,125,883. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact
Christine Hinds at 410-786-4578. For all other issues call 410-786-
1326.)
To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms
for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS'
Web site 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.
In commenting on the proposed information collections please
reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured
consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of
the following ways by April 28, 2009:
1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for ``Comment or
Submission'' or ``More Search Options'' to find the information
collection document(s) accepting comments.
2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following
address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs,
Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB
Control Number, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore,
Maryland 21244-1850.
Dated: February 20, 2009.
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. E9-4128 Filed 2-26-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P