02-989. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information to authorize VA to bill “reasonable charges” instead of “reasonable costs” for medical care or services provided or furnished to a veteran for a non-service-connected condition.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before March 18, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0606” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann Bickoff at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C., 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Regulation for Submission of Evidence—Title 38 CFR 17.101(a)(2).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0606.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: A third-party payer that is liable for reimbursing VA for health care VA provided to veterans with non-service connected conditions continues to have the option of paying either the billed charges or the amount the health plan demonstrates it would pay to providers other than entities of the United States for the same care or services in the same geographic area. If the amount submitted for payment is less than the amount billed, VA will accept the submission as payment, subject to verification at VA's discretion. VA may request the third-party payer to submit evidence or information to substantiate the appropriateness of the payment amount (e.g., health plan policies, provider agreements, medical evidence, proof of payment to other providers demonstrating the amount paid for the same care and services VA provided). The information is needed to determine whether the third-party payer has met the test of properly demonstrating its equivalent private sector provider payment amount for the same care or services and within the same geographic area as provided by VA.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Individuals or households, Not for Profit Institutions, Farms, and State, Local or Tribal Government.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 800 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 2 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 400.

Dated: December 27, 2001.

By direction of the Secretary.

Mary Granito,

Management Analyst, Information Management Service.