2024-00897. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by February 20, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, please access the CMS PRA website by copying and pasting the following web address into your web browser: https://www.cms.gov/​Regulations-and-Guidance/​Legislation/​PaperworkReductionActof1995/​PRA-Listing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William Parham at (410) 786–4669.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (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. The term “collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment:

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Quality Bonus Payment Appeals; Use: Section 1853(o) of the Act requires CMS to make QBPs to MA organizations that achieve performance rating scores of at least 4 stars under a five-star rating system. While CMS has applied a Star Rating system to MA organizations for a number of years, prior to the QBP program these Star Ratings were used only to provide additional information for beneficiaries to consider in making their Part C and D plan elections. Beginning in 2012, the Star Ratings CMS assigns for purposes of QBPs directly affected the monthly payment amount MA organizations receive from CMS under their contracts. Additionally, section 1854(b)(1)(C)(v) of the Act, as added by the Affordable Care Act, also requires CMS to change the share of savings that MA organizations must provide to enrollees as the beneficiary rebate specified at § 422.266(a) based on the level of a sponsor's Star Rating for quality performance.

The information collected on the Request for Reconsideration form from MA organizations is considered by the reconsideration official and potentially the hearing officer to review CMS's determination of the organization's eligibility for a QBP. The form asks MA organizations to select the Star Ratings measure(s) they believe was miscalculated or used incorrect data and describe what they believe is the issue. Under § 422.260(c)(3)(ii) these are the only bases for appeals. In conducting the reconsideration, the reconsideration official will review the QBP determination, the evidence and findings upon which it was based, and any other written evidence submitted by the organization with their Request for Reconsideration or by CMS before the reconsideration determination is made. Form Number: CMS–10346 (OMB Control Number 0938–1129; Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private Sector; Number of Respondents: 20; Total Annual Responses: 20; Total Annual Hours: 160. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact, Sarah Gaillot at 410–786–4637.)

Dated: January 12, 2024.

William N. Parham, III

Director, Division of Information Collections and Regulatory Impacts, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.