2013-31390. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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 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.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by February 3, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

When commenting on the proposed information collections, please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be received by the OMB desk officer via one of the following transmissions: OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: [phone] OR Email: [e-mail].

To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, you may make your request using one of following:

1. Access CMS' Web site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995.

2. Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail].

3. Call the Reports Clearance Office at [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Reports Clearance Office at [phone].

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: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: Application for Enrollment in Medicare the Medical Insurance Program; Use: Form CMS-40B is used to establish entitlement to and enrollment in supplementary medical insurance for beneficiaries who already have Part A, but not Part B. The form solicits information that is used to determine enrollment for individuals who meet the requirements in section 1836 of the Social Security Act as well as the entitlement of the applicant or a spouse regarding a benefit or annuity paid by the Social Security Administration or the Office of Personnel Management for premium deduction purposes. The Social Security Administration will use the collected information to establish Part B enrollment. Form Number: CMS-40B (OCN: 0938-New); Frequency: Once; Affected Public: Individuals or households; Number of Respondents: 200,000; Total Annual Responses: 200,000; Total Annual Hours: 50,000. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Lindsay Smith at 410-786-6843.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Community Mental Health Center Cost Report and Supporting Regulations; Use: The cost reports are required to be filed with the provider's Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). The MAC uses the cost reports to calculate the provider's cost to charge ratios which are used to compute outlier payments and to determine a provider's final cost settlement by comparing the provider's interim payments received to the reasonable cost for the fiscal period covered by the cost report.

The collection of data is a secondary function of the cost report. We use the data to support program operations, payment refinement activities, and to make Medicare Trust Fund projections. We along with other stakeholders use the data to analyze a myriad of health care measures on a national level. Stakeholders include the Office of Management and Budget, the Congressional Budget Office, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, Congress, researchers, universities, and other interested parties. Form Number: CMS-2088-92 (OCN: 0938-0037); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private sector—Business or other for-profits and Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 540; Total Annual Responses: 540; Total Annual Hours: 54,000. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Jill Keplinger at 410-786-4550.)

3. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Request for Employment Information; Use: Section 1837(i) of the Social Security Act provides for a special enrollment period for individuals who delay enrolling in Medicare Part B because they are covered by a group health plan based on their own or a spouse's current employment status. Disabled individuals with Medicare may also delay enrollment because they have large group health plan coverage based on their own or a family member's current employment status. When these individuals apply for Medicare Part B, they must provide proof that the group health plan coverage is (or was) based on current employment status. Form Number: CMS-R-297 (CMS-L564) (OCN: 0938-0787); Frequency: Once; Affected Public: Private sector—Business or other for-profits and Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 15,000; Total Annual Responses: 15,000; Total Annual Hours: 5,000. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Lindsay Smith at 410-786-6843.)

Dated: December 27, 2013.

Martique Jones,

Deputy Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.