2017-22699. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 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 November 20, 2017.

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 Web site address at https://www.cms.gov/​Regulations-and-Guidance/​Legislation/​PaperworkReductionActof1995/​PRA-Listing.html.

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:

William Parham 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: Reinstatement without change of a previously approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Application for Hospital Insurance and Supporting Regulations; Use: Individuals who are already entitled to retirement or disability benefits under Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits are automatically entitled to premium-free Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) when they attain age 65 or reach the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. These individuals do not file a separate application for Medicare Part A because their application for Social Security or RRB benefits is also an application for Part A. The form is for individuals who are not eligible for Social Security for RRB benefits, but may qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A based on certain requirements outlined in § 406.11 and 406.15 or for certain disabled individuals who may enroll in premium Medicare Part A based on certain requirements outlined in § 406.20. Individuals may also choose to enroll in Medicare Part B at the same time they apply for Medicare Part A. Form Number: CMS-18F5 (OMB control number: 0938-0251); Frequency: Once; Affected Public: Individuals or households; Number of Respondents: 51,000; Total Annual Responses: 51,000; Total Annual Hours: 29,580. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Carla Patterson at 410-786-8911.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Solicitation for Applications for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan 2019 Contracts; Use: Coverage for the prescription drug benefit is provided through contracted prescription drug (PD) plans or through Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that offer integrated prescription drug and health care coverage (MA-PD plans). Cost Plans that are regulated under Section 1876 of the Social Security Act, and Employer Group Waiver Plans may also provide a Part D benefit. Organizations wishing to provide services under the Prescription Drug Benefit Program must complete an application, negotiate rates, and receive final approval from CMS. Existing Part D Sponsors may also expand their contracted service area by completing the Service Area Expansion application. Form Number: CMS-10137 (OMB control number: 0938-0936); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private sector (Business or other For-profits and Not-for-profit institutions); Number of Respondents: 243; Total Annual Responses: 243; Total Annual Hours: 2,240. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Arianne Spaccarelli at 410-786-5715.)

3. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: CMS Tribal Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Program Survey; Use: The Survey will provide CMS with an inventory of LTSS programs for older adults or individuals with disabilities managed by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes. Information on tribal LTSS programs has previously been gathered through publicly available data via online research. However, not all of the information, including program contact information and program focus, are regularly available online as tribal Web sites are not updated frequently. Therefore, the survey will enable the collection of the most accurate information possible. The respondents include 424 LTSS programs run by AI/AN tribes. Once the survey has been conducted, CMS will feature the survey data, specifically a list of AI/AN managed LTSS programs, online on CMS.gov. The dissemination of survey data on CMS.gov will allow tribal communities and the general public to access this important data. Documentation of these programs will support sharing of LTSS best practices and innovative models employed in Indian Country. CMS will use the survey data to generate further content on LTSS in Indian Country, including literature reviews and reports on best practices. Form Number: CMS-10651 (OMB control number: 0938-New); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 425; Total Annual Responses: 425; Total Annual Hours: 106. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact John Johns at 410-786-7253.)

Dated: October 16, 2017.

William N. Parham, III,

Director, Paperwork Reduction Staff, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.