05-21923. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 28, 2005.

The Department of the Treasury has submitted the following public information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling the Treasury Bureau Clearance Officer listed. Comments regarding this information collection should be addressed to the OMB reviewer listed and to the Treasury Department Clearance Officer, Department of the Treasury, Room 11000, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before December 5, 2005, to be assured of consideration.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

OMB Number: 1545-1537.

Type of Review: Extension.

Title: REG-253578-96(NPRM) Health Insurance Portability for Group Plans; (Temporary) Interim Rules for Health Insurance Portability for Group Health Plans.

Description: The regulations provide guidance for group health plans and the employers maintaining them regarding requirements imposed on plans relating to preexisting condition exclusions, discrimination based on health status, and access to coverage.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions, State, local or tribal.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 262,289 hours.

Clearance Officer: Glenn P. Kirkland, [phone], Internal Revenue Service, Room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224.

OMB Reviewer: Alexander T. Hunt, [phone], Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503.

Michael A. Robinson,

Treasury PRA Clearance Officer.