2022-02031. 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 March 3, 2022.

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, you may make your request using one of following:

1. Access CMS' Website address at website address at: https://www.cms.gov/​Regulations-and-Guidance/​Legislation/​PaperworkReductionActof1995/​PRA-Listing.html.

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: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges; Use: Section 1311(i) of the PPACA requires Exchanges to establish a Navigator grant program under which it awards grants to eligible individuals and entities (as described in Section 1311(i)(2) of the PPACA and 45 CFR 155.210(a) and (c)) applying to serve consumers in States with a FFE. Navigators assist consumers by providing education about and facilitating selection of qualified health plans (QHPs) within the Exchanges, as well as other required duties. Entities and individuals cannot serve as federally certified Navigators and carry out the required duties without receiving federal cooperative agreement funding. On July 1, 2021, HHS published the Updating Payment Parameters, Section 1332 Waiver Implementing Regulations, and Improving Health Insurance Markets for 2022 and Beyond Proposed Rule proposed rule. The proposed regulations would amend federal regulations at 45 CFR 155.210(e)(9) to reinstitute the requirement that FFE Navigators provide consumers with information and assistance on access, affordability and certain post-enrollment topics, such as the eligibility appeals process, the Exchange-related components of the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) reconciliation process, and the basic concepts and rights of health coverage and how to use it.

Under the Terms and Conditions of the Navigator program cooperative agreements, awardees must provide progress reports on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis during the cooperative agreement period of performance, and a final report at the end of the period of performance. Awardees will submit their progress reports electronically to CMS staff for evaluation and analysis. The results of this evaluation will provide feedback on the effectiveness of the Navigator program, so that HHS and CMS leadership may evaluate the effectiveness of the program and address any areas that need revisions. CMS will also use the information collected from Navigator grant awardees to inform the public about the availability of application and enrollment assistance services from designated organizations. Form Number: CMS-10463 (OMB control number: 0938-1215); Frequency: Annually, Monthly, Quarterly, Weekly; Affected Public: Private sector; Number of Respondents: 100; Total Annual Responses: 5,200; Total Annual Hours: 529,000. For questions regarding this collection contact Gian Johnson at 301-492-4323.

Dated: January 27, 2022.

William N. Parham, III,

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