2010-13898. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is publishing the following summary of proposed collections for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this 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.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Application for Prescription Drug Plans (PDP); Application for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD)—CY 2012; Application for Cost Plans to Offer Qualified Prescription Drug Coverage; Application for Employer Group Waiver Plans to Offer Prescription Drug Coverage; Service Area Expansion Application for Prescription Drug Coverage; Use: Collection of this information is mandated under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). The application requirements are codified in Subpart K 42 CFR Part 423 of entitled “Application Procedures and Contracts with PDP Sponsors.”

Coverage for the prescription drug benefit is provided through contracted prescription drug plans (PDPs) 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 (EGWP) 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 (SAE) application. The collected information will be used by CMS to: (1) Ensure that applicants meet CMS requirements, (2) support the determination of contract awards. Form Number: CMS-10137 (OMB#: 0938-0936); Frequency: Once; Affected Public: Business or other for-profits and not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 295; Total Annual Responses: 295; Total Annual Hours: 3,576 (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Marla Rothouse at 410-786-8063. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Part C Medicare Advantage Application and 1876 Cost Plan Expansion Application—CY 2012; Use: The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) established a new “Part C” in the Medicare statute (sections 1851 through 1859 of the Social Security Act (the Act)) which provided for a Medicare+Choice (M+C) program. Under section 1851(a)(1) of the Act, every individual entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled under Part B, except for most individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), could elect to receive benefits either through the Original Medicare Program or an M+C plan, if one was offered where he or she lived. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) established the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D) and made revisions to the provisions of Medicare Part C, governing what is now called the Medicare Advantage (MA) program (formerly Medicare+Choice). Organizations wishing to provide healthcare services under MA and/or MA-PD plans must complete an application, file a bid, and receive final approval from CMS. Existing MA plans may expand their contracted area by completing the Service Area Expansion (SAE) application. Any current Cost Plan Contractor that wants to expand its Medicare cost-based contract with CMS under Section 1876 of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA) and subsequent legislation can complete the application. Form Number: CMS-10237 (OMB#: 0938-0935); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Business or other for-profits and not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 355; Total Annual Responses: 355; Total Annual Hours: 11,831 (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Letticia Ramsey at 410-786-5262. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web Site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995, or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office on [phone].

In commenting on the proposed information collections please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following August 10, 2010:

1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Dated: June 4, 2010.

Michelle Shortt,

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