2016-18986. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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: 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 September 9, 2016.

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: OIRA_ [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: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Exchanges; Use: Section 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act requires Exchanges (Marketplaces) to establish a Navigator grant program as part of its function to provide consumers with assistance when they need it. Navigators will assist consumers by providing education about and facilitating selection of qualified health plans (QHPs) within Marketplaces, as well as other required duties. Section 1311(i) requires that a Marketplace operating as of January 1, 2014, must establish a Navigator Program under which it awards grants to eligible individuals or entities who satisfy the requirements to be Exchange Navigators. For Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFMs) and State Partnership Marketplaces (SPMs), CMS will be awarding these grants. Navigator awardees must provide weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports to CMS on the activities performed during the grant period and any sub-awardees receiving funds. CMS has modified the data collection requirements for the weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that were provided in 81 FR 29268 (May 11, 2016). Form Number: CMS-10463 (OMB control number: 0938-1215); Frequency: Annually; Quarterly; Monthly; Weekly; and Quarterly; Affected Public: Private sector; Number of Respondents: 102; Total Annual Responses: 102; 408; 1,224; 5,304; Total Annual Hours: 24,729. (For policy questions regarding this collection, contact Gian Johnson at 301-492-4323.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Issuer Reporting Requirements for Selecting a Cost-Sharing Reductions Reconciliation Methodology; Use: Sections 1402 and 1412 of the Affordable Care Act provide for reductions in cost sharing on essential health benefits for low- and moderate-income enrollees in silver level qualified health plans (QHP) on individual market Exchanges. It also provides for reductions in cost sharing for Indians enrolled in QHPs at any metal level. These cost-sharing reductions will help eligible individuals and families afford the out-of-pocket spending associated with health care services provided through Exchange-based QHP coverage.

The law directs QHP issuers to notify the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of cost-sharing reductions made under the statute for qualified individuals, and directs the Secretary to make periodic and timely payments to the QHP issuer equal to the value of those reductions. Further, the law permits advance payment of the cost-sharing reduction amounts to QHP issuers based upon amounts specified by the Secretary.

Under established HHS regulations, QHP issuers will receive advance payments of the cost-sharing reductions throughout the year. Each issuer will then be subject to one of two reconciliation processes after the year to ensure that HHS reimbursed each issuer the correct cost-sharing portion of advance payments. This information collection request establishes the data collection requirements for a QHP issuer to report to HHS which reconciliation reporting option the issuer will be subject to for a given benefit year. Form Number: CMS-10469 (OMB control number: 0938-1214); Frequency: Annually; Affected Public: Private sector (Businesses or other for-profits); Number of Respondents: 575; Total Annual Responses: 575; Total Annual Hours: 13,200. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Pat Meisol at 410-786-1917.)

Dated: August 5, 2016.

William N. Parham, III,

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