2019-18580. 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 September 27, 2019.

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

1. Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail].

2. 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: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Data Collection to Support Eligibility Determinations and Enrollment for Employers in the Small Business Health Options Program; Use: Section 1311(b)(1)(B) of the Affordable Care Act directs that the SHOP assist qualified small employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in QHPs offered in the small group market. Section 1311(c)(1)(F) of the Affordable Care Act directs HHS to establish criteria for certification of health plans as QHPs and plans to utilize a uniform enrollment form for qualified employers. Further, section 1311(c)(5)(B) directs HHS to develop a website that assists employers in determining if they are eligible to participate in SHOP. Form Number: CMS-10439 (OMB control number: 0938-1193); Frequency: Annually; Affected Public: Private Sector, Business or other for-profits, Not-for-profits institutions; Number of Respondents: 6,000; Total Annual Responses: 6,000; Total Annual Hours: 960. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Michele Oshman at 410-786-4396.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Provider Network Coverage Data Collection; Use: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established competitive private health insurance markets called Marketplaces, or Exchanges, which gave millions of Americans and small businesses access to affordable, quality insurance options that meet certain requirements. These requirements include ensuring sufficient choice of providers and providing information to enrollees and prospective enrollees on the availability of in-network and out-of-network providers. This information collection notice is for two of the standards from the HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2017 (CMS-9937-F) final rule: One applying in the FFE and one applying to all QHPs. Specifically, under 45 CFR 156.230(d) and 156.230(e), we require notification requirements for enrollees in cases where a provider leaves the network and for cases where an enrollee might be seen by an out of network ancillary provider in in-network setting. These standards will help inform consumers about his or her health plan coverage to better make cost effective choices. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is updating an information collection request (ICR) in connection with these standards. The burden estimates for this ICR included in this package reflects the additional time and effort for QHP issuers to provide these notifications to enrollees. Form Number: CMS-10594 (OMB control number: 0938-1302); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private Sector (business or other for-profits, not-for-profit institutions); Number of Respondents: 470; Total Annual Responses: 356,260; Total Annual Hours: 194,250. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Arunima Shukla at 410-786-5017.)

Dated: August 23, 2019.

William N. Parham, III,

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