E7-18494. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human 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: New Collection; Title of Information Collection: State Plan Pre-print for Integrated Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Use: Information submitted via the State Plan Amendment (SPA) pre-print will be used by CMS Central and Regional Offices to analyze a State's proposal to implement integrated Medicare and Medicaid programs. The pre-print is an optional document for use by States to highlight the arrangements between a State and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans that are also providing Medicaid services. State Medicaid Agencies will complete the SPA pre-print and submit it to CMS for a comprehensive analysis. The pre-print provides the opportunity for States to confirm that their integrated care model complies with both federal statutory and regulatory requirements. The pre-print contains assurances, check-off items, and areas for States to describe policies and procedures for subjects such as enrollment, marketing and quality assurance. Form Numbers: CMS-10251 (OMB#: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Reporting—Once; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 56; Total Annual Responses: 30; Total Annual Hours: 600.

2. Type of Information Collection Request: New Collection; Title of Information Collection: State Plan Template to Implement Section 6062 of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005; Use: The DRA provides States with numerous flexibilities in operating their State Medicaid Programs. Section 6062 of the DRA (Opportunity for families of Disabled Children to Purchase Medicaid Coverage for Such Children) allows States the opportunity to provide Medicaid benefits to disabled children who would otherwise be ineligible because of family income that is above the State's highest Medicaid eligibility standards for children. It specifically allows families with disabled children to “buy-in” to Medicaid, and prevents them from having to stay impoverished, become impoverished, place their children in out-of-home placements, or simply give up custody of their child in order to access needed health care for their disabled children.

Under the DRA, States must submit a SPA to CMS to effectuate this change to their Medicaid programs. CMS will provide a State Medicaid Director letter providing guidance on this provision and the associated SPA template for use by States to modify their Medicaid State Plans if they choose to implement this provision. Providing the State with this SPA template will reduce State burden significantly. Form Numbers: CMS-10232 (OMB#: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Reporting—Once; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 56; Total Annual Responses: 30; Total Annual Hours: 600.

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web Site address 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].

To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations for the proposed information collections must be received at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on November 20, 2007. CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development—A, Attention: Melissa Musotto, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Dated: September 13, 2007.

Michelle Shortt,

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