2015-24262. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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: (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.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by October 26, 2015.

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' 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: Solicitation for Applications for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan 2017 Contracts; Use: The information will be collected under the solicitation of proposals from prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that offer integrated prescription drug and health care coverage (MA-PD) plans, Cost Plan, PACE, and Employer Group Waiver Plan applicants. The information will be used by CMS to: Ensure that applicants meet CMS requirements and to support the determination of contract awards. Participation in the Part D program is voluntary. Only organizations that are interested in participating in the program will respond to the solicitation. The MA-PDs that voluntarily participate in the Part C program must submit a Part D application and successful bid. Form Number: CMS-10137 (OMB Control Number: 0938-0936); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private sector (Business or other For-profits and Not-for-profit institutions); Number of Respondents: 254; Total Annual Responses: 230; Total Annual Hours: 2,109. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Arianne Spaccarelli at 410-786-5715).

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Part C—Medicare Advantage and 1876 Cost Plan Expansion Application; Use: The information will be collected under the solicitation of Part C applications from Medicare Advantage, Employer Group Waiver Plan, and Cost Plan applicants and will be used by CMS to ensure that applicants meet CMS requirements, and to support the determination of contract awards. Participation is voluntary whereby only organizations that are interested in participating in the program will respond to the solicitation. Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations that offer integrated prescription drug and health care products (MA-PD plans) that voluntarily participate in the Part C program must submit a Part D application and successful bid. Form Number: CMS-10237 (OMB Control Number: 0938-0935); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private sector (Business or other For-profits and Not-for-profit institutions); Number of Respondents: 566; Total Annual Responses: 566; Total Annual Hours: 21,926. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Wanda Pigatt-Canty at 410-786-6177).

Dated: September 21, 2015.

William N. Parham, III,

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