01-19955. Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

AGENCY:

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services, 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.

We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the information collection referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency review because the collection of this information is needed before the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR Part 1320. This is necessary to ensure compliance with an initiative of the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures because of an unanticipated event and possible public harm.

This Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability (HIFA) Section 1115 Model Demonstration will enable states to use Medicaid and SCHIP funds in concert with private health insurance options to expand coverage to low-income uninsured individuals, with a focus on those with income at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. The model demonstration application will facilitate State efforts in designing programs to cover the uninsured.

CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by August 24, 2001, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and recommendations will be accepted from the public if received by the individuals designated below by August 20, 2001.

Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of Information Collection: Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability Section 1115 Model Waiver; Form No.: CMS-10048 (OMB# 0938-XXXX); Use: This Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability (HIFA) Section 1115 Model Demonstration will enable states to use Medicaid and SCHIP funds in concert with private health insurance options to expand coverage to low-income uninsured individuals, with a focus on those with income at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. The model demonstration application will facilitate State efforts in designing programs to cover the uninsured; Frequency: Other: 5 years after initial submission; Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Government; Number of Respondents: 25; Total Annual Responses: 25; Total Annual Hours: 250.

We have submitted a copy of this notice to OMB for its review of these information collections. A notice will be published in the Federal Register when approval is obtained.

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.hcfa.gov/​regs/​prdact95.htm,, 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].

Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of these collections of information requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed to the designees referenced below, by August 20, 2001:

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Information Services, Security and Standards Group, Division of CMS Enterprise Standards, Room N2-14-26, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Fax Number: [phone] Attn: John Burke, CMS-10048 and,

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, Fax Number: [phone] or [phone] Attn: Brenda Agular, CMS Desk Officer.

Dated: August 1, 2001.

John P. Burke, III,

CMS Reports Clearance Officer, CMS, Office of Information Services Security and Standards Group, Division of CMS Enterprise Standards.