01-22314. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to apply for VA medical care, nursing home, domiciliary and dental benefits.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before November 5, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0091” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann Bickoff at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 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. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) way to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title and Form Number: Application for Medical Benefits, VA Form 10-10EZ.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0091.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The form is used to establish a system of records on veterans applying and/or enrolling for VA medical care benefits. The information collected is used to establish basic eligibility for VA benefits; enroll veterans into the VA health care enrollment system; determine a veteran's marital status, next-of-kin and emergency contacts for care management and consent purposes; establish eligibility for cost free health care, mileage reimbursement and prescription co-payment exemption for certain veterans; identify those veterans who have third party health insurance for billing purposes to recover the cost of medical care furnished to veterans for treatment of nonservice-connected conditions; and establish an individual's eligibility for other health services, including but not limited to nursing home, dental and domiciliary care.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,467,447 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 45 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,372,766.

Dated: August 10, 2001.

By direction of the Secretary.

Donald L. Neilson,

Director, Information Management Service.