04-13049. Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Review of a Revised Information Collection OPM 2809

AGENCY:

Office of Personnel Management.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, May 22, 1995), this notice announces that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) intends to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for the review of a revised information collection. OPM 2809, Health Benefits Registration Form, is used by annuitants and former spouses to elect, cancel or change health benefits enrollment during periods other than open season.

There are approximately 30,000 changes to health benefits coverage per year. Of these, 20,000 are submitted on form OPM 2809 and 10,000 verbally or in written correspondence. Each form takes approximately 45 minutes to complete; data collection by telephone or mail takes approximately 10 minutes. The annual burden for the form is 15,000 hours; the burden not using the form is 1,667 hours. The total burden is 16,667.

Comments are particularly invited on: whether this information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the Office of Personnel Management, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

For copies of this proposal, contact Mary Beth Smith-Toomey on [phone], FAX [phone] or e-mail to [e-mail]. Please be sure to include a mailing address with your request.

DATES:

Comments on this proposal should be received by August 9, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Send or deliver comments to—Ronald W. Melton, Chief, Operations Support Group, Retirement Services Program, Center for Retirement & Insurance Services, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, NW., Room 3349A, Washington, DC 20415-3540.

For Information Regarding Administrative Coordination— Contact: Cyrus S. Benson, Team Leader, Publications Team, Administrative Services Branch, [phone].

U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Kay Coles James,

Director.