[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 173 (Tuesday, September 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47513-47514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24018]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration
[HCFA-1046-N]
RIN 0938-AJ14


Medicare Program; September 23 and 24, 1998, Meeting of the 
Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the Competitive 
Pricing Advisory Committee. This meeting is open to the public.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for September 23, 1998, from 9:00 a.m. 
until 5:30 p.m. and September 24, 1998, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Crystal City, 1800 
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lu Zawistowich, Sc.D., Executive 
Director, Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee, Health Care Financing 
Administration, 7500 Security Boulevard C4-14-17, Baltimore, Maryland 
21244-1850, (410) 786-6451.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4011 of the Balanced Budget Act of 
1997, (BBA) (Public Law 105-33) requires the Secretary of the 
Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish a 
demonstration project under which payments to Medicare+Choice 
organizations in designated areas are determined in accordance with a 
competitive pricing methodology. Section 4012 of the BBA requires the 
Secretary to appoint a Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee (the 
CPAC). The CPAC will meet periodically to make recommendations to the 
Secretary concerning the designation of areas for inclusion in the 
project and appropriate research design for implementing the project.
    The CPAC consists of 15 individuals who are independent actuaries; 
experts in competitive pricing and the administration of the Federal 
Employees Health Benefit Program; and representatives of health plans, 
insurers, employers, unions, and beneficiaries. In accordance with 
section 4012(a)(5) of the BBA, the CPAC shall terminate on December 31, 
2004.
    The CPAC held its first meeting on May 7, 1998, and its second 
meeting on June 24 and 25, 1998. The CPAC members are: James Cubbin, 
Executive Director, General Motors Health Care Initiative; Robert 
Berenson, M.D., Director, Center for Health Plans and Providers, HCFA; 
John Bertko, CEO and Senior Actuary, PM-Squared Inc.; Dave Durenberger, 
Senior Health Policy Fellow, University of St. Thomas and Founder of 
Public Policy Partners; Gary Goldstein, M.D., CEO, The Oschner Clinic; 
Samuel Havens, Healthcare Consultant and Chairman of Health Scope/
United; Margaret Jordan, Healthcare Consultant and CEO, The Margaret 
Jordan Group; Chip Kahn, CEO, The Health Insurance Association of 
America; Cleve Killingsworth, President, Health Alliance Plan; Nancy 
Kichak, Director, Office of Actuaries, Office of Personnel Management; 
Len Nichols, Principal Research Associate, The Urban Institute; Robert 
Reischauer,

[[Page 47514]]

Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institute; John Rother, Director, 
Legislation and Public Policy, American Association of Retired Persons; 
Andrew Stern, President, Service Employees International Union, AFL-
CIO; and Jay Wolfson, Director, The Florida Information Center, 
University of South Florida. The Chairperson is James Cubbin and the 
Co-Chairperson is Robert Berenson, M.D.
    The agenda will include observations and points of view on the 
previous competitive pricing demonstration initiative in Denver from 
the health plan, provider, employer, beneficiary, and HCFA 
perspectives. The CPAC will discuss all of the major competitive 
pricing demonstration design issues and select options that it 
determines are appropriate for the demonstrations authorized under 
section 4011 of the BBA.
    Individuals or organizations that wish to make 5-minute oral 
presentations on the agenda issues should contact the Executive 
Director by 12 noon, September 16, 1998, to be scheduled. The number of 
oral presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy 
of the oral remarks should be submitted to the Executive Director no 
later than 12 noon, September 18, 1998. Anyone who is not scheduled to 
speak may submit written comments to the Executive Director by 12 noon, 
September 18, 1998. The meeting is open to the public, but attendance 
is limited to the space available.

(Section 4012 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105-33 
(42 U.S.C. 1395w-23 note) and section 10(a) of Public Law 92-463 (5 
U.S.C. App.2, section 10(a))

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773, 
Medicare--Hospital Insurance; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare--
Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)

    Dated: August 22, 1998.
Nancy-Ann Min DeParle,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 98-24018 Filed 9-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P