[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 185 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 57244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-21198]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

42 CFR Parts 431 and 457

[CMS-6026-CN]
RIN 0938-AM86


Medicaid Program and State Children's Health Insurance Program 
(SCHIP); Payment Error Rate Measurement; Correction

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

ACTION: Proposed rule; correction.

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SUMMARY: This document corrects an incorrect date for the close of the 
public comment period that appeared in the proposed rule that was 
published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2004 entitled 
``Medicaid Program and State Children's Health Insurance Program 
(SCHIP) Payment Error Rate Measurement.''

DATES: The comment deadline for the proposed rule published on August 
27, 2004 at 69 FR 52620 is corrected to October 21, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Saxonis (410) 786-3722. 
Janet E. Reichert, (410) 786-4580.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On August 27, 2004, we published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register titled ``Medicaid Program and State Children's Health 
Insurance Program (SCHIP) Payment Error Rate Measurement'' (69 FR 
52620). That proposed rule would require State agencies to estimate 
improper payments in the Medicaid program and SCHIP program. The 
Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 requires Federal agencies to 
annually review and identify those programs and activities that may be 
susceptible to significant erroneous payments, estimate the amount of 
improper payments and report those estimates to the Congress and, if 
necessary, submit a report on actions the agency is taking to reduce 
erroneous payments.
    The intended effect and expected results of that proposed rule 
would be for States to produce improper payment estimates for their 
Medicaid and SCHIP programs and to identify existing and emerging 
vulnerabilities that can be addressed by the States through actions 
taken to reduce the rate of improper payments and produce a 
corresponding increase in program savings at both the State and Federal 
levels.
    In FR Doc. 04-19603 of August 27, 2004 (69 FR 52620), we 
erroneously incorporated an incorrect date for the close of the public 
comment period. The correct date for the close of the comment period 
should be October 27, 2004. We had intended to provide a 60-day public 
comment period since the regulation is complex. A 30-day comment period 
may not provide enough time for States to analyze the requirements and 
determine the impact on staffing, costs, technology, statistical 
support, and any other needs; develop comments, obtain internal 
clearances, and submit the comments for our consideration.
    In addition, States have expressed an interest in meeting among 
themselves and working with their Technical Advisory Groups to develop 
comments. The 30-day comment period may not accommodate this approach.
    Furthermore, the regulation is not detailed in terms of 
implementation. The Office of Management and Budget asked that we 
specifically request comments on this issue. A 30-day comment period 
may not give States time to analyze issues and problems concerning 
implementation, develop comments, obtain internal clearances, and 
submit them for our consideration.
    The error is corrected in the ``Correction of Errors'' section 
below.

II. Correction of Errors

    In FR Doc. 04-19603 of August 27, 2004 (69 FR 52620), make the 
following correction:
    On page 52621, in the first column; in the DATES section, correct 
the date ``September 27, 2004'' to read ``October 27, 2004.''

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.767, State 
Children's Health Program)

    Dated: September 15, 2004.
Ann C. Agnew,
Executive Secretary to the Department.
[FR Doc. 04-21198 Filed 9-17-04; 8:45 am]
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