[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 239 (Wednesday, December 14, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74018-74019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-24046]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10117-10118-10119-10135-10136]


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

AGENCY: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

    In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers 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 to 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 
Administration Initiative. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal 
clearance procedures because a statutory deadline under the Medicare 
Modernization Act (MMA) would be missed.
    Title II of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) modified and re-
named the existing Medicare+Choice (M+C) program established under Part 
C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The program is now called 
the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. Although some MMA program changes 
are already in effect, several new features will take effect beginning 
with the 2006 contract year. These new features include authority for 
new MA regional plans to be organized as regional preferred provider 
organizations (RPPOs). The MMA also amended the Social Security Act to 
introduce a new process for determining beneficiary premiums and 
benefits for 2006 and future years. Under the new process MA 
organizations will submit a ``bid'' reflecting their revenue needs for 
covering the benefits they plan to offer.
    1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently 
approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Qualification--
Medicare Advantage Application For Coordinated Care, Private Fee-For-
Service, Regional Preferred Provider Organization, Service Area 
Expansion For Coordinated Care and Private Fee-For-Service Plans, 
Medical Savings Account Plans; Use: An entity seeking a contract as an 
MA organization must be able to provide Medicare's basic benefits plus 
meet the organizational requirements set out in regulations at 42 CFR 
part 422. An applicant must demonstrate that is can meet the benefit 
and other requirements within the specific geographic area it is 
requesting. The application forms are designed to provide the 
information needed to determine the health plan's compliance. The 
regulatory requirements are incorporated into the MA applications. The 
MA application forms will be used to determine if an entity is eligible 
to enter into a contract to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries; 
Form Number: CMS-10117, 10118, 10119, 10135, 10136 (OMB: 0938-
0935); Frequency: Reporting: One time submission; Affected Public: 
Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions and State, 
Local or Tribal Government; Number of Respondents: 65; Total Annual 
Responses: 90; Total Annual Hours: 2770.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
January 20, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendations will be considered from the public if received by the 
individuals designated below by December 28, 2005.
    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.cms.hhs.gov/regulations/pra or E-mail 
your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS 
document identifier, to [email protected], or call the Reports 
Clearance Office on (410) 786-1326.

[[Page 74019]]

    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 December 28, 2005:
    Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic 
Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Fax Number: (410) 786-5267, Attn: 
Bonnie L. Harkless; and
    OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Carolyn Lovett, 
New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: February 9, 2005
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations 
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 05-24046 Filed 12-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-M