[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 239 (Wednesday, December 14, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 74019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-24047]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10137]


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 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 initiative of 
the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal 
clearance procedures because the use of normal clearance procedures is 
reasonably likely to cause a statutory deadline to be missed.
    The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act 
of 2003 (MMA) established a program to offer prescription drug benefits 
to Medicare enrollees through Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare 
Advantage Organizations, and Cost Plans, PACE Plans and Employer Group 
Plans. The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit program is codified in 
section 1860D of the Social Security Act (the Act). Section 101 of the 
MMA amended Title XVIII of the Social Security Act by redesignating 
Part D as Part E and inserting a Part D, which establishes the 
Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program (hereinafter referred to as 
``Part D''). Prior to the 2007 contract year for the Part D program, 
the industry must have an appropriate amount of time to respond to the 
solicitation and CMS must have sufficient time to review and approve 
organizations that qualify for a Part D contract or service area 
expansion.
    1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently 
approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Application for 
Prescription Drug Plans (PDP); Application for Medicare Advantage 
Prescription Drug (MA-PD) Plans; Application for Cost Plans to Offer 
Qualified Prescription Drug Coverage; Application for PACE Organization 
to Offer Qualified Prescription Drug Coverage; Application for Employer 
Group Waiver Plans to Offer Prescription Drug Coverage; Service Area 
Expansion Application to Offer Prescription Drug Coverage in a New 
Region; Form Number: CMS-10137 (OMB: 0938-0936); Use: Coverage 
for the prescription drug benefit will be provided through contracted 
prescription drug plans (PDPs) or through Medicare Advantage (MA) plans 
that offer integrated prescription drug and health care coverage (MA-PD 
plans). Cost Plans that are regulated under Section 1876 of the Social 
Security Act, Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWP) and PACE plans may 
also provide a Part D benefit. Organizations wishing to provide 
services under the Prescription Drug Benefit Program must complete an 
application, negotiate rates, and receive final approval from CMS. 
Existing Part D Sponsors may also expand their contracted service area 
by completing the Service Area Expansion (SAE) application; Frequency: 
Reporting--Annually, depending on program area and data required; 
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit 
institutions, Federal Government; Number of Respondents: 101; Total 
Annual Responses: 101; Total Annual Hours: 3,828.
    CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 
January 20, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendation 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's 
Web site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/regulations/pra or E-mail 
your request, including your address, phone number, and CMS document 
identifier, to [email protected], or call the Reports Clearance 
Office on (410) 786-1326.
    Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the 
burden on 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: 
William N. Parham, III; and
    OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Carolyn Lovett, 
New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

    Dated: December 9, 2005.
Michelle Shortt,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations 
and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 05-24047 Filed 12-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-M