[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 97 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29646-29647]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12108]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier CMS-10424 and CMS-10416]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB 
Review; Comment Request

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS.
    In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & 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 function; (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.
    1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of 
Information Collection: Cooperative Agreement to Support Establishment 
of the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Exchanges; Use: All 
States (including the 50 States, consortia of States, and the District 
of Columbia, herein referred to as States) are eligible for the 
Cooperative Agreement to Support Establishment of the Affordable Care 
Act's Health Insurance Exchanges. Section 1311 of the Affordable Care 
Act provides for grants to States for the planning and establishment of 
these Exchanges. Given the innovative nature of Exchanges and the 
statutorily-prescribed relationship between the Secretary and States in 
their development and operation, it is critical that the Secretary work 
closely with States to provide necessary guidance and technical 
assistance to ensure that States can meet the prescribed timelines, 
federal requirements, and goals of the statute.
    In order to provide appropriate and timely guidance and technical 
assistance, the Secretary must have access to timely, periodic 
information regarding State progress. Consequently, the information 
collection associated with these grants is essential to facilitating 
reasonable and appropriate federal monitoring of funds, providing 
statutorily-mandated assistance to States to implement Exchanges in 
accordance with Federal requirements, and to ensure that States have 
all necessary information required to proceed, such that retrospective 
corrective action can be minimized.
    There are two levels of awards for States to apply for the 
Establishment grants. Level One grants are open to States that are 
participating in either the Federally-facilitated Exchange, including 
States that will be collaborating with the Federally-facilitated 
Exchange on certain activities, or developing a State-based Exchange. 
Level Two Establishment grants are open to States that are establishing 
a State-based Exchange. Level One Establishment grantees may apply for 
additional funding under Level Two Establishment grants once they have 
achieved the benchmarks identified in the Level Two Establishment 
review criteria.
    HHS anticipates releasing this funding opportunity on June 15, 
2012. There will be ten opportunities for applicants to apply for 
funding. HHS anticipates Level One Establishment and Level Two 
Establishment applications will be due: August 1, 2012; November 1, 
2012; February 1, 2013; May 1, 2013; August 1, 2013; November 1, 2013; 
February 3, 2014; May 1, 2014; August 1, 2014; and November 3, 2014. 
The Period of Performance for Level One Establishment grants is up to 
one year after date of award. The Period of Performance for Level Two 
Establishment grants is up to three years after date of award. Form 
Number: CMS-10424 (OCN: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Annually; Affected 
Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 51; 
Number of Responses: 331; Total Annual Hours: 50,158. (For policy 
questions regarding this collection contact Katherine Harkins at 301-
492-4445. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)
    2. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of 
Information Collection: Blueprint for Approval of Affordable State-
based and State Partnership Insurance Exchanges Use: All States 
(including the 50 States, the Territories, and the District of Columbia 
herein referred to as States) have the opportunity under Section 
1311(b) of the Affordable Care Act to establish an Exchange no later 
than October 1, 2013 (Plan Year 2014).
    Given the innovative nature of Exchanges and the statutorily-
prescribed relationship between the Secretary and States in their 
development and operation, it is critical that the Secretary work 
closely with States to provide necessary guidance and technical 
assistance to ensure that States can meet the prescribed timelines, 
federal requirements, and goals of the statute.
    States seeking to establish an Exchange must build an Exchange that 
meets the requirements set out in Section 1311(d) of the Affordable 
Care Act and 45 CFR 155.105. In order to ensure that a State seeking 
approval as a State Exchange or State Partnership Exchange in the 
Federally-facilitated Exchange meet all applicable requirements the 
Secretary will require a State to submit a Blueprint for approval 
during the Fall of 2012 and to demonstrate operational readiness 
through virtual or on-site readiness review. The Blueprint has two 
sections: The Blueprint Declaration Letter and the Blueprint 
Application. Submission of this Blueprint Declaration Letter will be 
online and on paper and submission of the Blueprint Application will be 
online. Form Number: CMS-10416 (OCN: 0938-New) Frequency: Once; 
Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal governments; Number of 
Respondents: 56; Number of Responses: 56; Total Annual Hours: 11,816. 
(For policy questions regarding this collection, contact Sarah Summer 
301-492-4443. For all other issues call (410) 786-1326.)
    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/PaperworkReductionActof1995, or 
Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, 
and CMS document identifier, to

[[Page 29647]]

[email protected], or call the Reports Clearance Office on (410) 
786-1326.
    To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations for the 
proposed information collections must be received by the OMB desk 
officer at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on June 18, 2012. 
OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk 
Officer, Fax Number: (202) 395-6974, Email: [email protected].

    Dated: May 15, 2012.
Martique Jones,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Division B, Office of 
Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2012-12108 Filed 5-16-12; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P