[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 20, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11815-11816]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03851]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Creation of a New Computer Matching Program That Will Expire on 
August 13, 2014

AGENCY: National Finance Center, United States Department of 
Agriculture.

ACTION: Notice of a Computer Matching Program (CMP).

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as 
amended by the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 
(Pub. L. 100-503), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidelines on 
the Conduct of Matching Programs (54 FR 25818 published June 19, 1989), 
and OMB Circular No. A-130, revised November 28, 2000, the Department 
of Agriculture's (USDA) National Finance Center (NFC) is publishing 
notice of a computer matching program (CMP) that NFC will conduct on 
behalf of itself and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) utilizing 
records from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

DATES: February 14, 2013 to August 13, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Anthony Priola, Associate Director, Government Insurance and 
Collection Directorate, National Finance Center, 13800 Old Gentilly 
Road, New Orleans, LA 70129.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Priola, (504) 426-1292.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. General

    The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, establishes the 
conditions under which computer matching involving the Federal 
government could be performed and adding certain protections for 
individuals applying for and receiving Federal benefits. It requires 
Federal agencies involved in computer matching programs to:
    (1) Negotiate written agreements with the other agency for agencies 
participating in the matching programs;
    (2) Obtain approval of the match agreement by the Data Integrity 
Boards (DIB) of the participating Federal agencies;
    (3) Furnish detailed reports about matching programs to Congress 
and OMB;
    (4) Notify applicants and beneficiaries that their records are 
subject to matching;
    (5) Verify match findings before reducing, suspending, termination 
or denying and individual's benefits or payments.

B. NFC Computer Matching Program Subject to the Privacy Act

    The purpose of this NFC Computer Matching Program is to verify 
applicant eligibility for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan 
(PCIP) implemented per the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 
(the PPACA; Pub. L. 111-148). Below is a detailed description of the 
matching program.

Notice of Computer Matching Program

    NFC will match applicant records with SSA records to verify 
eligibility for PCIP. OPM will have access to the results of the CMP to 
adjudicate appeals to initial eligibility determinations.

A. Participating Agencies

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Finance Center (NFC), 
the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Social Security 
Administration (SSA).

B. Purpose of the Matching Program

    SSA will provide data to NFC for the purpose of enrolling eligible 
applicants in the PCIP, implemented under the PPACA. Section 1101 of 
the PPACA requires that an individual eligible for the PCIP must be a 
citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the 
United States. Under this Agreement, SSA will confirm the consistency 
against SSA records of certain information provided by NFC on 
applicants for the high risk pool (HRP) program under PPACA. OPM will 
have access to the results of the CMP to adjudicate applicant appeals 
to initial eligibility determinations.

C. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    The legal authority for this match is section 1411(c)(2)(A)(i) and 
(ii) of the PPACA, section 1106 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1306(b)), 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(3) of the Privacy Act, and the regulations 
and guidance promulgated there under.

D. Categories of Records and Individuals Covered

    Section 1101 of the PPACA requires that an individual eligible for 
PCIP must

[[Page 11816]]

be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in 
the United States. NFC will disclose applicant information to SSA from 
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' SOR 09-90-275, Pre-
Existing Condition Insurance Plan system of records for the purpose of 
verifying citizenship status for PCIP.
    SSA will match this information against the Master Files of SSN 
Holders and SSN Applications, SSA/OEEAS, 60-0058, full text published 
at 71 FR 1815 (January 11, 2006); the Master Beneficiary Record, SSA/
ORSIS 60-0090, full text published at 71 FR 1826 (January 11, 2006); 
and Supplemental Security Income and Special Veterans Benefits SSA/
ODSSIS, 60-0103, full text published at 71 FR 1826 (January 11, 2006).

E. Inclusive Dates of the Matching Program

    This computer match will begin no sooner than 30 days from the date 
NFC publishes a Computer Matching Notice in the Federal Register or 30 
days from the date copies of the approved agreement and the notice of 
the matching program are sent to the Congressional committee of 
jurisdiction under subsections (O)(2)(B) and (r) of the Privacy Act, as 
amended, or 30 days from the date the approved agreement is sent to the 
Office of Management and Budget, whichever is later, provided no 
comments are received which result in a contrary determination.

F. Address for Receipt of Public Comments

    Individuals wishing to comment on this matching program should send 
comments to Mr. Anthony Priola at [email protected], or use the 
mailing address listed under the Addresses heading.

    Dated: February 14, 2013.
Kathleen A. Merrigan,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-03851 Filed 2-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-91-P