Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
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###### Department of Health and Human Services

###### Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

          - [Document Identifier: CMS-10237 and CMS-10137]

# 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:*                     Revision of a currently approved collection;                     *Title of Information Collection:*                     Medicare Advantage Applications-Part C ;                     *Use:*                     Under section 1851(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, every individual entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled under Part B, except for most individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), could elect to receive benefits either through the Original Medicare Program or an M+C plan, if one was offered where he or she lived. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) Public Law 108-173 was enacted on December 8, 2003. The MMA established the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D) and made revisions to the provisions of Medicare Part C, governing what is now called the Medicare Advantage (MA) program (formerly Medicare+Choice). The MMA was amended on July 15, 2008 by the enactment of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).                

                    Coverage for the prescription drug benefit is provided through contracted prescription drug plans or through Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that offer integrated prescription drug and health care coverage (MA-PD plans). Cost plans that are required under section 1876 of the Social Security Act, and Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWP) may also provide a Part D benefit. Organizations wishing to provide services under the MA and MA-PD plans must complete an application, negotiate rates and receive final approval from CMS. Certain existing MA plans may also expand their contracted area by completing the Service Area Expansion (SAE) application. Health plans must meet regulatory requirements to enter into a contract with CMS in order to provide health benefits to Medicare beneficiaries. The revised MA applications are the collection receptacles required. Refer to the supporting document- High-Level Summary of All Part C Application Revisions- for a list of changes:                     *Form Number:*                     CMS-10237 (OMB#: 0938-0935);                     *Frequency:*                     Reporting—Yearly;                     *Affected Public:*                     Business or other for-profits and not-for-profit institutions;                     *Number of Respondents:*                     291;                     *Total Annual Responses:*                     291;                     *Total Annual Hours:*                     9547. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Letticia Ramsey at 410-786-5262. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)                

                    2.                     *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); Application for Cost Plans to Offer Qualified Prescription Drug Coverage; Application for Employer Group Waiver Plans to Offer Prescription Drug Coverage; Service Area Expansion Application for Prescription Drug Coverage;                     *Use:*                     The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit program was established by section 101 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and 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 new Part D, which establishes the voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program (“Part D”). The MMA was amended on July 15, 2008 by the enactment of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).                

                    Coverage for the prescription drug benefit is 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, and Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWP) 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. Refer to supporting document “Summary of Substantive and Technical Changes for All Part D Application Revisions from 2010 Version of Part D application to 2011 Draft Version”:                     *Form Number:*                     CMS-10137 (OMB#: 0938-0936);                     *Frequency:*                     Reporting—Once;                     *Affected Public:*                     Business or other for-profits and Not-for-profit institutions;                     *Number of Respondents:*                     453;                     *Total Annual Responses:*                     453;                     *Total Annual Hours:*      ( print page 50800)                        11,919. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Marla Rothouse at 410-786-8063. 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 E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to                     *Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov,*                     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                     *November 2, 2009.*

OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,

Attention: CMS Desk Officer.

*Fax Number:*                     (202) 395-6974.                

*E-mail: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.*

Dated: September 24, 2009.

Michelle Shortt,

Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.

[FR Doc. E9-23707 Filed 9-30-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4120-01-P