[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 112 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 32019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15600]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration
[HCFA-1043-N]


Medicare Program; June 24 and 25, 1998, Meeting of the 
Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the Competitive 
Pricing Advisory Committee. This meeting is open to the public.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for June 24, 1998 from 9:00 a.m. until 
5:30 p.m. and for June 25, 1998 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Bethesda Ramada Hotel and 
Conference Center, 8400 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lu Zawistowich, Sc.D., Executive 
Director, Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee, Health Care Financing 
Administration, 7500 Security Boulevard C4-14-17, Baltimore, Maryland 
21244-1850, (410) 786-6451.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4011 of the Balanced Budget Act of 
1997, (BBA) (Pub. L. 105-33) requires the Secretary of the Department 
of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish a 
demonstration project under which payments to Medicare+Choice 
organizations in designated areas are determined in accordance with a 
competitive pricing methodology. Section 4012 of the BBA requires the 
Secretary to appoint a Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee (the 
CPAC). The CPAC will meet periodically to make recommendations to the 
Secretary concerning the designation of areas for inclusion in the 
project and appropriate research design for implementing the project.
    The CPAC consists of 15 individuals who are independent actuaries, 
experts in competitive pricing and the administration of the Federal 
Employees Health Benefit Program, and representatives of health plans, 
insurers, employers, unions, and beneficiaries. In accordance with 
section 4012(a)(5) of the Balanced Budget Act, the CPAC shall terminate 
on December 31, 2004.
    The CPAC held its first meeting on May 7, 1998. The CPAC members 
are: James Cubbin, Executive Director, General Motors Health Care 
Initiative; Robert Berenson, M.D., Director, Center for Health Plans 
and Providers, HCFA; John Bertko, CEO and Senior Actuary, PM-Squared 
Inc.; Dave Durenberger, Senior Health Policy Fellow, University of St. 
Thomas and Founder of Public Policy Partners; Gary Goldstein, M.D., 
CEO, The Oschner Clinic; Samuel Havens, Healthcare Consultant and 
Chairman of Health Scope/United; Margaret Jordan, Healthcare Consultant 
and CEO, The Margaret Jordan Group; Chip Kahn, CEO, The Health 
Insurance Association of America; Cleve Killingsworth, President, 
Health Alliance Plan; Nancy Kichak, Director, Office of Actuaries, 
Office of Personnel Management; Len Nichols, Principal Research 
Associate, The Urban Institute; Robert Reischauer, Senior Fellow, The 
Brookings Institute; John Rother, Director, Legislation and Public 
Policy, American Association of Retired Persons; Andrew Stern, 
President, Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO; and Jay 
Wolfson, Director, The Florida Information Center, University of South 
Florida. The Chairperson is James Cubbin and the Co-Chairperson is 
Robert Berenson, M.D.
    The agenda will include description and discussion of private/
public sector experience with competitive pricing, the status of 
quality of care measurements, risk adjustment in the context of 
competitive pricing, and the desired criteria for demonstration site 
selection. The CPAC will also discuss additional information needed 
before selecting the recommended demonstration design.
    Individuals or organizations that wish to make 5-minute oral 
presentations on the agenda issues should contact the Executive 
Director by 12 noon, June 11, 1998, to be scheduled. The number of oral 
presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy of 
the oral remarks should be submitted to the Executive Director no later 
than 12 noon, June 18, 1998. Anyone who is not scheduled to speak may 
submit written comments to the Executive Director by 12:00 noon, June 
18, 1998. The meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited 
to the space available.

(Section 4012 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105-33 (42 
U.S.C. 1395w-23 note) and section 10(a) Pub. L. 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App.2, 
section 10(a))

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773, 
Medicare--Hospital Insurance; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare--
Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)

    Dated: June 4, 1998.
Nancy-Ann Min DeParle,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 98-15600 Filed 6-8-98; 2:43 pm]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P