HHS Seeks Info Collection: Continuation of Data Collection to Support QHP Certification, Other Financial Management, Exchange Operations

WASHINGTON, March 30 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has asked the Office of Management and Budget to approve an extension of information collection entitled "Continuation of Data Collection to Support QHP Certification and other Financial Management and Exchange Operations."

A March 29, 2022, notice published in the Federal Register by William N. Parham, III, director, paperwork reduction staff, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, opens a 30-day public comment period.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term "collection of information" is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment:

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Continuation of Data Collection to Support QHP Certification and other Financial Management and Exchange Operations; Use: As directed by the rule Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans; Exchange Standards for Employers (77 FR 18310) (Exchange rule), each Exchange is responsible for the certification and offering of Qualified Health Plans (QHPs). To offer insurance through an Exchange, a health insurance issuer must have its health plans certified as QHPs by the Exchange. A QHP must meet certain necessary minimum certification standards, such as network adequacy, inclusion of Essential Community Providers (ECPs), and non-discrimination. The Exchange is responsible for ensuring that QHPs meet these minimum certification standards as described in the Exchange rule under 45 CFR 155 and 156, based on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), as well as other standards determined by the Exchange. Issuers can offer individual and small group market plans outside of the Exchanges that are not QHPs. Form Number: CMS-10433 (OMB control number: 0938-1187); Frequency: Annually; Affected Public: Private sector, State, Local, or Tribal Governments, Business or other for-profits; Number of Respondents: 2,925; Number of Responses: 2,925; Total Annual Hours: 71,660. (For questions regarding this collection contact Nikolas Berkobien at (301) 492-4400.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Prepaid Health Plan Cost Report; Use: This Cost Report outlines the provisions for implementing Section 1876 (h) and Section 1833 (a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act. Organizations contracting with the Secretary under Section 1876 and Section 1833 of the Social Security Act provide health services on a prepayment basis to enrolled members and are required to submit adequate cost and statistical data, based on financial records, in order to be reimbursed on reasonable cost basis by CMS. These organizations include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Competitive Medical Plans (CMPs) under Section 1876, in addition to, Health Care Prepayment Plans (HCPPs) under Section 1833. These entities may be collectively referred to as Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). The cost and statistical data is submitted to CMS within the cost report, Form CMS 276 (OMB No.0938-0165). CMS is responsible for the receipt and processing of Form CMS 276. Form CMS 276, provided by CMS as excel worksheets, covers the prescribed format for the cost reports.

The cost report worksheets are designed to be of sufficient flexibility to take into account the diversity of operations, yet provide the necessary cost and statistical information to enable CMS to determine the proper amount of payment to the Plan. Cost-based MCOs must submit through HPMS an annual Budget Forecast, semi-annual interim, and final cost report to CMS, all of which are included in this collection. Additionally, HMOs/CMPs are required to submit fourth quarter interim reports annually to CMS; however, the required submission of 4th quarter interim reports is waived until further notice by CMS. Please note that HCPPs are not required to submit fourth quarter interim reports. Form Number: CMS-276 (OMB control number: 0938-0165); Frequency: Quarterly; Affected Public: Private Sector Number of Respondents: 17; Number of Responses: 51; Total Annual Hours: 1,612. (For questions regarding this collection contact Frank Cisar at 410-786-7553).

Dated: March 24, 2022.

William N. Parham, III,

Director, Paperwork Reduction Staff, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.

[FR Doc. 2022-06591 Filed 3-28-22; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4120-01-P

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Complete text: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/29/2022-06591/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-for-omb-review-comment-request

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