Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information (including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information) and to allow 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates 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 functions; (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.

DATES:

Comments must be received by August 16, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

When commenting, please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in any one of the following ways:

1. Electronically. You may send your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) that are accepting comments.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number ___, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, you may make your request using one of following:

1. Access CMS' Web site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995.

2. Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov.

3. Call the Reports Clearance Office at (410) 786-1326.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Reports Clearance Office at (410) 786-1326.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Contents

This notice sets out a summary of the use and burden associated with the following information collections. More detailed information can be found in each collection's supporting statement and associated materials (see ADDRESSES).

CMS-10598 Clearance for Evaluation of Stakeholder Training—Health Insurance Marketplace and Market Stabilization Programs

CMS-10605 The Health Insurance Enforcement and Consumer Protections Grant Program Cycle I

Under the 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 requires federal agencies to publish a 60-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.

Information Collection

1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: Clearance for Evaluation of Stakeholder Training—Health Insurance Marketplace and Market Stabilization Programs; Use: CMS is strongly committed to providing appropriate education and technical outreach to States, issuers, self-insured group health plans and third-party administrators (TPA) participating in the Marketplace and/or market stabilization programs mandated by the ACA. CMS continues to engage with stakeholders in the Marketplace to obtain input through Satisfaction Surveys following Stakeholder Training events. The survey results will help to determine stakeholders' level of satisfaction with trainings, identify any issues with training and technical assistance delivery, clarify stakeholders' needs and preferences, and define best practices for training and technical assistance. Forms being utilized for the 2017 Stakeholder Events have already been developed. CMS will continue to modify, enhance and develop forms for future years based on feedback from Stakeholders. Form Number: CMS-10598 (OMB Control No. 0938-NEW); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private Sector; Number of Respondents: 32,912; Number of Responses: 32,912; Total Annual Hours: 8,228. (For questions regarding this collection contact Sonia Henderson at 301-492-4320).

2. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: The Health Insurance Enforcement and Consumer Protections Grant Program; Use: Section 1003 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) adds a new section 2794 to the PHS Act entitled, “Ensuring That Consumers Get Value for Their Dollars.” Specifically, section 2794(a) requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) (HHS), in conjunction with the States, to establish a process for the annual review of health insurance premiums to protect consumers from unreasonable rate increases. Section 2794(c) directs the Secretary to carry out a program to award grants to States. Section 2794(c)(2)(B) specifies that any appropriated Rate Review Grant funds that are not fully obligated by the end of FY 2014 shall remain available to the Secretary for grants to States for planning and implementing the insurance market reforms and consumer protections under Part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act). States that apply for funds are required to complete the grant application. States that are awarded funds under this funding opportunity are required to provide the CMS with four quarterly reports, and one annual report per year (except for the last year of the grant) until the end of the grant period detailing the state's progression towards planning and/or implementing the market reforms under Part A of Title XXVII of the PHS Act. A final report is due at the end of the grant period. Form Number: CMS-10605 (OMB control number: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Annually and Quarterly; Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 20; Total Annual Responses: 100; Total Annual Hours: 3,120. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Jim Taing at (301) 492-4182).