Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish a 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 a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; the accuracy of the estimated burden; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by July 25, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

When commenting on the proposed information collections, please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be received by the OMB desk officer via one of the following transmissions: OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: (202) 395-5806 OR, Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.

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 the 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:

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: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Consumer Research Supporting Outreach for Health Insurance Marketplace; Use: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is requesting reapproval for two surveys that aid in understanding levels of awareness and customer service needs associated with the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act. Because the Marketplace will provide coverage to the almost 50 million uninsured in the United States through individual and small employer programs, we have developed one survey to be administered to individual consumers most likely to use the Marketplace and another to be administered to small employers most likely to use the Small Business Health Options portion of the Marketplace. These brief surveys, designed to be conducted quarterly, give CMS the ability to obtain a rough indication of the types of outreach and marketing that will be needed to enhance awareness of and knowledge about the Marketplace for individual and business customers. CMS' biggest customer service need is likely to be providing sufficient education so consumers: (a) Can take advantage of the Marketplace and (b) know how to access CMS' customer service channels. The surveys will provide information on media use, concept awareness, and conceptual or content areas where education for customer service delivery can be improved. Awareness and knowledge gaps are likely to change over time based not only on effectiveness of CMS' marketing efforts, but also of those of state, local, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations. Form Number: CMS-10458 (OMB control number: 0938-1203): Frequency: Quarterly; Affected Public: Individuals or households, Private Sector (business or other for-profits); Number of Respondents: 40,200; Total Annual Responses: 40,200; Total Annual Hours: 2,480. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Frank Funderburk at 410-786-1820.)