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

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health and Human 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 (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 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 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 February 16, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

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' Website address at website address at https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRA-Listing.html .

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William Parham at (410) 786-4669.

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 without change of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Application for Health Insurance Benefits Under Medicare for Individual with Chronic Renal Disease and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR; Use: Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) have the opportunity to apply for Medicare benefits and obtain premium-free Part A if they meet certain criteria outlined in statute. Sections 226A of the Act authorizes entitlement for Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) if the individual with ESRD files an application for benefits and meets the requisite contributions through one's own employment or the employment of a related individual to meet the statutory definition of a “currently insured” individual outlined in section 214 of the Act. Further, for individuals who meet the requirements for premium-free Part A entitlement, Medicare coverage starts based on the dates in which the individual started dialysis treatment or had a kidney transplant. These statutory provisions are codified at 42 CFR 406.7(c)(3) and 407.13.

The CMS-43 form is used (in conjunction with the CMS-2728, OMB control number 0938-0046) to establish entitlement to Medicare Part A and enrollment in Medicare Part B for individuals with ESRD. Form CMS-43 is only used for initial applications for Medicare by individuals diagnosed with ESRD. Form CMS-2728 provides the medical documentation that the individual has ESRD, and it accompanies Form CMS-43.

Form CMS-43 is completed by the person applying for Medicare or by an SSA representative using information provided by the Medicare enrollee during an in-person interview. The majority of the forms are completed by an SSA representative on behalf of the individual applying for Medicare benefits. Form Number: CMS-43 (OMB control number: 0938-0080); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 20,382; Total Annual Responses: 20,382; Total Annual Hours: 8,560. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Carla Patterson at 410-786-1000.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Identification of Extension Units of Medicare Approved Outpatient Physical Therapy/Outpatient Speech Pathology (OPT/OSP) Providers and Supporting Regulations; Use: Form CMS-381 was developed to ensure that each OPT/OSP extension location at which OPT/OSP providers furnish services, must be reported by the providers to the State Survey Agencies (SAs). Form CMS-381 is completed when: (1) New OPT/OSP providers enter the Medicare program; (2) when existing OPT/OPS providers delete or add a service, or close or add an extension location; or, (3) when existing OPT/OSP providers are recertified by the State Survey Agency every 6 years. Form Number: CMS-381 (OMB control number: 0938-0273); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private Sector; Business or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 2,083; Total Annual Responses: 443; Total Annual Hours: 111. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Caroline Gallaher at 410-786-8705.)