This survey is necessary to collect
information on beneficiary access, quality of services, diversity
of product selection, industry competitiveness, and financial
performance from DMEPOS suppliers. These key elements of the
evaluation of Medicare's competitive bidding demonstration cannot
be thoroughly evaluated without a survey of suppliers. The
information will be presented to HCFA and to Congress, who will use
the results to determine whether the demonstration should be
extended to other sites. The respondents will be companies who
supply DMEPOS to Medicare beneficiaries.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.