Data collection materials consisting
of beneficiary surveys and interview/discussion group guides are
necessary to conduct the congressionally mandated evaluation of the
Medicare National Competitive Bidding Program (see Medicare
Modernization Act of 2003, Section 302b., and Medicare Improvements
for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, Section 154). Information
about the outcomes of competitive bidding, including expenditures,
access, quality, beneficiary consumer satisfaction, and reductions
in cost-sharing will be generated from these materials and reported
to the Congress.
The initial OMB submission for
this study included a survey of suppliers, which was conducted once
(unsuccessfully) and will not be repeated. The burden for suppliers
is thus diminished. The initial OMB submission for this study
included two waves of beneficiary surveys, one of which was
conducted in 2007 in three CAAs and two comparison areas but must
be repeated in 2010 due to substantial program delays. To provide
for improved sample sizes, we will add two more survey areas (one
CAA and one comparison area) for the remainder of the survey waves.
Thus burden is increased for beneficiaries by the addition of two
more survey areas and decreased due to lower response rate;
combined, these cause a net decrease in burden. The initial OMB
submission for this study included three waves of qualitative data
collection, two involving focus groups and all three involving key
informant interviews. The first wave of qualitative data collection
was conducted in 2007 but must be repeated in 2010 due to
substantial program delays. In addition, we will conduct interviews
with patient advocates and CMS officials during the transition in
early 2011. Burden is increased by adding two more sites for
nonstatistical data and additional interviews during the
transition.
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.
Form CMS-10197 Non-Statistical Data - Private Sector (Informant Discussions)
CMS-10197 PRA supporting statement 3-24-10 REDO_am.doc
CMS-10197 Responsetocomments32610doc.pdf
Non-Statistical Data - Private Sector (Informant Discussions)