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)