In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is not approving the collection at this time.
Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency should provide a summary of all comments related to the information collection requirements contained in the rule and any changes made in response to these comments.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2015
36 Months From Approved
09/30/2015
178
0
178
642
0
642
0
0
0
The Affordable Care Act requires that all qualified health plans (QHPs) offered in the Exchanges provide the essential health benefits (EHB) and be accredited by an accrediting entity that is recognized by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. In order to establish EHB benchmark plans in each State, CMS will collect data from potential default benchmark plan issuers in each State and from States that select their own benchmark. CMS also intends to ask all States for a voluntary submission of their State mandated benefits. This data collection will include: administrative data necessary to identify the plan, all health benefits offered by the plans and associated limits, drug coverage, network type, and plan level enrollment. Finally, we plan to collect submissions from dental plan issuers on whether they intend to apply for certification to participate in the Exchanges as stand-alone plans.
The burden hours have decreased from 642 to 318. CMS is reducing burden on issuers and states by eliminating the submission of reporting instruments. The Department is proposing to employ a simplified approach to selecting an EHB benchmark plan beginning in 2017. The information being requested already exists independently of CMS reporting requirements and therefore, the collection of information has a minimal impact the public. Further, once the information is compiled CMS is asking to receive the requested files via email. The existing ICR assumes burden for 153 respondents (issuers and states). The number of respondents is being reduced from 158 to 51 respondents. The burden related to Dental Plans has risen due to the increase in the number of issuers, from 20 issuers to 175 issuers.
$0
No
No
Yes
No
No
Uncollected
Jamaa Hill 301 492-4190
No
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.