Medicare Advantage (MA) Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are required to submit Models of Care (MOCs) as a component of the MA application process. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all SNPs be approved by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This approval is based on NCQAâs evaluation of SNPs using MOC scoring guidelines developed by CMS and NCQA for the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The MOC elements cover the following areas: MOC 1- Description of the SNP Population; MOC 2 - Care Coordination; MOC 3 - Provider Network; and MOC 4 - Quality Measurement & Performance Improvement.
SNPs submit a MOC at time of their initial application and based on their scores, SNPs receive an approval for a period of 1, 2 or 3 years. After the approval period expires, SNPs are required to submit an updated MOC for review for their renewal process. CMS is also developing a MOC off-cycle revision process so that SNPs can revise the MOC to modify its processes and strategies for providing care during their MOC approval period. CMS will require that SNPs submit summaries of their MOC revisions to CMS for NCQA evaluation when a SNP makes significant changes to its MOC during the approval period. NCQA will review the summary of changes to verify that the revisions are consistent with the acceptable, high quality standards as included in the original approved MOC. CMS will begin collecting MOCs mid-January 2016 to coincide with the MA Application collection.
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.