Section 1853(o) of the Social Security
Act requires us to make Quality Bonus Payments (QBPs) to Medicare
Advantage (MA) organizations that achieve performance rating scores
of at least 4 stars under a five star rating system. Beginning in
2012, the star ratings we assign for purposes of QBPs under section
1858(o) of the Act will directly affect the monthly payment amount
MA organizations receive from us under their contracts. In effect,
this information collection request addresses a review process
through which MA organizations may seek review of determinations
governing their star rating ("QBP status") when the MA
organization's rating is less than 4 stars. Regarding the appeals
process, MA organizations have 5 calendar days from the date of
CMS' release of its QBP determinations to request a technical
report from CMS explaining the development of their QBP status. The
technical report will be provided in writing by electronic mail to
the MA organization and CMS within 30 days of CMS' receipt of the
organization's request for the report by the technical report
contractor. If, after reviewing the technical report, the MA
organization believes that CMS was incorrect in its QBP
determination, within 7 calendar days, the MA organization may
request an appeal to be conducted by a hearing officer designated
by CMS. The hearing officer's decision would be final and binding
on both the MA organization and CMS. The hearing officer will be
required to issue his/her decision on or before May 15 of the year
preceding the year in which the plans for which the QBP is to be
applied will be offered.
We have reduced the number of
measures on the form from 36 to 34 (Part C) and from 15 to 14 (Part
D) based on stakeholder feedback about the Star Ratings measures.
On the Part C form, we have removed measures C35 and C36. On the
Part D form, we have removed measure D15. The changes have no
impact on our currently approved 8 hour per response burden
estimate. We have also updated the path to reach the form in HPMS.
We are adjusting our currently approved 200 hour burden estimate (8
hours x 25 contracts) to 160 hours (8 hours x 20 contracts). We are
reducing our total burden estimate based on a lower number of
contracts appealing in the past few years.
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.