CMS has incorporated the following changes to address the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This includes new attestations and data entry fields to reflect Part D policy changes (i.e., new insulin and vaccine benefits and $0 cost sharing in the catastrophic phase) that are required by the IRA, specifically Sections 11101, 11201, 11401, and 11406. CMS is also modernizing the PBP software by migrating from its current client/server based platform to a new web-based module within HPMS. This initiative is critical, as the current platform technically antiquated. The new PBP module will enhance system security, improve the user interface, streamline the bid submission process, increase system performance, and provide greater flexibility to accommodate unique benefit designs.
CMS requires that MA and PDP organizations submit a completed formulary and PBP as part of the annual bidding process. During this process, organizations prepare their proposed plan benefit packages for the upcoming contract year and submit them to CMS for review and approval.
The decrease to burden is attributable to a decrease in the number of reporting organizations from 825 to 785, as well as a decrease in the number of formulary submissions from 519 to 484 and estimated reduction in burden hours for completing the formulary submissions.
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.