[Federal Register: October 14, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 198)] [Notices] [Page 55738] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr14oc99-80] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Care Financing Administration [HCFA-1092-N] Medicare Program; October 29, 1999, Meeting of the Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS. ACTION: Notice of meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee (the CPAC) on October 29, 1999. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish a demonstration project under which payments to Medicare+Choice organizations in designated areas are determined in accordance with a competitive pricing methodology. The BBA requires the Secretary to create the CPAC to make recommendations on demonstration area designation and appropriate research designs for the project. The CPAC meetings are open to the public. DATES: The meeting is scheduled to meet on October 29, 1999, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., e.d.s.t. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Arnold, Ph.D., Executive Director, Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee, Health Care Financing Administration, 7500 Security Boulevard C4-14-17, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850, (410) 786-6451. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4011 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) (Public Law 105-33), requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish a demonstration project under which payments to Medicare+Choice organizations in designated areas are determined in accordance with a competitive pricing methodology. Section 4012(a) of the BBA requires the Secretary to appoint a Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee (the CPAC) to meet periodically and make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the designation of areas for inclusion in the project and appropriate research design for implementing the project. The CPAC has previously met on May 7, 1998, June 24 and 25, 1998, September 23 and 24, 1998, October 28, 1998, January 6, 1999, May 13, 1999, July 22, 1999, and September 16, 1999. The CPAC consists of 15 individuals who are independent actuaries, experts in competitive pricing and the administration of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program, and representatives of health plans, insurers, employers, unions, and beneficiaries. The CPAC members are: James Cubbin, Executive Director, General Motors Health Care Initiative; Robert Berenson, M.D., Director, Center for Health Plans and Providers, HCFA; John Bertko, Actuary Principal, Reden & Anders Ltd.; David Durenberger, Vice President, Public Policy Partners; Gary Goldstein, M.D., Samuel Havens, Healthcare Consultant; Margaret Jordan, Healthcare Consultant; Chip Kahn, President, The Health Insurance Association of America; Cleve Killingsworth, President and CEO, Health Alliance Plan; Nancy Kichak, Director, Office of Actuaries, Office of Personnel Management; Len Nichols, Principal Research Associate, The Urban Institute; Robert Reischauer, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institute; John Rother, Director, Legislation and Public Policy, American Association of Retired Persons; Andrew Stern, President, Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO; and Jay Wolfson, Director, The Florida Information Center, University of South Florida. The chairperson is James Cubbin and the co-chairperson is Robert Berenson, M.D. In accordance with section 4012(a)(5) of the BBA, the CPAC will terminate on December 31, 2004. The agenda for the October 29, 1999, meeting will include the following: A discussion on the status of the Kansas City and Phoenix Area Advisory Committee activities. Reports from the CPAC subcommittees. A review of the current implementation schedules. A discussion of the evaluation of the competitive pricing demonstration. Individuals or organizations that wish to make 5-minute oral presentations on the agenda issues should contact the Executive Director, by 12 noon, October 26, 1999, to be scheduled. The number of oral presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy of the oral remarks should be submitted to the Executive Director, no later than 12 noon, October 27, 1999. Anyone who is not scheduled to speak may submit written comments to the Executive Director, by 12 noon, October 27, 1999. This meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited to the space available. (Section 4012 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105-33 (42 U.S.C.1395w-23 note) and section 10(a) of Public Law 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App.2, section 10(a)) (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773, Medicare--Hospital Insurance; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare-- Supplementary Medical Insurance Program) Dated: October 7, 1999. Michael M. Hash, Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration. [FR Doc. 99-26751 Filed 10-13-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120-01-P