ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 1874. [42 U.S.C. 1395kk] (a) Except as otherwise provided in this title and in the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974^[298], the insurance programs established by this title shall be administered by the Secretary. The Secretary may perform any of his functions under this title directly, or by contract providing for payment in advance or by way of reimbursement, and in such installments, as the Secretary may deem necessary.

(b) The Secretary may contract with any person, agency, or institution to secure on a reimbursable basis such special data, actuarial information, and other information as may be necessary in the carrying out of his functions under this title.

(c) In the course of any hearing, investigation, or other proceeding that he is authorized to conduct under this title, the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations.

(d)[299]Inclusion of Medicare Providers and Suppliers in Federal Payment Levy and Administrative Offset Program.—

(1) In general.—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall take all necessary steps to participate in the Federal Payment Levy Program under section 6331(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as soon as possible and shall ensure that—

(A) at least 50 percent of all payments under parts A and B are processed through such program beginning within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section;

(B) at least 75 percent of all payments under parts A and B are processed through such program beginning within 2 years after such date; and

(C) all payments under parts A and B are processed through such program beginning not later than September 30, 2011.

(2) Assistance.—The Financial Management Service and the Internal Revenue Service shall provide assistance to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure that all payments described in paragraph (1) are included in the Federal Payment Levy Program by the deadlines specified in that subsection.

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^[298]  P.L. 75-162 [as amended by P.L. 93-445].

^[299]  P.L. 110-275, §189(a), added subsection (d), effective July 15. 2008.