[Federal Register: May 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 97)]
[Notices]               
[Page 27584-27585]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20my99-90]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration
[Document Identifier: HCFA-R-285]

 
Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements 
Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration, HHS.
    In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Health Care Financing 
Administration (HCFA), Department of Health and Human Services, is 
publishing the following summary of proposed collections for public 
comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this 
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, 
including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility 
of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of 
the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology to minimize the information 
collection burden.
    We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the Information 
collections referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of 
section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have 
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following 
requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency 
review because public harm is likely to occur if the information is not 
collected. The beneficiaries affected by this legislation may be 
eligible for free Part A as early as January 1998 if certain 
requirements are met. One of the requirements is that the beneficiary's 
retirement plan or former employer verify specific information before a 
determination can be made regarding whether the beneficiary qualifies 
for free Part A. Until a decision is made, the beneficiary must 
continue to pay the monthly Part A premium of $309.00; therefore, 
causing public harm.
    HCFA is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by 6/
15/99, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and 
recommendations will be accepted from the public if received by the 
individuals designated below by 6/11/99. During this 180-day period, we 
will publish a separate Federal Register notice announcing the 
initiation of an extensive 60-day agency review and public comment 
period on these requirements. We will submit the requirements for OMB 
review and an extension of this emergency approval.
    Type of Information Collection Request: New Collection;
    Title of Information Collection: Request for Retirement Benefit 
Information;
    Form No.: HCFA-R-285 (OMB# 0938-NEW);
    Use: This form will be used to obtain information regarding whether 
a beneficiary is receiving retirement payments based on State or local 
government employment, how long the claimant worked for the State or 
local government employer, and whether the former employer or pension 
plan subsidizes the beneficiary's Part A premium. The purpose in 
collecting this information is to determine and provide those eligible 
beneficiaries, with free Part A Medicare coverage.;
    Frequency: On Occasion;
    Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Government, and Individuals 
or Households;
    Number of Respondents: 1500;
    Total Annual Responses: 1500;
    Total Annual Hours: 375.
    To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms 
for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access HCFA's 
Web Site address at http://www.hcfa.gov/regs/prdact95.htm, or E-mail 
your request, including your address, phone number, to 
Paperwork@hcfa.gov, or call the Reports Clearance Office on (410) 786-
1326.
    Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the 
burden or any other aspect of these collections of Information 
requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these Information 
collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed 
to the designees referenced below, by 6/11/99:

Health Care Financing Administration, Office of Information Services, 
Security and Standards Group, Division of HCFA Enterprise Standards, 
Attention: Dawn Willinghan, Room N2-14-26, 7500 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850
    and
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 
20503, Fax Number: (202) 395-6974 or (202) 395-5167, Attn: Allison 
Herron Eydt, HCFA Desk Officer.


[[Page 27585]]


    Date: May 12, 1999.
John Parmigiani,
Manager, HCFA Office of Information Services, Security and Standards 
Group, Division of HCFA Enterprise Standards.
[FR Doc. 99-12731 Filed 5-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-03-P