Section 4001 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 added Sections 1851 to the Social Security Act to establish a new Part C of the Medicare Program, known as the Medicare+Choice program. Under this proram every individual entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled under Part B may elect to receive benefits through either the existing Medicare fee-for- service program or a Part C M+C plan. The regulations implementing these sections was published on June 26, 1998. The regulations revising these sections was published on February 17, 1999 and June 29, 2000.
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.