Meetings: Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee,

[Federal Register: September 8, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 173)]

[Notices]

[Page 47513-47514]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr08se98-90]

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration

[HCFA-1046-N]

RIN 0938-AJ14

Medicare Program; September 23 and 24, 1998, 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. This meeting is open to the public.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for September 23, 1998, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and September 24, 1998, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Crystal City, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lu Zawistowich, Sc.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 of the BBA requires the Secretary to appoint a Competitive Pricing Advisory Committee (the CPAC). The CPAC will meet periodically to 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 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. In accordance with section 4012(a)(5) of the BBA, the CPAC shall terminate on December 31, 2004.

The CPAC held its first meeting on May 7, 1998, and its second meeting on June 24 and 25, 1998. 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, CEO and Senior Actuary, PM-Squared Inc.; Dave Durenberger, Senior Health Policy Fellow, University of St. Thomas and Founder of Public Policy Partners; Gary Goldstein, M.D., CEO, The Oschner Clinic; Samuel Havens, Healthcare Consultant and Chairman of Health Scope/ United; Margaret Jordan, Healthcare Consultant and CEO, The Margaret Jordan Group; Chip Kahn, CEO, The Health Insurance Association of America; Cleve Killingsworth, President, Health Alliance Plan; Nancy Kichak, Director, Office of Actuaries, Office of Personnel Management; Len Nichols, Principal Research Associate, The Urban Institute; Robert Reischauer,

[[Page 47514]]

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.

The agenda will include observations and points of view on the previous competitive pricing demonstration initiative in Denver from the health plan, provider, employer, beneficiary, and HCFA perspectives. The CPAC will discuss all of the major competitive pricing demonstration design issues and select options that it determines are appropriate for the demonstrations authorized under section 4011 of the BBA.

Individuals or organizations that wish to make 5-minute oral presentations on the agenda issues should contact the Executive Director by 12 noon, September 16, 1998, 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, September 18, 1998. Anyone who is not scheduled to speak may submit written comments to the Executive Director by 12 noon, September 18, 1998. The 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: August 22, 1998. Nancy-Ann Min DeParle, Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.

[FR Doc. 98-24018Filed9-4-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4120-01-P