[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 197 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 54721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-27515]



[[Page 54721]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration
[HCFA-1099-N]
RIN 0528-AJ21


Medicare Program; October 28, 1998, Meeting of the Competitive 
Pricing Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces a public meeting of the Competitive 
Pricing Advisory Committee (the CPAC) on October 28, 1998. Section 4012 
of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 requires the Secretary of the 
Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to create the 
CPAC. The CPAC meets periodically and makes recommendations to the 
Secretary concerning the designation of areas for inclusion in the 
Medicare+Choice competitive pricing demonstration project and suggests 
appropriate research designs for implementing the project.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for October 28, 1998, from 9 a.m. until 
5:30 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West 
Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

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 will terminate on December 31, 
2004.
    The CPAC held its first meeting on May 7, 1998, its second meeting 
on June 24 and 25, 1998, and its third meeting on September 23 and 24, 
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, 
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 a discussion and preliminary selection of 
demonstration sites, development of evaluation questions and data 
requirements, and recommendations for Area Advisory Committee 
discussions.
    Individuals or organizations that wish to make 5-minute oral 
presentations on the agenda issues should contact Lu Zawistowich, 
Sc.D., CPAC Executive Director, Health Care Financing Administration, 
7500 Security Boulevard C4-14-17, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850, (410) 
786-6451, by 12 noon, October 21, 1998. 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 23, 1998. Anyone who is not scheduled to speak 
may submit written comments to the Executive Director by 12 noon, 
October 23, 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: October 6, 1998.
Nancy-Ann Min DeParle,
Administrator,
Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 98-27515 Filed 10-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P