Response to Comment Document

CMS Response to Public Comments Received for CMS-10137
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) received two comments from
stakeholders related to CMS-10137. These are the responses to the comments.
Comment:
A public health student commented they support the updates to the Medicare Prescription
Drug Plans and encourages CMS “to allow straightforward instructions while allowing
small non-profits access to apply.”
Response:
CMS appreciates the comment. Annually, CMS seeks applications from qualified
entities to enter into contracts to offer prescription drug coverage and to expand the
service areas of existing contracts offering prescription drug coverage as described
in the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Final Rule published in the Federal
Register on January 28, 2005 (70 Fed. Reg. 4194). Application materials are
viewable to the public on the www.cms.gov website.
Comment:
One commenter supported CMS’ efforts to standardize a complaint process and simplify
the form for beneficiaries.
Response:
CMS thanks the commenter for their suggestion, but CMS believes the commenter
misunderstands the nature and purpose of the information solicitated in this
collection, which is to gather information from applicants for new or expanded Part
D plans to determine if they are eligible to offer Part D coverage for 2027. This
solicitation does not solicit information on the Part D program or policies generally.