This subpart is based largely on section 1854 of the Act, but also includes provisions from sections 1853 and 1858 of the Act, and is also based on section 1106 of the Act. It sets forth the requirements for the Medicare Advantage bidding payment methodology, including CMS' calculation of benchmarks, submission of plan bids by Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations, establishment of beneficiary premiums and rebates through comparison of plan bids and benchmarks, negotiation and approval of bids by CMS, and the release of MA bid submission data.

Annual MA capitation rate means a county payment rate for an MA local area (county) for a calendar year. The terms “per capita rate” and “capitation rate” are used interchangeably to refer to the annual MA capitation rate.

Low enrollment contract means a contract that could not undertake Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and Health Outcome Survey (HOS) data collections because of a lack of a sufficient number of enrollees to reliably measure the performance of the health plan.

MA local area means a payment area consisting of county or equivalent area specified by CMS.

MA monthly basic beneficiary premium means the premium amount (if any) an MA plan (except an MSA plan) charges an enrollee for basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1), and is calculated as described at § 422.262.

MA monthly MSA premium means the amount of the plan premium for coverage of basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1) through an MSA plan, as set forth at § 422.254(e).

MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium is the MA-PD plan base beneficiary premium, defined at section 1860D-13(a)(2) of the Act, as adjusted to reflect the difference between the plan's bid and the national average bid (as described in § 422.256(c)) less the amount of rebate the MA-PD plan elects to apply, as described at § 422.266(b)(2).

MA monthly supplemental beneficiary premium is the portion of the plan bid attributable to mandatory and/or optional supplemental health care benefits described under § 422.102, less the amount of beneficiary rebate the plan elects to apply to a mandatory supplemental benefit, as described at § 422.266(b)(1).

MA-PD plan means an MA local or regional plan that provides prescription drug coverage under Part D of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

Monthly aggregate bid amount means the total monthly plan bid amount for coverage of an MA eligible beneficiary with a nationally average risk profile for the factors described in § 422.308(c), and this amount is comprised of the following:

(1) The unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount for coverage of basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1).

(2) The amount for coverage of basic prescription drug benefits under Part D (if any).

(3) The amount for provision of supplemental health care benefits (if any).

New MA plan means a MA contract offered by a parent organization that has not had another MA contract in the previous 3 years. For purposes of 2022 quality bonus payments based on 2021 Star Ratings only, new MA plan means an MA contract offered by a parent organization that has not had another MA contract in the previous 4 years.

Plan basic cost sharing means cost sharing that would be charged by a plan for basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1) before any reductions resulting from mandatory supplemental benefits.

Unadjusted MA area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount means, for local MA plans serving one county, the county capitation rate CMS publishes annually that reflects the nationally average risk profile for the risk factors CMS applies to payment calculations as set forth at § 422.308(c) of this part, (that is, a standardized benchmark). For local MA plans serving multiple counties it is the weighted average of county rates in a plan's service area, weighted by the plan's projected enrollment per county. The rules for determining county capitation rates are specific to a time period, as set forth at § 422.258(a). Effective 2012, the MA area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount is called the blended benchmark amount, and is determined according to the rules set forth under § 422.258(d) of this part.

Unadjusted MA region-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount means, for MA regional plans, the amount described at § 422.258(b).

Unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount means a plan's estimate of its average monthly required revenue to provide coverage of basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1) to an MA eligible beneficiary with a nationally average risk profile for the risk factors CMS applies to payment calculations as set forth at § 422.308(c).

(a) General rules. (1) Not later than the first Monday in June, each MA organization must submit to CMS an aggregate monthly bid amount for each MA plan (other than an MSA plan) the organization intends to offer in the upcoming year in the service area (or segment of such an area if permitted under § 422.262(c)(2)) that meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section. With each bid submitted, the MA organization must provide the information required in paragraph (c) of this section and, for plans with rebates as described at § 422.266(a), the MA organization must provide the information required in paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) CMS has the authority to determine whether and when it is appropriate to apply the bidding methodology described in this section to ESRD MA enrollees.

(3) If the bid submission described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section is not complete, timely, or accurate, CMS has the authority to impose sanctions under subpart O of this part or may choose not to renew the contract.

(4) CMS may decline to accept any or every otherwise qualified bid submitted by an MA organization or potential MA organization.

(5) After an MA organization is permitted to begin marketing prospective plan year offerings for the following contract year (consistent with § 422.2263(a)), the MA organization must not change and must provide the benefits described in its CMS-approved plan benefit package (PBP) (as defined in § 422.162) for the following contract year without modification, except where a modification in benefits is required by law. This prohibition on changes applies to cost sharing and premiums as well as benefits.

(b) Bid requirements. (1) The monthly aggregate bid amount submitted by an MA organization for each plan is the organization's estimate of the revenue required for the following categories for providing coverage to an MA eligible beneficiary with a national average risk profile for the factors described in § 422.308(c):

(i) The unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount, which is the MA plan's estimated average monthly required revenue for providing basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1).

(ii) The amount to provide basic prescription drug coverage, if any (defined at section 1860D-2(a)(3) of the Act).

(iii) The amount to provide supplemental health care benefits, if any.

(2) Each bid is for a uniform benefit package for the service area.

(3) Each bid submission must contain all estimated revenue required by the plan, including administrative costs and return on investment.

(i) MA plans offering additional telehealth benefits as defined in § 422.135(a) must exclude any capital and infrastructure costs and investments directly incurred or paid by the MA plan relating to such benefits from their bid submission for the unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) The bid amount is for plan payments only but must be based on plan assumptions about the amount of revenue required from enrollee cost-sharing. The estimate of plan cost-sharing for the unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount for coverage of basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1) must reflect the requirement that the level of cost sharing MA plans charge to enrollees must be actuarially equivalent to the level of cost sharing (deductible, copayments, or coinsurance) charged to beneficiaries under the original Medicare fee-for-service program option. The actuarially equivalent level of cost sharing reflected in a regional plan's unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount does not include cost sharing for out-of-network Medicare benefits, as described at § 422.101(d).

(5) Actuarial valuation. The bid must be prepared in accordance with CMS actuarial guidelines based on generally accepted actuarial principles.

(i) A qualified actuary must certify the plan's actuarial valuation (which may be prepared by others under his or her direction or review).

(ii) To be deemed a qualified actuary, the actuary must be a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

(iii) Applicants may use qualified outside actuaries to prepare their bids.

(c) Information required for coordinated care plans and MA private fee-for-service plans. MA organizations' submission of bids for coordinated care plans, including regional MA plans and specialized MA plans for special needs beneficiaries (described at § 422.4(a)(1)(iv)), and for MA private fee-for-service plans must include the following information:

(1) The plan type for each plan.

(2) The monthly aggregate bid amount for the provision of all items and services under the plan, as defined in § 422.252 and discussed in paragraph (a) of this section.

(3) The proportions of the bid amount attributable to-

(i) The provision of basic benefits as defined in § 422.100(c)(1);

(ii) The provision of basic prescription drug coverage (as defined at section 1860D-2(a)(3) of the Act; and

(iii) The provision of supplemental health care benefits (as defined § 422.102).

(4) The projected number of enrollees in each MA local area used in calculation of the bid amount, and the enrollment capacity, if any, for the plan.

(5) The actuarial basis for determining the amount under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the proportions under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the amount under paragraph (b)(4) of this section, and additional information as CMS may require to verify actuarial bases and the projected number of enrollees.

(6) A description of deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments applicable under the plan and the actuarial value of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

(7) For qualified prescription drug coverage, the information required under section 1860D-11(b) of the Act with respect to coverage.

(8) For the purposes of calculation of risk corridors under § 422.458, MA organizations offering regional MA plans in 2006 and/or 2007 must submit the following information developed using the appropriate actuarial bases.

(i) Projected allowable costs (defined in § 422.458(a)).

(ii) The portion of projected allowable costs attributable to administrative expenses incurred in providing these benefits.

(iii) The total projected costs for providing rebatable integrated benefits (as defined in § 422.458(a)) and the portion of costs that is attributable to administrative expenses.

(9) For regional plans, as determined by CMS, the relative cost factors for the counties in a plan's service area, for the purposes of adjusting payment under § 422.308(d) for intra-area variations in an MA organization's local payment rates.

(d) Beneficiary rebate information. In the case of a plan required to provide a monthly rebate under § 422.266 for a year, the MA organization offering the plan must inform CMS how the plan will distribute the beneficiary rebate among the options described at § 422.266(b).

(e) Information required for MSA plans. MA organizations intending to offer MA MSA plans must submit—

(1) The enrollment capacity (if any) for the plan;

(2) The amount of the MA monthly MSA premium for basic benefits (as defined in § 422.252);

(3) The amount of the plan deductible; and

(4) The amount of the beneficiary supplemental premium, if any.

(f) Separate bids must be submitted for Part A and Part B enrollees and Part B-only enrollees for each MA plan offered.

(a) Authority. Subject to paragraphs (a)(2), (d), and (e) of this section, CMS has the authority to review the aggregate bid amounts submitted under § 422.252 and conduct negotiations with MA organizations regarding these bids (including the supplemental benefits) and the proportions of the aggregate bid attributable to basic benefits, supplemental benefits, and prescription drug benefits and may decline to approve a bid if the plan sponsor proposes significant increases in cost sharing or decreases in benefits offered under the plan.

(1) When negotiating bid amounts and proportions, CMS has authority similar to that provided the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for negotiating health benefits plans under 5 U.S.C. chapter 89.

(2) Noninterference. (i) In carrying out Parts C and D under this title, CMS may not require any MA organization to contract with a particular hospital, physician, or other entity or individual to furnish items and services.

(ii) CMS may not require a particular price structure for payment under such a contract, with the exception of payments to Federally qualified health centers as set forth at § 422.316.

(b) Standards of bid review. Subject to paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, CMS can only accept bid amounts or proportions described in paragraph (a) of this section if CMS determines the following standards have been met:

(1) The bid amount and proportions are supported by the actuarial bases provided by MA organizations under § 422.254.

(2) The bid amount and proportions reasonably and equitably reflects the plan's estimated revenue requirements for providing the benefits under that plan, as the term revenue requirements is used for purposes of section 1302(8) of the Public Health Service Act.

(3) Limitation on enrollee cost sharing. For coordinated care plans (including regional MA plans and specialized MA plans) and private fee-for-service plans:

(i) The actuarial value of plan basic cost sharing, reduced by any supplemental benefits, may not exceed—

(ii) The actuarial value of deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that would be applicable for the benefits to individuals entitled to benefits under Part A and enrolled under Part B in the plan's service area with a national average risk profile for the factors described in § 422.308(c) if they were not members of an MA organization for the year, except that cost sharing for non-network Medicare services in a regional MA plan is not counted under the amount described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section.

(c) Negotiation process. The negotiation process may include the resubmission of information to allow MA organizations to modify their initial bid submissions to account for the outcome of CMS' regional benchmark calculations required under § 422.258(c) and the outcome of CMS' calculation of the national average monthly bid amount required under section 1860D-13(a)(4) of the Act.

(d) Exception for private fee-for-service plans. For private fee-for-service plans defined at § 422.4(a)(3), CMS will not review, negotiate, or approve the bid amount, proportions of the bid, or the amounts of the basic beneficiary premium and supplemental premium.

(e) Exception for MSA plans. CMS does not review, negotiate, or approve amounts submitted with respect to MA MSA plans, except to determine that the deductible does not exceed the statutory maximum, defined at § 422.103(d).

(a) The term “MA area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount” means, for a month in a year:

(1) For MA local plans with service areas entirely within a single MA local area:

(i) For years before 2007, one-twelfth of the annual MA capitation rate (described at § 422.306) for the area, adjusted as appropriate for the purpose of risk adjustment.

(ii) For years 2007 through 2010, one-twelfth of the applicable amount determined under section 1853(k)(1) of the Act for the area for the year, adjusted as appropriate for the purpose of risk adjustment.

(iii) For 2011, one-twelfth of the applicable amount determined under 1853(k)(1) for the area for 2010.

(iv) Beginning with 2012, one-twelfth of the blended benchmark amount described in paragraph (d) of this section, subject to paragraph (d)(8) of this section and adjusted as appropriate for the purpose of risk adjustment.

(2) For MA local plans with service areas including more than one MA local area, an amount equal to the weighted average of amounts described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section for the year for each local area (county) in the plan's service area, using as weights the projected number of enrollees in each MA local area that the plan used to calculate the bid amount, and adjusted as appropriate for the purpose of risk adjustment.

(b) For MA regional plans, the term “MA region-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount” is:

(1) The sum of two components: the statutory component (based on a weighted average of local benchmarks in the region, as described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section; and the plan bid component (based on a weighted average of regional plan bids in the region as described in paragraph (c)(4) of this section).

(2) Announced before November 15 of each year, but after CMS has received the plan bids.

(c) Calculation of MA regional non-drug benchmark amount. CMS calculates the monthly regional non-drug benchmark amount for each MA region as follows:

(1) Reference month. For all calculations that follow, CMS will determine the number of MA eligible individuals in each local area, in each region, and nationally as of the reference month, which is a month in the previous calendar year CMS identifies.

(2) Statutory market share. CMS will determine the statutory national market share percentage as the proportion of the MA eligible individuals nationally who were not enrolled in an MA plan.

(3) Statutory component of the region-specific benchmark. (i) CMS calculates the unadjusted region-specific non-drug amount by multiplying the amount determined under paragraph (a) of this section for the year by the county's share of the MA eligible individuals residing in the region (the number of MA eligible individuals in the county divided by the number of MA eligible individuals in the region), and then adding all the enrollment-weighted county rates to a sum for the region.

(ii) CMS then multiplies the unadjusted region-specific non-drug amount from paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section by the statutory market share to determine the statutory component of the regional benchmark.

(4) Plan-bid component of the region-specific benchmark. For each regional plan offered in a region, CMS will multiply the plan's unadjusted region-specific non-drug bid amount by the plan's share of enrollment (as determined under paragraph (c)(5) of this section) and then sum these products across all plans offered in the region. CMS then multiples this by 1 minus the statutory market share to determine the plan-bid component of the regional benchmark.

(5) Plan's share of enrollment. CMS will calculate the plan's share of MA enrollment in the region as follows:

(i) In the first year that any MA regional plan is being offered in an MA region, and more than one MA regional plan is being offered, CMS will determine each regional plan's share of enrollment based on one of two possible approaches. CMS may base this factor on equal division among plans, so that each plan's share will be 1 divided by the number of plans offered. Alternatively, CMS may base this factor on each regional plan's estimate of projected enrollment. Plan enrollment projections are subject to review and adjustment by CMS to assure reasonableness.

(ii) If two or more regional plans are offered in a region and were offered in the reference month: The plan's share of enrollment will be the number of MA eligible individuals enrolled in the plan divided by the number of MA eligible individuals enrolled in all of the plans in the region, as of the reference month.

(iii) If a single regional plan is being offered in the region: The plan's share of enrollment is equal to 1.

(d) Determination of the blended benchmark amount—(1) General rules. For the purpose of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the term blended benchmark amount for an area for a year means the sum of two components: the applicable amount determined under section 1853(k)(1) of the Act and the specified amount determined under section 1853(n)(2) of Act. The weights for each component are based on the phase-in period assigned each area, as described in paragraphs (d)(8) and (d)(9) of this section. At the conclusion of an area's phase-in period, the blended benchmark for an area for a year equals the section 1853(n)(2) of the Act specified amount described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. The blended benchmark amount for an area for a year (which takes into account paragraph (d)(8) of this section), cannot exceed the applicable amount described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section that would be in effect but for the application of this paragraph.

(2) Applicable amount. For the purpose of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the applicable amount determined under section 1853(k)(1) of the Act for a year is—

(i) In a rebasing year (described at § 422.306(b)(2), an amount equal to the greater of the average FFS expenditure amount at § 422.306(b)(2) for an area for a year and the minimum percentage increase rate at § 422.306(a) for an area for a year.

(ii) In a year when the amounts at § 422.306(b)(2) are not rebased, the minimum percentage increase rate at § 422.306(a) for the area for the year.

(iii) In no case the blended benchmark amount for an area for a year, determined taking into account paragraph (d)(8) of this section, be greater than the applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section for an area for a year.

(iv) Paragraph (d) of this section does not apply to the PACE program under section 1894 of Act.

(3) Specified amount. For the purpose of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the specified amount under section 1853(n)(2) of the Act is the product of the base payment amount for an area for a year (adjusted as required under § 422.306(c) and (d)) multiplied by the applicable percentage described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section for an area for a year.

(4) Base payment amount. The base payment amount is as follows:

(i) For 2012, the average FFS expenditure amount specified in § 422.306(b)(2), determined for 2012.

(ii) For subsequent years, the average FFS expenditure amount specified in § 422.306(b)(2).

(5) Applicable percentage. Subject to paragraph (d)(7) of this section, the applicable percentage is one of four values assigned to an area based on Secretary's determination of the quartile ranking of the area's average FFS expenditure amount (described at § 422.306(b)(2) and adjusted as required at § 422.306(c) and (d)), relative to this amount for all areas.

(i) For the 50 States or the District of Columbia, a county with an average FFS expenditure amount adjusted under § 422.306(c) and (d) that falls in the—

(A) Highest quartile of such rates for all areas for the previous year receives an applicable percentage of 95 percent;

(B) Second highest quartile of such rates for all areas for the previous year receives an applicable percentage of 100 percent;

(C) Third highest quartile of such rates for all areas for the previous year receives an applicable percentage of 107.5 percent; or

(D) Lowest quartile of such rates for all areas for the previous year receives an applicable percentage of 115 percent.

(ii) To determine the applicable percentages for a territory, the Secretary ranks such areas for a year based on the level of the area's § 422.306(b)(2) amount adjusted under § 422.306(c) and (d), relative to the quartile rankings computed under paragraph (d)(5)(i) of this section.

(6) Additional rules for determining the applicable percentage. (i) In a contract year when the average FFS expenditure amounts from the previous year were rebased (according to the periodic rebasing requirement at § 422.306(b)(2)), the Secretary must determine an area's applicable percentage based on a quartile ranking of the previous year's rebased FFS amounts adjusted under § 422.306(c) and (d).

(ii) If, for a year after 2012, there is a change in the quartile in which an area is ranked compared to the previous year's ranking, the applicable percentage for the area in the year must be the average of the applicable percentage for the previous year and the applicable percentage that would otherwise apply for the area for the year in the absence of this transitional provision.

(7) Increases to the applicable percentage for quality. Beginning with 2012, the blended benchmark under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section will reflect the level of quality rating at the plan or contract level, as determined by the Secretary. The quality rating for a plan is determined by the Secretary according to a 5-star rating system (based on the data collected under section 1852(e) of the Act) specified in subpart D of this part 422. Specifically, the applicable percentage under paragraph (d)(5) of this section must be increased according to criteria in paragraphs (d)(7)(i) through (v) of this section if the plan or contract is determined to be a qualifying plan or a qualifying plan in a qualifying county for the year.

(i) Qualifying plan. Beginning with 2012, a qualifying plan means a plan that had a quality rating of 4 stars or higher based on the most recent data available for such year. For a qualifying plan, the applicable percentage at paragraph (d)(5) of this section must be increased as follows:

(A) For 2012, by 1.5 percentage points.

(B) For 2013, by 3.0 percentage points.

(C) For 2014 and subsequent years, by 5.0 percentage points.

(ii) Qualifying county. (A) A qualifying county means a county that meets the following three criteria:

(1) Has an MA capitation rate that, in 2004, was based on the amount specified in section 1853(c)(1)(B) of the Act for a Metropolitan Statistical Area with a population of more than 250,000.

(2) Of the MA-eligible individuals residing in the county, at least 25 percent of such individuals were enrolled in MA plans as of December 2009.

(3) Has per capita fee-for-service spending that is lower than the national monthly per capita cost for expenditures for individuals enrolled under the Original Medicare fee-for-service program for the year.

(B) Beginning with 2012, for a qualifying plan serving a qualifying county, the increase to the applicable percentage described at paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section must be doubled for the qualifying county.

(iii) MA organizations that fail to report data as required by the Secretary must be counted as having a rating of fewer than 3.5 stars at the plan or contract level, as determined by the Secretary.

(iv) Application of applicable percentage increases to low enrollment contracts. (A) For 2012, for an MA plan that the Secretary determines is unable to have a quality rating because of low enrollment, the Secretary treats this plan as a qualifying plan under paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section.

(B) For 2013 and subsequent years, the Secretary develops a methodology to apply to MA plans with low enrollment (as defined by the Secretary) to determine whether a low enrollment contract is a qualifying plan.

(v) Application of increases in applicable percentage to new MA plans. A new MA plan (as defined at § 422.252) that meets criteria specified by the Secretary must be treated as a qualifying plan under paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section, except that the applicable percentage must be increased as follows:

(A) For 2012, by 1.5 percentage points.

(B) For 2013, by 2.5 percentage points.

(C) For 2014 and subsequent years, by 3.5 percentage points.

(8) Determination of phase-in period for the blended benchmark amount. For 2012 through 2016, the blended benchmark amount for an area for a year depends on the phase-in period assigned to that area. The Secretary assigns one of three phase-in periods to each area: 2-year, 4 year, or 6 year. The phase-in period assigned to an area is based on the size of the difference between the 2010 applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the projected 2010 benchmark amount defined at paragraph (d)(8)(i) of this section.

(i) The projected 2010 benchmark amount is calculated once for the purpose of determining the phase-in period for an area. It is equal to one-half of the 2010 applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section and one-half of the specified amount at paragraph (d)(3) modified to apply to 2010 (as described in (d)(8)(ii) of this section).

(ii) To assign a phase-in period to an area, the specified amount is modified as if it applies to 2010, and is the product of—

(A) The 2010 base payment amount adjusted as required under § 422.306(c) of this part; and

(B) The applicable percentage determined as if the reference to the “previous year” at paragraph (d)(5) of this section were deemed a reference to 2010 and increased as follows:

(1) The increase at paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section for a qualifying plan in the area is applied as if the reference to a qualifying plan for 2012 were deemed a reference for 2010; and

(2) The increase at paragraph (d)(7)(ii) of this section is applied as if the determination of a qualifying county were made for 2010.

(iii) Two-year phase-in. An area is assigned the 2-year phase-in period if the difference between the applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the projected 2010 benchmark amount at paragraph (d)(8)(i) of this section is less than $30.

(iv) Four-year phase-in. An area is assigned the 4-year phase-in period if the difference between the applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the projected 2010 benchmark amount at paragraph (d)(8)(i) of this section is at least $30 but less than $50.

(v) Six-year phase-in. An area is assigned the 6-year phase-in period if the difference between the applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the projected 2010 benchmark amount at paragraph (d)(8)(i) of this section is at least $50.

(9) Impact of phase-in period on calculation of the blended benchmark amount—(i) Weighting for the 2-year phase-in. (A) For 2012, the blended benchmark is the sum of one-half of the applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section and one-half of the specified amount at paragraph (d)(3) of this section.

(B) For 2013 and subsequent years, the blended benchmark equals the specified amount.

(ii) Weighting for the 4-year phase-in. The blended benchmark is the sum of the applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the specified amount at paragraph (d)(2) of this section in the following proportions:

(A) For 2012, three-fourths of the applicable amount for the area for the year and one-fourth of the specified amount for the area and year.

(B) For 2013, one-half of the applicable amount for the area for the year and one-half of the specified amount for the area and year.

(C) For 2014, one-fourth of the applicable amount for the area for the year and three-fourths of the specified amount for the area and year.

(D) For 2015 and subsequent years, the blended benchmark equals the specified amount for the area and year.

(iii) Weighting for the 6-year phase-in. The blended benchmark is the sum of the applicable amount at paragraph (d)(2) and the specified amount at paragraph (d)(3) of this section in the following proportions:

(A) For 2012, five-sixths of the applicable amount for the area and year and one-sixth of the specified amount for the area and year.

(B) For 2013, two-thirds of the applicable amount for the area and year and one-third of the specified amount for the area and year.

(C) For 2014, one-half of the applicable amount for the area and year and one-half of the specified amount for the area and for year.

(D) For 2015, one-third of the applicable amount for the area and year and two-thirds of the specified amount for the area and for year.

(E) For 2016, one-sixth of the applicable amount for the area and year and five-sixths of the specified amount for the area and for year.

(F) For 2017 and subsequent years, the blended benchmark equals the specified amount for the area and year.

(a) Scope. The provisions of this section pertain to the administrative review process to appeal quality bonus payment status determinations based on section 1853(o) of the Act. Such determinations are made based on the overall rating for MA-PDs and Part C summary rating for MA-only contracts for the contract assigned under subpart D of this part.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

Quality bonus payment (QBP) means—

(i) Enhanced CMS payments to MA organizations based on the organization's demonstrated quality of its Medicare contract operations; or

(ii) Increased beneficiary rebate retention allowances based on the organization's demonstrated quality of its Medicare contract operations.

Quality bonus payment (QBP) determination methodology means the quality ratings system specified in subpart D of this part 422 for assigning quality ratings to provide comparative information about MA plans and evaluating whether MA organizations qualify for a QBP. (Low enrollment contracts and new MA plans are defined in § 422.252.)

Quality bonus payment (QBP) status means a MA organization's standing with respect to its qualification to—

(i) Receive a quality bonus payment, as determined by CMS; or

(ii) Retain a portion of its beneficiary rebates based on its quality rating, as determined by CMS.

(c) Administrative review process for QBP status appeals. (1) Reconsideration request. An MA organization may request reconsideration of its QBP status.

(i) The MA organization requesting reconsideration of its QBP status must do so by providing written notice to CMS within 10 business days of the release of its QBP status. The request must specify the given measure(s) in question and the basis for reconsideration such as a calculation error or incorrect data was used to determine the QBP status. Requests are limited to those circumstances where the error could impact an individual measure's value or the overall Star Rating. Based on any corrections, any applicable measure-level Star Ratings could go up, stay the same, or go down. The overall Star Rating also may go up, stay the same, or go down based on any corrections.

(ii) The reconsideration official's decision is final and binding unless a request for an informal hearing is filed in accordance with paragraph (2) of this section.

(2) Informal hearing request. An MA organization may request an informal hearing on the record following the reconsideration official's decision regarding its QBP status.

(i) The MA organization seeking an appeal of the reconsideration official's decision regarding its QBP status must do so by providing written notice to CMS within 10 business days of the issuance of the reconsideration decision. The notice must specify the errors the MA organization asserts that CMS made in making the QBP determination and how correction of those errors could result in the organization's qualification for a QBP or a higher QBP.

(ii) The MA organization may not request an informal hearing of its QBP status unless it has already requested and received a reconsideration decision in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

(iii) The informal hearing request must pertain only to the measure(s) and value(s) in question that precipitated the request for reconsideration.

(iv) The informal hearing is conducted by a CMS hearing officer on the record. The hearing officer receives no testimony, but may accept written statements with exhibits from each party in support of their position in the matter.

(v) The MA organization must prove by a preponderance of evidence that CMS' calculations of the measure(s) and value(s) in question were incorrect. The burden of proof is on the MA organization to prove an error was made in the calculation of the QBP status.

(vi) The hearing officer issues the decision by electronic mail to the MA organization.

(vii) After the hearing officer's decision is issued to the MA organization and the CMS Administrator, the hearing officer's decision is subject to review and modification by the CMS Administrator within 10 business days of issuance. If the Administrator does not review and issue a decision within 10 business days, the hearing officer's decision is final and binding.

(3) Limits to requesting an administrative review. (i) CMS may limit the measures or bases for which a contract may request an administrative review of its QBP status.

(ii) An administrative review cannot be requested for the following: the methodology for calculating the star ratings (including the calculation of the overall star ratings); cut-off points for determining measure thresholds; the set of measures included in the star rating system; and the methodology for determining QBP determinations for low enrollment contracts and new MA plans.

(iii) The MA organization may not request a review based on data inaccuracy for the following data sources:

(A) HEDIS.

(B) CAHPS.

(C) HOS.

(D) Part C and D Reporting Requirements.

(E) PDE.

(F) Medicare Plan Finder pricing files.

(G) Data from the Medicare Beneficiary Database Suite of Systems.

(H) Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MARx) system.

(I) Other Federal data sources.

(4) Designation of a hearing officer. CMS designates a hearing officer to conduct the appeal of the QBP status. The officer must be an individual who did not directly participate in the initial QBP determination.

(d) Reopening of QBP determinations. CMS may, on its own initiative, revise an MA organization's QBP status at any time after the initial release of the QBP determinations through April 1 of each year. CMS may take this action on the basis of any credible information, including the information provided during the administrative review process by a different MA organization, that demonstrates that the initial QBP determination was incorrect. If a contract's QBP determination is reopened as a result of a systemic calculation issue that impacts more than the MA organization that submitted an appeal, the QBP rating for MA organizations that did not appeal will only be updated if it results in a higher QBP rating.

(a) Determination of MA monthly basic beneficiary premium. (1) For an MA plan with an unadjusted statutory non-drug bid amount that is less than the relevant unadjusted non-drug benchmark amount, the basic beneficiary premium is zero.

(2) For an MA plan with an unadjusted statutory non-drug bid amount that is equal to or greater than the relevant unadjusted non-drug benchmark amount, the basic beneficiary premium is the amount by which (if any) the bid amount exceeds the benchmark amount. All approved basic premiums must be charged; they cannot be waived.

(b) Consolidated monthly premiums. Except as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, MA organizations must charge enrollees a consolidated monthly MA premium.

(1) The consolidated monthly premium for an MA plan (other than a MSA plan) is the sum of the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium (if any), the MA monthly supplementary beneficiary premium (if any), and the MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium (if any).

(2) Special rule for MSA plans. For an individual enrolled in an MSA plan offered by an MA organization, the monthly beneficiary premium is the supplemental premium (if any).

(c) Uniformity of premiums—(1) General rule. Except as permitted for supplemental premiums pursuant to § 422.106(d), for MA contracts with employers and labor organizations, the MA monthly bid amount submitted under § 422.254, the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium, the MA monthly supplemental beneficiary premium, the MA monthly prescription drug premium, and the monthly MSA premium of an MA organization may not vary among individuals enrolled in an MA plan (or segment of the plan as provided for local MA plans under paragraph (c)(2) of this section). In addition, the MA organization cannot vary the level of cost-sharing charged for basic benefits or supplemental benefits (if any) among individuals enrolled in an MA plan (or segment of the plan).

(2) Segmented service area option. An MA organization may apply the uniformity requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this section to segments of an MA local plan service area (rather than to the entire service area) as long as such a segment is composed of one or more MA payment areas. The information specified under § 422.254 is submitted separately for each segment. This provision does not apply to MA regional plans.

(d) Monetary inducement prohibited. An MA organization may not provide for cash or other monetary rebates as an inducement for enrollment or for any other reason or purpose.

(e) Timing of payments. The MA organization must permit payments of MA monthly basic and supplemental beneficiary premiums and monthly prescription drug beneficiary premiums on a monthly basis and may not terminate coverage for failure to make timely payments except as provided in § 422.74(b).

(f) Beneficiary payment options. An MA organization must permit each enrollee, at the enrollee's option, to make payment of premiums (if any) under this part to the organization through-

(1) Withholding from the enrollee's Social Security benefit payments, or benefit payments by the Railroad Retirement Board or the Office of Personnel Management, in the manner that the Part B premium is withheld;

(2) An electronic funds transfer mechanism (such as automatic charges of an account at a financial institution or a credit or debit card account);

(3) According to other means that CMS may specify, including payment by an employer or under employment-based retiree health coverage on behalf of an employee, former employee (or dependent), or by other third parties such as a State.

(i) Regarding the option in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, MA organizations may not impose a charge on beneficiaries for the election of this option.

(ii) An enrollee may opt to make a direct payment of premium to the plan.

(g) Prohibition on improper billing of premiums. MA organizations shall not bill an enrollee for a premium payment period if the enrollee has had the premium for that period withheld from his or her Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board or Office of Personnel Management check.

(h) Retroactive collection of premiums. In circumstances where retroactive collection of premium amounts is necessary and the enrollee is without fault in creating the premium arrearage, the Medicare Advantage organization shall offer the enrollee the option of payment either by lump sum, by equal monthly installment spread out over at least the same period for which the premiums were due, or through other arrangements mutually acceptable to the enrollee and the Medicare Advantage organization. For monthly installments, for example, if 7 months of premiums are due, the member would have at least 7 months to repay.

(a) Computation of risk adjusted bids and benchmarks—(1) The risk adjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount is the unadjusted MA statutory non-drug monthly bid amount (defined at § 422.254(b)(1)(i)), adjusted using the factors described in paragraph (c) of this section for local plans and paragraph (e) of this section for regional plans.

(2) The risk adjusted MA area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount is the unadjusted benchmark amount for coverage of basic benefits defined in § 422.100(c)(1) by a local MA plan, adjusted using the factors described in paragraph (c) of this section.

(3) The risk adjusted MA region-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount is the unadjusted benchmark amount for coverage of basic benefits defined in § 422.100(c)(1) by a regional MA plan, adjusted using the factors described in paragraph (e) of this section.

(b) Computation of savings for MA local plans. The average per capita monthly savings for an MA local plan is 100 percent of the difference between the plan's risk-adjusted statutory non-drug monthly bid amount (described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section) and the plan's risk-adjusted area-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount (described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section). Plans with bids equal to or greater than plan benchmarks will have zero savings.

(c) Risk adjustment factors for determination of savings for local plans. CMS will publish the first Monday in April before the upcoming calendar year the risk adjustment factors described in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section determined for the purpose of calculating savings amounts for MA local plans.

(1) For the purpose of calculating savings for MA local plans CMS has the authority to apply risk adjustment factors that are plan-specific average risk adjustment factors, Statewide average risk adjustment factors, or factors determined on a basis other than plan-specific factors or Statewide average factors.

(2) In the event that CMS applies Statewide average risk adjustment factors, the statewide factor for each State is the average of the risk factors calculated under § 422.308(c), based on all enrollees in MA local plans in that State in the previous year. In the case of a State in which no local MA plan was offered in the previous year, CMS will estimate an average and may base this average on average risk adjustment factors applied to comparable States or applied on a national basis.

(d) Computation of savings for MA regional plans. The average per capita monthly savings for an MA regional plan and year is 100 percent of the difference between the plan's risk-adjusted statutory non-drug monthly bid amount (described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section) and the plan's risk-adjusted region-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount (described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section), using the risk adjustment factors described in paragraph (e) of this section. Plans with bids equal to or greater than plan benchmarks will have zero savings.

(e) Risk adjustment factors for determination of savings for regional plans. CMS will publish the first Monday in April before the upcoming calendar year the risk adjustment factors described in paragraph (e)(1)and (e)(2) of this section determined for the purpose of calculating savings amounts for MA regional plans.

(1) For the purpose of calculating savings for MA regional plans, CMS has the authority to apply risk adjustment factors that are plan-specific average risk adjustment factors, Region-wide average risk adjustment factors, or factors determined on a basis other than MA regions.

(2) In the event that CMS applies region-wide average risk adjustment factors, the region-wide factor for each MA region is the average of the risk factors calculated under § 422.308(c), based on all enrollees in MA regional plans in that region in the previous year. In the case of a region in which no regional plan was offered in the previous year, CMS will estimate an average and may base this average on average risk adjustment factors applied to comparable regions or applied on a national basis.

(a) Calculation of rebate. (1) For 2006 through 2011, an MA organization must provide to the enrollee a monthly rebate equal to 75 percent of the average per capita savings (if any) described in § 422.264(b) for MA local plans and § 422.264(d) for MA regional plans.

(2) For 2012 and subsequent years, an MA organization must provide to the enrollee a monthly rebate equal to a specified percentage of the average per capita savings (if any) at § 422.264(b) for MA local plans and § 422.264(d) for MA regional plans. For 2012 and 2013, this percentage is based on a combination of the (a)(1) rule of 75 percent and the (a)(2)(ii) rules that set the percentage based on the plan's quality rating under a 5 star rating system, as determined by the Secretary under § 422.258(d)(7). For 2014 and subsequent years, this percentage is determined based only on the paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section.

(i) Applicable rebate percentage for 2012 and 2013. Subject to paragraphs (a)(2)(iii) and (iv) of this section, the transitional applicable rebate percentage is, for a year, the sum of two amounts as follows:

(A) For 2012. Two-thirds of the old proportion of 75 percent of the average per capita savings; and one-third of the new proportion assigned the plan under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, based on the quality rating specified in § 422.258(d)(7).

(B) For 2013. One-third of the old proportion of 75 percent of the average per capita savings; and two-thirds of the new proportion assigned the plan under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, based on the quality rating at § 422.258(d)(7).

(ii) Final applicable rebate percentage. For 2014 and subsequent years, and subject to paragraphs (a)(2)(iii) and (iv) of this section, the final applicable rebate percentage is as follows:

(A) In the case of a plan with a quality rating under such system of at least 4.5 stars, 70 percent of the average per capita savings;

(B) In the case of a plan with a quality rating under such system of at least 3.5 stars and less than 4.5 stars, 65 percent of the average per capita savings.

(C) In the case of a plan with a quality rating under such system of less than 3.5 stars, 50 percent of the average per capita savings.

(iii) Treatment of low enrollment contracts. For 2012, in the case of a plan described at § 422.258(d)(7)(iv), the plan must be treated as having a rating of 4.5 stars for the purpose of determining the beneficiary rebate amount.

(iv) Treatment of new MA plans. For 2012 or a subsequent year, a new MA plan defined at § 422.252 that meets the criteria specified by the Secretary for purposes of § 422.258(d)(7)(v) must be treated as a qualifying plan under § 422.258(d)(7)(i), except that plan must be treated as having a rating of 3.5 stars for purposes of determining the beneficiary rebate amount.

(b) Form of rebate. The rebate required under this paragraph must be provided by crediting the rebate amount to one or more of the following:

(1) Supplemental health care benefits. MA organizations may apply all or some portion of the rebate for a plan toward payment for non-drug supplemental health care benefits for enrollees as described in § 422.102, which may include the reduction of cost sharing for benefits under original Medicare and additional health care benefits that are not benefits under original Medicare. MA organizations also may apply all or some portion of the rebate for a plan toward payment for supplemental drug coverage described at § 423.104(f)(1)(ii), which may include reduction in cost sharing and coverage of drugs not covered under Part D. The rebate, or portion of rebate, applied toward supplemental benefits may only be applied to a mandatory supplemental benefit, and cannot be used to fund an optional supplemental benefit.

(2) Payment of premium for prescription drug coverage. MA organizations that offer a prescription drug benefit may credit some or all of the rebate toward reduction of the MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium.

(3) Payment toward Part B premium. MA organizations may credit some or all of the rebate toward reduction of the Medicare Part B premium (determined without regard to the application of subsections (b), (h), and (i) of section 1839 of the Act).

(c) Disclosure relating to rebates. MA organizations must disclose to CMS information on the amount of the rebate provided, as required at § 422.254(d). MA organizations must distinguish, for each MA plan, the amount of rebate applied to enhance original Medicare benefits from the amount of rebate applied to enhance Part D benefits.>[70 FR 4725, Jan. 28, 2005, as amended at 76 FR 21567, Apr. 15, 2011]

(a) Definitions. As used in this section-

(1) Amounts incorrectly collected-

(i) Means amounts that-

(A) Exceed the limits approved under § 422.262;

(B) In the case of an MA private fee-for-service plan, exceed the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium or the MA monthly supplemental premium submitted under § 422.262; and

(C) In the case of an MA MSA plan, exceed the MA monthly beneficiary supplemental premium submitted under § 422.262, or exceed permissible cost sharing amounts after the deductible has been met per § 422.103; and

(ii) Includes amounts collected from an enrollee who was believed to be entitled to Medicare benefits but was later found not to be entitled.

(2) Other amounts due are amounts due for services that were—

(i) Emergency, urgently needed services, or other services obtained outside the MA plan; or

(ii) Initially denied but, upon appeal, found to be services the enrollee was entitled to have furnished by the MA organization.

(b) Basic commitments. An MA organization must agree to refund all amounts incorrectly collected from its Medicare enrollees, or from others on behalf of the enrollees, and to pay any other amounts due the enrollees or others on their behalf.

(c) Refund methods—(1) Lump-sum payment. The MA organization must use lump-sum payments for the following:

(i) Amounts incorrectly collected that were not collected as premiums.

(ii) Other amounts due.

(iii) All amounts due if the MA organization is going out of business or terminating its MA contract for an MA plan(s).

(2) Premium adjustment or lump-sum payment, or both. If the amounts incorrectly collected were in the form of premiums, or included premiums as well as other charges, the MA organization may refund by adjustment of future premiums or by a combination of premium adjustment and lump-sum payments.

(3) Refund when enrollee has died or cannot be located. If an enrollee has died or cannot be located after reasonable effort, the MA organization must make the refund in accordance with State law.

(d) Reduction by CMS. If the MA organization does not make the refund required under this section by the end of the contract period following the contract period during which an amount was determined to be due to an enrollee, CMS will reduce the premium the MA organization is allowed to charge an MA plan enrollee by the amounts incorrectly collected or otherwise due. In addition, the MA organization would be subject to sanction under subpart O of this part for failure to refund amounts incorrectly collected from MA plan enrollees.

(a) Terminology. For purposes of this section, the term “MA bid pricing data” means the following information that MA organizations must submit for each MA plan bid for the annual bid submission:

(1) The pricing-related information described at § 422.254(a)(1); and

(2) The information required for MSA plans, described at § 422.254(e).

(b) Release of MA bid pricing data. Subject to paragraph (c) of this section and to the annual timing identified in paragraph (d) of this section, CMS will release to the public MA bid pricing data for MA plan bids accepted or approved by CMS for a contract year under § 422.256. The annual release will contain MA bid pricing data from the final list of MA plan bids accepted or approved by CMS for a contract year that is at least 5 years prior to the upcoming calendar year.

(c) Exclusions from release of MA bid pricing data. For the purpose of this section, the following information is excluded from the data released under paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) For an MA plan bid that includes Part D benefits, the information described at § 422.254(b)(1)(ii), (c)(3)(ii), and (c)(7).

(2) Additional information that CMS requires to verify the actuarial bases of the bids for MA plans for the annual bid submission, as follows:

(i) Narrative information on base period factors, manual rates, cost-sharing methodology, optional supplement benefits, and other required narratives.

(ii) Supporting documentation.

(3) Any information that could be used to identify Medicare beneficiaries or other individuals.

(4) Bid review correspondence and reports.

(d) Timing of data release. CMS will release MA bid pricing data as provided in paragraph (b) of this section on an annual basis after the first Monday in October.