(a) Statutory basis. The regulations in this subpart implement section 1876 of the Act, which authorizes Medicare payment to HMOs and CMPs that contract with CMS to furnish covered services to Medicare beneficiaries.

(b) Scope. (1) This subpart sets forth the requirements an HMO or CMP must meet in order to enter into a contract with CMS under section 1876 of the Act. It also specifies the procedures that CMS follows to evaluate applications and make determinations.

(2) The rules for payment to HMOs and CMPs are set forth in subparts N, O, and P of this part.

(3) The rules for HCPP participation in Medicare under section 1833(a)(1)(A) of the Act are set forth in subpart U of this part.