Department of Health and Human Services, Health Care Financing Administration:Medicare Program; Establishment of the Medicare+Choice Program

摘要

Pursuent to section 801(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, this is ourreport on a major rule promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), entitled 'Medicare Program; Establishment of the Medicare+Choice Program' (RIN: 0938-AI29). We received the rule on June 24, 1998. It was published in the Federal Register as a final rule on June 26, 1998. 63 Fed. Reg. 34968. The interim final rule implements provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 which established a new Medicare+Choice (M+C) program that significantly expands the health care options available to Medicare beneficiaries. Under the program, eligible individuals may elect to receive Medicare benefits through enrollment in one of an array of private health plan choices beyond the original Medicare program or the plans now available through managed care organizations under section 1876 of the Social Security Act.