Contract with Eligible Medicare Advantage Organization Pursuant to Sections 1851 through 1859 of the Social Security Act for the Operation of a Medicare Advantage Private Fee-For-Service Plan(s)
Exhibit
10.14
Sections
1851 through 1859 of the Social Security Act for the Operation
of
a
Medicare Advantage Private Fee-For-Service Plan(s)
CONTRACT
(#H6499)
Between
Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services (hereinafter referred to as
CMS)
Stone
Harbor Insurance Company
(hereinafter
referred to as the MA Organization)
CMS
and
the MA Organization, an entity which has been determined to be an eligible
Medicare Advantage Organization by the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services under 42 CFR 422.503, agree to the following for the
purposes of sections 1851 through 1859 of the Social Security Act (hereinafter
referred to as the Act):
(NOTE:
Citations indicated in brackets are placed in the text of this contract to
note
the regulatory authority for certain contract provisions. All references
to Part
422 are to 42 CFR Part 422.)
You
must check off AND initial each required Addendum type to reflect the coverage
offered under the H (or R) number associated with this
contract
Addendum
Type
|
Initials
|
|
ü
|
Part
D Addendum
|
TF
|
ü
|
Employer-Only
MA-PD Addendum (800 Series)
|
TF
|
__
|
Employer-Only
MA Only Addendum (800 Series)
|
____
|
__
|
Variances/Waivers
(Provided directly to Demonstration Organizations by CMS)
|
____
|
Article
I
Term
of
Contract
The
term
of this contract shall be from the date of signature by CMS' authorized
representative through December 31, 2007, after which this contract may be
renewed for successive one-year periods in accordance with 42 CFR
422.505(c).
[422.505]
This
contract governs the respective rights and obligations of the parties as
of the
effective date set forth above, and supersedes any prior agreements between
the
MA Organization and CMS as of such date. MA organizations offering Part D
benefits also must execute an Addendum to the Medicare Managed Care Contract
Pursuant to Sections 1860D-1 through 1860D-42 of the Social Security Act
for the
Operation of a Voluntary Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (hereafter the "Part
D
Addendum"). For MA Organizations offering MA-PD plans, the Part D Addendum
governs the rights and obligations of the parties relating to the provision
of
Part D benefits, in accordance with its terms, as of its effective
date.
Article
II
Private
Fee-For-Service Plan
A.
The MA
Organization agrees to operate one or more private fee-for-service plans
(as
defined in
42 CFR
422.4(a)(3)), as described in its final Plan Benefit Package (PBP) bid
submission (benefit
and price bid) proposal as approved by CMS and as attested to in the Medicare
Advantage
Attestation of Benefit Plan and Price, and in compliance with the requirements
of this contract
and applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and policies.
B.
Except
as provided in paragraph (C) of this Article, this contract is deemed to
incorporate any changes
that are required by statute to be implemented during the term of the contract
and any regulations
or policies implementing or interpreting such statutory provisions.
C.CMS
will not implement, other than at the beginning of a calendar year, requirements
under 42 CFR
Part
422 that impose a new significant cost or burden on MA organizations or plans,
unless a
different effective date is required by statute.
[422.521]
Article
III
Functions
To Be Performed By Medicare Advantage Organization
A.
PROVISION OF BENEFITS
1.
The MA
Organization agrees to provide enrollees in each of its MA plans the basic
benefits as required under §422.101 and, to the extent applicable, supplemental
benefits under §422.102 and as established in the MA Organization's final
benefit and price bid proposal as approved by CMS and listed in The MA
Organization Attestation of Benefit Plan and Price, which is attached to
this
contract. The MA Organization agrees to provide access to such benefits as
required under subpart C in a manner consistent with professionally recognized
standards of health care and according to the access standards stated in
§422.114. The MA Organization agrees to
2
provide
post-hospital extended care services, should an MA enrollee elect such coverage,
through a skilled nursing facility according to the requirements of section
1852(1) of the Act and §422.133 . A home skilled nursing facility is a facility
in which an MA enrollee resided at the time of admission to the hospital,
a
facility that provides services through a continuing care retirement community,
or a facility in which the spouse of the enrollee is residing at the time
of the
enrollee's discharge from the hospital, or hospital, or wherever the enrollee
resides immediately before admission for extended care services. [422.133;
422.504(a)(3)] 2.
The MA
Organization shall authorize benefits according to the local medical review
policies (LMRPs) for services provided in geographic areas where the LMRPs
represent an expansion of Medicare coverage policies as compared to national
Medicare coverage policies.
[422.101(b)(2)]
B.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
1.
The MA
Organization agrees to accept new enrollments, make enrollments effective,
process voluntary disenrollments, and limit involuntary disenrollments, as
provided in subpart B of part 422.
2.
The MA
Organization shall comply with the provisions of §422.110 concerning
prohibitions against discrimination in beneficiary enrollment. [422.504(a)(2)]
C.
BENEFICIARY PROTECTIONS
1.
The MA
Organization agrees to comply with all requirements in subpart M of part
422
governing coverage determinations, grievances, and appeals.
[422.504(a)(7)]
2.
The MA
Organization agrees to comply with the confidentiality and enrollee record
accuracy requirements in §422.118.
3.
Beneficiary
Financial Protection.
The MA
Organization agrees to comply with the following requirements:
(a)
Each
MA Organization must adopt and maintain arrangements satisfactory to CMS
to
protect its enrollees from incurring liability for payment of any fees that
are
the legal obligation of the MA Organization. To meet this requirement the
MA
Organization must—
(i)
Ensure that all contractual (including deemed contracts under §422.216) or other
written arrangements with providers prohibit the Organization's providers
from
holding any beneficiary enrollee liable for payment of any fees that are
the
legal obligation of the MA Organization; and
(ii)
Indemnify the beneficiary enrollee for payment of any fees that are the legal
obligation of the MA Organization for services furnished by providers that
do
not contract, or that have not otherwise entered into an agreement with the
MA
Organization, to provide services to the organization's beneficiary enrollees.
This provision does not apply to providers operating under deemed contracts
under §422.216.
[422.504(g)(l)]
(iii)
Ensure that in the MA Organization's terms and conditions of payment to
hospitals, if balance billing is imposed, the hospitals are obligated to
provide
notice to enrollees of their potential liability for services where balance
billing could amount to not less than $500. This notice shall be provided
according to the requirements of§422.216(d)(2).
(b)
The
MA Organization must provide for continuation of enrollee health care
benefits-(i) For all enrollees, for the duration of the contract period for
which CMS payments have been made; and
3
(ii)
For
enrollees who are hospitalized ofi.the date its contract with CMS terminates,
or, in the event of the MA Organization's insolvency, through the date of
discharge. [422.504(g)(2)]
(c)
In
meeting the requirements of this section (C), other than the provider contract
requirements specified in paragraph (C)(3)(a) of this Article, the MA
Organization may use—
(i)
Contractual arrangements;
(ii)
Insurance acceptable to CMS;
(iii)
Financial reserves acceptable to CMS; or
(iv)
Any
other arrangement acceptable to CMS.
[422.504(g)(3)]
D.
PROVIDER PROTECTIONS
1.
The MA
Organization agrees to comply with all applicable provider requirements in
42
CFR Part 422 Subpart E, including provider certification requirements,
anti-discrimination requirements, provider participation and consultation
requirements, the prohibition on interference with provider advice, limits
on
provider indemnification, rules governing payments to providers, and limits
on
physician incentive plans.
[422.504(a)(6)]
2.
Prompt
Payment.
(a)
The
MA Organization must pay 95 percent of "clean claims" within 30 days of receipt
if they are submitted by, or on behalf of, an enrollee of a MA PFFS plan
or are
for claims for services that are not furnished under a written agreement
between
the organization and the provider.
(i)
The
MA Organization must pay interest on clean claims that are not paid within
30
days in accordance with sections 1816(c)(2) and 1842(c)(2) of the
Act.
(ii)
All
other claims from non-contracted providers must be paid or denied within
60
calendar days from the date of the request. [422.520(a)]
(b)
Contracts, deemed contracts, or other written agreements between the MA
Organization and its providers must contain a prompt payment provision, the
terms of which are developed and agreed to by both the MA Organization and
the
relevant provider.
[422.520(b)]
(c)
If
CMS determines, after giving notice and opportunity for hearing, that the
MA
Organization has failed to make payments in accordance with subparagraph
(2)(a)
of this section, CMS may provide—
(i)
For
direct payment of the sums owed to providers; and
(ii)
For
appropriate reduction in the amounts that would otherwise be paid to the
MA
Organization, to reflect the amounts of the direct payments and the cost
of
making those payments.
[422.520(c)]
3.
Payment
Rates:
(a)
The
MA Organization shall make payments to providers according to the requirements
of §422.114.
(b)
CMS
and the MA Organization shall reach agreement, on or before the effective
date
of this contract, on provider payment methodologies, which shall include
provider payment proxies, also described as estimated Original Medicare payment
amounts.
(c)
The
MA Organization agrees to implement revised provider payment schedules on
the
same date that such changes are required of contractors administering the
Original Medicare benefit.
4
(d)
The
MA Organization agrees that it ; shall revise its provider payment schedule
to
reflect the requirements of legislative or regulatory changes made during
the
term of this contract. Also, the MA Organization agrees that CMS may require
the
MA Organization to revise its provider payment schedule if CMS determines
that
the existing schedule does not comply with the provisions of
§422.114(a)(2).
[422.114]
(e)
The
MA Organization agrees that it shall establish and maintain a payment appeal
system under which MA plan providers may have their payment claims reviewed
in
the event that the provider believes he was paid less than he would have
been
paid under Original Medicare. Under such a system, if a provider reasonably
demonstrates that they have not received proper payment, the MA Organization
shall pay the provider the difference between what the provider had received
and
what he would have received under Original Medicare.
(f)
The
MA Organization agrees to make its provider payment schedule available to
the
public in such a manner as to allow providers a reasonable opportunity to
be
informed about payment methodologies under the MA plan. This includes posting
the schedule on a Web site maintained by the Organization.
E.
QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
The
MA
Organization agrees to comply with quality requirements as described in
§422.152(f).
F.
COMPLIANCE PLAN
The
MA
Organization agrees to implement a compliance plan in accordance with the
requirements of §422.503(b)(4)(vi).
(422.503(b)(4)(vi)]
G.
COMPLIANCE DEEMED ON THE BASIS OF ACCREDITATION: CMS may deem the MA
Organization to have met the quality improvement requirements of§1852(e) of the
Act and §422.152, the confidentiality and accuracy of enrollee records
requirements of§1852(h) of the Act and §422.118, the anti-discrimination
requirements of§1852(b) of the Act and §422.110, the access to services
requirements of§1852(d) of the Act and §422.112, the advance directives
requirements of§1852(i) of the Act and §422.128, the provider participation
requirements of § 1852(J) of the Act and 42 CFR Part 422, Subpart F, and the
applicable requirements described in §423.165, if the MA Organization is fully
accredited (and periodically reaccredited) by a private, national accreditation
organization approved by CMS and the accreditation organization used the
standards approved by CMS for the purposes of assessing the MA Organization's
compliance with Medicare requirements. The provisions of §422.156 shall govern
the MA Organization's use of deemed status to meet MA program
requirements.
H.
PROGRAM INTEGRITY
1.
The MA
Organization agrees to provide notice based on best knowledge, information,
and
belief to CMS of any integrity items related to payments from governmental
entities, both federal and state, for healthcare or prescription drug services.
These items include any investigations, legal actions or matters subject
to
arbitration brought involving the MA Organization (or MA Organization's firm
if
applicable) and its subcontractors (excluding contracted network providers),
including any key management or executive staff, or any major shareholders
(5%
or more), by a government agency (state or federal) on matters relating to
payments from governmental entities, both federal and state, for healthcare
and/or prescription drug services.
5
In
providing the notice, the sponsor shall keep the government informed of when
the
integrity item is initiated and when it is closed. Notice should be provided
of
the details concerning any resolution and monetary payments as well as any
settlement agreements or corporate integrity agreements.
2.
The MA
Organization agrees to provide notice based on best knowledge, information,
and
belief to CMS in the event the MA Organization or any of its subcontractors
is
criminally convicted or has a civil judgment entered against it for fraudulent
activities or is sanctioned under any Federal program involving the provision
of
health care or prescription drug services.
I.
MARKETING
1.
The MA
Organization may not distribute any marketing materials, as defined in 42
CFR
422.80(b) and in the Marketing Materials Guidelines for Medicare
Advantage-Prescription Drug Plans and Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare
Marketing Guidelines), unless they have been filed with and not disapproved
by
CMS in accordance with §422.80. The file and use process set out at
§422.80(a)(2) must be used, unless the MA organization notifies CMS that it
will
not use this process.
2.
CMS
and the MA Organization shall agree upon language setting forth the benefits,
exclusions and other language of the Plan. The MA Organization bears full
responsibility for the accuracy of its marketing materials. CMS, in its sole
discretion, may order the MA Organization to print and distribute the agreed
upon marketing materials, in a format approved by CMS. The MA Organization
must
disclose the information to each enrollee electing a plan as outlined in
42
CFR422.111.
3.
The MA
Organization agrees that any advertising material, including that labeled
promotional material, marketing materials, or supplemental literature, shall
be
truthful and not misleading. All marketing materials must include the Contract
number. All membership identification cards must include the Contract number
on
the front of the card.
4.
The MA
Organization must comply with the Medicare Marketing Guidelines, as well
as all
applicable statutes and regulations, including and without limitation Section
1851(h) of the Act and 42 CFR §§422.80, 422.111 and 423.50. Failure to comply
may result in sanctions as provided in 42 CFR Part 422 Subpart 0.
Article
IV
CMS
Payment to MA Organization
A.
The MA
Organization agrees to develop its annual benefit and price bid proposal
and
submit to CMS all required information on premiums, benefits, and cost sharing,
as required under 42 CFR Part 422 Subpart F. [422.504(a)(10)]
B.
Methodology.
CMS
agrees to pay the MA Organization under this contract in accordance with
the
provisions of section 1853 of the Act and 42 CFR Part 422 Subpart
G. [422.504(a)(9)]
6
C.
Attestation of payment data (Attachments A, B, and C).
As
a
condition for receiving a monthly payment under paragraph B of this article,
and
42 CFR Part 422 Subpart G, the MA Organization agrees that its chief executive
officer (CEO), or chief financial officer (CFO), or an individual delegated
with
the authority to sign on behalf of one of these officers, and who reports
directly to such officer, must request payment under the contract on the
forms
attached as Attachment A (enrollment attestation) and Attachment B (risk
adjustment data) hereto which attest to (based
on best knowledge, information and belief, as of the date specified on the
attestation form)
the
accuracy, completeness, and truthfulness of the data identified on these
attachments. The Medicare Advantage Plan Attestation of Benefit Plan and
Price
must be signed and attached to the executed version of this
contract.
1.
Attachment A requires that the CEO, or CFO, or an individual delegated with
the
authority to sign on behalf of one of these officers, and who reports directly
to such officer, must attest based on best knowledge, information, and belief
that each enrollee for whom the MA Organization is requesting payment is
validly
enrolled, or was validly enrolled during the period for which payment is
requested, in an MA plan offered by the MA Organization. The MA Organization
shall submit completed enrollment attestation forms to CMS, or its contractor,
on a monthly basis. (NOTE: The forms included as attachments to this contract
are for reference only. CMS will provide instructions for the completion
and
submission of the forms in separate documents. MA Organizations should not
take
any action on the forms until appropriate CMS instructions become
available.)
2.
Attachment B requires that the CEO, or CFO, or an individual delegated with
the
authority to sign on behalf of one of these officers, and who reports directly
to such officer, must attest
to (based on best knowledge, information and belief, as of the date specified
on
the attestation form)
that the
risk adjustment data it submits to CMS under §422.310 are accurate, complete,
and truthful. The MA Organization shall make annual attestations to this
effect
for risk adjustment data on Attachment B and according to a schedule to be
published by CMS. If such risk adjustment data are generated by a related
entity, contractor, or subcontractor of an MA Organization, such entity,
contractor, or subcontractor must similarly attest
to (based on best knowledge, information, and belief, as of the date specified
on the attestation form)
the
accuracy, completeness, and truthfulness of the data. [422.504(1)]
3.
The
Medicare Advantage Plan Attestation of Benefit Plan and Price (which is attached
hereto) requires that the CEO, CFO, or an individual delegated with the
authority to sign on behalf of one of these officers, and who reports directly
to such officer, must attest (based
on best knowledge, information and belief, as of the date specified on the
attestation form)
that the
information and documentation comprising the bid submission proposal is
accurate, complete, and truthful and fully conforms to the Bid Form and Plan
Benefit Package requirements; and that the benefits described in the
CMS-approved proposal bid submission agree with the benefit package the MA
Organization will offer during the period covered by the proposal bid
submission. This document is being sent separately to the MA Organization
and
must be signed and attached to the executed version of this contract, and
is
incorporated herein by reference.
[422.502(1)]
7
Article
V
MA
Organization Relationship with Related Entities, Contractors, and
Subcontractors
A.
All
references to "contracts" and "contractors" in this Article shall include
deemed
contracts (where applicable) and deemed contract providers (where applicable)
as
defined in §422.216(f).
B.
Notwithstanding any relationship(s) that the MA Organization may have with
related entities, contractors, or subcontractors, the MA Organization maintains
full responsibility for adhering to and otherwise fully complying with all
terms
and conditions of its contract with CMS.
[422.504(i)(l)]
C.
The MA
Organization agrees to require all related entities, contractors, or
subcontractors to agree that—
1.
HHS,
the Comptroller General, or their designees have the right to inspect, evaluate,
and audit any pertinent contracts, books, documents, papers, and records
of the
related entity(s), contractors), or subcontractors) involving transactions
related to this contract; and
2.
HHS,
the Comptroller General, or their designees have the right to inspect, evaluate,
and audit any pertinent information for any particular contract period for
10
years from the final date of the contract period or from the date of completion
of any audit, whichever is later.
[422.504(i)(2)]
D.
The MA
Organization agrees that all contracts or written arrangements into which
the MA
Organization enters with providers, related entities, contractors, or
subcontractors (first tier and downstream entities) shall contain the following
elements:
1.
Enrollee protection provisions that provide—
(a)
Consistent with Article III(C), arrangements that prohibit providers from
holding an enrollee liable for payment of any fees that are the legal obligation
of the MA Organization; and
(b)
Consistent with Article III(C), provision for the continuation of
benefits.
2.
Accountability provisions that indicate that—
(a)
The
MA Organization oversees and is accountable to CMS for any functions or
responsibilities that are described in these standards; and
(b)
The
MA Organization may only delegate activities or functions to a provider,
related
entity, contractor, or subcontractor in a manner consistent with requirements
set forth at paragraph D of this article.
3.
A
provision requiring that any services or other activity performed by a related
entity, contractor or subcontractor in accordance with a contract or written
agreement between the related entity, contractor, or subcontractor and the
MA
Organization will be consistent and comply with the MA Organization's
contractual obligations to CMS.
[422.504(i)(3)]
E.
If any
of the MA Organization's activities or responsibilities under this contract
with
CMS is delegated to other parties, the following requirements apply to any
related entity, contractor, subcontractor, or provider:
1.
Written arrangements must specify delegated activities and reporting
responsibilities.
8
2.
Written arrangements must either provide for revocation of the delegation
activities and reporting requirements or specify other remedies in instances
where CMS or the MA Organization determine that such parties have not performed
satisfactorily.
3.
Written arrangements must specify that the performance of the parties is
monitored by the MA Organization on an ongoing basis.
4.
Written arrangements must specify that either—
(a)
The
credentials of medical professionals affiliated with the party or parties
will
be either reviewed by the MA Organization; or
(b)
The
provider verification process will be reviewed and approved by the MA
Organization and the MA Organization must audit the provider verification
process on an ongoing basis. The provider verification process will consist,
at
a minimum, of ensuring that providers have a state license to operate and
be
eligible for payment by Medicare.
5.
All
contracts or written arrangements must specify that the related entity,
contractor, or subcontractor must comply with all applicable Medicare laws,
regulations, and CMS instructions.
[422.504(i)(4)]
F.
If the
MA Organization delegates selection of the providers, contractors, or
subcontractors to another organization, the MA Organization's written
arrangements with that organization must state that the MA Organization retains
the right to approve, suspend, or terminate any such arrangement.
[422.504(i)(5)]
Article
VI
Records
Requirements
A.
MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
1.
The MA
Organization agrees to maintain for 10 years books, records, documents, and
other
evidence
of accounting procedures and practices that—
(a)
Are
sufficient to do the following:
(i)
Accommodate periodic auditing of the financial records (including data related
to Medicare utilization, costs, and computation of the benefit and price
bid) of
the MA Organization.
(ii)
Enable CMS to inspect or otherwise evaluate the quality, appropriateness
and
timeliness of services performed under the contract, and the facilities of
the
MA Organization.
(iii)
Enable CMS to audit and inspect any books and records of the MA Organization
that pertain to the ability of the organization to bear the risk of potential
financial losses, or to services performed or determinations of amounts payable
under the contract.
(iv)
Properly reflect all direct and indirect costs claimed to have been incurred
and
used in the preparation of the benefit and price bid proposal.
(v)
Establish component rates of the benefit and price bid for determining
additional and supplementary benefits.
(vi)
Determine the rates utilized in setting premiums for State insurance agency
purposes and for other government and private purchasers; and
(b)
Include at least records of the following:
9
(i)
Ownership and operation of the MA Organization's financial, medical, and
other
record keeping systems.
(ii)
Financial statements for the current contract period and ten prior
periods.
(iii)
Federal income tax or informational returns for the current contract period
and
ten prior periods.
(iv)
Asset acquisition, lease, sale, or other action.
(v)
Agreements, contracts (including, but not limitedto
with
related or unrelated prescription drug benefit managers) and
subcontracts.
(vi)
Franchise, marketing, and management agreements.
(vii)
Schedules of charges for the MA Organization's fee-for-service
patients.
(viii)
Matters pertaining to costs of operations.
(ix)
Amounts of income received, by source and payment.
(x)
Cash
flow statements.
(xi)
Any
financial reports filed with other Federal programs or State authorities.
[422.504(d)]
2.
Access
to facilities and records.
The MA
Organization agrees to the following:
(a)
The
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Comptroller General, or
their
designee may evaluate, through inspection or other means—
(i)
The
quality, appropriateness, and timeliness of services furnished to Medicare
enrollees under the contract;
(ii)
The
facilities of the MA Organization; and
(iii)
The
enrollment and disenrollment records for the current contract period and
ten
prior periods.
(b)
HHS,
the Comptroller General, or their designees may audit, evaluate, or inspect
any
books, contracts, medical records, documents, papers, patient care
documentation, and other records of the MA Organization, related entity,
contractor (including deemed contract providers as defined in §422.216(f)),
subcontractor, or its transferee that pertain to any aspect of services
performed, reconciliation of benefit liabilities, and determination of amounts
payable under the contract, or as the Secretary may deem necessary to enforce
the contract.
(c)
The
MA Organization agrees to make available, for the purposes specified in section
(A) of this article, its premises, physical facilities and equipment, records
relating to its Medicare enrollees, and any additional relevant information
that
CMS may require, in a manner that meets CMS record maintenance
requirements.
(d)
HHS,
the Comptroller General, or their designee's right to inspect, evaluate,
and
audit extends through 10 years from the final date of the contract period
or
completion of audit, whichever is later unless-
(i)
CMS
determines there is a special need to retain a particular record or group
of
records for a longer period and notifies the MA Organization at least 30
days
before the normal disposition date;
(ii)
There has been a termination, dispute, or fraud or similar fault by the MA
Organization, in which case the retention may be extended to 10 years from
the
date of any resulting final resolution of the termination, dispute, or fraud
or
similar fault; or
(iii)
HHS, the Comptroller General, or their designee determines that there is
a
reasonable possibility of fraud, in which case they may inspect, evaluate,
and
audit the MA Organization at any time.
[422.504(e)]
10
B.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1.
The MA
Organization shall have an effective procedure to develop, compile, evaluate,
and report to CMS, to its enrollees, and to the general public, at the times
and
in the manner that CMS requires, and while safeguarding the confidentiality
of
the doctor-patient relationship, statistics and other information as described
in the remainder of this section (B).
(422.516(a)]
2.
The MA
Organization agrees to submit to CMS certified financial information that
must
include the following:
(a)
Such
information as CMS may require demonstrating that the organization has a
fiscally sound operation, including:
(i)
The
cost of its operations;
(ii)
A
description, submitted to CMS annually and within 120 days of the end of
the
fiscal year, of significant business transactions (as defined in §422.500)
between the MA Organization and a party in interest showing that the costs
of
the transactions listed in paragraph (2)(a)(v) of this section do not exceed
the
costs that would be incurred if these transactions were with someone who
is not
a party in interest; or
(iii)
If
they do exceed, a justification that the higher costs are consistent with
prudent management and fiscal soundness requirements.
(iv)
A
combined financial statement for the MA Organization and a party in interest
if
either of the following conditions is met:
(aa)
Thirty-five percent or more of the costs of operation of the MA Organization
go
to a party in interest.
(bb)
Thirty-five percent or more of the revenue of a party in interest is from
the MA
Organization.
(422.516(b)]
(v)Requirements
for combined financial statements.
(aa)
The
combined financial statements required by paragraph (2)(a)(iv) must display
in
separate columns the financial information for the MA Organization and each
of
the parties in interest.
(bb)
Inter-entity transactions must be eliminated in the consolidated
column.
(cc)
The
statements must have been examined by an independent auditor in accordance
with
generally accepted accounting principles and must include appropriate opinions
and notes.
(dd)
Upon
written request from the MA Organization showing good cause, CMS may waive
the
requirement that the organization's combined financial statement include
the
financial information required in paragraph (2)(a)(v) with respect to a
particular entity.
[422.516(c)]
(vi)
A
description of any loans or other special financial arrangements the MA
Organization makes with contractors, subcontractors, and related
entities.
(b)
Such
information as CMS may require pertaining to the disclosure of ownership
and
control of the MA Organization.
[422.504(f)(l)(ii)]
(c)
Patterns of utilization of the MA Organization's services.
3.
The MA
Organization agrees to participate in surveys required by CMS and to submit
to
CMS all information that is necessary for CMS to administer and evaluate
the
program and to simultaneously establish and facilitate a process for current
and
prospective beneficiaries to exercise choice in obtaining Medicare services.
This information includes, but is not limited to:
(a)
The
benefits covered under the MA plan;
(b)
The
MA monthly basic beneficiary premium and MA monthly supplemental beneficiary
premium, if any, for the plan.
11
(c)
The
service area and continuation area, if any, of each plan and the enrollment
capacity of each plan;
(d)
Plan
performance indicators for the benefits under the plan including — (i)
Disenrollment rates for Medicare enrollees electing to receive benefits through
the plan
for
the previous 2 years;
(ii)
Information on Medicare enrollee satisfaction;
(iii)
The
patterns of utilization of plan services;
(iv)
The
availability, accessibility, and acceptability of the plan's
services;
(v)
Information on health outcomes and other performance measures required by
CMS;
(vi)
The
recent record regarding compliance of the plan with requirements of this
part,
as determined
by CMS; and
(vii)
Other information determined by CMS to be necessary to assist
beneficiariesin
making
an
informed choice among MA plans and traditional Medicare;
(e)
Information about beneficiary appeals and their disposition;
(f)
Information regarding all formal actions, reviews, findings, or other similar
actions by States, other regulatory bodies, or any other certifying or
accrediting organization;
(g)
Any
other information deemed necessary by CMS for the administration or evaluation
of the Medicare program. [422.504(f)(2)]
4.
The MA
Organization agrees to provide to its enrollees and upon request, to any
individual eligible to elect an MA plan, all informational requirements under
§422.64 and, upon an enrollee's, request, the financial disclosure information
required under §422.516.
[422.504(f)(3)]
5.
Reporting
and disclosure under ERISA.
(a)
For
any employees' health benefits plan that includes an MA Organization in its
offerings, the MA Organization must furnish, upon request, the information
the
plan needs to fulfill its reporting and disclosure obligations (with respect
to
the MA Organization) under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974
(ERISA).
(b)
The
MA Organization must furnish the information to the employer or the employer's
designee, or to the plan administrator, as the term "administrator" is defined
in ERISA. [422.516(d)]
6.
Electronic
communication.
The MA
Organization must have the capacity to communicate with CMS
electronically.
[422.504(b)]
7.
Risk
Adjustment data. The MA Organization agrees to comply with the requirements
in
§422.310 for submitting risk adjustment data to CMS.
[422.504(a)(8)]
Article
VII
Renewal
of the MA Contract
X.
Xxxxxxx
of contract:
In
accordance with §422.505, following the initial contract period, this contract
is renewable annually only if-
(1)
The
MA Organization has not provided CMS with a notice of intention not to renew;
[422.506(a)]
12
(2)
CMS
and the MA Organization reach'."agreement on the bid under 42 CFR Part 422
Subpart F; and
[422.505(d)]
(3)
CMS
informs the MA Organization that it authorizes a renewal.
B.
Nonrenewal of contract
(1)
Nonrenewal by the Organization.
(a)
In
accordance with §422.506, the MA Organization may elect not to renew its
contract with CMS as of the end of the term of the contract for any reason,
provided it meets the time frames for doing so set forth in subparagraphs
(b)
and (c) of this paragraph.
(b)
If
the MA Organization does not intend to renew its contract, it must
notify—
(i)
CMS,
in writing, by the first Monday in June of the year in which the contract
would
end, pursuant to §422.506;
(ii)
Each
Medicare enrollee, at least 90 days before the date on which the nonrenewal
is
effective. This notice must include a written description of all alternatives
available for obtaining Medicare services within the service area including
alternative MA plans, Medigap options, and original Medicare and prescription
drug plans and must receive CMS approval prior to issuance.
(iii)
The
general public, at least 90 days before the end of the current calendar year,
by
publishing a CMS-approved notice in one or more newspapers of general
circulation in each community located in the MA Organization's service
area.
(c)
CMS
may accept a nonrenewal notice submitted after the applicable annual non-renewal
notice deadline if—
(i)
The
MA Organization notifies its Medicare enrollees and the public in accordance
with subparagraph (l)(b)(ii) and (l)(b)(iii) of this section; and
(ii)
Acceptance is not inconsistent with the effective and efficient administration
of the Medicare program.
(d)
If
the MA Organization does not renew a contract under subparagraph (1), CMS
will
not enter into an MA contract with the Organization for 2 years from the
date of
contract separation unless there are special circumstances that warrant special
consideration, as determined by CMS. [422.506(a)]
(2)
CMS
decision not to renew.
(a)
CMS
may elect not to authorize renewal of a contract for any of the following
reasons:
(i)
The
MA Organization's level of enrollment, growth in enrollment, or insufficient
number of contracted providers is determined by CMS to threaten the viability
of
the organization under the MA program and or be an indicator of beneficiary
dissatisfaction with the MA plan(s) offered by the organization.
(ii)
For
any of the reasons listed in §422.510(a) [Article VIII, section (B)(l)(a) of
this contract], which would also permit CMS to terminate the
contract.
(iii)
The
MA Organization has committed any of the acts in §422.752(a) that would support
the imposition of intermediate sanctions or civil money penalties under 42
CFR
Part 422 Subpart 0.
(iv)
The
MA Organization did not submit a benefit and price bid or the benefit and
price
bid was not acceptable.
13
(b)
Notice.
CMS
shall provide notice of "its decision whether to authorize renewal of the
contract as follows:
(i)
To
the MA Organization by May 1 of the contract year, except in the event of
(2)(a)(iv) above, for which notice will be sent by September 1.
(ii)
To
the MA Organization's Medicare enrollees by mail at least 90 days before
the end
of the current calendar year.
(iii)
To
the general public at least 90 days before the end of the current calendar
year,
by publishing a notice in one or more newspapers of general circulation in
each
community or county located in the MA Organization's service area.
(c)
Notice
of appeal rights.
CMS
shall give the MA Organization written notice of its right to reconsideration
of
the decision not to renew in accordance with §422.644. [422.506(b)]
Article
VIII
Modification
or Termination of the Contract
A.
Modification or Termination of Contract by Mutual Consent
1.
This
contract may be modified or terminated at any time by written mutual
consent.
(a)
If
the contract is modified by written mutual consent, the MA Organization must
notify its Medicare enrollees of any changes that CMS determines are appropriate
for notification within time frames specified by CMS. [422.508(a)(2)]
(b)
If
the contract is terminated by written mutual consent, except as provided
in
section (A)(2) of this Article, the MA Organization must provide notice to
its
Medicare enrollees and the general public as provided in section B(2)(b)(ii)
and
B(2)(b)(iii) of this Article.
[422.508(a)(l)]
2.
If
this contract is terminated by written mutual consent and replaced the day
following such termination by a new MA contract, the MA Organization is not
required to provide the notice specified in section B of this article.
[422.508(b)]
B.
Termination of the Contract by CMS or the MA Organization 1. Termination
by CMS.
(a)
CMS
may terminate a contract for any of the following reasons:
(i)
The
MA Organization has failed substantially to carry out the terms of its contract
with CMS.
(ii)
The
MA Organization is carrying out its contract with CMS in a manner that is
inconsistent with the effective and efficient implementation of 42 CFR Part
422.
(iii)
CMS
determines that the MA Organization no longer meets the requirements of 42
CFR
Part 422 for being a contracting organization.
(iv)
There is credible evidence that the MA Organization committed or participated
in
false, fraudulent or abusive activities affecting the Medicare program,
including submission of false or fraudulent data.
(v)
The
MA Organization experiences financial difficulties so severe that its ability
to
make necessary health services available is impaired to the point of posing
an
imminent and serious risk to the health of its enrollees, or otherwise fails
to
make services available to the extent that such a risk to health
exists.
14
(vi)
The
MA Organization substantially fails to comply with the requirements in 42
CFR
Part 422 Subpart M relating to grievances and appeals.
(vii)
The
MA Organization fails to provide CMS with valid risk adjustment data as required
under §422.310 and 423.329(b)(3).
(viii)
The MA Organization substantially fails to comply with the prompt payment
requirements in §422.520.
(ix)
The
MA Organization substantially fails to comply with the service access
requirements in §422.114.
(x)
The
MA Organization fails to comply with the requirements of §422.208 regarding
physician incentive plans.
(xi)
The
MA Organization substantially fails to comply with the marketing requirements
in
§422.80.
(b)
Notice.
If CMS
decides to terminate a contract for reasons other than the grounds specified
in
section (B)(l)(a) above, it will give notice of the termination as
follows:
(i)
CMS
will notify the MA Organization in writing 90 days before the intended date
of
the termination.
(ii)
The
MA Organization will notify its Medicare enrollees of the termination by
mail at
least 30 days before the effective date of the termination.
(iii)
The
MA Organization will notify the general public of the termination at least
30
days before the effective date of the termination by publishing a notice
in one
or more newspapers of general circulation in each community or county located
in
the MA Organization's service area.
(c)
Immediate
termination of contract by CMS.
(i)
For
terminations based on violations prescribed in paragraph (B)(l)(a)(v) of
this
article, CMS will notify the MA Organization in writing that its contract
has
been terminated effective the date of the termination decision by CMS. If
termination is effective in the middle of a month, CMS has the right to recover
the prorated share of the capitation payments made to the MA Organization
covering the period of the month following the contract
termination.
(ii)
CMS
will notify the MA Organization's Medicare enrollees in writing of CMS' decision
to terminate the MA Organization's contract. This notice will occur no later
than 30 days after CMS notifies the plan of its decision to terminate this
contract. CMS will simultaneously inform the Medicare enrollees of alternative
options for obtaining Medicare services, including alternative MA Organizations
in a similar geographic area and original Medicare.
(iii)
CMS
will notify the general public of the termination no later than 30 days after
notifying the MA Organization of CMS' decision to terminate this contract.
This
notice will be published in one or more newspapers of general circulation
in
each community or county located in the MA Organization's service
area.
(d)
Corrective
action plan
(i)
General.
Before
terminating a contract for reasons other than the grounds specified in section
(B)(l)(a)(v) of this article, CMS will provide the MA Organization with
reasonable opportunity, not to exceed time frames specified at 42 CFR Part
422
Subpart N, to develop and receive CMS approval of a corrective action plan
to
correct the deficiencies that are the basis of the proposed
termination.
15
(ii)
Exception.
If a
contract is terminated under section (B)(l)(a)(v) of this article, the MA
Organization will not have the opportunity to submit a corrective action
plan.
(e)
Appeal
rights.
IfCMS
decides to terminate this contract, it will send written notice to the MA
Organization informing it of its termination appeal rights in accordance
with 42
CFR Part 422 SubpartN.
[422.510]
2.
Termination by the MA Organization
(a)
Cause
for termination.
The MA
Organization may terminate this contract if CMS fails to substantially carry
out
the terms of the contract.
(b)
Notice.
The MA
Organization must give advance notice as follows:
(i)
To
CMS, at least 90 days before the intended date of termination. This notice
must
specify the reasons why the MA Organization is requesting contract
termination.
(ii)
To
its Medicare enrollees, at least 60 days before the termination effective
date.
This notice must include a written description of alternatives available
for
obtaining Medicare services within the service area, including alternative
MA
and MA-PD plans, PDP plans, Medigap options, and original Medicare and must
receive CMS approval.
(iii)
To
the general public at least 60 days before the termination effective date
by
publishing a CMS-approved notice in one or more newspapers of general
circulation in each community or county located in the MA Organization's
geographic area.
c)
Effective
date of termination.
The
effective date of the termination will be determined by CMS and will be at
least
90 days after the date CMS receives the MA Organization's notice of intent
to
terminate.
(d)
CMS'
liability.
CMS*
liability for payment to the MA Organization ends as of the first day of
the
month after the last month for which the contract is in effect, but CMS shall
make payments for amounts owed prior to termination but not yet
paid.
(e)
Effect
of termination by the organization.
CMS will
not enter into an agreement with the MA Organization for a period of two
years
from the date the Organization has terminated this contract, unless there
are
circumstances that warrant special consideration, as determined by CMS.
[422.512]
Article
IX
Restrictions
on Use of Data
The
MA
Organization agrees that its use of the data it is authorized to collect
to
carry out the terms of this contract shall be used exclusively for the purpose
of operating its MA private fee-for-service plan. The MA Organization may
not
use data collected under this contract in the operation of any other line
of
business offered by the MA Organization or its related entities, contractors,
or
subcontractors.
16
Article
X
Requirements
of Other Laws and Regulations
A.
The MA
Organization agrees to comply with-
(1)
Federal laws and regulations designed to prevent or ameliorate fraud, waste,
and
abuse, including, but not limited to, applicable provisions of Federal criminal
law, the False Claims Act (31 USC 3729 et seq.), and the anti-kickback statute
(section 1128B(b) of the Act): and
(2)
HIPAA
administrative simplification rules at 45 CFR Parts 160, 162, and 164.
[422.504(h)]
B.
The MA
Organization maintains ultimate responsibility for adhering to and otherwise
fully complying with all terms and conditions of its contract with CMS,
notwithstanding any relationship(s) that the MA organization may have with
related entities, contractors, or subcontractors. [422.504(i)]
C.
In the
event that any provision of this contract conflicts with the provisions of
any
statute or regulation applicable to an MA Organization, the provisions of
the
statute or regulation shall have full force and effect.
Article
XI Severability
The
MA
Organization agrees that, upon CMS' request, this contract will be amended
to
exclude any MA plan or State-licensed entity specified by CMS, and a separate
contract for any such excluded plan or entity will be deemed to be in place
when
such a request is made.
[422.504(k)]
Article
XI Miscellaneous
A.
Definitions. Terms not otherwise defined in this contract shall have the
meaning
given to such terms in 42 CFR Part 422.
B.
Alteration to Original Contract Terms. The MA Organization agrees that it
has
not altered in any way the terms of this contract presented for signature
by
CMS. The MA Organization agrees that any alterations to the original text
the MA
Organization may make to this contract shall not be binding on the
parties.
C.
Approval to Begin Marketing and Enrollment. The MA Organization agrees that
it
must complete CMS operational requirements prior to receiving CMS approval
to
begin Part C marketing and enrollment activities. Such activities include,
but
are not limited to, establishing and successfully testing connectivity with
CMS
systems to process enrollment applications (or contracting with an entity
qualified to perform such functions on the MA Organization's Sponsor's behalf)
and successfully demonstrating capability to submit accurate and timely
price
17
comparison
data. To establish and successfully te'st connectivity, the MA Organization
must,
1)
establish and test physical connectivity to the CMS data center, 2) acquire
user
identifications and
passwords, 3) receive, store, and maintain data necessary to perform enrollments
and send and
receive transactions to and from CMS, and 4) check and receive transaction
status information.
D.
Incorporation of Applicable Addenda. All addenda checked off and initialed
on
the cover sheet
of
this contract by the MA Organization are hereby incorporated by
reference.
18
In
witness whereof, the parties hereby execute this contract. FOR THE MA
ORGANIZATION
Xxxx
X. Xxxxx
Printed
Name
|
President
and CEO
Title
|
/s/
Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Signature
|
9/14/06
Date
|
Stone
Harbor Ins. Co.
Organization
|
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Address
|
FOR
THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxx
Acting
Director
Medicare
Advantage Group
Center
for Beneficiary Choices
|
9/29/06
Date
|
19
ATTACHMENT
A
ATTESTATION
OF ENROLLMENT INFORMATION RELATING TO CMS PAYMENT TO A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
ORGANIZATION
Pursuant
to the contract(s) between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) and (INSERT
NAME OF MA ORGANIZATION),
hereafter referred to as the MA Organization, governing the operation of
the
following Medicare Advantage plans (INSERT
PLAN IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS HERE),
the MA
Organization hereby requests payment under the contract, and in doing so,
makes
the following attestation concerning CMS payments to the MA Organization.
The MA
Organization acknowledges that the information described below directly affects
the calculation of CMS payments to the MA Organization and that
misrepresentations to CMS about the accuracy of such information may result
in
Federal civil action and/or criminal prosecution. This attestation shall
not be
considered a waiver of the MA Organization's right to seek payment adjustments
from CMS based on information or data which does not become available until
after the date the MA Organization submits this attestation.
1.
The MA
Organization has reported to CMS for the month of (INDICATE MONTH AND
YEAR)
all new
enrollments, disenrollments, and changes in enrollees' institutional status
with
respect to the above-stated MA plans. Based on best knowledge, information,
and
belief, all information submitted to CMS in this report is accurate, complete,
and truthful.
2.
The MA
Organization has reviewed the CMS monthly membership report and reply listing
for the month offINDICATE MONTH AND YEAR) for the above-stated MA plans and
has
reported to CMS any discrepancies between the report and the MA Organization's
records. For those portions of the monthly membership report and the reply
listing to which the MA Organization raises no objection, the MA Organization,
through the certifying CEO/CFO, will be deemed to have attested, based on
best
knowledge, information, and belief, as of the date indicated below, to their
accuracy, completeness, and truthfulness.
To
be
signed monthly by CFO
(INDICATE
TITLE [CEO or CFO, or person delegated to sign for either officer])
(INDICATE
MA ORGANIZATION)
20
ATTACHMENT
B
ATTESTATION
OF RISK ADJUSTMENT DATA INFORMATION RELATING TO CMS PAYMENT TO A MEDICARE
ADVANTAGE ORGANIZATION
Pursuant
to the contract(s) between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) and (INSERT
NAME OF MA ORGANIZATION),
hereafter referred to as the MA Organization, governing the operation of
the
following Medicare Advantage plans (INSERT
PLAN IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS HERE),
the MA
Organization hereby requests payment under the contract, and in doing so,
makes
the following attestation concerning CMS payments to the MA Organization.
The MA
Organization acknowledges that the information described below directly affects
the calculation of CMS payments to the MA Organization or additional benefit
obligations of the MA Organization and that misrepresentation to CMS about
the
accuracy of such information may result in Federal civil action and/or criminal
prosecution.
The
MA
Organization has reported to CMS for the period of (INDICATE DATES) all
(INDICATE TYPE OF DATA-INPATIENT
HOSPITAL. OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL. OR PHYSICIAN)
risk
adjustment data available to the MA Organization with respect to the
above-stated MA plans. Based on best knowledge, information, and belief that,
as
of the date indicated below, all information submitted to CMS in this report
is
accurate, complete, and truthful.
To
be
signed monthly by CFO
(INDICATE
TITLE (CEOor
CFO,
or person delegated to sign for either officer])
(INDICATE
MA ORGANIZATION)
21
[SAMPLE
- DO NOT USE
- THIS DOCUMENT WILL BE
SENT
DIRECTLY TO THE MAO THROUGH HPMS] ATTACHMENT
C
-
Medicare Advantage Plan Attestation of Benefit Plan and Price
<Legal
Entity Name>
<Contract
#>
Date:
<XX/XX/XXXX>
I
attest
that the following plan numbers as established in the final Plan Benefit
Package
(PBP) will be operated by the above-stated organization and made available
to
eligible Medicare beneficiaries in the approved service area during program
year
2007.
Plan
ID
|
Segment
ID
|
Version
|
Plan
Name
|
Plan
Type
|
Transaction
Type
|
MA
Premium
|
Part
D Premium
|
CMS
Approval
Date
|
Effective
Date
|
<xxx>
|
<x>
|
<x>
|
<Plan
Name>
|
<Plan
Type>
|
<Transaction
Type>
|
$<Plan
Premium>
|
$<Part
D Premium>
|
<xx/xx/xx>
|
<xx/xx/xx>
|
<xxx>
|
<x>
|
<x>
|
<Plan
Name>
|
<Plan
Type>
|
<Transaction
Type>
|
$<Plan
Premium>
|
$<Part
D Premium>
|
<xx/xx/xx>
|
<xx/xx/xx>
|
<xxx>
|
<x>
|
<x>
|
<Plan
Name>
|
<Plan
Type>
|
<Transaction
Type>
|
$<Plan
Premium>
|
$<Part
D Premium>
|
<xx/xx/xx>
|
<xx/xx/xx>
|
CEO
|
CFO
|
||
<Name
of CEO>
|
Date
|
<Name
of CEO>
|
Date
|
<Title>
|
<Title>
|
||
<Address
1>
|
<Address
1>
|
||
<Address
2>
|
<Address
2>
|
||
<City,
State Zip>
|
<City,
State Zip>
|
||
<Phone
#>
|
<Phone
#>
|
22
ADDENDUM
TO MEDICARE MANAGED CARE CONTRACT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 1860D-1 THROUGH 1860D-42
OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT FOR THE OPERATION OF A VOLUNTARY MEDICARE
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
The
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (hereinafter referred to as "CMS")
and Stone
Harbor Insurance Co. managed
care organization (hereinafter referred to as the MA-PD Sponsor) agree to
amend
the contract (INSERT
"H" OR "R" NUMBER)
governing the MA-PD Sponsor's operation of a Part C plan described in Section
1851(a)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act (hereinafter referred to as "the
Act")
or a Medicare cost plan to include this addendum under which the MA-PD Sponsor
shall operate a Voluntary Medicare Prescription Drug Plan pursuant to sections
1860D-1 through 1860D-42 (with the exception of section 1860D-22 and 1860D-31)
of the Act.
This
addendum is made pursuant to Subpart L of 42 CFR Part 417 (in the case of
cost
plan sponsors offering a Part D benefit) and Subpart K of 42 CFR Part 422
(in
the case of an MA-PD Sponsor offering a Part C plan).
NOTE:
For
purposes of this addendum, unless otherwise noted, reference to an "MA-PD
Sponsor" or "MA-PD Plan" is deemed to include a cost plan sponsor or a MA
private fee-for-service contractor offering a Part D benefit.
1
Article
I
Medicare
Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit
A.
The
MA-PD Sponsor agrees to operate one or more Medicare Voluntary Prescription
Drug
Plans as described in its application and related materials, including but
not
limited to all the attestations contained therein and all supplemental guidance,
for Medicare approval and in compliance with the provisions of this addendum,
which incorporates in its entirety the Solicitation
For Applications for New Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD)
Sponsors, released on January 24. 2006 [applicable
to Medicare Part C contractors] or the Solicitation
for Applications for New
Cost
Plan Sponsors, released on January 24., 2006 [applicable to Medicare cost
plan
contractors] (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the addendum"). The
MA-PD
Sponsor also agrees to operate in accordance with the regulations at 42 CFR
§423.1 through 42 CFR §423.910 (with the exception of Subparts Q, R, and S),
sections 1860D-1 through 1860D-42 (with the exception of sections 1860D-22(a)
and 1860D-31) of the Social Security Act, and the applicable solicitation
identified above, as well as all other applicable Federal statutes, regulations,
and policies. This addendum is deemed to incorporate any changes that are
required by statute to be implemented during the term of this addendum and
any
regulations or policies implementing or interpreting such statutory
provisions.
B.
CMS
agrees to perform its obligations to the MA-PD Sponsor consistent with the
regulations at 42 CFR §423.1 through 42 CFR §423.910 (with the exception of
Subparts Q, R, and S), sections 1860D-1 through 1860D-42 (with the exception
of
sections 1860D-22(a) and 1860D-31) of the Social Security Act, and the
applicable solicitation, as well as all other applicable Federal statutes,
regulations, and policies.
C.
CMS
agrees that it will not implement, other than at the beginning of a calendar
year, regulations under 42 CFR Part 423 that impose new, significant regulatory
requirements on the MA-PD Sponsor. This provision does not apply to new
requirements mandated by statute.
D.
This
addendum is in no way intended to supersede or modify 42 CFR, Parts 417,
422 or
423. Failure to reference a regulatory requirement in this addendum does
not
affect the applicability of such requirements to the MA-PD Sponsor and
CMS.
Article
II
Functions
to be Performed by the MA-PD Sponsor
A.
ENROLLMENT
1.
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to enroll in its MA-PD plan only Part D-eligible
beneficiaries
as they are defined in 42 CFR §423.30(a) and who have elected to enroll in MA-PD
Sponsor's Part Cor
Section
1876 benefit.
2
2.
If the
MA-PD Sponsor is a cost plan- sponsor, the MA-PD Sponsor acknowledges that
its
Section 1876 plan enrollees are not required to elect enrollment in its Part
D
plan.
B.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT
1.
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to provide the required prescription drug coverage as defined
under 42 CFR §423.100 and, to the extent applicable, supplemental benefits as
defined in 42 CFR §423.100 and in accordance with Subpart C of 42 CFR Part 423.
MA-PD Sponsor also agrees to provide Part D benefits as described in the
MA-PD
Sponsor's Part D bid(s) approved each year by CMS (and in the Attestation
of
Benefit Plan and Price, attached hereto).
2.
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to calculate and collect beneficiary Part D premiums in
accordance with 42 CFR §§423.286 and 423.293.
3.
If the
MA-PD Sponsors is a cost plans sponsor, it acknowledge that its Part D benefit
is offered as an optional supplemental service in accordance with 42 CFR
§417.440(b)(2)(ii).
C.
DISSEMINATION OF PLAN INFORMATION
1.
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to provide the information required in 42 CFR
§423.48.
2.
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to disclose information related to Part D benefits to
beneficiaries in the manner and the form specified by CMS under 42 CFR §§423.128
and 423.50 and in the "Marketing Materials Guidelines for Medicare
Advantage-Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PDs) and Prescription Drug Plans
(PDPs)."
3.
MA-PD
Sponsor certifies that all materials it submits to CMS under the File and
Use
Certification authority described in the Marketing Materials Guidelines are
accurate, truthful, not misleading, and consistent with CMS marketing
guidelines.
D.
QUALITY ASSURANCE/UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to operate quality assurance, cost, and utilization management,
medication therapy management programs, and support electronic prescribing
in
accordance with Subpart D of 42 CFR Part 423.
E.
APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to comply with all requirements in Subpart M of 42 CFR Part
423
governing coverage determinations, grievances and appeals, and formulary
exceptions. MA-PD Sponsor acknowledges that these requirements are separate
and
distinct from the appeals and grievances requirements applicable to the MA-PD
Sponsor through the operation of its Part C or cost plan benefits.
3
F.
PAYMENT TO MA-PD SPONSOR
1.
MA-PD
Sponsor and CMS agree that payment paid for Part D services under the addendum
will be governed by the rules in Subpart G of 42 CFR Part 423.
2.
If the
MA-PD Sponsor is participating in the Part D Reinsurance Payment
Demonstration,
described in 70 FR 9360 (Feb. 25, 2005), it affirms that it will not seek
payment under the demonstration for services provided to employer group
enrollees.
G.
BID
SUBMISSION AND REVIEW
If
the
MA-PD Sponsor intends to participate in the Part D program for the future
year,
MA-PD Sponsor agrees to submit a future year's Part D bid, including all
required information on premiums, benefits, and cost-sharing, by the applicable
due date, as provided in Subpart F of 42 CFR Part 423 so that CMS and the
MA-PD
Sponsor may conduct negotiations regarding the terms and conditions of the
proposed bid and benefit plan renewal. MA-PD Sponsor acknowledges that failure
to submit a timely bid under this section may affect the sponsor's ability
to
offer a Part C plan, pursuant to the provisions of 42 CFR
§422.4(c).
H.
COORDINATION WITH OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
1.
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to comply with the coordination requirements with State Pharmacy
Assistance Programs (SPAPs) and plans that provide other prescription drug
coverage as described in Subpart J of 42 CFR Part 423.
2.
MA-PD
Xxxxxxx agrees to comply with Medicare Secondary Payer procedures as stated
in
42 CFR §423.462.
I.
SERVICE AREA AND PHARMACY ACCESS
1.
The
MA-PD Sponsor agrees to provide Part D benefits in the service area for which
it
has been approved by CMS to offer Part C or cost plan benefits utilizing
a
pharmacy network and formulary approved by CMS that meet the requirements
of 42
CFR §423.120.
2.
The
MA-PD Sponsor agrees to ensure adequate access to Part D-covered drugs at
out-
of-network pharmacies according to 42 CFR §423.124.
3.
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to provide benefits by means of point-of-service systems to
adjudicate prescription drug claims in a timely and efficient manner in
compliance with CMS standards, except when necessary to provide access in
underserved areas, I/T/U pharmacies (as defined in 42 CFR §423.100), and
long-term care pharmacies (as defined in 42 CFR §423.100).
4
4.
MA-PD
Xxxxxxx agrees to contract with any pharmacy that meets the MA-PD Xxxxxxx's
reasonable and relevant standard terms and conditions. If MA-PD Sponsor has
demonstrated that it historically fills 98% or more of its enrollees'
prescriptions at pharmacies owned and operated by the MA-PD Sponsor (or presents
compelling circumstances that prevent the sponsor from meeting the 98% standard
or demonstrates that its Part D plan design will enable the sponsor to meet
the
98% standard during the contract year), this provision does not apply to
MA-PD
Sponsor's plan.
5.
The
provisions of 42 CFR §423.120(a) concerning the TRICARE retail pharmacy access
standard do not apply to MA-PD Sponsor if the Sponsor has demonstrated to
CMS
that it historically fills more than 50% of-its enrollees' prescriptions
at
pharmacies owned and operated by the MA-PD Sponsor. MA-PD Sponsors excused
from
meeting the TRICARE standard are required to demonstrate retail pharmacy
access
that meets the requirements of 42 CFR §422.112 for a Part C contractor and 42
CFR §417.416(e) for a cost plan contractor.
J.
COMPLIANCE PLAN/PROGRAM INTEGRITY
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees that it will develop and implement a compliance plan that
applies
to its Part D-related operations, consistent with 42 CFR
§423.504(b)(4)(vi).
K.
LOW-INCOME SUBSIDY
MA-PD
Xxxxxxx agrees that it will participate in the administration of subsidies
for
low-income individuals according to Subpart P of 42 CFR Part 423.
L.
BENEFICIARY FINANCIAL PROTECTIONS
The
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to afford its enrollees protection from liability for payment
of
fees that are the obligation of the MA-PD Sponsor in accordance with 42 CFR
§423.505(g).
M.
RELATIONSHIP WITH RELATED ENTITIES, CONTRACTORS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS
1.
The
MA-PD Sponsor agrees that it maintains ultimate responsibility for adhering
to
and otherwise fully complying with all terms and conditions of this
addendum.
2.
The
MA-PD Sponsor shall ensure that any contracts or agreements with
subcontractors
or agents performing functions on the MA-PD Sponsor's behalf related to the
operation of the Part D benefit are in compliance with 42 CFR
§423.505(i).
5
N.
CERTIFICATION OF DATA THAT DETERMINE PAYMENT
MA-PD
Sponsor must provide certifications in accordance with 42 CFR
§423.505(k).
Article
III
Record
Retention and Reporting Requirements
A.
MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to maintain records and provide access in accordance with
42 CFR
§§423.504(d) and 505(d) and (e).
B.
GENERAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees to submit to information to CMS according to 42 CFR §§423.505(f),
423.514, and the "Final Medicare Part D Reporting Requirements," a document
issued by CMS and subject to modification each program year.
C.
CMS
LICENSE FOR USE OF PLAN FORMULARY
PDP
Sponsor agrees to submit to CMS each plan's formulary information, including
any
changes to its formularies, and hereby grants to the Government!", and any
person or entity who might receive the formulary from the Government,] a
non-exclusive license to use all or any portion of the formulary for any
purpose
related to the administration of the Part D program, including without
limitation publicly distributing, displaying, publishing or reconfiguration
of
the information in any medium, including xxx.xxxxxxxx.xxx, and by any
electronic, print or other means of distribution.
Article
IV
HIPAA
Transactions/Privacy/Security
A.
MA-PD
Xxxxxxx agrees to comply with the confidentiality and enrollee record accuracy
requirements specified in 42 CFR §423.136.
B.
MA-PD
Xxxxxxx agrees to enter into a business associate agreement with the entity
with
which CMS has contracted to track Medicare beneficiaries' true out-of-pocket
costs.
6
Article
V
Addendum
Term and Renewal
A.
TERM
OF ADDENDUM
This
addendum is effective from the date of CMS' authorized representative's
signature through December 31, 2007. This addendum shall be renewable for
successive one-year periods thereafter according to 42 CFR §423.506. MA-PD
Sponsor shall not conduct Part D-related marketing activities prior to October
1, 2006 and shall not process enrollment applications prior to November 15,
2006. MA-PD Sponsor shall begin delivering Part D benefit services on January
1,
2007.
B.
QUALIFICATION TO RENEW ADDENDUM
1.
In
accordance with 42 CFR §423.507, the MA-PD Sponsor will be determined qualified
to renew this addendum annually only if—
(a)
CMS
informs the MA-PD Sponsor that it is qualified to renew its addendum;
and
(b)
The
MA-PD Sponsor has not provided CMS with a notice of intention not to renew
in
accordance with Article VII of this addendum.
2.
Although MA-PD Sponsor may be determined qualified to renew its addendum
under
this Article, if the MA-PD Sponsor and CMS cannot reach agreement on the
Part D
bid under Subpart F of 42 CFR Part 423, no renewal takes place, and the failure
to reach agreement is not subject to the appeals provisions in Subpart N
of 42
CFR Parts 422 or 423. (Refer to Article XI for consequences of non-renewal
on
the Part C contract and the ability to enter into a Part C
contract.)
Article
VI
Nonrenewal
of Addendum
A.
NONRENEWAL BY THE MA-PD SPONSOR
1.
MA-PD
Sponsor may non-renew this addendum in accordance with 42
CFR423.507(a).
2.
If the
MA-PD Sponsor non-renews this addendum under this Article, CMS cannot enter
into
a Part D addendum with the organization for 2 years unless there are special
circumstances that warrant special consideration, as determined by
CMS.
B.
NONRENEWAL BY CMS
CMS
may
non-renew this addendum under the rules of 42 CFR 423.507(b). (Refer to Article
X for consequences of non-renewal on the Part C contract and the ability
to
enter into a Part C contract.)
7
Article
VII
Modification
or Termination of Addendum by Mutual Consent
This
addendum may be modified or terminated at any time by written mutual consent
in
accordance with 42 CFR 423.508. (Refer to Article X for consequences of
non-renewal on the Part C contract and the ability to enter into a Part C
contract.)
Article
VIII
Termination
of Addendum by CMS
CMS
may
terminate this addendum in accordance with 4-2 CFR 423.509. (Refer to Article
X
for consequences of non-renewal on the Part C contract and the ability to
enter
into a Part C contract.)
Article
IX
Termination
of Addendum by the MA-PD Sponsor
A.
The
MA-PD Sponsor may terminate this addendum only in accordance with 42 CFR
423.510.
B.
CMS
will not enter into a Part D addendum with an organization that has terminated
its addendum within the preceding 2 years unless there are circumstances
that
warrant special consideration, as determined by CMS.
C.
If the
addendum is terminated under section A of this Article, the MA-PD Sponsor
must
ensure the timely transfer of any data or files. (Refer to Article X for
consequences of non-renewal on the Part C contract and the ability to enter
into
a Part C contract.)
Article
X
Relationship
Between Addendum and Part C Contract or 1876 Cost Contract
A.
MA-PD
Sponsor acknowledges that, if it is a Medicare Part C contractor, the
termination or nonrenewal of this addendum by either party may require CMS
to
terminate or non-renew the Sponsor's Part C contract in the event that such
non-renewal or termination prevents the MA-PD Sponsor from meeting the
requirements of 42 CFR §422.4(c), in which case the Sponsor must provide the
notices specified in this contract, as well as the notices specified under
Subpart K of 42 CFR Part 422. MA-PD Sponsor also acknowledges that Article
X.B.
of this addendum may prevent the sponsor from entering into a Part C contract
for two years following an addendum termination or non-renewal where such
non-renewal or termination prevents the MA-PD Sponsor from meeting the
requirements of 42 CFR §422.4(c).
8
B.
The
termination of this addendum by either party shall not, by itself, relieve
the
parties from their obligations under the Part C or cost plan contracts to
which
this document is an addendum.
C.
In the
event that the MA-PD Sponsor's Part C or cost plan contract (as applicable)
is
terminated or nonrenewed by either party, the provisions of this addendum
shall
also terminate. In such an event, the MA-PD Sponsor and CMS shall provide
notice
to enrollees and the public as described in this contract as well as 42 CFR
Part
422, Subpart K or 42 CFR Part 417, Subpart K, as applicable.
Article
XI Intermediate Sanctions
The
MA-PD
Sponsor shall be subject to sanctions and civil monetary penalties, consistent
with Subpart 0 of 42 CFR Part 423.
Article
XII Severability
Severability
of the addendum shall be in accordance with 42 CFR §423.504(e).
Article
XIII Miscellaneous
A.
DEFINITIONS: Terms not otherwise defined in this addendum shall have the
meaning
given such terms at 42 CFR Part 423 or, as applicable, 42 CFR Part 422 or
Part
417.
B.
ALTERATION TO ORIGINAL ADDENDUM TERMS: The MA-PD Sponsor
agrees
that it has not altered in any way the terms of the MA-PD addendum presented
for
signature by CMS. MA-PD Sponsor agrees that any alterations to the original
text
the MA-PD Sponsor may make to this addendum shall not be binding on the
parties.
C.
ADDITIONAL CONTRACT TERMS: The MA-PD Sponsor agree to include in this addendum
other terms and conditions in accordance with 42 CFR §423.505(j).
D.
CMS
APPROVAL TO BEGIN MARKETING AND ENROLLMENT ACTIVITIES:
The
MA-PD
Sponsor agrees that it must complete CMS operational requirements related
to its
Part D benefit prior to receiving CMS approval to begin MA-PD plan marketing
activities relating to its Part D benefit. Such activities include, but are
not
limited to, establishing and successfully testing connectivity with CMS systems
to process enrollment applications (or contracting with an entity qualified
to
perform
9
such
functions on MA-PD Xxxxxxx's behalf) and successfully demonstrating the
capability to submit accurate and timely price comparison data. To establish
and
successfully test connectivity, the PDP Sponsor must, 1) establish and test
physical connectivity to the CMS data center, 2) acquire user identifications
and passwords, 3) receive, store, and maintain data necessary to perform
enrollments and send and receive transactions to and from CMS, and 4) check
and
receive transaction status information.
10
MA-PD
PART D CONTRACT ADDENDUM
In
witness whereof, the parties hereby execute this Addendum.
FOR
THE
MA ORGANIZATION
Xxxx
Xxxxx
|
President
and CEO
|
|
Printed
Name
|
Title
|
|
/s/
Xxxx Xxxxx
|
9-14-06
|
|
Signature
|
Date
|
|
Stone
Harbor Ins. Co.
|
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx-Xxx 0 Xxxxx XX 00000
|
|
Organization
|
Address
|
|
FOR THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID
SERVICES
|
||
/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx
Deputy
Director
Employer
Policy & Operations Group
Center
for Beneficiary Choices
|
Page
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1
PART
C/D BENEFIT PLAJV(S) DESCRIPTION TO BE ATTACHED TO MA
CONTRACT
SECTION
1876/PART D OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT PLAN DESCRIPTION TO BE ATTACHED
TO
SECTION 1876 CONTRACT
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP CONTRACT ADDENDUM
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY
GROUP ADDENDUM TO CONTRACT WITH APPROVED ENTITY PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 1851
THROUGH 1859 AND
1860D-1
THROUGH 1860D-42 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT FOR THE OPERATION OF A MEDICARE
ADVANTAGE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
The
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (hereinafter referred to as "CMS")
and Stone
Harbor Insurance Co.,
a
Medicare Advantage Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "MA
Organization") agree to amend the contract H6499(INSERT
"H" OR "R" NUMBER)
governing the MA Organization's operation of a Medicare Advantage plan described
in section 1851(a)(2)(A) or section 1851(a)(2)(C) of the Social Security
Act
(hereinafter referred to as "the Act"), including all attachments, addenda,
and
amendments thereto, to include the provisions contained in this Addendum
(collectively hereinafter referred to as the "contract"), under which the
MA
Organization shall offer Employer/Union-Only Group MA-PD Plans (hereinafter
referred to as "employer/union-only group MA-PDs") in accordance with the
waivers granted by CMS under section 1857(i) of the Act. The terms of this
Addendum shall only apply to MA-PD plans offered exclusively to
employers/unions.
This
Addendum is made pursuant to Subparts K of 42 CFR Parts 422 and
423.
Page
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10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP CONTRACT ADDENDUM
ARTICLE
I
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY
GROUP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS
A.
MA
Organization agrees to operate one or more employer/union-only group MA-PDs
in
accordance with the terms of the Medicare Advantage contract, this Addendum,
which incorporates in its entirety: either the 2006 Solicitation For
Applications From Prescription Drug Plans released on January 21, 2005 (as
revised on March 9, 2005) or the 2007 Solicitation For Applications For New
Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) Sponsors released on January
27,
2006 (as revised on February 2, 2006), as modified by the 2007 Application
For
Medicare Advantage Organizations To Offer New Employer/Union-Only Group Waiver
Plans (EGWPs) (released on January 27, 2006) (except for requirements
contained-therein that are expressly waived or modified by this Addendum),
all
provisions of Federal statutes, regulations, and policies applicable to MA
Organizations and MA plans (except to the extent any such provisions are
expressly waived or modified by this Addendum); and any employer/union-only
group waiver guidance. MA Organization also agrees to operate one or more
employer/union-only group MA-PDs in accordance with the regulations at 42
CFR
Parts 422 and 423 (with the exception of Subparts Q, R, and S), sections
1851
through 1859 and 1860D-1 through 1860D-42 of the Act (with the exception
of
1860D-22(a) and 1860D-31), and the applicable solicitations/applications,
as
well as all other applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and policies,
including any employer/union-only group waiver guidance.
B.
This
Addendum is deemed to incorporate any changes that are required by statute
to be
implemented during the term of the contract, and any regulations and policies
implementing or interpreting such statutory provisions.
C.
In the
event of any conflict between the employer/union-only group waiver guidance
issued prior to the execution of the contract and this Addendum, the provisions
of this Addendum shall control. In the event of any conflict between the
employer/union-only group waiver guidance issued after the execution of the
contract and this Addendum, the provisions of the employer/union-only group
guidance shall control.
D.
This
Addendum is in no way intended to supersede or modify 42 CFR Parts 422 and
423
or sections 1851 through 1859 and 1860D-1 through D-42 of the Act, except
as
specifically provided in applicable employer/union-only group waiver guidance
and/or in this Addendum. Failure to reference a statutory or regulatory
requirement in this Addendum does not affect the applicability of such
requirement to the MA Organization and CMS.
E.
The
provisions of this Addendum apply to all employer/union-only group MA-PDs
offered by MA Organization under this contract number. In the event of any
conflict between the provisions of this Addendum and any other provision
of the
contract, the terms of this Addendum shall control.
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10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP CONTRACT ADDENDUM
ARTICLE
II
FUNCTIONS
TO BE PERFORMED BY THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ORGANIZATION
A.
PROVISION OF MA BENEFITS
1.
MA
Organization agrees to provide enrollees in each of its employer/union-only
group MA-PDs the basic benefits (hereinafter referred to as "basic benefits")
as
required under 42 CFR §422.101 and, to the extent applicable, supplemental
benefits under 42 CFR §422.102 and as established in the MA Organization's final
benefit and price bid proposal as approved by CMS.
2.
The
requirements in section 1852 of the Act and 42 CFR §422.100(c)(l) pertaining to
the offering of benefits covered under Medicare Part A and in section 1851
of
the Act and 42 CFR §422.50(a)(l) pertaining to who may enroll in an MA-PD are
waived for employer/union-only group MA-PD enrollees who are not entitled
to
Medicare Part A.
3.
For
employer/union-only group MA-PDs offering non-calendar year coverage, MA
Organization may determine basic and supplemental benefits (including
deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, etc.) on a non-calendar year basis subject
to
the following requirements:
(a)
Applications, bids, and other submissions to CMS must be submitted on a calendar
year basis; and
(b)
CMS
payments will be determined on a calendar year basis.
4.
For
employer/union-only group MA-PDs that have a monthly beneficiary rebate
described in 42 CFR §422.266;
(a)
MA
Organization may vary the form of rebate for a particular plan benefit package
so that the total monthly rebate amount may be credited differently for each
employer/union group to whom MA Organization offers the plan benefit package,
with the exception of a rebate credited toward the reduction of the Part
B
premium as stated in XXX.4(b); and
(b)
MA
Organization must:
(i)
ensure Part B premium reductions are the same for all enrollees in a plan
benefit package;
(ii)
ensure that the total monthly rebate amount per enrollee is uniform across
all
employer/union groups within the plan benefit package;
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10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP CONTRACT ADDENDUM
(iii)
ensure that all rebates are accounted for and used only for the purposes
provided in the Act;and
(iv)
retain documentation that supports the use of all of the rebates on a detailed
basis for each employer/union group within the plan benefit package and must
provide access to this documentation in accordance with the requirements
of 42
CFR §422.501.
B.
PROVISION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
1.
(a)
Except as provided in II.B. 1 (b), MA Organization agrees to provide basic
prescription drug coverage, as defined under 42 CFR §423.100, under any
employer/union-only group MA-PD, in accordance with Subpart C of 42 CFR Part
423. MA Organization also agrees to provide Part D benefits under any
employer/union-only group MA-PD as described in MA Organization's bid approved
each year by CMS.
(b)
CMS
agrees that MA Organization will not be subject to the actuarial equivalence
requirement set forth in 42 CFR §423.104(e)(5) with respect to any
employer/union-only group MA-PD and may provide less than the defined standard
coverage between the deductible and initial coverage limit. MA Organization
agrees that its basic prescription drug coverage under any employer/union-only
group MA-PD will satisfy all of the other actuarial equivalence standards
set
forth in 42 CFR §423.104, including but not limited to the requirement set forth
in 42 CFR §423.104(e)(3) that the plan has a total or gross value that is at
least equal to the total or gross value of defined standard
coverage.
(c)
CMS
agrees that nothing in this Addendum prevents MA Organization from offering
benefits in addition to basic prescription drug coverage to employers/unions.
Such additional benefits offered pursuant to private agreements between MA
Organization and employers/unions will be considered non-Medicare Part D
benefits. MA Organization agrees that such additional benefits may not reduce
the value of basic prescription drug coverage (e.g., additional benefits
cannot
impose a cap that would preclude enrollees from realizing the full value
of such
basic prescription drug coverage).
(d)
MA
Organization agrees that enrollees of employer/union-only group MA-PDs shall
not
be charged more than the sum of his or her monthly beneficiary premium
attributable to basic prescription drug coverage and 100% of the monthly
beneficiary premium attributable to his or her supplemental prescription
drug
coverage (if any). MA Organization must pass through the direct subsidy payments
received from CMS to reduce the amount that the beneficiary pays.
Page
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10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP
CONTRACT ADDENDUM
(e)
MA
Organization agrees that any additional non-Medicare Part D benefits offered
to
an employer/union will always pay primary to the subsidies provided by CMS
to
low-income individuals under Subpart P of 42 CFR Part 423 (the "Low-Income
Subsidy"),
2.
MA
Organization agrees enrollees of employer/union-only group MA-PDs will not
be
permitted to make payment of premiums under 42 CFR §423.293(a) through
withholding from the enrollee's Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board,
or
Office of Personnel Management benefit payment.
3.
MA
Organization agrees it shall obtain written agreements from each employer/union
that provide that the employer/union may determine how much of an enrollee's
Part D monthly beneficiary premium it will subsidize, subject to the
restrictions set forth in II.B.3(a) through (e). MA Organization agrees to
retain these written agreements with employers/unions and provide access
to
these written agreements to CMS in accordance with 42 CFR §§423.504(d) and
423.505(d) and (e).
(a)
The
employer/union can subsidize different amounts for different classes of
enrollees in the employer/union-only group MA-PD provided such classes are
reasonable and based on objective business criteria, such as years of service,
date of retirement, business location, job category, and nature of compensation
(e.g., salaried v. hourly). Different classes cannot be based on eligibility
for
the Low Income Subsidy.
(b)
The
employer/union cannot vary the premium subsidy for individuals within a given
class of enrollees.
(c)
The
employer/union cannot charge an enrollee for prescription drug coverage provided
under the plan more than the sum of his or her monthly beneficiary premium
attributable to basic prescription drug coverage and 100% of the monthly
beneficiary premium attributable to his or her supplemental prescription
drug
coverage (if any). The employer/union must pass through direct subsidy payments
received from CMS to reduce the amount that the beneficiary pays.
(d)
For
all enrollees eligible for the Low Income Subsidy, the low income premium
subsidy amount will first be used to reduce the portion of the monthly
beneficiary premium attributable to basic prescription drug coverage paid
by the
enrollee, with any remaining portion of the premium subsidy amount then applied
toward the portion of the monthly beneficiary premium attributable to basic
prescription drug coverage paid by the employer/union.
(e)
If
the low income premium subsidy amount for which an enrollee is eligible is
less
than the portion of the monthly beneficiary premium paid by the enrollee,
then
the employer/union should communicate to the enrollee the financial consequences
for the beneficiary of enrolling in the employer/union-only group
Page
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10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP
CONTRACT ADDENDUM
MA-PD
as
compared to enrolling in another Part D plan with a monthly beneficiary premium
equal to or below the low income premium subsidy amount.
4.
For
non-calendar year employer/union-only group MA-PDs, MA Organization may
determine benefits (including deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, etc.) on
a
non-calendar year basis subject to the following requirements:
(a)
Applications, formularies, bids and other submissions to CMS must be submitted
on a calendar year basis;
(b)
The
employer/union-only group MA-PD must be actuarially equivalent to defined
standard coverage for the portion of its plan year that falls in a given
calendar year. An employer/union-only group MA-PD will meet this standard
if it
is actuarially equivalent for the calendar year in which the plan year starts
and no design change is made for the remainder of the plan year. In no event
can
MA Organization increase during the plan year the annual out-of-pocket
threshold;
(c)
After
an enrollee's incurred costs exceed the annual out-of-pocket threshold, the
employer/union-only group MA-PD must provide coverage that is at least
actuarially equivalent to that provided under standard prescription drug
coverage; eligibility
for such coverage can be determined on a plan year basis.
C.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
1.
MA
Organization agrees to restrict enrollment in an employer/union-only group
MA-PD
to those individuals eligible for the employer's/union's employment-based
group
coverage.
2.
MA
Organization will not be subject to the requirement to offer the employer/union-only
group MA-PD to all Medicare eligible beneficiaries residing in its service
area
as set forth in 42 CFR §422.50.
3.
If an
employer/union elects to enroll individuals eligible for its employer/union-only
group MA-PD through a group enrollment process, MA Organization will not
be
subject to the individual enrollment requirements set forth in 42 CFR §422.60
and §423.32(b). MA Organization agrees that all individuals eligible for its
employer/union-only group MA-PD will be advised that the employer/union
contracting with MA Organization to offer an employer/union-only group MA-PD
(hereinafter referred to as "employer/union") intends to enroll them into
the
plan through a group enrollment process unless the individual affirmatively
opts
out of such enrollment. MA Organization agrees that all such individuals
will be
provided this information at least 30 days prior to the effective date of
the
individual's enrollment in the employer/union-only group MA-PD. MA Organization
agrees the information must include a summary of benefits offered under the
employer/union-only group MA-PD, an explanation of how to get more information
on such plan, and an explanation of how to contact Medicare for
Page
6 of
10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP CONTRACT ADDENDUM
information
on other MA-PD plans that might be available to the individual. In addition,
MA
Organization agrees that all information necessary to effectuate enrollment
must
be submitted electronically to CMS, consistent with CMS
instructions.
D.
BENEFICIARY PROTECTIONS
1.
Except
as provided in II.D.2., CMS agrees that, with respect to any employer/union-only
group MA-PDs, MA Organization will not be subject to the information
requirements set forth in 42 CFR §423.48 and the prior review and approval of
marketing materials and election forms requirements set forth in 42 CFR §422.80
and §423.50. MA Organization will be subject to all other disclosure and
dissemination requirements contained in 42 CFR §422.111, §423.128 and in CMS
guidance, including those requirements contained in the "Medicare Marketing
Materials Guidelines for Medicare Advantage Plans (MAs), Medicare Advantage
Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PDs), Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and 1876
Cost
Plans."
2.
CMS
agrees that the disclosure and dissemination requirements set forth in 42
CFR
§422.111 and §423.128 will not apply with respect to any employer/union-only
group MA-PD when the employer/union is subject to alternative disclosure
requirements (e.g., the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
("ERISA")) and fully complies with such alternative requirements. MA
Organization agrees to comply with the requirements for this waiver contained
in
employer/union-only group waiver guidance, including those requirements
contained in Chapter 13 of the "Medicare Marketing Guidelines for Medicare
Advantage Plans (MAs), Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PDs),
Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and 1876 Cost Plans."
E.
SERVICE AREA, FORMULARIES AND PHARMACY ACCESS
1.
CMS
agrees that employer/union-only group Local MA-PDs that provide coverage
to individuals in any part of a State can offer coverage to retirees eligible
for the employer/union-only group MA-PD throughout that State. CMS also agrees
that employer/union-only group Regional MA-PDs that provide coverage to
individuals in any part of a Region can offer coverage to retirees eligible
for
the employer/union-only group MA-PD throughout that Region.
2.
CMS
agrees that non-network Private Fee-for-Service employer/union-only group
MA-PDs
may extend coverage beyond their designated service areas to all enrollees
of a
particular employer/union-only group plan, regardless of where they reside
in
the nation, when the most substantial portion of the employer's employees
(or in
the case of a union, the union's participants) reside in the service area
where
the MA Organization, either itself or through subcontractors or other partners,
is a provider of non-group MA-PD coverage. The MA Organization agrees to
conduct
an actual review of where the substantial portion of the
Page
7 of
10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP CONTRACT ADDENDUM
employer's/union's
employees/participants reside and to maintain adequate supporting documentation
of such review (including the date of such review, by whom the review was
conducted, and any other relevant documentation to substantiate the review),
and
to permit CMS to audit and review such documentation. Such expanded service
areas must have convenient Part D pharmacy access sufficient to meet the
needs
of enrollees wherever they reside.
3.
MA
Organization agrees to utilize, as the formulary for any employer/union-only
group MA-PD, a base formulary that has received approval from CMS, in accordance
with CMS formulary guidance, for use in a non-group MA-PD offered by MA
Organization. Except as set forth in 42 CFR §423.120(b) and sub-regulatory
guidance, MA Organization may not modify the approved base formulary used
for
any employer/union-only group MA-PD by removing drugs, adding additional
utilization management restrictions, or increasing the cost-sharing status
of a
drug from the base formulary. Enhancements that are permitted to the base
formulary include adding additional drugs, removing utilization management
restrictions, and improving the cost-sharing status of drugs.
4.
For
any employer/union-only group MA-PD, MA Organization agrees to provide Part
D
benefits in the plan's service area utilizing a pharmacy network and formulary
that meets the requirements of 42 CFR §423.120, with the following exception:
CMS agrees that the retail pharmacy access requirements set forth in 42 CFR
§423.120(a)(l) ("Tricare" standards) will not apply when the employer/union-only
group MA-PD's pharmacy network is sufficient to meet the needs of its enrollees
throughout the employer/union-only group MA-PD's service area, as determined
by
CMS. CMS may periodically review the adequacy of the employer/union-only
group
MA-PD's pharmacy network and require the employer/union-only group MA-PD
to
expand access if CMS determines that such expansion is necessary in order
to
ensure that the employer/union-only group MA-PD's network is sufficient to
meet
the needs of its enrollees.
F.
PAYMENT TO MA ORGANIZATION
Except
as
provided in II.F. 1 through 4, payment under this Addendum will be governed
by
the rules of Subparts G and J of 42 CFR Part 423.
1.
MA
Organization acknowledges that the risk sharing, plan entry and retention
bonus
provisions of section 1858 of the Act and 42 CFR §422.458 shall not apply to any
employer/union-only group Regional MA-PDs.
2.
MA
Organization acknowledges that the risk-sharing payment adjustment described
in
42 CFR §423.336 is not applicable for any employer/union-only group MA-PD
enrollee.
3.
MA
Organization will receive a monthly direct subsidy under 42 CFR Subpart
G
Page
8 of
10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP
CONTRACT ADDENDUM
for
each
employer/union-only group MA-PD enrollee equal to the amount of the national
average monthly bid amount (not its approved standardized bid), adjusted
for
health status (as determined under 42 CFR §423.329(b)(l)) and reduced by the
base beneficiary premium for the employer/union-only group MA-PD, as adjusted
under 42 CFR §423.286(d)(3), if applicable. The further adjustments to the base
beneficiary premium contained in 42 CFR §423.286(d)(l) and (2) will not
apply.
4.
MA
Organization will not receive monthly reinsurance payment amounts in the
manner
set forth in 42 CFR §423.329(c)(2)(i) for any employer/union-only group MA-PD
enrollee, but instead will receive the full reinsurance payment following
the
end of year reconciliation as described in 42 CFR
§423.329(c)(2)(ii).
5.
For
non-calendar year plans:
(a)
CMS
payments will be determined on a calendar year basis;
(b)
Low
income subsidy payments and reconciliations will be determined based on the
calendar year for which the payments are made; and
(c)
MA
Organization acknowledges that it will not receive reinsurance payments under
42
CFR §423.329(c).
Page
9 of
10
MA-PD
EMPLOYER/UNION-ONLY GROUP CONTRACT ADDENDUM
In
witness whereof, the parties hereby execute this Addendum.
Xxxx
Xxxxx
|
President
and CEO
|
|
Printed
Name
|
Title
|
|
/s/
Xxxx Xxxxx
|
9-14-06
|
|
Signature
|
Date
|
|
Stone
Harbor Insurance Co.
|
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx-Xxx 0 Xxxxx XX 00000
|
|
Organization
|
Address
|
|
FOR THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES | ||
/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx
Deputy
Director
Employer
Policy & Operations Group
Center
for Beneficiary Choices
|
10/14/06
|
Page
10
of 10
Medicare
Advantage Attestation of Benefit Plan and Price
STONE
HARBOR INSURANCE COMPANY
H6499
Date:
09/12/2006
I
attest that the following plan numbers as established in the final
Plan
Benefit Package (PBP) will be operated by the above-stated organization
and made available to eligible beneficiaries in the approved service
area
during program year 2007. I further attest that the organization
will
comply with all applicable program guidance that CMS has issued
to date
and will issue during the remainder of 2006 and 2007 pursuant to
Medicare
program authorizing statutes and regulations, including but not
limited
to, the 2007 Call Letters, the 2007 Solicitations for New Contract
Applicants, and
the CMS memoranda issued through the Health Plan Management System
(HPMS).
|
||||||||||
Plan
ID
|
Segment
ID
|
Version
|
Plan
Name
|
Plan
Type
|
Transaction
Type
|
MA
Premium
|
Part
D Premium
|
CMS
Approval Date
|
Effective
Date
|
|
005
|
0
|
3
|
Duet
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
0.00
|
N/A
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
006
|
0
|
3
|
Summit
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
91.00
|
0.00
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
007
|
0
|
3
|
Summit
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
121.00
|
0.00
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
008
|
0
|
5
|
Summit
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
135.60
|
5.30
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
009
|
0
|
5
|
Summit
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
134.60
|
26.40
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
010
|
0
|
3
|
Summit
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
132.90
|
48.10
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
011
|
0
|
3
|
Summit
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
168.10
|
42.90
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
012
|
0
|
3
|
Freedom
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
0.00
|
0.00
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
013
|
0
|
3
|
Concert
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
0.00
|
0.00
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
014
|
0
|
3
|
Concert
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
35.60
|
5.40
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
015
|
0
|
5
|
Concert
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
48.30
|
31.70
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
016
|
0
|
3
|
Concert
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
90.60
|
48.40
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
801
|
0
|
4
|
Employer
Plan 5
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
0.00
|
28.50
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
|
802
|
0
|
4
|
Employer
Plan 6
|
PFFS
|
Initial
|
0.00
|
28.50
|
9/10/2006
|
01/01/2007
|
Page 1
of 2 - STONE HARBOR INSURANCE COMPANY - H6499 - 09/12/2006
*
For all
800-series Plan IDs, plans have the flexibility to vary the premium amounts
that
they charge. Therefore, the amount listed in the "MA Premium" and "Part D
Premium" columns may not coincide with the amount actually charged. For CY2007,
the direct subsidy payment will be based on the national average monthly
bid
amount rather than on the bid submitted by the plan. Also, the base beneficiary
premium will be used rather than the plan's premium as derived from their
standardized bid in determining the low-income premium subsidy.
/s/
Xxxx
Xxxxx
|
9-14-06
|
|
CEO:
|
Date:
|
|
Xxxx
Xxxxx
|
||
CEO/President
|
||
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xx Xxx 0
|
||
Tampa,
FL 33634
|
||
000-000-0000
|
||
CFO:
|
||
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx
|
Date:
|
|
CFO
|
||
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xx Xxx 0
|
||
Tampa,
FL 33634
|
||
000-000-0000
|
Page
2 of
2 - STONE HARBOR INSURANCE COMPANY - H6499 -
09/12/2006