Contract with Eligible Medicare Advantage (MA) Organization Pursuant to Sections 1851 through 1859 of the Social Security Act for the Operation of a Medicare Advantage Coordinated Care Plan(s) CONTRACT # H1264 Between Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
Exhibit
10.3
Contract
with Eligible Medicare Advantage (MA) Organization Pursuant
to
Sections
1851 through 1859 of the Social Security Act for the
Operation
of
a
Medicare Advantage Coordinated Care Plan(s)
CONTRACT
# H1264
Between
Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services (hereinafter referred to as
CMS)
and
WellCare
of Texas, Inc.
(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
|
X Part
D Addendum
|
TF
|
____
EGWP ( "800 Series" ) MA-PD Addendum
|
|
____EGWP
("800 Series") MA-Only Addendum
|
|
____Variances/Waivers
(Provided directly to Demonstration Organizations by
CMS)
|
|
____Regional
Preferred Provider Organization Addendum (Provided directly to
RPPOs 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 31,2008, after which this contract may
be
renewed for successive one-year periods in accordance with 42 CFR 422.505(c)
and
as discussed in Paragraph A in Article VII below.
[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 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
Coordinated
Care Plan
A. The
Medicare Advantage Organization agrees to operate one or more coordinated
care
plans as defined in 42 CFR 422.4(a)(l)(iii)), including at least one MA-PD
plan as required under 42 CFR 422.4(c), 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 Plan Attestation of Benefit Plan and Price, which is-attached
to
this contract. The MA Organization agrees to provide access to such benefits
as
2
required
under subpart C in a manner consistent with professionally recognized standards
of health care and according to the access standards stated in
§422.112.
2.
The MA
Organization agrees to provide post-hospital extended care services, should
an
MA enrollee elect such coverage, through a skilled nursing home facility
according to the requirements of section 1852(1) of the Act and §422.133. A
skilled nursing home 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, 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)]
B. ENROLLMENT
REQUIREMENTS
1. The
MA Organization agrees to accept new enrollments, make enrollments effective,
proeess 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, other than
in
enrolling eligible beneficiaries in a CMA-approved special needs plan that
exclusively enrolls special needs individuals as consistent with
§§422.2,422.4(a)(l)(iv) and 422.52.
[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 Protections. 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 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.
[422.504(g)(1)]
(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
(ii)
For
enrollees who are hospitalized on 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)]
3
(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 claims for covered 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
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)]
E. QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
1.
The MA
Organization agrees to operate, for each plan that it offers, an ongoing
quality
improvement program as stated in accordance with Section 1852(e) of the
Social
Security Act and 42 CFR 422.152. % Chronic Care Improvement
Program
(a) Each
MA organization (other than MA private-fee-for-service plans) must have
a
chronic care improvement program and must establish criteria for participation
in the program. The CCIP must have a method for identifying enrollees with
multiple or sufficiently severe chronic conditions who meet the criteria
for
participation in the program and a mechanism for monitoring enrollees'
participation in the program.
(b) Plans
have flexibility to choose the design of their program; however, in addition
to
meeting the requirements specified above, the CCIP selected must be relevant
to
the plan's MA
4
population.
MA organizations are required to submit annual reports on their CCIP program
to
CMS.
3. Performance
Measurement and Reporting: The MA Organization shall measure performance
under its MA plans using standard measures required by CMS, and report
(at the
organization level) its performance to CMS. The standard measures required
by
CMS during the term of this contract will be uniform data collection and
reporting instruments, to include the Health Plan and Employer Data Information
Set (HEDIS), Consumer Assessment of Health Plan Satisfaction (CAHPS) survey,
and
Health Outcomes Survey (HOS). These measures will address clinical areas,
including effectiveness of care, enrollee perception of care and use of
services; and nonclinical areas including access to and availability of
services, appeals and grievances, and organizational characteristics.
[422.152(b)(1), (e)]
4. Utilization
Review:
(a) An
MA Organization for an MA coordinated care plan must use written protocols
for
utilization review and policies and procedures must reflect current standards
of
medical practice in processing requests for initial or continued authorization
of services and have in effect mechanisms to detect both underutilization
and
over utilization of services. [422.152(b)]
(b) For
MA regional preferred provider organizations (RPPOs) and MA local preferred
provider organizations (PPOs) that are offered by an organization that
is not
licensed or organized under State law as an HMOs, if the MA Organization
uses
written protocols for utilization review, those policies and procedures
must
reflect current standards of medical practice in processing requests for
initial
or continued authorization of services and include mechanisms to evaluate
utilization of services and to inform enrollees and providers of services
of the
results of the evaluation. [422.152(e)]
5. Information
Systems:
(a)
The
MA Organization must:
(i)
Maintain a health information system that collects, analyzes and integrates
the
data necessary to implement its quality improvement
program;
(ii)
Ensure that the information entered into the system (particularly that
received
from providers) is reliable and complete;
(iii)
Make all collected information available to CMS.
[422.152(f)(1)]
6. External
Review
The
MA
Organization will comply with any requests by Quality Improvement Organizations
to review the MA Organization's medical records in connection with appeals
of
discharges from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health
agencies.
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, and the advance
directives requirements of §1852(i) of the Act and §422.128,
the
5
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. 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 CFR
422.111.
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
6
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 O.
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)]
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), 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 hereto as Attachment A (enrollment attestation) and Attachment
B (risk
adjustment data) 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, 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, 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)]
7
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)]
Article
V
MA
Organization Relationship with Related Entities, Contractors, and
Subcontractors
A. 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)]
B. 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), contractor(s), or subcontractor(s) 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)]
C. 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 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.
8
(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)]
D. 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.
(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
credentialing process will be reviewed and approved by the MA Organization
and
the MA Organization must audit the credentialing process on an ongoing
basis.
(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)]
E. 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)]
F. As
of the date of this contract and throughout its term, the MA
Organization
(1) Agrees
that any physician incentive plan it operates meets the requirements of
§422.208, and
(2) Has
assured that all physicians and physician groups that the MA Organization's
physician incentive plan places at substantial financial risk have adequate
stop-loss protection in accordance with §422.208(f).
[422.208]
9
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:
(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 six prior
periods.
(iii)
Federal income tax or informational returns for the current contract period
and
six prior periods.
(iv)
Asset acquisition, lease, sale, or other action.
(v)
Agreements, contracts (including, but not limited to, 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
10
(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, 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)]
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:
11
(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.
(c) The
service area and continuation area, if any, of each plan and the enrollment
capacity of each plan;
(d) Plan
quality and 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 beneficiaries in 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)]
12
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)]
(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
drag 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.
13
(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 a 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)(1)(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 O.
(iv)
The
MA Organization did not submit a benefit and price bid or the benefit and
price
bid was not acceptable [422.505(d)]
(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)]
14
Article
VII
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)(1)]
2. If
this contract is terminate'd 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.
(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 fails to implement an acceptable quality improvement
program
as required under 42 CFR Part 422 Subpart D.
(ix)
The
MA Organization substantially fails to comply with the prompt payment
requirements in §422.520.
(x)
The
MA Organization substantially fails to comply with the service access
requirements in §422.112.
(xi)
The
MA Organization fails to comply with the requirements of §422.208 regarding
physician incentive plans.
15
(xii)
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)(1)(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.
(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. If CMS 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 Subpart N.
[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.
16
(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
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.
17
Article
X
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 comparison data. To
establish and successfully test 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
Xxxxx
|
President
& CEO
|
Printed
Name
|
Title
|
/s/ Xxxx
Xxxxx
|
9/4/07
|
Signature
|
Date
|
WellCare
of Texas, Inc.
|
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xx, Xxxxx, XX 00000
|
Organization
|
Address
|
FOR
THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
|
10/29/07
|
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
Date
|
Director
|
|
Medicare
Advantage Group
|
|
Center
for Beneficiary Choices
|
|
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 as of the date indicated below, 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 of (INDICATE 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.
(INDICATE
TITLE [CEO, CFO, or delegate]) on behalf of
(INDICATE
MA ORGANIZATION)
DATE
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 misrepresentations
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 during 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 as of the date indicated below, all
information submitted to CMS in this report is accurate, complete, and
truthful.
(INDICATE
TITLE [CEO, CFO, or delegate]) on behalf of
(INDICATE
MA ORGANIZATION)
DATE
21
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 WellCare
of Texas, Inc., a Medicare managed care-organization (hereinafter
referred to as the MA-PD Sponsor) agree to amend the contract (H1264 )
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.
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 16, 2007 [applicable to
Medicare Part C contractors] or the Solicitation for Applications
for New Cost Plan Sponsors, released on January 16, 2007
[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 C or 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, 2008. 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, 2007 and shall not process enrollment applications prior to November
15,
2007. MA-PD Sponsor shall begin delivering Part D benefit services on January
1,
2008.
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 nonrenewal
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 CFR
423.507(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 42 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 nonrenewal 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 O of 42 CFR Part 423.
Article
XII
Severability
Severability
of the addendum shall be in accordance with 42 CFR
§423.504(e).
Article
XII
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
In
witness whereof, the parties hereby execute this contract
modification.
FOR
THE MA-PD SPONSOR
|
|
Xxxx
Xxxxx
|
President
& CEO
|
Printed
Name
|
Title
|
/s/ Xxxx
Xxxxx
|
9/4/07
|
Signature
|
Date
|
WellCare
of Texas, Inc.
|
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xx, Xxxxx, XX 00000
|
Organization
|
Address
|
FOR
THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
|
10/29/07
|
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
Date
|
Director
|
|
Medicare
Advantage Group
|
|
Center
for Beneficiary Choices
|
|
11
PART
C/D BENEFIT PLAN(S) DESCRIPTION TO BE ATTACHED TO MA
CONTRACT
SECTION
1876/PART D OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT PLAN DESCRIPTION TO BE ATTACHED
TO
SECTION 1876 CONTRACT
12