Plans may be exempted from Mental Health Party Act requirements for parity between mental health and medical/surgical benefits if parity would result in cost increase of one percent or more. This ICR covers notice to participants and beneficiaries and the Federal Government that is required in order to make use of the exemption.
The Department has adjusted the wage and postal rates to account for cost increases between 2004 and 2007. This resulted in slightly higher cost burdens. The reduction in burden hours is due to rounding.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.