WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Administration for Children and Families is seeking public comment on the extension of its information collection related to the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System. The announcement, published in the Federal Register, invites input on the existing collection, which includes the Automated Function List and the Data Quality Plan. The CCWIS information collection involves two key components. First, there is the Automated Function List update, re more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a request for public comment on the information collection activities related to the Applicable Integrated Plan Coverage Decision Letter (CMS-10716). Published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2025, this notice focuses on the communication of adverse coverage decisions to enroll in Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). CMS-10716 is utilized by applicable integrated plans when a request for  more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a request for public comment on the extension of the currently approved information collection related to the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan Enrollee Advisory Committee, identified as CMS-10799. Published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2025, this notice focuses on the data collection activities associated with these advisory committees. CMS established paragraph (f) at Sec. 422.107 under the  more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a second opportunity for public comment on the reinstatement with change of the previously approved collection, the Application for Enrollment in Medicare Part B, form CMS-40B. Published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2025, this notice seeks input on the information collection used for Medicare Part B enrollment. Medicare Part B is a voluntary program that provides medical insurance to eligible more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a call for public comment regarding the reinstatement with change of the previously approved information collection, the Application for Medicare Part A and Part B Special Enrollment Period, form CMS-10797. Published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2025, this notice focuses on the application process for individuals seeking to enroll in Medicare under special circumstances. Section 1837(m) of the S more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a request for public comment on the revision of the currently approved information collection, the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan Contract with the State Medicaid Agency, form CMS-10796. Published in the Federal Register, this notice focuses on the contracts between D-SNPs and State Medicaid agencies. Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans are Medicare Advantage plans designed to provide specialized car more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a call for public comment regarding the revision of the currently approved information collection, the Prepaid Health Plan Cost Report, also known as CMS-276. Published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2025, this notice focuses specifically on the data collection requirements associated with this crucial report. The CMS-276 Cost Report is a vital tool for implementing Sections 1876(h) and 1833(a)( more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a request for public comment regarding the reinstatement with changes of the previously approved collection, the Request for Enrollment in Supplementary Medical Insurance , form CMS-4040. Published in the Federal Register, this notice focuses on the application process for individuals seeking to enroll in Medicare Part B. Section 1836 of the Social Security Act and CMS regulations at 42 CFR 407.10 ou more PR

WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following news release: * * * FACT SHEET: Senator Murray Outlines How Trump's Attempt to Shutter Federal Agencies' Offices Across WA State Will Hurt Taxpayers, Rip Away Services Leases Trump and Elon have said they are terminating include office where Yakama Nation members can get in-person assistance from BIA staff; Service centers in Puyallup, Renton, and Dayton where farmers can get in-person assistance on USDA programs; S more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- The House Ways and Means Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 118-896) on the American Donor Privacy and Foreign Funding Transparency Act (H.R. 8293). The report was advanced by Rep. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, on Dec. 17, 2024. Here are excerpts: * * * I. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND A. Purpose and Summary The bill, H.R. 8293, the "American Donor Privacy and Foreign Funding Transparency Act," as ordered reported by the Committee on Ways and Means on May 15, 2024. Section  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: * * * ICYMI: Lujan Holds Events Across New Mexico, Highlights Work on Behalf of New Mexicans New Mexico -- In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) held a series of events across New Mexico this week to highlight his work on behalf of New Mexicans: On Monday, Senator Lujan visited the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center in Santa Fe to meet with seniors and discuss his efforts to pro more PR

WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, issued the following news release: * * * In Las Vegas, Rosen Hosts Roundtable Discussion with Nevada Federal Workers Amid Trump Mass Firings Discussion Included Federal Workers From Multiple Critical Agencies That Serve Veterans And Keep Nevadans Safe LAS VEGAS, NV - Amid the Trump Administration's mass firings, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) held a roundtable discussion in Las Vegas with federal workers. During the discussion, Senator Ro more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: * * * Lujan Visits El Centro Family Health, Discusses Efforts to Protect Medicaid, Rural Health Care Access From Republican Attacks Medicaid covers more than 780,000 people in New Mexico, 33% of the people in the state Espanola, N.M. -- Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) visited El Centro Family Health in Espanola to discuss the importance of Medicaid and rural health care access and his eff more PR

WASHINGTON, March 23 -- The Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a meeting notice, published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2025. The meeting by the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is scheduled on April 29, 2025. * * * AGENCY: Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting; opportunity to comment. SUMMARY: The Nation more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-TX, has introduced the "Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act," which aims to amend the Social Security Act to impose work requirements on able-bodied adults enrolled in state Medicaid programs. The proposed legislation mandates that, starting January 1, 2026, these individuals demonstrate workforce participation by either working or volunteering a minimum of 20 hours per week. This bill arises from concerns about the sustainability of Medicaid fun more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-TX, has introduced the Stop the Wait Act of 2025, aimed at eliminating the mandatory waiting period for individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. This legislative effort seeks to address the financial strain faced by those with disabilities who often endure lengthy delays before receiving the support they need. The bill responds to growing concerns over the hardships caused by the current waiting period, which can exten more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Mark E. Green, R-TN, has introduced the Medicaid Improvement and State Flexibility Act of 2025, aiming to enhance state authority in managing Medicaid waivers. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Social Security Act, allowing states to approve and implement specific experimental projects that can significantly impact Medicaid recipients. The bill arises in response to ongoing challenges within the Medicaid system, which has faced criticism for its rigid stru more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. John Joyce, R-PA, has introduced the ORPHAN Cures Act, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at amending the Social Security Act to enhance the Drug Price Negotiation Program for orphan drugs. This bill seeks to expand and clarify the exclusion for orphan drugs, which are critical in addressing rare diseases affecting less than 200,000 patients in the U.S. Joyce's legislation responds to the escalating challenges faced by patients with orphan conditions, who often st more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Susie Lee, D-NV, has introduced the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act, aimed at reforming how residency slots are redistributed under the Medicare program when hospitals close. This legislative change is designed to ensure that essential medical training opportunities remain accessible in underserved areas, particularly following hospital shutdowns. The introduction of this bill responds to growing concerns about healthcare disparities in rural and low-income urb more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Thomas Massie, R-KY, has introduced the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act, aimed at removing the taxation of Social Security benefits for seniors. This legislative effort is designed to ease the financial burden on the older population, ensuring that their benefits are not subject to income taxes. The initiative comes at a time when many seniors are struggling with rising living costs and healthcare expenses. By repealing the inclusion of Social Security benefits  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-IA, has introduced the Medicaid Program Improvement Act, aimed at enhancing the accuracy of address information for individuals enrolled in the Medicaid program. This legislation seeks to amend the Social Security Act to ensure that reliable data sources are utilized for maintaining updated address records. The bill was introduced in response to ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of address information within Medicaid. Inaccurate ad more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. Patrick Ryan, D-NY, has introduced the Protecting Social Security Act, aimed at ensuring the stability and prompt consideration of legislation addressing potential insolvency of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. The bill, introduced on February 4, 2025, emphasizes the necessity for timely legislative action should these trust funds face insolvency in the future. The bill comes in light of ongoing  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- Rep. W. Gregory Steube, R-FL, has introduced the Modern GI Bill Act, a pivotal piece of legislation designed to allow veterans eligible for Post-9/11 educational assistance to utilize their benefits for repaying federal student loans. This bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on veterans who have transitioned into civilian life, providing them with more flexibility in managing their educational expenses. The introduction of this bill comes amidst growing concern o more ST

WASHINGTON, March 22 (TNSFRinfo) -- The Social Security Administration has announced a request for public comments on its information collection activities, as detailed in a notice published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2025. The agency is soliciting feedback to ensure the accuracy, utility, and efficiency of its data collection processes. The notice, Docket No: SSA-2025-0005, outlines various information collection packages requiring clearance from the Office of Management and Budget  more PR

WASHINGTON, March 22 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has released the following public communication dated March 11, 2025, from Ian P. Moloney, senior vice president and head of policy and regulatory affairs of the American Fintech Council: * * * To: Ms. Ann Misback Secretary Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20551 * Mr. James P. Sheesley Assistant Executive Secretary L more ST

WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, issued the following news release: * * * Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Demand Answers on DHS, DOGE Requests to Access Sensitive IRS Information Washington D.C.-- U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., today led Senate colleagues, including Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., in a letter to top officials with the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding answers on reports that DHS and  more PR