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Medicare Coverage ~ Public Comments

In the September 26, 2003 Federal Register, we published a notice announcing changes to our internal procedures for developing a national coverage determination (NCD). The notice stated our intent to make the NCD process more open and understandable to the public. In addition, the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act requires an opportunity for the public to comment on draft decision memos. To help achieve those goals, the process includes the following two opportunities for public comment.

Acceptance of a New National Coverage Analysis (NCA)

At the same time we post the acceptance of a complete, formal request on our website, we will initiate a 30-day public comment period. During this period, we will accept evidence or other comments relevant to the request in accordance with section 522(b) of BIPA. The public, including the requestor of the NCD or reconsideration, may submit comments and additional information or evidence of studies regarding the NCD issue under review.

Release of a Draft Decision Memorandum

We will post for public comment a draft of the proposed decision on the CMS website. This comment period will be open for 30 days. We will review comments and issue a final decision no later than 60 days after the conclusion of the comment period. The final decision memorandum will include a summary and responses to the public comments.

View our list of NCAs/CALs Currently Open For Public Comment to submit your comments electronically. You can also mail your comments to the address below:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Office of Clinical Standards and Quality
Coverage and Analysis Group
Attn: Public Comments, S3-02-01
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850

You may also submit comments through our Contact Us resource. If using this resource, please include the name of the NCA in your email.

In order for comments to be considered, they must be submitted through these mechanisms unless other arrangements have been made with the lead analyst. Comments received after the closing date will not be posted to the website.