Medicare Program; Criteria and Standards for Evaluating Intermediary and Carrier Performance During Fiscal Year 2009

SUMMARY: This general notice with comment period describes the criteria and standards to be used for evaluating the performance of fiscal intermediaries (FIs) and carriers in the administration of the Medicare program. The results of these evaluations are considered whenever we enter into, renew, or terminate a FI agreement, carrier contract, or take other contract actions, for example, assigning or reassigning providers or services to a FI or designating regional or national intermediaries. We are requesting public comment on these criteria and standards. DATES: Effective Date: The criteria and standards are effective on October 1, 2008. Comment Date: To be assured consideration, comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. on August 26, 2008.