Search Results for agency_names:"Centers for Medicare

The Department of the Treasury has announced its plan to submit requests to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of information collections related to U.S. Income Tax Return forms for individuals. This is in line with requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The forms, such as Form 1040, are used by individuals to report their taxable income and calculate taxes owed. The Treasury Department invites the public to provide comments on these requests by February 10, 2021, to ensure they are considered. The document also includes estimated costs, time burdens, and details about changes to forms affecting taxpayers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has finalized a rule that implements the Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG), as part of its regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This formalizes standards ensuring that new and altered transit stops in public spaces are accessible to persons with disabilities. The rule becomes effective on January 17, 2025, and applies to relevant constructions or alterations started after that date. This regulatory update aims to harmonize public transportation facilities' accessibility with standards already set out by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing changes to its rules about medical copayments for veterans. The proposed rule would allow the VA to start the process to waive copayment debts on behalf of veterans in certain situations. This means veterans may not have to fill out a specific form (VA Form 5655) anymore when asking for a waiver. The rule aims to make it easier for veterans by simplifying the process and clarifying regulations related to these medical debts.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is updating the test procedures for compressors to correct errors and ensure calculations are accurate across different conditions, such as altitude. These changes include fixing formulas for efficiency calculations and updating the definition of "air compressor" to clarify that multiple compression elements are included. The updates align DOE procedures with industry standards and are designed to be more precise without adding extra testing burdens on manufacturers. The updated rules will be effective April 2, 2025, and mandatory for product testing by July 16, 2025.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking applications for membership on its advisory committees, which include the Consumer Advisory Board, Community Bank Advisory Council, Credit Union Advisory Council, and Academic Research Council. These committees consist of experts from various fields like consumer protection, financial services, and economics to advise the bureau on consumer financial markets. The membership, which usually lasts two years, requires diverse representation of communities and interests, including those underserved. Applications are accepted online by February 24, 2021, and should include a cover letter, résumé, recommendation letter, and completed questionnaire. The Bureau aims to announce the selected new members in late summer 2021.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented the 5G Fund for Rural America, aimed at expanding 5G mobile wireless broadband in rural areas. This plan builds on improved data from the National Broadband Map to identify areas lacking high-speed mobile service, ensuring that efforts are targeted to the most underserved regions. The 5G Fund Phase I budget has been increased to $9 billion, with adjustments for Tribal lands, and includes timelines for transitioning away from legacy support systems to this more modern structure. Furthermore, recipients of this fund will need to implement cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans, and there are incentives for integrating Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technologies into the supported networks.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed new regulations to implement conservation measures for tropical tuna fishing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, following international agreements made by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for the years 2025-2026. These rules include fishing restrictions for U.S. vessels involved in catching bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna, which are necessary to maintain sustainable fish populations and meet international obligations. Key measures involve closure days for purse seine vessels exceeding specific catch limits and restrictions on the use of fish aggregating devices. Public comments on the proposal are invited until January 6, 2025.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a request related to Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs) compliance. This information collection aims to ensure that employees participating in SEPs receive timely and specific written information about their plans, such as participation requirements and employer contribution details. The public is invited to comment on whether this information collection is necessary and useful, and the DOL seeks authorization for this request to be valid for three years. Public comments can be submitted until March 8, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), is introducing a temporary rule to help U.S. businesses struggling from a lack of workers by increasing the number of H-2B visas available for Fiscal Year 2025 by up to 64,716. These visas will be distributed over the fiscal year in four allocations, with a portion reserved specifically for nationals of certain countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Haiti. The rule also allows greater job flexibility for H-2B workers already in the U.S. by letting them change employers more easily. Businesses must attest they are facing severe loss without these workers for their applications to be considered.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for new awards for the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program, aimed at helping individuals with financial and academic aid to pursue postsecondary education. This program will distribute grants ranging from $232,050 to $1,280,000, with an estimated $55,994,306 in funds available. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, public and private agencies, and organizations experienced in serving disadvantaged youth. Up to 140 awards are expected, and applications need to be submitted by March 1, 2021, with a project period lasting up to 60 months.