---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 155.1620"
title: "45"
number: "155.1620"
heading: "Sampling procedures."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/155.1620"
---

# §155.1620. Sampling procedures.

- (a) **Sample size.** At the beginning of each SEIPM cycle, HHS will calculate a sample size in aggregate across all State Exchanges.
  - (1) **Statistical methodology.** The sample size will be calculated to estimate an improper payment rate.
  - (2) **State-specific sample sizes.** HHS will develop sample sizes specific for each State Exchange. HHS may take into consideration the following factors in determining each State Exchange's sample size for the current SEIPM cycle:
    - (i) **Overall APTC expenditures associated with the State Exchange.**
    - (ii) **State-level precision goals for the current SEIPM cycle.**
    - (iii) **The improper payment rate from the State Exchange's previous SEIPM cycle.**
  - (3) **Sample size parameters.** HHS will establish minimum and maximum sample sizes to ensure statistical validity while maintaining operational feasibility across State Exchanges of varying sizes.
- (b) **Sample selection procedures.** On an annual basis, HHS will select samples of tax households from the data provided by each State Exchange as described in [§ 155.1615(b)(2)](/cfr/45/155.1615.md?p=b-2).
- (c) **State Exchange coordination and notification—**
  - (1) **Sampled records notification.** Following receipt of the universe data from State Exchanges as described in [§ 155.1615(b)(2)](/cfr/45/155.1615.md?p=b-2), HHS will notify each State Exchange of the specific records selected for review. This notification will include:
    - (i) **The total number of sampled tax households selected for the State Exchange.**
    - (ii) **A unique identifier for each sampled tax household.**
    - (iii) Any specific instructions or requirements that HHS determines are needed to facilitate HHS' review of the sampled records.
  - (2) **Timing of sampled records notification.** HHS will provide the sampled records notification described in [paragraph (c)(1)](#c-1) of this section no later than 60 days after receipt of complete universe data from all State Exchanges.
  - (3) **Extension of sampling notification timeline.**
    - (i) HHS may extend the 60-day timeline specified in [paragraph (c)(2)](#c-2) of this section if:
      - (A) Technical issues prevent completion of the sampling process within the standard timeframe;
      - (B) Data quality issues require additional coordination with State Exchanges before sampling can be completed; or
      - (C) Other circumstances beyond HHS's control necessitate additional time to ensure accurate sampling methodology.
    - (ii) If HHS determines an extension is necessary, HHS will:
      - (A) Notify all affected State Exchanges in writing of the extension and the revised notification date;
      - (B) Provide the reason for the extension; and
      - (C) **Confirm the impact, if any, on subsequent SEIPM cycle timelines.**

## Notes

### Source

Source: 91 FR 29870, May 20, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 18021-18024, 18031-18033, 18041-18042, 18051, 18054, 18071, and 18081-18083.

### Source

Source: 77 FR 11718, Feb. 27, 2012, unless otherwise noted.