(1) General selection criteria The Secretary shall select CCA areas from among those MSAs qualifying under subsection (b) of this section in a manner that
(A) seeks to maximize the opportunity to test the application of comparative cost adjustment under this subchapter;
(B) does not seek to maximize the number of MA eligible individuals who reside in such areas; and
(C) provides for geographic diversity consistent with the criteria specified in paragraph (2).
(2) Selection criteria With respect to the selection of MSAs that qualify to be CCA areas under subsection (b) of this section, the following rules apply, to the maximum extent feasible:
(A) Maximum number The number of such MSAs selected may not exceed the lesser of
(i) 6, or
(ii) 25 percent of the number of MSAs that meet the requirement of subsection (b)(2)(A) of this section.
(B) One of 4 largest areas by population
At least one such qualifying MSA shall be selected from among the 4 such qualifying MSAs with the largest total population of MA eligible individuals.
(C) One of 4 areas with lowest population density
At least one such qualifying MSA shall be selected from among the 4 such qualifying MSAs with the lowest population density (as measured by residents per square mile or similar measure of density).
(D) Multistate area
At least one such qualifying MSA shall be selected that includes a multi-State area. Such an MSA may be an MSA described in subparagraph (B) or (C).
(E) Limitation within same geographic region
No more than 2 such MSAs shall be selected that are, in whole or in part, within the same geographic region (as specified by the Secretary) of the United States.
(F) Priority to areas not within certain demonstration projects
Priority shall be provided for those qualifying MSAs that do not have a demonstration project in effect as of December 8, 2003, for medicare preferred provider organization plans under this part.