Healthcare

A resolution celebrating Black History Month.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Calls on U.S. citizens to observe Black History Month. Acknowledges the tragedies of slavery, lynching, and segregation and condemns them as an infringement on human liberty and equal opportunity. Honors citizens who: (1) risked their lives in the Underground Railroad and in other efforts to assist fugitive slaves and other African Americans; and (2) stood beside African Americans in the fight for equal opportunity. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to the founding principles that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Commits the Senate to addressing situations in which the African American community struggles with disparities in education, health care, and other areas where the federal government can help improve conditions for all citizens.

Hawaiian Waters Chemical Munitions Safety Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Hawaiian Waters Chemical Munitions Safety Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) conduct a survey of all Hawaiian underwater sites where chemical munitions are known to have been disposed of by the Armed Forces between 1941 and 1972; and (2) identify on Hawaiian coastal nautical charts and other navigational materials navigational hazards to private activities and commercial shipping or fishing operations as identified in the survey. Requires the Secretary to implement appropriate monitoring mechanisms to recognize and track the potential release of hazardous chemical agents into the marine environment from such disposal sites. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to conduct research and provide research grants to study the long-term effects of seawater exposure on chemical munitions, including the potential public health risks associated with, and the environmental impact of, ocean disposal of chemical munitions. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility and cost of implementing multiple remediation measures at the disposal sites covered by the survey, including an analysis of the public health and environmental safety risks of such sites.

Fix Medicare Part D Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Fix Medicare Part D Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions prohibiting the Secretary of Health and Human Services from interfering with negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors. Requires the Secretary to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs to purchase prescription drugs in order to ensure that beneficiaries under Medicare prescription drug plans pay the lowest possible price. Pharmaceutical Market Access Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists, pharmacies, wholesalers, and individuals to import qualifying drugs from certain countries into the United States. Deems a prescription drug to be misbranded unless the packaging of such drug complies with the requirements for counterfeit-resistant technologies. Prohibits: (1) failing to register in accordance with this Act; and (2) importing or offering to import a prescription drug in violation of a suspension order. Declares that selling or importing a patented drug in the United States that was first sold abroad by or under authority of the owner or licensee of the patent is not patent infringement. Prohibits drug manufacturers from discriminating against a person that engages in the importation of a prescription drug, including by charging higher prices or denying supplies of the drug. Extends the 2006 annual coordinated election period for enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug plan until November 14, 2006. Suspends until after December 2006 any penalties for late enrollment in such a plan.

Medicare Accountability, Bargaining, and Compassion for Part D (ABC for D) Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Medicare Accountability, Bargaining, and Compassion for Part D (ABC for D) Act - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to outreach and education for the prescription drug program under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require registration with state insurance departments of prescription drug plan sponsors in each state in which they offer a prescription drug plan; and (2) revise requirements for the Medicare prescription drug enrollment process. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs in order to ensure that beneficiaries pay the lowest possible price. Provides for increased funding for state health insurance counseling programs and Social Security regional offices for part D enrollment.

Prescription Drug Abuse Elimination Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Prescription Drug Abuse Elimination Act of 2006 -Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require Internet pharmacies to meet specified criteria, including: (1) providing individuals who access the pharmacy with certain information; (2) obtaining verification of a valid prescription in some circumstances; and (3) providing contact information of the individual dispensing prescription drugs on the site to each state that licenses or authorizes the person to dispense drugs. Prohibits the sale of a prescription drug, or the ownership or operation of an illegal Internet pharmacy, in violation of the requirements of this Act. Allows district courts to order Internet providers to remove access or links to sites that violate this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate chain-of-custody requirements to track prescription drugs from the manufacturer through each importer, distributor, and retailer. Deems a drug misbranded if such requirements are not met. Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to restrict the importation of a schedule II, III, or IV drug by a U.S. resident without a valid prescription to once during any 30-day period. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to: (1) convene a working group to study and report on pharmaceutical counterfeiting; and (2) study the best methods to ensure that controlled substances are not diverted for unlawful use. Requires the Secretary to conduct research and report on issues related to prescription drug abuse. Requires the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to maintain a comprehensive, national database on deaths occurring as a result of substance abuse.

Honoring the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the 119 State veterans homes providing long-term care to veterans that are represented by that association for their contributions to the health care of veterans and the health-care system of the Nation.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2006

Honors the National Association of State Veterans Homes and the 119 state veterans homes providing long-term care to veterans. Commends all individuals who work in, or on behalf of, state veterans homes for their contributions in caring for elderly and disabled veterans. Recognizes the importance of the partnership between the states and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing long-term care to veterans. Affirms the support of Congress for continuation of the state homes program to address the known and anticipated needs of veterans for institutional long-term care services.

A REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S FY2007 HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 February 2006

Responsible Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Responsible Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act - Repeals the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (Division C of the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006). Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Biodefense Injury Compensation Program to provide compensation for death or any injury, illness, disability, or condition that is likely to have been caused by the administration of a covered countermeasure pursuant to a declaration by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or public health emergency makes such administration to a category of individuals advisable. Requires the Secretary: (1) after making such a declaration, to enter into a contract for the Institute of Medicine to provide its recommendations on the injuries, disabilities, illnesses, and conditions likely to have been caused by the countermeasure; and (2) after receiving such recommendations, to specify those injuries, disabilities, illnesses, and conditions deemed to be included in the Vaccine Injury Table. Sets the effective date for such Program as November 25, 2002. Extends liability protection for health professionals administering small pox countermeasures to include covered countermeasures under this Act. Excludes from such protection the administration by a qualified person of a covered countermeasure to an individual who was not within a category of individuals covered by the declaration where such qualified person did not have reasonable grounds to believe such individual was within a category. Makes the United States liable for any claims arising out of the manufacture, distribution, or administration of a covered countermeasure, including claims brought by U.S. military personnel.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase the per resident payment floor for direct graduate medical education payments under the Medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase from 85% to100% of the locality adjusted national average per resident amount the payment floor for direct graduate medical education payments under the Medicare program for cost reporting periods begining during or after FY2006.

Methamphetamine Eradication Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Methamphetamine Eradication Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to: (1) require fire departments seeking grants under such Act to provide its firefighters methamphetamine awareness training; and (2) allocate funds to rural fire departments for equipment needed for methamphetamine response. Requires public entities seeking Department of Justice grants to provide their law enforcement officers methamphetamine awareness training. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) reauthorize the public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat") grant program for FY2007-FY2009; (2) allocate funds to rural police departments and drug task forces to purchase equipment needed for methamphetamine response; and (3) impose a substance abuse testing requirement for federal and state prisoners in residential substance abuse treatment programs. Allocates funds under such Act to assist in prosecuting methamphetamine offenses in rural areas. Reauthorizes the Byrne Formula Grant Program for FY2007-FY2009. Requires that not less than 50% of funding under such program be available only for grants by the Attorney General to police departments and drug task forces in rural areas to purchase basic equipment to address situations involving methamphetamines. Requires that not less than 50% of amounts available to the Drug Enforcement Administration in a fiscal year to combat methamphetamines be available only for rural areas. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to regulate retail sales and packaging of list I pseudoephedrine products. Imposes a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years for the manufacture of methamphetamine on premises in which an individual under the age of 18 years resides. Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for treatment of methamphetamine abuse, giving priority to rural areas; and (2) direct the Secretary to award grants for methamphetamine research, training, and technical assistance. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the health effects on children from the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine; and (2) award grants to address the mental health problems of children from homes where methamphetamines are manufactured. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to award grants to educate students about methamphetamine abuse and its prevention and treatment, giving priority to schools in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations and grants for methamphetamine laboratory cleanup in rural areas.

All Kids Health Insurance Coverage Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

All Kids Health Insurance Coverage Act of 2006 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to provide eligibility of all uninsured children for SCHIP. Provides for: (1) an increase in federal financial participation under SCHIP and Medicaid for states with simplified enrollment and renewal procedures for children; (2) a limitation on payments to states that have an enrollment cap but have not exhausted their available allotments; and (3) an additional enhancement to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to promote expansion of coverage to all uninsured children under Medicaid and SCHIP. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the scheduled phaseout of the limitations on personal exemptions and itemized deductions.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a permanent hold harmless provision for sole community hospitals under the Medicare prospective payment system for covered outpatient department services.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a permanent hold harmless provision for sole community hospitals under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for covered outpatient department (OPD) services. Declares that, in the case of a sole community hospital for covered OPD services furnished after December 31, 2005, for which the PPS amount is less than the pre-BBA amount, the amount of payment shall be increased by the amount of such difference. (Pre-BBA amount means an amount equal to the product of the reasonable cost of the hospital for such services for the portions of the hospital's cost reporting period (or periods) occurring in the year and the base OPD payment-to-cost ratio for the hospital.)

HEART for Women Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006

Heart Disease Education, Analysis, and Research, and Treatment for Women Act or the HEART for Women Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to require an application for approval or for investigation of a drug, device, or biological product to include information stratified by gender, race, and ethnicity, including any differences in safety and effectiveness. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) withhold approval of such an application or place a clinical hold on an investigation if such information is not included; and (2) report to the scientific community and make information available to the public on such stratified data upon approval of an application. Requires the Comptroller General to study the drug approval process to ensure compliance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to require that all nonidentifiable patient safety work product reported to a patient safety database be stratified by gender. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary to make hospital quality data relating to the quality of care in inpatient settings available to the public stratified by gender. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to report to Congress concerning the quality of and access to care for women with heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Requires utilization and quality control peer review organizations to offer quality improvement assistance aimed at eliminating gender disparities. Amends title IX (employment security provisions) of SSA to require that data be stratified by gender when collected and used in surveys evaluating whether Medicare providers meet applicable conditions of participation or coverage. Provides for an educational campaign relating to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases in women.

Medicare Home Health Telehealth Access Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006

Medicare Home Health Telehealth Access Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the current requirements for Medicare coverage of telehealth services under the prospective payment system. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to treat as a home health visit any telehealth services furnished by a home health agency via a telecommunication system to an individual receiving home health services, if the telehealth services: (1) are ordered as part of a plan of care certified by a physician; (2) (as under current law) do not substitute for in-person home health services ordered as part of a plan of care certified by a physician; and (3) are considered the equivalent of a visit under criteria developed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to initiate and carry out projects in a variety of geographic locations that provide incentives to home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technologies that will: (1) enhance health outcomes for individuals enrolled under Medicare parts A and B; and (2) reduce part A and B program expenditures for institutional and other providers, practitioners, and suppliers of health care items and services. Authorizes the Secretary to pay incentive payments to each home health agency participating in a pilot project. Provides that, if the Secretary determines that any of the pilot projects results in decreased federal Medicare expenditures, and maintains or enhances health outcomes for the participating beneficiaries, the Secretary may initiate or extend comparable projects in additional areas.

To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require prescription drug plans to provide enrollee notice of less expensive part D covered drugs that may be substituted for dispensed drugs.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prescription drug plans to provide enrollee notice of less expensive part D covered drugs that may be substituted for dispensed drugs.

HEART for Women Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006

Heart Disease Education, Analysis, and Research, and Treatment for Women Act or the HEART for Women Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to require an application for approval or for investigation of a drug, device, or biological product to include information stratified by gender, race, and ethnicity, including any differences in safety and effectiveness. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) withhold approval of such an application or place a clinical hold on an investigation if such information is not included; and (2) report to the scientific community and make information available to the public on such stratified data upon approval of an application. Requires the Comptroller General to study the drug approval process to ensure compliance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to require that all nonidentifiable patient safety work product reported to a patient safety database be stratified by gender. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary to make hospital quality data relating to the quality of care in inpatient settings available to the public stratified by gender. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to report to Congress concerning the quality of and access to care for women with heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Requires utilization and quality control peer review organizations to offer quality improvement assistance aimed at eliminating gender disparities. Amends title IX (employment security provisions) of SSA to require that data be stratified by gender when collected and used in surveys evaluating whether Medicare providers meet applicable conditions of participation or coverage. Provides for an educational campaign relating to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases in women.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the effective treatment of and access to care for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2006

Urges: (1) the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to continue to take a leadership role in identifying a cure and developing safer, more effective treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene, by August 2006 (Psoriasis Awareness Month), a special panel to study and make recommendations regarding access to care for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Health Care COSTS Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2006

Health Care COBRA OffSet Tax Savings Act of 2006 or the Health Care COSTS Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for 50% of the premium for COBRA continuation coverage under a group health plan. Requires notice of the availability of this tax credit to individuals entitled to COBRA continuation coverage.

Patients Before Profits Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Patients Before Profits Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, with respect to the health status adjustment to certain monthly payments to Medicare+Choice organizations. Repeals the limitation to 2008, 2009, and 2010 of the requirement that, in applying such adjustment to payment amounts, the Secretary of Health and Human Services ensure that it reflects changes in treatment and coding practices in the fee-for-service sector, and reflects any differences in coding patterns between Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Medicare providers under parts A and B. Requires the Secretary's analysis of such differences to be completed in time to ensure that the results are incorporated into the risk scores for 2008 and subsequent years (currently, only the risk scores for 2008, 2009, and 2010). Amends SSA title XVIII to repeal the requirement that the Secretary establish an MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund. Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, to repeal: (1) the state option for alternative premiums and cost sharing; (2) certain special rules for cost sharing for prescription drugs; (3) a state option for permitting hospitals to impose cost sharing for non-emergency care furnished in an emergency department; (2) the state option to provide benchmark benefit packages; and (3) the authority and mandate to establish Health Opportunity Accounts demonstrations.

Medicare Drug Formulary Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Medicare Drug Formulary Protection Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit removal of covered part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs from a prescription drug plan formulary, or imposition of a restriction or limitation on the coverage of such a drug, during the plan year: (1) except at the beginning; or (2) for an individual enrollee, from the date of enrollment until December 31 of the immediately succeeding plan year. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Requires an annual notice to enrollees of changes in formulary and other restrictions or limitations on coverage.

Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Internet and Universal Service Act of 2006 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide advanced telecommunications infrastructure investment incentives to telecommunications carriers to invest in and deploy network facilities necessary to provide broadband service and broadband voice service to people in rural, insular, and high-cost areas. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each eligible telecommunications carrier (a common carrier eligible for federal universal service support) to offer, in addition to other services, throughout its service area: (1) an approved affordable calling plan comparable to that offered by the eligible telecommunications carrier that is the incumbent local exchange carrier for such service area; (2) such services functions as are required of the incumbent eligible telecommunications carrier for such service area so as to protect customers and promote public health, safety, and welfare, including the quality and reliability of telecommunications services; and (3) such services substantially over its own facilities and commit to use any support received to achieve facilities-based coverage of the entire service area within two years of it being designated as eligible. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of federal universal service support payable to an eligible telecommunications carrier. Requires each eligible telecommunications carrier receiving federal universal service support to certify annually to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it is using such support in compliance with service requirements, including for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which such support is intended. Revises provisions to require the FCC in administering federal universal service funding mechanisms and developing a contribution methodology for federal universal service support for rural, insular, and highcost areas to ensure that such mechanisms preserve and advance universal service and enable access to advanced telecommunications infrastructure and broadband services. Requires providers of broadband services (currently, only telecommunications providers) to contribute to federal universal service funding mechanisms. Requires contributions be non-discriminatory among all providers (including broadband service providers). Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) each telecommunications carrier to identify network traffic it transmits so that a terminating carrier can identify, measure, and charge for such traffic; (2) the appointment of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) as permanent Administrator of universal service support mechanisms established under this Act (including oversight authority over the Schools and Libraries Program); and (3) each telecommunications carrier (or other provider of communications services), upon receiving a request, to provide telecommunications services to health care providers in rural areas at a discounted rate that is 25% of the lowest rate available in the state (currently, must charge a rate that is reasonably comparable to rate charged for similar services in urban areas of the state).

To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide Federal Medicaid funding for State costs associated with ensuring access to prescription drug benefits to part D eligible individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make available to a state federal financial participation with respect to costs, including administrative costs, incurred by the state on or after January 1, 2006: (1) for medical assistance for covered part D drugs for full-benefit dual eligible individuals enrolled under a prescription drug plan under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA), or a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice Program), but who were not reasonably able to access on a timely basis any prescription drug benefits to which they were entitled under such part; and (2) which the state reasonably expected would have been covered under such part. Directs the Secretary to provide for the recovery of the amount of federal financial participation made available to states from part D and MA-PD plans if the Secretary determines that such plans should have incurred such costs.

Drug Company Gift Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Drug Company Gift Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require prescription drug manufacturers, packers, and distributors to annually disclose to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs the value, nature, and purpose of: (1) gifts made in connection with detailing, promotion, or other marketing activity to any physician, hospital, nursing home, pharmacist, health benefit plan administrator, or any other person authorized to prescribe or dispense prescription drugs; and (2) cash rebates, discounts, or any other financial consideration given to any pharmaceutical benefit manager in connection with such marketing activities. Defines "gift" as any gift, fee, payment, subsidy, or other economic benefit with a value of $50 or more, except free samples of prescription drugs and the payment of reasonable compensation and reimbursement of expenses in connection with a bona fide clinical trial. Requires the Commissioner to: (1) make such information available to the public; and (2) keep confidential any information related to a trade secret. Establishes civil penalties for violations.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain full-benefit dual eligible individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate cost-sharing under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) for certain full-benefit dual eligible individuals.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the 2006 annual coordinated election period for Medicare prescription drug plans through August 15, 2006.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend the 2006 annual coordinated election period for Medicare prescription drug plans through August 15, 2006.

Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Enrollment Extension Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend the 2006 open enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans through September 30, 2006.

To provide additional funding for State health insurance counseling programs for Medicare part D enrollment.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Makes additional appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for state health insurance counseling programs on Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug plan enrollment.

Patients Before Profits Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Patients Before Profits Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, with respect to the health status adjustment to certain monthly payments to Medicare+Choice organizations. Repeals the limitation to 2008, 2009, and 2010 of the requirement that, in applying such adjustment to payment amounts, the Secretary of Health and Human Services ensure that it reflects changes in treatment and coding practices in the fee-for-service sector, and reflects any differences in coding patterns between Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Medicare providers under parts A and B. Requires the Secretary's analysis of such differences to be completed in time to ensure that the results are incorporated into the risk scores for 2008 and subsequent years (currently, only the risk scores for 2008, 2009, and 2010). Amends SSA title XVIII to repeal the requirement that the Secretary establish an MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund. Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, to repeal: (1) the state option for alternative premiums and cost sharing; (2) certain special rules for cost sharing for prescription drugs; (3) a state option for permitting hospitals to impose cost sharing for non-emergency care furnished in an emergency department; (2) the state option to provide benchmark benefit packages; and (3) the authority and mandate to establish Health Opportunity Accounts demonstrations.

Wired for Health Care Quality Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2006

Wired for Health Care Quality Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the public-private American Health Information Collaborative to recommend uniform national policies to support the widespread adoption of health information technology; and (2) provide for adoption by the federal government of any appropriate recommended standards. Prohibits any federal agency from expending federal funds to purchase any new health information technology that is inconsistent with adopted standards. Requires all federal agencies collecting health data to comply with such standards. Allows the Secretary to award grants for qualified health information technology systems, regional or local health information plans, and academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop measures for the quality of patient care; (2) disseminate recommendations and best practices derived from the analysis of quality measures; and (3) study methods to create efficient reimbursement incentives for improving health care quality. Requires the Comptroller General to report on the necessity and workability of requiring that patients be notified if their individually identifiable health information is wrongfully disclosed. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ), to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center. Reauthorizes appropriations for grants to reduce statutory and regulatory barriers to telemedicine.

Indian Youth Telemental Health Demonstration Project Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2006

Indian Youth Telemental Health Demonstration Project Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a demonstration project to award up to five grants, of up to four years each, for the provision of telemental health services to Indian youth who have expressed suicidal ideas, have attempted suicide, or have mental health conditions that increase or could increase the risk of suicide. Makes eligible for such grants any Indian tribes and tribal organizations that operate one or more facilities: (1) located in Alaska and part of the Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network; (2) reporting active clinical telehealth capabilities; or (3) offering school-based telemental health services relating to psychiatry to Indian youth.

CARE Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2006

Caregiver Assistance and Relief Effort Act of 2006 or the CARE Act of 2006 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase and extend, through FY2006, the authorization of appropriations for the national family caregiver support program, including caregiver support programs for Native Americans. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow caregivers a tax credit for family members with long-term care needs; (2) allow a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) apply certain consumer protection provisions to long-term care insurance contracts.

Medicare Part D Reform Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2006

Medicare Part D Reform Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the prescription drug plan sponsor of a prescription drug plan from removing a covered part D drug from the plan formulary or changing the preferred or tiered cost-sharing status of such a drug, except between September 1 and October 31 of any year, effective only as of January 1 of the following year. Amends SSA title XI to exempt from certain criminal penalties any waiver or reduction of patient cost-sharing by pharmacies under pharmaceutical patient assistance programs. Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to the reduction in cost-sharing below the out-of-pocket threshold for individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line. Requires waiver of such copayments in the case of a full-benefit dual eligible individual who is unable to pay the applicable copayment. Gives the Secretary the authority to negotiate prescription drug prices with manufacturers of covered part D drugs.

Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line who: (1) reside in an assisted living facility, a resident care program facility, or any other appropriate licenced facility, including a psychiatric health facility, a mental health rehabilitation center, and a mental retardation developmental disability facility; or (2) receive home and community-based services in a home setting under a home and community-based waiver.

Medicare Prescription Drug Emergency Guarantee Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Emergency Guarantee Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to assure uninterrupted access to medicines under the Medicare prescription drug program. Requires each prescription drug plan sponsor offering a prescription drug plan, and each Medicare Advantage organization offering an Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD plan), to: (1) provide minimum standard transition coverage; (2) furnish each enrollee with annual notices of any changes in formulary or other restrictions or drug coverage limitations; and (3) require application of intermediate sanctions to protect against fraud and abuse. Amends SSA: (1) title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) to allow changes of enrollment in prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans to be made once each year outside the annual coordinated election period, or twice a year; and (2) title XIX (Medicaid) to prohibit conditioning Medicaid eligibility on enrollment in Medicare part D or any other creditable coverage. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on the extent to which full-benefit dual eligible individuals were enrolled (by assignment or otherwise) in the most appropriate part D prescription drug plans. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse covered third parties during 2006 for 100% of covered part D drugs which a prescription drug plan or MA-PD plan enrollee reasonably expected would have been covered but were not because the enrollee was unable to access on a timely basis prescription drug benefits to which he or she was entitled. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for recovering such reimbursed costs from prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans if they should have incurred them.

Medicare Prescription Drug Emergency Guarantee Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Emergency Guarantee Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to assure uninterrupted access to medicines under the Medicare prescription drug program. Requires each prescription drug plan sponsor offering a prescription drug plan, and each Medicare Advantage organization offering an Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD plan), to: (1) provide minimum standard transition coverage; (2) furnish each enrollee with annual notices of any changes in formulary or other restrictions or drug coverage limitations; and (3) require application of intermediate sanctions to protect against fraud and abuse. Amends SSA: (1) title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) to allow changes of enrollment in prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans to be made once each year outside the annual coordinated election period, or twice a year; and (2) title XIX (Medicaid) to prohibit conditioning Medicaid eligibility on enrollment in Medicare part D or any other creditable coverage. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on the extent to which full-benefit dual eligible individuals were enrolled (by assignment or otherwise) in the most appropriate part D prescription drug plans. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse covered third parties during 2006 for 100% of covered part D drugs which a prescription drug plan or MA-PD plan enrollee reasonably expected would have been covered but were not because the enrollee was unable to access on a timely basis prescription drug benefits to which he or she was entitled. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for recovering such reimbursed costs from prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans if they should have incurred them.

Medicare for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Medicare for All Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Medicare for All) under which: (1) each eligible individual is entitled to benefits which include the full range and scope of benefits available under the original fee-for-service program under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare), with parity in coverage of mental health benefits, subject to appropriate cost sharing; (2) each enrollee is free to choose his or her own doctor and private health plan; and (3) benefits are not less than the benefits offered to Members of Congress and Federal employees under FEHBP (Federal Employees Health Benefits Program). Establishes the Medicare for All Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose: (1) on the income of every individual a tax equal to 1.7% of wages received; (2) on every employer an excise tax equal to 7% of the wages paid to each employee; and (3) on the self-employment income of every individual, a tax equal to the applicable percentage of the self-employment income for such taxable year.

Medicare Drugs for Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2006

Medicare Drugs for Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2006 -Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to replace the current part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) program, adopted by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, with a revised prescription drug benefit program under a new part D (Prescription Medicine Benefit for the Aged and Disabled) for all Medicare beneficiaries. Provides for reductions in the price of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) revise requirements with respect to the commercial and personal importation of prescription drugs and the disposition of certain drugs denied admission; and (2) prescribe requirements with respect to Internet sales of prescription drugs. Provides that if any federal agency or any non-profit entity undertakes federally funded health care research and development, and is to convey or provide a patent or other exclusive right to use such research and development for a drug or other health care technology, such agency or entity shall not make such conveyance or provide such patent or other right until the recipient first agrees to a reasonable pricing agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or the Secretary determines that the public interest is served by a waiver of the reasonable pricing agreement. Sets forth Medigap transition requirements.

Medicare for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006

Medicare for All Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Medicare for All) under which: (1) each eligible individual is entitled to benefits which include the full range and scope of benefits available under the original fee-for-service program under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare), with parity in coverage of mental health benefits, subject to appropriate cost sharing; (2) each enrollee is free to choose his or her own doctor and private health plan; and (3) benefits are not less than the benefits offered to Members of Congress and Federal employees under FEHBP (Federal Employees Health Benefits Program). Establishes the Medicare for All Trust Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose: (1) on the income of every individual a tax equal to 1.7% of wages received; (2) on every employer an excise tax equal to 7% of the wages paid to each employee; and (3) on the self-employment income of every individual, a tax equal to the applicable percentage of the self-employment income for such taxable year.

Requiring Emergency Pharmaceutical Access for Individual Relief (REPAIR) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006

Requiring Emergency Pharmaceutical Access for Individual Relief (REPAIR) Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to transition requirements. Authorizes a pharmacy to fill prescriptions on a renewable 30-day basis for full-benefit dual eligible individuals during 2006 when a reasonable search by the pharmacy to locate or verify an individual's enrollment fails. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice) to identify clearly all full-benefit dual eligible individuals in their data records. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to prohibit conditioning Medicaid eligibility for individuals enrolled in certain creditable prescription drug coverage on enrollment in the Medicare part D drug program. Requires the Secretary to establish process to ensure that full-benefit dual eligible individuals are not overcharged. Requires reimbursement to states for 2006 transition costs. Directs the Secretary to provide for outreach and education to every pharmacy participating in the Medicaid program, particularly independent pharmacies, on the needs of full-benefit dual eligible individuals and the transition from Medicaid prescription drug coverage to part D coverage. Directs the Secretary to ensure that an employee of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is stationed at each State health insurance counseling program to assist Medicare beneficiaries and counselors regarding the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Authorizes state coverage of non-formulary prescription drugs for full-benefit dual eligible individuals during 2006. Prohibits the Secretary from terminating coverage of a full-benefit dual eligible individual unless such individual has functioning access to a prescription drug plan under part D or an MA-PD plan.

Medicare State Reimbursement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006

Medicare State Reimbursement Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to required state reimbursements to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for federal assumption of Medicaid prescription drug costs for dually eligible individuals (Medicaid clawback). Requires an offset from the Medicaid clawback for state prescription drug expenditures for covered part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a part D plan but unable to access on a timely basis benefits to which they were entitled. Requires the Secretary to provide for recovery of payment reductions owing to such offset from those part D or Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans that would otherwise be responsible for the expenditures made by the states.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for an offset from the Medicaid clawback for State emergency prescription drug expenditures for Medicare dual-eligible individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to required state reimbursements to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for federal assumption of Medicaid prescription drug costs for dual-eligible individuals (Medicaid clawback). Requires an offset from the Medicaid clawback for state prescription drug expenditures for covered part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs for part D eligible individuals who are: (1) entitled to benefits under the state plan (whether as full-benefit dual eligible individuals, qualified Medicare beneficiaries, or otherwise); and (2) enrolled in a part D plan but unable to access on a timely basis benefits to which they were entitled. Requires the Secretary to provide for recovery of payment reductions owing to such offset from those part D or Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans that would otherwise be responsible for the expenditures made by the states.

To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse States for expenditures associated with the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit for dual eligible individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2006

Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse states fully for expenditures associated with the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit for dual eligible individuals.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of Indian Health Service, should maintain the current operating hours of the Wagner Service Unit until the Secretary submits to Congress a new report that accurately describes the current conditions at the Wagner Service Unit.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2006

Expresses the sense of the Senate that, pursuant to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of Indian Health Services, should submit to Congress a new report that evaluates the impact of reduction in emergency room services at the Wagner Service Unit of the Indian Health Service (which serves the Yankton Sioux Tribe in South Dakota). Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should maintain the current operating hours of the Wagner Service Unit until the Secretary submits such report to Congress.

Title X Family Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2006

Title X Family Planning Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit federal family planning funds from being awarded to any grantees who perform abortions or whose subgrantees perform abortions, except where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. (Current law prohibits such funds from being used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning.) Excludes hospitals from such provisions as long as the hospital does not subgrant to a non-hospital entity that performs abortions. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a list of grantees who perform abortions, regardless of how such abortions are funded. Makes such a grantee ineligible for family planning funds for subsequent fiscal years unless the grantee certifies that neither the grantee nor any subgrantee performs abortions that are not explicitly permitted under this Act.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain full-benefit dual eligible individuals.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate cost-sharing under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) for certain full-benefit dual eligible individuals.

Long-Term Care Resident Part D Assistance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2006

Long-Term Care Resident Part D Assistance Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish procedures (which may waive requirements) in order to provide residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities with assistance with respect to prescription drug coverage under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Requires such procedures to include at least: (1) a dedicated toll-free telephone number for LTC facility staff to request coverage information; and (2) plan selection assistance for full-benefit dual eligible LTC facility residents who have failed to enroll in a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan.

Medicare State Reimbursement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2006

Medicare State Reimbursement Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to required state reimbursements to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for federal assumption of Medicaid prescription drug costs for dual-eligible individuals (Medicaid clawback). Requires an offset from the Medicaid clawback for state prescription drug expenditures for covered part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a part D plan but unable to access on a timely basis benefits to which they were entitled. Requires the Secretary to provide for recovery of payment reductions owing to such offset from those part D or Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans that would otherwise be responsible for the expenditures made by the states.

Requiring Emergency Pharmaceutical Access for Individual Relief (REPAIR) Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2006

Requiring Emergency Pharmaceutical Access for Individual Relief (REPAIR) Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to transition requirements. Authorizes a pharmacy to fill prescriptions on a renewable 30-day basis for full-benefit dual eligible individuals during 2006 when a reasonable search by the pharmacy to locate or verify an individual's enrollment fails. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice) to identify clearly all full-benefit dual eligible individuals in their data records. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to prohibit conditioning Medicaid eligibility for individuals enrolled in certain creditable prescription drug coverage on enrollment in the Medicare part D drug program. Requires the Secretary to establish process to ensure that full-benefit dual eligible individuals are not overcharged. Requires reimbursement to states for 2006 transition costs. Directs the Secretary to provide for outreach and education to every pharmacy participating in the Medicaid program, on the needs of full-benefit dual eligible individuals and the transition from Medicaid prescription drug coverage to part D coverage. Directs the Secretary to ensure that an employee of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is stationed at each state health insurance counseling program to assist Medicare beneficiaries and counselors regarding the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Authorizes state coverage of non-formulary prescription drugs for full-benefit dual eligible individuals during 2006. Prohibits the Secretary from terminating coverage of a full-benefit dual eligible individual unless such individual has functioning access to a prescription drug plan under part D or an MA-PD plan.

National Innovation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2006

National Innovation Act of 2005 - Directs the President to establish the: (1) President's Council on Innovation; and (2) Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) submit a multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized by this Act for doubling research funding shall be used; (2) study how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science; (3) expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program; (4) establish a clearinghouse for sharing program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs; (5) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such programs; and (6) award grants to local educational agencies to enable implementation of innovation-based experiential learning. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit recommendations for an increase in funding for research and development in physical sciences and engineering. Requires the Department of Commerce to: (1) review federal programs that support local economic development and implement a strategy to fund initiatives that improve the ability of communities to participate successfully in the modern economy through innovation; (2) promote economic development opportunities for serving local communities as specified; and (3) coordinate activities focused on promoting innovation through development of regional innovation hot spots. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and development for advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and efficiency and to create competitive advantages for U.S. businesses. Make permanent the research credit for qualified research expenses and provides for an alternative simplified credit for such expenses. Requires studies: (1) to explore methods for managing costs associated with catastrophic healthcare events and with chronic disease; and (2) for establishing lifelong learning accounts for educational or training purposes; and (3) of methods to mitigate new forms of risk for businesses that affect innovation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue regulations relating to private foundation support of innovations in economic development; and (2) establish an advisory group to examine best practices for valuation of intangibles. Makes it the goal of the Department of Defense (DOD) to allocate: (1) at least 3% of the total DOD budget to science and technology; and (2) of such amount, at least 20% to basic research. Extends and expands the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Defense Scholarship Pilot Program. Expands the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) fellowship program. Requires DOD to: (1) award institution-based traineeships in areas of importance to DOD in mathematics, science, or engineering; and (2) undertake specified actions with respect to defense manufacturing research and development.