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151 records in US in 1983
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for outpatient occupational therapy services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 3021 (unemployed workers health insurance).
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Health Care for the Unemployed Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Social Security Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI - Health Care for the Unemployed. Part A - Block Grants to States - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 to carry out this part. Makes available for allotments for block grants to States under this part specified sums for each such fiscal year for the development and operation of medical benefit plans for the unemployed. Requires a State, in order to receive a payment from its allotment: (1) to have an approved plan; and (2) to provide for any required State contributions. Sets forth a formula that the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall use in making allotments. Prohibits payment of a State's allotment for: (1) 1983 unless the State notifies the Secretary by September 15, 1983, of its intent to have in effect in the State a plan by June 30, 1984; and (2) FY 1984 and 1985 unless an approved plan is in effect by June 30, 1984. Requires a State plan for medical benefits for the unemployed to provide for making the following medical benefits available (to the extent such benefits are available under the Medicaid program of the Social Security Act) to eligible individuals voluntarily enrolled under the plan: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) outpatient hospital and rural health clinic services; (3) laboratory and x-ray services; (4) family planning services and supplies; (5) physicians' services; (6) clinic services; (7) nurse-midwife services; and (8) prescribed drugs. Requires the plan to also provide the following medical benefits: (1) prenatal, delivery, post-partum, and well-baby care, without limitations of amount, duration, or scope except as to medical necessity; and (2) at least some ambulatory services. Authorizes a plan to impose: (1) a weekly premium equal to not more than five percent of an individual's unemployment compensation; and (2) a premium equal to not more than two percent of the average monthly unemployment compensation benefit in the State if an eligible individual is not receiving unemployment compensation. Requires a plan to provide for the imposition of a deductible. Permits the waiver of deductions, cost sharing, and similar charges in the case of financial hardship. Requires a State to provide for a State contribution towards expenditures under the plan, except for 1983. Sets forth formulas for determining such contribution which take into account a State's unemployment rate and the national unemployment rate. Limits a State's administrative expenses to a maximum of 10 percent of its plan's expenses, except for 1983. Requires each State to prepare and submit to the Secretary and each House of Congress by February 1, 1985, a report of its activities through FY 1984 under the plan. Makes provisions of title V (Maternal and Child Health) of the Act relating to reports and audits and nondiscrimination applicable to expenditure and activities under this part. Makes provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) and part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act relating to penalties applicable to State plans under this Act. Prohibits a payment to a provider from exceeding the payment for the same service provided under title XIX. Requires a plan to be secondary in payment to any other insurance or benefit plan providing medical benefits. Requires a State to determine if an applicant for benefits under the plan might be eligible for Medicaid. Requires a plan to meet specified administrative requirements of the State's Medicaid plan. Requires the Secretary to approve any plan meeting the above requirements. Directs the Secretary to disapprove any plan if the Secretary determines that: (1) the State provided eligibility for Medicaid or AFDC under title XIX or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Act to dependent children of unemployed parents as of June 1, 1983, and, after such date, discontinued coverage of such children under such plan; or (2) the State has made other significant reductions in eligibility or benefits under its Medicaid plan in order to establish or operate a plan under this part. Requires each State plan to specify the criteria for determining eligibility for medical benefits under the plan. Provides that an individual shall not be eligible for medical benefits under a State plan unless the individual is unemployed and: (1) is receiving unemployment compensation or received unemployment compensation for a week in the previous 104-week period; or (2) has been previously employed (as determined under the plan) and meets such reasonable financial or medical needs standards as the plan specifies. Requires coverage for a covered individual's immediate family members. Directs a State to specify the uniform minimum length of time an individual must have been previously unemployed in order to be eligible for benefits. Prohibits coverage of an individual under a plan if the individual is: (1) covered under a group health or his or her spouse's group health plan; or (2) eligible for Medicaid. Authorizes a State to limit the coverage period of an eligible individual, but the period may be less than one year for unemployed individuals who are receiving unemployment compensation or who received unemployment compensation for a week in the previous 104-week period. Permits an individual to terminate enrollment at any time. Authorizes a State plan to provide an enrollee with the voluntary option of electing to receive medical benefits through an arrangement with a health benefits plan rather than under the State plan if: (1) the scope, amount, and duration of benefits are at least equal to the State's; (2) premiums and charges do not exceed the State's; and (3) the amount of payment does not exceed the actuarial value of payments for medical benefits which would have otherwise been made. Part B: Open Enrollment, Continuation, and Conversion Rights of Individuals - Requires any group health plan offered by an employer of 25 or more individuals to: (1) have an open enrollment period for spouses of unemployed workers; (2) require the continuation of group health care coverage to an involuntarily laid off employee; and (3) offer unemployed workers covered under insured group health plans the right to convert to individual policies. Requires the open enrollment period to be of at least 30 days duration for each married employee whose spouse loses coverage under a group health plan due to an involuntary layoff. Requires the continuation of coverage period to be at least 90 days in the case of a covered employee (excluding temporary employees) who would otherwise lose coverage because of an involuntary layoff. Provides an individual with up to 31 days to convert to an individual policy following loss coverage under the group health plan. Part C: Assistance to Hospitals Serving the Unemployed - Directs the Secretary to make grants to hospitals to assist the hospitals in providing services to individuals unable to pay for such services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) give first priority to hospitals which are either public hospitals or hospitals serving areas not served by a public hospital; and (2) then give priority to other hospitals which demonstrate that they serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients who are unemployed and unable to pay for hospital services. Requires a hospital, in order to be eligible for a grant, to: (1) be located in an area experiencing high unemployment or serving primarily medically underserved populations; (2) serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients having low income and who are unable to pay for hospital services; (3) provide services to individuals without regard to their ability to pay; (4) provide assurances that if required to make available services to individuals who cannot pay pursuant to an assurance under the Public Health Service Act, the hospital has made the services available; and (5) offer assurances that it will use the sums provided in the grant in addition to, rather than in lieu of, existing Federal, State, and local funds currently available. Requires that an application be submitted for a grant and that the application be approved before a grant is made. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1984-1986. Sets forth effective date provisions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out title V of the Act for FY 1983 and 1984, with an increase for FY 1984, but requires new funding authority thereafter. Increases Medicaid funding to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Title II: Internal Revenue Code Amendment and Miscellaneous Provision - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose, until December 31, 1986, a tax on employers of 25 or more individuals equal to ten percent of the amount of the nonqualified employee health expenses paid or incurred annually. Defines "nonqualified employee health expenses" as the expenses paid or incurred by the employer for a group health plan to the extent such expenses are allocable to a period during which such plan does not meet each requirement contained in part B of title XXI. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set the "cap amount" used for computing payment for hospice care at $6,500 annually (to be adjusted annually according to the consumer price index).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Designates the week of July 17 through 23, 1983, as Sutter Community Hospitals Week.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set the cap amount for hospice care at $6,500, to be increased or decreased annually according to the consumer price index.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983
Reye's Syndrome Act of 1983 - Amends title XI (Genetic Disease, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, through the National Institute of Neurological, Communicative Disorders, and Stroke, the Reye's Syndrome Coordinating Committee. Directs such Committee to: (1) make grants and enter into contracts for clinical research and treatment; and (2) establish mobile research teams. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within six months following the end of the Committee's authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1983
Health Care Coverage for Unemployed Workers Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for an employer's contribution to a group health plan to be deductible the group health plan must: (1) provide a 30-day open enrollment period for each married employee whose spouse loses coverage under a group health plan due to the involuntary termination of the spouse's employment; (2) provide an employee who is laid-off or separated (other than for cause) with coverage for 90 days of either the current group policy or a lesser benefit package at the option of the employee; and (3) provide an ex-employee the option to convert to individual health insurance coverage without evidence of insurability. Adds a new title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Health Assistance for the Unemployed". Authorizes appropriations under Part A of title XXI (Block Grants for State Health Assistance to Counties for the Unemployed) to carry out the provisions of Part A for FY 1983 through FY 1985. Makes allotments to the States to be used to assist organized community efforts that provide health care to unemployed individuals. Limits the use of such funds to the provision of supplies, equipment, and similar expenses related to such care. Bases the allotment upon a State's proportionate share of unemployment. Requires a State to distribute funds among counties based on each county's proportionate share of unemployment. Allows the States the discretion to determine: (1) the groups covered under the health care assistance program; (2) the period of coverage; (3) the particular type, duration and scope of services; (4) any standards for financial participation; and (5) any State funds to be made available for such assistance. Requires each State to submit a description of the intended use of the payment and a statement of certain assurances. Makes provisions of title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act relating to reports and audits, criminal penalties, and nondiscrimination applicable to part A of title XXI. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants under part B (Assistance to Hospitals Serving the Unemployed) of title XXI to hospitals meeting stated requirements to assist the hospitals in providing medically necessary acute care services to persons unable to pay for such services. Requires a hospital, in order to receive such a grant, to: (1) be located in an area experiencing high unemployment or serve primarily medically underserved populations; (2) serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients who have low income and who are unable to pay for hospital services; (3) provide services to persons without regard to their ability to pay; (4) provide evidence that if required, the hospital will make available a reasonable volume of services to individuals unable to pay for services; and (5) offer assurances that it will use the grant money in addition to, rather than in lieu of, existing Federal, State, and local funds currently available to provide medically necessary acute care services to persons unable to pay for such services. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning assisted hospitals. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1983 through FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1983
Directs the President to designate a specified week in June 1984, as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that mental examinations in the Federal criminal justice system may be performed by psychologists as well as by psychiatrists.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
(Report filed by Senate Committee on the Judiciary, S. Rept. 98-547) Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly and the Disabled Act of 1983 - Amends title XIX (Block Grants) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize a block grant program for home and community based services. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) FY 1985 for program planning and implementation; and (2) FY 1986 through FY 1988 for program services. Allots a State's funds on the basis of its elderly population compared to such national population. Makes Indian tribes or tribal organizations eligible grant recipients. States that grants may be used to: (1) coordinate existing services and maximize the use of funds under this Act; (2) develop means to identify elderly and disabled individuals who are at risk of institutionalization or who could be deinstitutionalized if home and community based services were available; (3) develop cost-effective services; and (4) provide specified medical and related social, occupational, educational, and supportive services. Permits the Secretary to provide States with planning and operating technical assistance. Prohibits the use of funds for: (1) inpatient services; (2) cash payments to intended recipients; (3) land purchase or construction; (4) purchases of major medical equipment; or (5) financial aid to other than public or nonprofit entities. Sets forth State application provisions, including requirements that public hearings regarding fund distributions be held, the establishing of a State entity to administer such funds and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Community Home Care Services Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the coordination of the Public Health Service Act, the Older Americans Act, and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act in the furnishing of home care services. Authorizes a State, under title XIX, to establish a program under which individuals are furnished home care services if they: (1) are eligible for Medicaid, or would be eligible if institutionalized; or (2) would require institutional care but for the furnishing of home care services. Provides that such program need not be in effect statewide. Makes participation in the program by any individual voluntary. Requires that such a program: (1) assess the needs of each applicant; (2) develop a plan of care for each eligible individual; and (3) provide a case-management system for each individual. Provides that Federal funding to a State for the program shall be equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage, increased by ten percentage points of the total spent by the State for the program. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require hospitals and skilled nursing facilities participating in Medicare to have in effect a procedure for the discharge planning of each patient who may be eligible for home care services under a State's medicaid program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Designates the week of November 27th through December 3, 1983, as National Home Care Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Designates November 1983 as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Restricts payment of the penalty for late enrollment under part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to a period equal to twice the number of years enrollment was delayed (currently, the penalty is assessed for the rest of a beneficiary's life).
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Designates the month of November 1983, as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a hospice to contract out for nursing services with a Medicare certified agency if the hospice: (1) was licensed before September 2, 1982; (2) is located in a rural area; or (3) is located in an area with a medical manpower shortage.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1983
Amends the Trade-Mark Act of 1946 to permit same-use approved equivalent drugs to be manufactured in the form of a tablet which is the same size, color, and shape of the tablet of another drug without violating the prohibitions against false designations of origin or false descriptions or representations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Directs the Administrator of General Services to assign to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Secretary of the Interior specified lands at Fort Totten, New York. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convey a portion of such property to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association of New York House. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the remainder of such property to the City of New York, for public park and/or recreation uses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Directs the Administrator of General Services to assign to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Secretary of the Interior specified lands at Fort Totten, New York. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convey a portion of such property to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association of New York House. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the remainder of such property to the City of New York for public park and/or recreation uses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Medicare Mental Illness Non-Discrimination Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate restrictions with respect to inpatient psychiatric care and the treatment of mental, psychoneurotic, and personality disorders of an individual who is not an inpatient.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Health and Human Services withdraw the transmittal entitled "Treatment of Contributions From Relatives to Medicaid Applicants or Recipients."
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Comprehensive Health Care Improvement Act of 1983 - Title I: Qualified Health Insurance Plans - Part A: Definitions and Standards for Qualified Plans - Sets forth definitions used in this title. Defines a "plan of health coverage" as any plan or combination of plans, including combinations of self-insurance, individual accident and health insurance policies, group accident and health insurance policies, coverage under a nonprofit health service plan, or coverage under a health maintenance organization (HMO) subscriber contract. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for qualified plans and procedures for the review and certification of plans of health coverage as qualified plans. Provides that a plan shall be certified as an "A" qualified plan if it meets any applicable State requirements with respect to accident and health insurance plans or nonprofit health service plans and meets or exceeds the following minimum standards: (1) the minimum benefits for a covered individual are equal to at least 80 percent of the covered expenses in excess of an annual deductible not exceeding $150.00 per person; (2) the coverage includes a limitation of $3,000 per person on total annual out-of-pocket expenses for covered expenses; (3) the coverage is subject to a maximum life-time benefit of not less than $250,000 for covered expenses; and (4) the $3,000 limitation (above) and the $250,000 benefit limit (above) are not subject to change or substitution by use of an actuarially equivalent benefit. States that covered expenses are the usual and customary charges of a physician or chiropractor. Defines covered services as the following services and articles: (1) hospital services; (2) professional services for the diagnosis or treatment of injuries, illnesses, or conditions (other than outpatient mental or dental care) which are rendered by a physician or at a physician's direction; (3) drugs requiring a physician's prescription; (4) services of a nursing home for not more than 120 days in year if the services would qualify as reimbursable services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (5) services of a home health agency if the services would qualify as reimbursable services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act; (6) use of radium or other radioactive materials; (7) oxygen; (8) anesthetics; (9) prostheses, other than dental; (10) rental or purchase, as appropriate, of durable medical equipment, but not including eyeglasses and hearing aids; (11) diagnostic X-rays and laboratory tests; (12) oral surgery for partially or completely unerupted impacted teeth, for a tooth root without the extraction of the entire tooth, or for the gums and tissues of the mouth when not performed in connection with the extraction or repair of teeth; (13) services of a physical therapist; (14) transportation provided by licensed ambulance service to the nearest facility qualified to treat the condition; (15) well baby care; (16) physicians' services for routine checkups and annual physicals when prescribed by a physician; (17) multiphasic screening and other diagnostic testing, within such reasonable limits on the reimbursement required for such services as the Secretary shall prescribe; (18) a second opinion from a physician on all surgical procedures expected to cost a total of $500 or more in physician, laboratory, and hospital fees, but the coverage need not include the repetition of any diagnostic tests for such an opinion; and (19) professional services of a chiropractor. Excludes from coverage: (1) any charge for which benefits are payable under any other type of insurance or compensation; (2) cosmetic surgery; (3) custodial or domiciliary care not qualifying under Medicare; (4) private rooms, except if medically necessary; (5) any part of any charge exceeding the locally prevailing charge; and (6) charges for services rendered by an individual or institution which are not within the individual's or institution's authorized scope of practice. Deems HMOs to be providing an "A" qualified plan. Certifies as a "B" qualified plan a plan which meets the requirements of an "A" plan, except that the annual deductible does not exceed $500 per person. Certifies a plan as a "C" plan if it meets the requirements of an "A" plan, except that the annual deductible does not exceed $1,000 per person. Provides that a plan which provides benefits to persons over age 65 shall be certified as a qualified Medicare supplement plan if it limits annual out-of-pocket expenses to a maximum of $1,000 per person, is designed to complement or supplement Medicare, and provides coverage: (1) of 50 percent of the required Medicare deductibles and copayments; (2) of 80 percent of charges for covered services of an "A" qualified plan not paid under Medicare; and (3) which is not subject to a maximum lifetime benefit of less than $100,000. Directs the Secretary, to the extent feasible, to provide for the review and certification by the insurance commissioner of each State of qualified plans to be offered in the State if the Secretary is provided assurances that such review and certification will comply with the requirements of this Act. States that the sale of plans are in and affect interstate commerce and that in order to properly regulate such sales, it is necessary to regulate such sales in intrastate, as well as interstate, commerce. Requires every plan of health coverage sold to be labelled as "qualified" or "nonqualified" on the front of the policy. Part B: Requiring Offering of Certain Qualified Plans - Requires each employer employing an average of ten or more employees annually to make available a plan or combination of plans of health coverage which: (1) has been certified as an "A", "B", or supplemental plan; (2) is a qualified convertible plan; and (3) permits coverage of an employee's spouse and children. Defines a "qualified convertible plan" as a plan of health coverage which: (1) permits each enrolled individual to convert the plan to an individual qualified plan without the addition of underwriting restrictions if, for any reason, the individual leaves the group; and (2) permits, in the case of the death of the individual in whose name the contract was issued, other individuals covered under the plan to continue coverage without the addition of underwriting restrictions. Sets forth civil penalties for noncompliance with this part. Excludes from the term "employer," for purposes of this part, a State or any political subdivision of a State. Part C: Offering of Comprehensive Health Insurance and Qualified Medicare Supplement Plans by States - Sets forth definitions used in this part. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the establishment and operation of a comprehensive health association in each State and a comprehensive health plan in each State, in accordance with this part of this Act. Defines a "comprehensive health insurance plan" to mean policies of insurance and contracts of HMO coverage offered by an association through the writing carrier in the State. Defines the "writing carrier" as the insurers and HMOs approved to administer the comprehensive health insurance plan. Provides that each State commissioner of insurance, consistent with any regulations the Secretary may promulgate: (1) may formulate general policies to advance the purposes of this title; (2) shall supervise the creation of the State comprehensive health association; (3) shall approve the selection of the writing carrier by the association in the State and approve the association's contract with the writing carrier, including the State plan coverage and premiums to be charged; (4) may appoint advisory committees with respect to implementation of this part; (5) shall conduct periodic audits to assure the general accuracy of the financial data submitted by the writing carrier and the association in the State; (6) shall contract with the Federal Government and may contract with any other unit of government to ensure coordination of the State plan of the association with other governmental assistance programs; (7) may undertake, directly or through contracts with other persons, studies or demonstration programs to develop awareness of the benefits provided under this Act, so that residents of the State may best avail themselves of the health care benefits provided hereunder; (8) may contract with insurers and others for administrative services; and (9) may adopt, amend, suspend, and repeal rules as reasonably necessary to carry out and make effective the provisions and purposes of this part. Requires each State to provide for the establishment of a comprehensive health association with membership consisting of all insurers, self-insurers, fraternal beneficiary associations, and HMOs authorized or licensed to do business in the State. Exempts each association from State taxation. Provides for a board of directors of each association. Requires that all members of an association to: (1) maintain their membership in the association as a condition of doing accident and health insurance, self-insurance, or HMO business in the State; and (2) enter into a reinsurance contract with the association as required by this part. Exempts members of an association, in the performance of their duties as members, from Federal and State antitrust laws. Authorizes each association to provide for the reinsuring of risks incurred as a result of issuing qualified plans by members of the association. Requires each member which elects to reinsure its risks to determine the categories of coverage it elects to reinsure in the association. Provides that the categories consist of: (1) individual qualified plans, excluding group conversions; (2) group conversions; (3) group qualified plans with fewer than 50 employees or members; and (4) major medical coverage. Requires each association through its comprehensive health insurance plan to offer: (1) policies which provide the benefits of an "A", "B", and "C" qualified plans and of a qualified Medicare supplement plan; and (2) HMO contracts in those areas of the State where an HMO has agreed to make the coverage available and has been selected as a writing carrier. Requires the comprehensive health insurance plan for a State to be open for enrollment by individuals residing in the State, who can enroll by submitting a certificate of eligibility to the writing carrier which certifies the applicant's name, address, age, length of residence, dependents to be insured, and type of coverage desired. Provides that upon certification the individual can enroll in a State's comprehensive health insurance plan by payment of the State plan premium to the writing carrier. Requires each member of an association to share the claims expenses for approved plans and the operating and administrative expenses incurred by the association, pursuant to the terms of the individual reinsurance contracts executed by the association with each member. Sets forth a method to determine each member's share of expenses. Authorizes any member of an association in a State to submit for approval to the State commissioner the policies of accident and health insurance or the HMO contracts which are being proposed to serve in the comprehensive health insurance plan. Authorizes the association to select approved policies and contract to be the comprehensive health insurance plan based upon the member's proven ability to handle large group accident and health insurance cases, claim paying capacity, and estimate of total charges for plan administration. Requires each writing carrier to: (1) perform all required administrative and claims payment functions; and (2) report monthly to the association and State commissioner. Exempts premiums received by a writing carrier for the comprehensive health insurance plan from State taxation. Requires each association in a State to disseminate information to State residents regarding the existence of the comprehensive health insurance plan and the means of enrollment. Requires each writing carrier to pay an agent's referral fee, in an amount to be determined by the association, to each insurance agent referring an applicant to the State comprehensive health insurance plan, if the application is accepted. Title II: Program of Assistance to States for Assisting Low-Income Individual to Purchase Comprehensive Health Insurance - Comprehensive Health Insurance Assistance Act of 1983 - Adds a new title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Grants to States for Assistance to Low-Income Individuals in the Purchase of Comprehensive Health Insurance." Authorizes appropriations under title XXI to enable each State to provide assistance to low-income individuals in the purchase of comprehensive health insurance under title XXI. Specifies the amount authorized for each fiscal year. Requires the sums made available under this title to be used to make payments to States which have submitted, and had approved by the Secretary, State plans for comprehensive health insurance assistance to low-income individuals. Directs the Secretary to pay each State with an approved plan, from the sums appropriated, an amount equal to 50 percent of the sums expended which are attributable either assistance under the plan to low-income individuals or to plan administration. Prohibits such amount, during any quarter, from exceeding the product of $1.25 and the State's population. Requires a State plan for comprehensive health insurance assistance to low-income individuals, in order to be approved by the Secretary, to: (1) be in effect in all political subdivisions of the State; (2) provide for financial participation by the State equal to at least 40 percent of the non-Federal share of the expenditures under the plan with respect to which payments that are authorized, and provide for financial participation by the State equal to all of such non-Federal share or provide for distribution of funds from Federal or State sources for carrying out the State plan on an equalization or other bases which will assure that the lack of adequate funds from local sources will not result in a lowering of assistance; (3) provide for the designation of an appropriate State agency to administer the plan; (4) designate an appropriate State agency to administer the plan; (5) prevent the disclosure of information for purposes not connected with the plan; (6) provide for reports to the Secretary; (7) make assistance available to low-income individuals to purchase plans; (8) establish reasonable standards for determining eligibility for and the extent of assistance; (9) make available the opportunity to apply for assistance to any individual; and (10) grant an opportunity for a fair hearing before a State agency to any individual whose claim for assistance under the plan is denied or not acted upon with reasonable promptness. Prohibits payments to a State if, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary finds that a State's plan is not in compliance with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for false statements, misrepresentations, concealments, and conversions made in connection with the application for, sale of, or receipt of benefits under a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a State's Medicaid plan which provides that, in determining the income and resources of a married couple where one spouse is in a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility, there may be disregarded from income and resources such portion thereof as the State determines. Title III: Program of Assistance to States for Assisting Individuals Who Incur Catastrophic Expenses for Health Care - Catastrophic Health Care Expenses Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII entitled "Grants to States for Assistance to Individuals Incurring Catastrophic Expenses for Health Car". Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year to enable each State to furnish medical assistance for catastrophic illness. Requires a State to have submitted and had approved by the Secretary a plan for medical assistance for catastrophic illness. Directs the Secretary to pay each State with an approved plan, from the sums appropriated, an amount equal to 50 percent of the sums expended which are attributable either to payments made under the plan to eligible individuals or to plan administration. Prohibits such amount, during any quarter, from exceeding the product of $0.25 and the States' population. Prohibits payment with respect to expenses: (1) if the charges on which the expenses are based are not reasonable; (2) for inpatient hospital services if the charge exceeds the hospital's customary charge; (3) for health services which were not medically necessary; (4) for services provided by a provider not in compliance with appropriate regulations; (5) for services provided by a hospital or skilled nursing facility if the appropriate utilization review plan is not in effect; or (6) for which a private insurer would be obligated but for a provision in its contract which limits its obligation if an individual is covered under this title. Requires that a State plan for medical assistance for catastrophic illness, in order to be approved by the Secretary, shall: (1) be in effect in all political subdivisions of the State; (2) provide for financial participation by the State equal to at least 40 percent of the non-Federal share of the expenditures under the plan with respect to authorized payments, and provide for financial participation by the State equal to all of such non-Federal share or provide for distribution of funds from Federal or State sources, for carrying out the State plan, on an equalization or other bases which will assure that the lack of adequate funds from local sources will not result in a lowering of assistance; (3) provide for the designation of an appropriate State agency to administer the plan; (4) designate an appropriate State agency to administer the plan; (5) prevent the disclosure of information for purposes not connected with the plan; (6) provide for reports to the Secretary; (7) provide for paying at least 90 percent of all qualified expenses annually of an eligible individual and the individual's dependents in excess of the greater of $2,500 (or a lower amount which the State may establish) or the sum of 30 percent of household income under $15,000, plus 40 percent of household income between $15,000 and $25,000, plus 50 percent of household income in excess of $25,000 (or such lower respective percentages, or such higher incomes, as the State may establish); (8) provide for paying 100 percent of all qualified nursing home expenses of an eligible individual and the individual's dependents in excess of 20 percent of household income (or such lower percentage as the State may establish); (9) prohibit charging any premiums, copayments, or deductibles, except as provided above; (10) provide safeguards against excessive charges and the unnecessary utilization of services; (11) establish reasonable standards for determining eligibility for and the extent of assistance; (12) make available the opportunity to apply for assistance to any individual; (13) grant an opportunity for a fair hearing before a State agency to any individual whose claim for assistance under the plan is denied or not acted upon with reasonable promptness; (14) seek reimbursement from any legally liable third party; and (15) provide that payment for services shall be made only to providers and beneficiaries. Prohibits payments to a State if, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary finds that a State's plan is not in compliance with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth definitions used in this title. Defines an "eligible individual" as an individual who incurs an obligation to pay in a consecutive twelve month period: (1) expenses (including dependent's expenses) exceeding the greater of $2,500 (or such lower amount as the State may establish) or 30 percent of household income up to $15,000, plus 40 percent of household income between $15,000 and $25,000, plus 50 percent of household income in excess of $25,000 (or such lower respective percentages of such incomes, or of such higher incomes as the State may establish); or (2) nursing home expenses exceeding 20 percent (or such lower percentage as the State may establish) of household income. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for false statements, misrepresentations, concealments, and conversions made in connection with the application for or right to the assistance provided under this title.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Health Care Cost Control Act of 1983 - Amends the Social Security Act by adding a new title XXI entitled "Control of Health's Escalating Costs." Prohibits, as a general rule, the total inpatient revenues of a hospital for any accounting period from exceeding the total inpatient revenues from the hospital's base accounting period by a percentage which is greater than the compounded sum of the percentage limits computed under such title for that accounting period and previous accounting periods of the hospital after the base accounting period. Sets forth the method for determining the percentage limitation. Provides, upon the request (and subsequent approval of such request) of an organization owning two or more hospitals in a State, that the limits under such title on total revenues shall be computed and applied in the aggregate for the organization's hospitals with the same accounting period in the State, rather than on each hospital. Prohibits a hospital from changing its admission practices in a manner which results in: (1) a significant reduction in patients who have no third-party coverage and who are unable to pay; (2) a significant reduction in admissions for which payment is (or is likely to be) less than the anticipated charges; (3) the refusal to admit patients who would be expected to require unusually costly care; or (4) the refusal to provide emergency services if the hospital provides such services. Prohibits the charges, the amount recognized as the reasonable charge under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of such Act, and the schedule of Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) payment of a person furnishing outpatient services or of a person furnishing physicians' services to an inpatient of a hospital or other medical institution from exceeding the customary charge, the amount recognized as the reasonable charge under part B of title XVIII, or the schedule of Medicaid payments, respectively, of the person for furnishing such service as established as of January 1, 1983, by a percentage greater than the applicable percentage (computed under this title) for the calendar quarter in which the service is furnished. Prohibits the average reimbursement payable per unit of service to a hospital by a cost payer for outpatient services from exceeding the average reimbursement payable to the hospital per unit of service by the cost payer as estimated as of January 1, 1983, by a percentage greater than the applicable percentage (computed under title XXI) for the calendar quarter in which the service is furnished. Sets forth the method for determining the applicable percentage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for an analysis of the feasibility and desirability of providing for control of the inpatient costs of skilled nursing facilities and of intermediate care facilities. Sets forth civil penalties for a provider who exceeds the revenue limit and fails to deposit the excess in an escrow account. Requires a provider, in order to avoid a penalty for excess revenues, to establish an escrow account. Authorizes withdrawals if the provider's revenues fall below the applicable limit. Sets forth administrative and judicial review procedures for a provider adversely affected by an assessment. Prohibits reimbursement or payment under Medicare or Medicaid for services furnished by a provider exempted from cost control limits to the extent that the reimbursement or payment exceeds the limits. Authorizes a State to apply to administer the limitations imposed under title XXI with respect to services furnished by the State. Authorizes exemptions from cost control: (1) for demonstration purposes; or (2) for a State which has a hospital reimbursement control system. Increases the Federal medical assistance percentage by two percent for a State indicating an intention to submit a State health care cost control plan or administering a cost limitation program under title XXI. Authorizes a State to apply to the Secretary for the approval of a medical cost control plan for that State. Provides that in the case of any State with an approved plan: (1) the Secretary shall waive the requirements under Medicare for covered services furnished in that State; and (2) the Federal medical assistance percentage under the State's Medicaid program shall be increased by two percent. Requires a State plan to: (1) be administered in a manner that provides equitable treatment for all entities paying for covered health services, employees of hospitals, and patients receiving services; (2) provide required reports to the Secretary; and (3) permit health maintenance organizations (HMO'S) to negotiate lower rates for inpatient hospital services and other services. Authorizes a State plan to be mandatory or voluntary and to exempt hospitals and other persons from limits for demonstration purposes. Requires that the State plan apply to all payors and to at least 75 percent of all revenues or expenses for inpatient hospital services. Prohibits the amount of the total inpatient revenues from increasing at a rate greater than the permissible percentage increase based upon such amount determined for: (1) the previous year; (2) a typical year in the previous three years; or (3) the average of the previous three years. Directs the chief executive officer of a State to provide for the appointment of a panel consisting of seven members, with expertise in health care economics, to develop the methodology for establishing the permissible percentage increase. Requires the State plan to provide a procedure whereby, upon the request of a hospital, an adjustment can be made to the permissible percentage increase. Requires that the State plan: (1) provide for prospective payment of hospitals; (2) have a mechanism for providing fair hearings for hospitals aggrieved by determinations made under the plan; (3) assure that hospitals continue to meet Federal and State certification standards; and (4) provide assurances that hospital admission practices meet specified requirements. Requires the plan to provide for the development of schedules: (1) of maximum payment for outpatient services and for physicians' services furnished to inpatients; and (2) of maximum reimbursement for diagnostic laboratory and X-ray services. Requires the plan to provide for capitation payment to HMOs not in excess of the prevailing rates for comparable services of other providers. Provides that if a State does not have a State cost control plan for FY 1986, the Secretary shall publish a determination that either: (1) the cost limitation program shall apply; or (2) the Secretary shall establish and implement a cost control plan meeting the requirements of a State plan under title XXI. Requires Medicare assignment for physicians' services. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Health Care Technologies and Procedures to examine: (1) the appropriateness of the various interventions and conditions under which they are needed; (2) the safety and efficacy of alternative therapeutic and preventive regimens; and (3) the standards for availability and utilization of various technologies. Directs the Advisory Committee to report on whether or not payments should be made for such services. Sets forth definitions used in title XXI. Prohibits regulations determining reasonable cost from including any provision for specific recognition of a return on equity capital for certain proprietary facilities. Authorizes State demonstration projects which encourage the care of individuals who are chronically ill or severely disabled outside of institutions. Authorizes, in certain instances, the modification of demonstration project provisions so that a project need not maintain the rate of increase in Medicare hospital costs in a State below the national rate of increase in Medicare hospital costs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Appropriates FY 1984 funds for National Institutes of Health scientific and medical research on acquired immune disorders and related opportunistic infections.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Appropriates FY 1984 funds for Centers for Disease Control epidemiological and medical research on acquired immune disorders and related opportunistic infections.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services furnished by a clinical social worker to a member of a health maintenance organization.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Medicare Fiscal Intermediary Amendments Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit each provider of services to have the right to elect to have payments made by the Secretary of Health and Human Services rather than by a fiscal intermediary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that hospice care is a necessary and humane alternative to traditional health care for the terminally ill.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Health Care Expenditures Regulation Review Act - Requires any officer or agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government to submit all proposed health care regulations to each House of Congress. Sets forth the procedures by which a proposed health care regulation shall become effective. States that such regulations shall take effect 90 legislative days after submission unless: (1) disapproved by either House of Congress; or (2) adopted earlier by a concurrent resolution. Directs the head of any Federal department or agency to give 60 days notice to the appropriate congressional committees prior to initial publication of any regulation which relates to: (1) costs or expenditures of, or reimbursements to, individuals or providers of health care; or (2) the fixing of any rate or charge.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include as a home health service, nutritional counseling provided by or under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it supports the reduction of child mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Urges the President to promote and undertake activities to further the objectives of the child health revolution. Directs appropriate Government agencies to support UNICEF and other specified international agencies and public and private organizations in fostering the child health revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Health Assistance for the Unemployed Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for an employer's contribution to a group health plan to be deductible the group health plan must: (1) provide a 30-day open enrollment period for each married employee whose spouse loses coverage under a group health plan due to the involuntary termination of the spouse's employment; (2) provide an employee who is laid-off or separated (other than for cause) with coverage for 90 days of either the current group policy or a lesser benefit package at the option of the employee; and (3) provide an ex-employee the option to convert to individual health insurance coverage without evidence of insurability. Amends the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations to States to make payments to provide health care or other health care benefits or coverage for unemployed workers and their family members. Distributes such sums appropriated under this program to the States on a quarterly basis determined by a formula based on the State's proportionate share of unemployment in the country. Allows the States the discretion to determine: (1) the groups covered; (2) the period of coverage; (3) the particular type, duration and scope of services; (4) any standards for financial participation; and (5) any State funds to be made available. Requires each State to submit a description of the intended use of the payment and a statement of certain assurances. Makes the report and audit, nondiscrimination, withholding of misspent funds, and criminal penalty for false statements requirements under the Social Security Act applicable to this program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Radiological Emergency Response Planning and Assistance Act of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Radiological Emergency Response Plans and Preparedness Assistance - Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide grants, upon application, to State and local governments to assist them in preparing or updating radiological emergency response plans required by the Code of Federal Regulations. Authorizes appropriations to the NRC for such grants for FY 1984 and 1985. Establishes in the Treasury the Radiological Emergency Response Trust Fund which shall consist of annual fees imposed upon the operators of civilian nuclear powerplants for which radiological emergency response plans must be prepared. Makes the funds in the trust fund available to State and local governments for radiological emergency response training and testing activities and equipment required to implement radiological emergency response plans. Authorizes appropriations to the NRC for carrying out such activities. Title III: Federal Resource Assistance - Requires the President, upon a request by a State or local government and based upon a finding of availability, to make available Federal personnel and resources to be used in the implementation of State or local emergency response plans. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prepare: (1) an inventory of the Federal personnel and resources that could be used to respond immediately to a radiological emergency at a civilian nuclear powerplant; and (2) an inventory of the resources needed for an effective and efficient response to a radiological emergency at each civilian nuclear powerplant required to have a radiological emergency response plan. Requires that such findings be reported to the President and the appropriate congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to FEMA to carry out such inventories.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it supports the reduction of child mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Urges the President to promote and undertake activities to further the objectives of the child health revolution. Directs appropriate Government agencies to support UNICEF and other specified international agencies and public and private organizations in fostering the child health revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Radiological Emergency Response Plans and Preparedness Assistance - Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to provide grants, upon application, to State and local governments to assist them in preparing or updating radiological emergency response plans required by the Code of Federal Regulations. Authorizes appropriations to the NRC for such grants for FY 1984 and 1985. Establishes in the Treasury the Radiological Emergency Response Trust Fund which shall consist of annual fees imposed upon the operators of civilian nuclear powerplants for which radiological emergency response plans must be prepared. Makes the funds in the trust fund available to the State and local governments for radiological emergency response training and testing activities and equipment required to implement radiological emergency response plans. Authorizes appropriations to the NRC for carrying out such activities. Title III: Federal Resource Assistance - Requires the President, upon a request by a State or local government and based upon a finding of availability, to make available Federal personnel and resources to be used in the implementation of State or local emergency response plans. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prepare: (1) an inventory of the Federal personnel and resources that could be used to respond immediately to a radiological emergency to each civilian nuclear powerplant required to have a radiological emergency response plan; and (2) an inventory of the resources needed for an effective and efficient response to such an emergency at each such power plant. Requires that such findings be reported to the President and the appropriate congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to FEMA to carry out such inventories.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Designates the week beginning June 19, 1983, as National Children's Liver Disease Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program of grants to: (1) identify women who received diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant and their children; (2) establish a voluntary registry of such women and children; (3) provide them with periodic cancer screening; and (4) provide health personnel with information respecting the health hazards of such drug.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 2350 (health research authorization).
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for one comprehensive physical examination a year, dental care including dentures, eye examinations including eyeglasses, hearing aids including examination, and treatment of foot conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to eliminate unnecessary or excessive medical appliance expenditures under the Medicare program by implementing appliance leasing, auditing medical appliance manufacturers and providers, and cross-referencing prevailing medical appliance rates. Includes under the term "medical appliance" hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, and similar health aids. States that the Federal Trade Commission should continue and increase scrutiny of the medical appliance industries in the interest of consumer protection. States that the Secretary should provide increased assistance to encourage: (1) the continuing education and training of hearing specialists, clinical audiologists, and physicians to improve the quality of hearing care; and (2) the provision by State and local governments of more and better hearing care for the elderly, including a network of examination and treatment sites.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Designates the week of October 2 through October 8, 1983, as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research until December 31, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act Amendment - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a beverage consisting of more than 24 percent alcohol by volume to have specified health and legal purchase age warnings on its label or in its advertising. States that such requirement: (1) shall not preclude any additional State requirements; and (2) shall not apply to a beverage if other comparable Federal law is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1983
Fair Lab Payments Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that payments with respect to covered diagnostic lab tests shall be 100 percent of the established payment rate. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish payment rates which shall be considered the full charge for low-cost diagnostic tests (tests which cost $15 or less, increased or decreased annually according to the Consumer Price Index).
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to guarantee or insure authorized loans under such Act in the full amount provided by law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Prescription Drug Freshness Act - Requires the prominent labeling, as to the date beyond which the product shall not be used, of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and pharmaceuticals whose effectiveness or potency becomes diminished after storage. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration to establish the "beyond use" dates for all applicable products and the manner in which they shall be labeled.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Prescription Drug Labeling Act -Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that in the labeling and advertising of prescription drugs the established name of such drug must appear each time the drug's proprietary name is used. Allows a pharmacist to fill or refill a prescription for a drug identified by its proprietary name with a substitute drug of the same established name or the same qualitative composition, unless the prescription requires the proprietary name drug exclusively. Requires that such substitute drugs, whether identified in the prescription by proprietary or by established name, be sold to the patient at a cost which is less than the cost of the drug so identified.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Prescription Drug Price Information Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require prescription drug retailers to post the prices of certain commonly prescribed drugs for the general public. Directs each drug retailer to prominently post a list of the prices of the 100 prescription drug products that had the highest dollar volume of retail sales by such drug retailer within a period to be determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the posting for each such drug to: (1) list the drug product under its established name (if any) and its proprietary name (if any); and (2) contain the lowest price at which such drug product is offered for sale in the most commonly dispensed quantity. Prohibits the sale of any prescription drug product whose price is so posted: (1) at a unit price greater than the posted one, if the quantity sold is equal to or greater than the posted quantity; or (2) at a unit price greater than 110 percent of the posted one, if the quantity sold is less than the posted quantity. Provides for injunctive relief to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions requiring the purchase rather than rental of durable medical equipment if it appears that purchasing such equipment would be less costly and more practical than renting.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Designates the week of October 16 through October 22, 1983, as Lupus Awareness Week.