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201 records in US in 1983
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 the 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 September 18 through 24, 1983, as National Cystic Fibrosis Week.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1983
Health Care for the Unemployed Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI - Health Care for the Unemployed: Part A - Grants to States - Authorizes to be appropriated for FY 1984 - 1986 a sum sufficient to enable each State to furnish medical assistance to unemployed individuals and their immediate family. Requires a State, in order to receive funding, to have an approved State plan for medical assistance for the unemployed. Requires a State plan to: (1) meet specified administrative requirements of the State's Medicaid plan; (2) make medical assistance available to eligible individuals voluntarily enrolled during the individual's coverage period; (3) require the State unemployment compensation agency to inform unemployment compensation recipients of the plan and of group health plans, and to notify the State Medicaid agency of eligible unemployment compensation recipients; (4) provide the following services: (a) inpatient hospital services for up to nine days annually; (b) outpatient hospital, emergency, rural health clinic, and physician services for up to ten visits annually; (c) laboratory and x-ray services, subject to such limits as the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish; and (d) family planning and nurse mid-wife services; (5) provide for the imposition of premiums, enrollment fees, and similar charges; (6) provide that the plan will be secondary in payment to any other insurance or benefit plan providing medical assistance; and (7) provide that a State make reasonable efforts to determine the Medicaid eligibility of individuals enrolled in the plan who are not receiving unemployment compensation. Requires the Secretary to approve any plan meeting the above requirements, but precludes approval of any plan which: (1) excludes any U.S. citizen or any individual residing in the State; or (2) if approved, would result in a reduction of Medicaid services. Requires the Secretary to disapprove a plan if it reduces or eliminates Medicaid eligibility under its AFDC plan (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, part A of title IV of the Act) with respect to the unemployed parent program or the coverage of certain children. Provides that an individual is eligible for such medical assistance for a week if the individual: (1) is receiving unemployment compensation and three weeks have elapsed since the first week the individual received unemployment compensation; or (2) is not receiving unemployment compensation for the week, was receiving unemployment compensation for a week during the 104 week period ending with the week before the first week in which the plan is in effect and has not received unemployment compensation for any week in which the plan is in effect, and meets certain requirements relating to work availability. Makes an individual's family eligible if the individual is eligible. Requires a State plan to establish standards concerning whether or not an individual is employed. Requires an individual to be considered employed for a week if the individual's earnings equal or exceed an amount equal to 30 times the minimum hourly wage. Makes an individual ineligible for a week if: (1) the individual is covered under a group health plan for which a contribution is being made by someone other than the individual; (2) the individual is covered under his or her spouse's group health plan; (3) the individual is eligible for Medicaid; (4) the individual is employed for four consecutive weeks; or (5) the individual was disqualified because of fraud for unemployment compensation or convicted of a Medicaid offense in the previous year. Requires a State to impose: (1) a premium of between two and five percent of an individual's unemployment compensation; and (2) the same deduction, cost-sharing, and similar charges as imposed under Medicaid. Authorizes a State plan to provide an enrollee the option of receiving medical assistance with another health benefit plan. Authorizes a State to provide an eligible individual with the option of having the State make a cash payment for the premium of another plan. Sets forth the methods for determining payments to States. Makes provisions of title XIX relating to the operation of State plans applicable to title XXI. Sets forth definitions used in this part. Directs the Secretary, provided certain conditions are met, to grant a waiver to a State plan with respect to some or all of the Medicaid administrative requirements in the case of a State plan that enters into an arrangement with one or more private health benefits plans which provide health insurance or health benefits to all eligible individuals and which provide required benefits at a cost no greater than the premiums and other charges of the State plan. Makes specified provisions of title XIX and part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act relating to rural health clinics, fraud and abuse, Indian health service facilities, cost sharing, judicial and administrative review, capital expenditures, and administration applicable to this part. Part B: Open Enrollment, Continuation, and Conversion Rights of Individuals - Requires the group health plans of employers required to pay minimum wage and States and political subdivisions with 25 or more employees to meet the requirements of this part. Requires a group health plan to have an open enrollment period for each married employee eligible to enroll whose spouse loses coverage under a group health plan due to involuntary termination of the spouse's health plan. Requires a group health plan to provide continuation of coverage under the plan for at least 90 days following an individual's involuntary separation or layoff. Requires a State to provide an employee covered under an insured group health plan subject to State insurance law the option of securing health benefits coverage without evidence of insurability where the individual's loss of coverage under the group health plan results from the individual's involuntary layoff or separation from employment. Authorizes an individual or State adversely affected by the failure of an employer to comply with the requirements of this part to seek injunctive relief in a Federal district court. 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. Requires a hospital, in order to receive a grant, to: (1) be located in an area of high unemployment or serve primarily medically underserved populations; (2) serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients having low income; (3) provide services to individuals without regard to their inability to pay; and (4) offer assurances that it will use the grants in addition to, rather than in lieu of, existing Federal, State, and local funds. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1983-1986. Establishes the effective date for part A of title XXI as July 1, 1983, with repeal as of October 1, 1986. Provides for the participation of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa in the plan established by this title.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services necessary to determine the refractive state and visual function of an individual with a severe visual disability.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Medicare Vision Act of 1983 - Provides coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for: (1) eye examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses; (2) procedures performed to determine the refractive state of the eyes; and (3) services performed by a doctor of optometry. Permits payment for services under part B for services performed by an optometrist, or services performed by another doctor which could be performed by an optometrist, only if payment is made on the basis of an assignment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Nursing Home Standards Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 13 member National Commission on the Regulation of Nursing Homes. States that such Commission's purpose shall be to examine existing Federal and State quality, health, and safety regulations for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities and to make recommendations, including alternative approaches to regulating such facilities, to Congress and to the Secretary by September 30, 1984. Imposes a moratorium on nursing home rules changes until six months after the filing of such recommendations. Requires such Commission to be made up of members of the Institute of Medicine, nursing home residents and operators, and State officials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Designates the week beginning November 27, 1983, as National Home Health Care Week.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Health Benefits for Unemployed Workers Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require employer-provided group health plans (with 25 or fewer employees) to provide coverage availability to an involuntarily unemployed worker: (1) for 90 days at the same rate as during such person's period of employment; and (2) for an additional 90 days at such person's total expense. Requires such plans to permit working employees to elect health insurance coverage within 30 days after an unemployed spouse's coverage loss. Makes such provisions effective as of January 1, 1984. Establishes State block grants for unemployed workers' health care benefits. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through FY 1985. Makes such authorizations contingent upon enactment of specified net revenue increases. Requires States to use such funds for preventive health services and pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum services. Authorizes other services as the Secrtary of Health and Human Services determines. States that eligible persons are previously employed persons (and family members) who have been unemployed for at least 26 weeks and are no longer receiving unemployment insurance and are not eligible for health care under a spouse's plan or other public or private group health plan. Permits States to provide health care directly or through insurance or otherwise. Allocates funds according to specified categories of unemployed persons in a State. Sets forth State application requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Medicare Reform Act of 1983 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for home health care services under part A (Hospital Insurance) of such title. Eliminates confinement to home as a requirement for receiving home health care services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of such title. Includes "periodic chore services" as a home health service. Eliminates the deductible under part B. Provides coverage under part A for community mental health center services for up to: (1) ten outpatient visits annually; and (2) 60 partial hospitalization visits annually, if an individual has not exceeded the inpatient psychiatric hospital services limitations. Defines such services and sets forth conditions of and limitations on payment for such services. Authorizes payment under the Medicare program for: (1) the cutting and removal of corns, warts, calluses, and trimming of club nails; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures, and examinations for the purpose of prescribing such articles; (3) immunizations; (4) drugs and biologicals on a doctor's prescription (to the extent prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services); (5) an annual routine physical; and (6) orthopedic shoes or devices. Provides for a semiannual update of the customary and prevailing charges used to determine the reasonable charges for medical services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Director of the National Institutes of Health should increase funding allocations for Lupus Erythematosus research.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Provides for congressional disapproval of such proposed regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of the Director, to make Department of Health and Human Services personnel available to States to assist in developing State plans and in training State inspectors and other personnel associated with youth camps. Directs the Secretary, at the request of the Director to provide technical and consultative services to assist in State plan development and implementation. Directs the Director to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Directs the Director, upon the request of any youth camp operator or director, or or during specified inspections, to provide consultative services to youth camps in States which do not have in effect an approved State plan. Directs the Director to issue regulations and procedures providing for citations to youth camp operators in such States for specified violations under this Act. Sets forth procedures for hearings and appeals in such cases. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records in States which do not have in effect an approved State plan. Grants the Director specified investigative authority. Requires such inspections at each such youth camp at least once a year during the period the camp is in operation. Provides that: (1) information shall be obtained under this Act with a minimum burden upon the youth camp operator and full protection of the rights of youth camp staff members; and (2) a representative of the youth camp staff director and a representative authorized by the youth camp staff shall be given an opportunity to accompany the Director or the Director's authorized representative during the inspection. Prescribes penalties for violations by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Establishes judicial procedures to restrain any condition or practice which poses an imminent danger of serious injury at such camps. Requires the Director to: (1) establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety; and (2) report annually to the Congress and the President. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Health Planning Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to reduce required Health Systems Agency (HSA) staff from five overall and one per 100,000 residents to three overall and one per 300,000 residents. Provides that HSAs shall review services upon State request (presently HSA mandatory review). Removes the 24-month limit on HSA conditional designation. Eliminates: (1) the 90-day notice of termination requirement for conditional HSA designation; and (2) the 12-month probationary limit during which a fully designated HSA may be conditionally designated. Authorizes HSA redesignation of any entity (presently a terminated HSA can not be redesignated). Eliminates the Secretary's authority to reduce HSA planning grants. Eliminates the requirement that a conditionally designated State health planning and development agency ("agency")) increase its functions in order to receive full designation. Eliminates: (1) the Secretary's authority to terminate an agency's conditional designation upon 90-day notice; and (2) the 12-month probationary limit during which a fully designated agency may be conditionally designated. Extends agency conditional designation authority until October 1, 1986. Repeals the fund loss penalty for States without a fully designated agency. Makes agency review of institutional health services discretionary. Increases the dollar amounts of capital expenditures, annual institutional operating costs, and major medical equipment for purposes of State certificate-of-need program review. Authorizes FY 1983 through FY 1985 appropriations for: (1) HSA planning grants; (2) State health planning and development agencies; and (3) health planning centers. Repeals title XV (National Health Planning and Development) of such Act effective October 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Preferred Provider Health Care Act of 1983 - Prohibits any State insurance law or regulation from preventing one or more group health plan payors from: (1) establishing alternate payment rates for health care providers, and offering such rates to plan beneficiaries; or (2) limiting payments to services secured by a group health plan for beneficiaries from health care providers charging alternative rates. States that such alternate payment rates shall not constitute a violation of any State law prohibiting payment discrimination among beneficiaries of the same class.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Health Planning Block Grant Act of 1983 - Replaces title XV (National Health Planning and Development) of the Public Health Service Act with State health planning block grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985. Sets forth a schedule for the issuance of regulations, the approval or disapproval of State applications, and the obligation of funds. Denies funding to any State which does not revise its certificate of need laws to accord with this Act. Bases State allotments on population. Provides that any unallocated funds shall be returned to the Treasury. Provides with regard to State allotments that: (1) unobligated funds shall be available to the State for the next fiscal year; and (2) payments may be reduced by the value of furnished supplies or certain travel costs. Requires States to use their allotments to develop a certificate of need program and a State health plan. Prohibits a State from receiving funds unless its application has been approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires such application to include a report on intended expenditures. Requires States to prepare activity reports and to audit expenditures at least every two years. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, handicap, sex, religion, race, color, or national origin in the administration of any programs or activities funded under this Act. Prescribes compliance and enforcement measures. Requires States to determine that there is a need for a new institutional health service and capital expenditure before offering such services or obligating funds. Exempts health maintenance organization (HMO) services and inpatient health care facilities controlled by an HMO or group of HMOs from certificate of need requirements, upon approval of application for such exemption. Permits the approval of a certificate of need for an HMO in certain circumstances, especially for the acquisition of major medical equipment. Requires that certificates of need for capital expenditures state a maximum spendable amount. Authorizes the State agency, after a hearing, to withdraw a certificate of need for applicant noncompliance. Requires the State agency to review a certificate of need application on the basis of the State Health Plan. Sets forth procedural requirements respecting a State certificate of need program. Prescribes the general contents of a State health plan. Requires a biennial revision of such plan. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the regional health planning agencies. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of grant funds. Conditions such grants on the designation of intrastate or interstate health planning areas established according to specified criteria. Requires a regional health planning agency for each such area. Limits the sources of non-Federal contributions to such agencies. Describes the functions of such agencies. Authorizes FY 1984 and 1985 appropriations. Directs the Secretary by grants or contracts to assist public or private nonprofit entities in meeting the operating costs of a center for multidisciplinary health planning methods development and technical assistance. Repeals the health planning block grant program effective September 30 of the third complete successive fiscal year after enactment of this Act. States that such repeal will not affect any suits or other proceedings begun before such effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the age for drinking and purchasing alcoholic beverages should be raised to 21 in all States where the drinking age is lower.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon determining that a health emergency exists, to make grants and enter into contracts for research into its cause, treatment, or prevention. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Health Emergency Fund for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984, and for subsequent years such sums as necessary to have $40,000,000 in the Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Veterans Administration Health Programs Amendments of 1983 - Extends by three years, from FY 1984 to FY 1987, the period during which Vietnam-era veterans may request psychological readjustment counseling from the Veterans Administration. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study of the readjustment of Vietnam-era veterans to civilian life. Requires that such study include a nationwide survey of the prevalence and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder and related readjustment problems among such veterans and a survey of their health status in relation to that of the general population. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such study by December 31, 1985. Increases the amount of reimbursement which the Administrator shall pay to a State for furnishing domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care to eligible veterans who receive such care in State facilities. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees every three years on the appropriate rates for payments. Extends from FY 1983 to 1984 the authority of the Administrator to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans Administration in the contiguous 48 States. Directs the Administrator to establish an Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to advise the Administrator or on the administration of benefits for and needs of women veterans. Directs Committee to report annually to the Administrator on the activities of the Veterans Administration pertaining to women, together with assessments of needs and recommendations for future action. Directs the Administrator to submit such report to Congress. Prohibits the Administrator from disposing of real property under his or her jurisdiction until 180 days (currently, 30 days) have elapsed since the Administrator notified the Veterans' Affairs Committees of such intention. Requires the Administrator to determine that certain real property under his or her jurisdiction is not needed by the Veterans Administration to carry out its functions before such property may be declared excess. Permits the Administrator to release the reversionary interest of the United States restricting the use of specified lands in Biloxi, Mississippi to use as a public park or for other public purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
National Commission on Neurofibromatosis Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within 60 days a National Commission on Neurofibromatosis which shall formulate a plan for the study, prevention, and treatment of neurofibromatosis. Sets forth operating and related provisions. Authorizes the Commission to transmit interim reports. Requires: (1) a final report to the President and to each House of Congress within one year; and (2) the Secretary to file a final report and a budget analysis for neurofibromatosis research with the appropriate congressional committees within 15 days after the President submits his budget to Congress. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Barney Clark.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Designates the week of October 16 through October 22, 1983, as Lupus Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase FY 1984 primary (community health centers) block grant authorizations from $327,000,000 to $354,500,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) of the Social Security Act to increase the authorization of appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Provides coverage under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and makes eligible to enroll under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII any individual suffering from acquired immunity deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to meet expenses related to such coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow the income tax deduction for a business' group health plan expenses if the plan differentiates in benefits provided to individuals with AIDS.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
States that: (1) Congress rejects President Reagan's proposals for Medicare cuts in his 1984 budget because they put an unfair burden on beneficiaries; and (2) the appropriate committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives should study and make recommendations concerning how the solvency of the Medicare program can be assured by constraining medical care costs and making other changes affecting the program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs and hairpieces needed due to alopecia that resulted from treatment of a malignant disease.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. States that such Task Force shall: (1) coordinate and review Federal programs relating to Alzheimer's disease; (2) develop public awareness of such disease; and (3) develop a plan to be carried out by the Secretary for increased research activities relating to such disease, especially increased basic science research. Requires a report to Congress, the Secretary, and to the National Institutes of Health within 18 months. Terminates such Task Force 90 days after it submits such report. Authorizes FY 1984 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for tuberculosis prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Catastrophic Health Care Expenses Act of 1983 - Adds a new title to the Social Security Act, "Title XXI: Grants to States for Assistance to Individuals Incurring Catastrophic Expenses for Health Care." Authorizes appropriations to enable each State to furnish medical assistance for catastrophic illness under such title. Requires a State plan to: (1) be in effect in all State political subdivisions; and (2) provide for financial participation by the State equal to not less than 40 percent of the non-Federal share of expenditures under the plan with respect to which payments 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 basis which will assure that the lack of adequate funds from local sources will not result in lowering the assistance available under the Act. Requires a State plan to provide for paying: (1) at least 90 percent of all qualified expenses of an eligible individual and the eligible individual's dependents in excess of the greater of $2,500 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 of such incomes, or of such higher incomes, as the State may establish); and (2) 100 percent of all qualified nursing home expenses in excess of 20 percent (or such lower percentage as the State may establish of household income). Prohibits a State plan from charging any premium, copayments, or deductibles, except as provided in the previous sentence. Requires a plan to provide such methods and procedures relating to the use of, and the payment for, services for which assistance is available under the plan as may be necessary to safeguard against unnecessary use of such services and to assure that payments are not in excess of reasonable charges consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay to a State with an approved plan 75 percent of such sums as are attributable either to payments made to eligible individuals or expenses found by the Secretary to be necessary for the administration of the plan. Prohibits amounts paid to a State from exceeding the product of two dollars and the State's population. Prohibits payments to a State for expenses if: (1) the charges on which the expenses are based are not reasonable; (2) if the expenses exceed the hospital's customary charges; (3) incurred for services not medically necessary; (4) the expenses are for services provided by a provider excluded from Medicare or Medicaid participation (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act); (5) the expenses are for services provided by a hospital or skilled nursing facility not having a utilization review plan meeting the requirements of title XVIII; or (6) the expenses are for services for which a private insurer would have been obligated but for a provision in its contract excluding payment because an individual is eligible under this Act. Prohibits payments to a State not in compliance with the provisions of this Act. Defines an "eligible individual" as any resident of a State who has incurred in any consecutive twelve month period: (1) qualified expenses exceeding the greater of $2,500 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) qualified nursing home expenses exceeding 20 percent (or such lower percentage as the State may establish) of household income. Defines a "qualified expense" as a charge which is a covered expense and for which no third party is liable. Lists 19 "covered services" which include: hospital services, physicians' services (including routine check-ups and an annual physical), chiropractic services, prescription drugs, physical therapy, ambulance service, well baby care, certain dental care, and certain diagnostic tests. Excludes from coverage: (1) cosmetic surgery; (2) custodial care not qualifying under title XVIII; and (3) private hospital rooms. Defines "dependents," "household income," and "qualified nursing home expense." Sets forth penalties for misrepresentations, fraud, false statements, and concealments made in connection with the provision of services under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 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 · 28 April 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set standards respecting the use of toxic materials in nursing homes constructed after July 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Designates May 6 through May 13, 1984, as National Tuberous Sclerosis Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Health Care for Unemployed Workers Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to provide health insurance or health care benefits to eligible unemployed workers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1986. Bases State allotments on specified categories of unemployed persons. Permits reallotment of unused funds among States. Permits States to charge participants (premiums and deductibles) up to five percent of their unemployment compensation. Requires participating States to submit an annual application, with required public hearings on funds use and distribution after the first year of participation. Permits States to design such health programs but specifies certain program requirements. Requires an annual report to the Secretary. Provides grants to hospitals and health care facilities serving medically underserved populations or areas of high unemployment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding participating facilities by December 31, 1984. Requires private and public employer-provided health plans to contain an open enrollment period of at least 30 days for spouses of unemployed workers. Exempts from such requirement plans of employers who employ less than 25 employees. Provides civil penalties for noncompliance and specified PHSA fund-cutoffs for State noncompliance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Brown Lung Disease Benefits Act of 1983 - Provides brown lung benefits to individuals who are totally disabled and surviving dependents of such individuals when existing State worker's compensation laws are inadequate (as determined by the Secretary of Labor). Sets forth a benefits entitlement schedule. Requires claims under this Act to be filed within three years of a medical determination of brown lung disability. States that an employer shall be liable for the securing of employee benefits equal to or greater than those provided by this Act, including acquiring insurance or qualifying as a self-insurer under specified conditions. Makes an employer liable to the United States for nonpayment of benefits paid on behalf of an individual by the Secretary (as required by this Act). Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts for employment-related respiratory and pulmonary research. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify for participation in the Medicare program outpatient rehabilitation clinics and hospices if they are certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Establishes the President's Commission on the Human Applications of Genetic Engineering to conduct reviews of developments in human engineering. Requires the Commission to submit project reports and annual reports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 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 · 27 April 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 · 21 April 1983
Amends title XVII (Health Information and Health Promotion) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon determining that a health emergency exists, to make grants and enter into contracts for research into its cause, treatment, or prevention. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Health Emergency Fund for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984, and for subsequent years in such sums as are necessary to have $40,000,000 in the Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the definition of "medical and other health services" the services and supplies furnished by or under the supervision of a physician in connection with intravenous antibiotic therapy furnished in the patient's home to a patient with a chronic infectious disease requiring long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Makes FY 1983 supplemental appropriations to the Health Resources Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services for preventive health services for the unemployed.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Establishes the Medicare Financing and Benefit Review Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the financial problems and benefit structure of the programs established under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Terminates the Commission on June 1, 1984. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to make it unlawful to advertise or export cigarettes without the required labeling (repeals the existing export exemption). Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish a cigarette labeling system under which each brand of cigarettes shall bear a different specified health warning each month of a 16-month cycle. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, package, import or export cigarettes without disclosing each natural or synthetic ingredient, including chemical additives, contained in each cigarette.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
In-Flight Medical Emergencies Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue final rules requiring passenger-carrying aircraft of 30 seats or more to carry medical supplies, drugs, and equipment for the temporary treatment of in-flight emergencies. Provides relief from State or Federal civil liability for any licensed medical personnel or air carrier employee who renders emergency medical aid on an airplane or who continues such aid until arrival at a medical facility. Extends such relief to an airplane's crew and owner or operator for providing on-board emergency medical supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Medicare Voucher Act of 1983 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the method of reimbursement to health maintenance organizations (HMO's). Provides instead for payments to health benefits organizations (HBO's). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine annually a per capita rate of payment for each class of individuals enrolled with a HBO under this Act with which the Secretary has a contract. Directs the Secretary to define appropriate classes of members on the basis of such factors as age, sex, disability status, and place of residence. Provides that the payment rate for each class shall be equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost for that class, and that the rate shall be paid monthly in advance. Defines adjusted average per capita cost to mean the average per capita amount estimated in advance that would be payable in any contract year for services covered under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), and types of expenses otherwise reimbursable under parts A and B, if payment for the services were to be made other than as provided for under this Act. Provides that payment to a HBO under this Act for individuals enrolled with a HBO shall be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Defines a HBO as a voluntary association, corporation, partnership, or other organization which is lawfully engaged in providing, paying for, or reimbursing the cost of, health services under insurance policies or contracts, medical or hospital agreements, membership or subscription contracts, or similar arrangements, and includes a health benefits plan duly sponsored or underwritten by an employer or an employee organization. Requires the employer under an employment based plan to pay at least 25 percent of the premium for every current or former employee. Requires a HBO to: (1) provide, pay for, or reimburse the cost of at least all the services to which a Medicare enrollee is entitled and the inpatient hospital services for every day the individual is an inpatient; and (2) provide, pay for, or reimburse the cost of emergency services, if they would otherwise be covered under Medicare. Permits a HBO to offer one or more combinations of benefits, as long as the benefits are offered to all enrollees. Provides that all individuals entitled to benefits under part A shall be eligible to enroll with an HBO, except individuals with end-stage renal disease. Entitles an individual enrolled with a HBO who is dissatisfied because of failure to receive benefits to a hearing before the Secretary, and judicial review of the Secretary's determination if the amount in controversy exceeds a specified sum. Prohibits the actuarial value of the amounts (other than premiums) that an individual enrolled with a HBO is required to pay for Medicare covered services from exceeding the actuarial value of the amounts (other than premiums) the individual would be required to pay if the individual were not enrolled with a HBO. Authorizes HBO's to change premiums. Directs the Secretary to enter into a contract with any HBO that meets specified requirements. Provides that each contract shall be for a term of at least one year. Requires each contract to provide: (1) that the Secretary shall have the right to inspect the quality and appropriateness of a HBO's services; (2) that the Secretary shall have the right to audit and inspect a HBO's books and records; and (3) that the HBO furnish required information. Makes conforming amendments. Sets forth effective date and transitional provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Health Care Financing Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Medicare - Subtitle A: Changes in Eligibility, Benefits, and Cost Sharing - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase the Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI), (part B of title XVIII) deductible by the percentage increase in the Medicare Physicians' services economic index. Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII of the Act to provide that Medicare eligibility shall not begin until the first full month in which an individual becomes age 65. Revises provisions relating to SMI premiums. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services during September 1983 and annually thereafter to determine the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over which shall be applicable for the succeeding year. Provides that the actuarial rate shall be the amount the Secretary estimates to be necessary so that the aggregate amount for that succeeding year with respect to those enrollees age 65 and over will equal one-half of the total benefits and administrative costs estimated to be payable from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for services performed and related administrative costs incurred in that year. Directs the Secretary during September 1983 and annually thereafter to determine a monthly premium amount applicable for the succeeding year. Provides that amount (except in certain instances) shall be equal to: (1) for 1984, 50 percent of the 1984 monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over; (2) for 1985, 55 percent of the 1985 monthly actuarial rate; (3) for 1986, 60 percent of the 1986 monthly actuarial rate; (4) for 1987, 65 percent of the 1987 monthly actuarial rate; and (5) for 1988 and each succeeding year, 70 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for that year. Provides that payments to home health agencies for durable medical equipment shall be the lesser of: (1) the reasonable cost of the equipment and the customary charges for such equipment less an amount equal to 20 percent of the reasonable charge, but in no case may the payment for the equipment exceed 80 percent of the reasonable cost; or (2) if the equipment is furnished by a public home health agency free of charge or at a nominal charge, an amount which provides fair compensation to the agency. Eliminates the SMI deductible for diagnostic tests performed in a laboratory which has entered into a negotiated rate agreement with the Secretary. Provides for a 30 day period of coverage for services furnished by a home health agency following the termination of the agency's agreement. Subtitle B: Changes in Reimbursement - Reduces the "applicable percentage increase" used in computing hospital "target amounts." Provides that in determining SMI reasonable charges for physicians' services, the prevailing and customary charge levels that apply to services furnished after June 1982 but before July 1983 shall also apply to services furnished after June 1983 but before July 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a public or private entity under which the entity accepts specified amounts as full payment for certain SMI items and services. Subtitle C: Administrative Changes - Revises provisions relating to Medicare claims processing. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with intermediaries providing for their determination of the amount of the payments required under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII to be made to providers of services assigned by the Secretary to specific intermediaries, and for the making of such payments by intermediaries to those providers. Defines "intermediary" as: (1) a voluntary association, corporation, partnership, or other nongovernmental organization which is lawfully engaged in providing, paying for, or reimbursing the cost of, health services under group health insurance policies or contracts, medical or hospital service agreements, membership or subscription contracts, or similar group arrangements, in consideration of premiums or other periodic charges payable to the intermediary; or (2) an agency or organization with which an agreement was in effect on the date of enactment of the Health Care Financing Amendments of 1982. Requires all items and services furnished by a hospital to inpatients to be furnished by or through the hospital, except for physicians' services. Prohibits payment for inpatient hospital services furnished to an individual as an inpatient of a particular hospital during a spell of illness after such services have been furnished to the individual for 150 days as an inpatient of that hospital or of another hospital that has previously filed a request for payment for such services during such spell minus one day for each day of inpatient hospital services in excess of 90 received during any preceding spell of illness. Requires the first hospital filing after Medicare payment for inpatient hospital services to be responsible for collecting the deductible. Repeals specified requirements relating to coverage of tuberculosis treatments. Eliminates utilization review requirements. Eliminates the requirement for a separate Railroad Retirement Board carrier contract. Authorizes the United States to bring an action directly against a third party payer (workmen's compensation, automobile, or other insurance plan) for Medicare payments. Prohibits a provider from receiving payment for custodial services or for services not reasonable and necessary. Permits SMI payments to be made to an entity: (1) which provides coverage of the service under a health benefits plan; (2) which has paid the person who provided the service the amount which that person has accepted as payment in full for the service; and (3) to which the individual has agreed in writing that payment may be made. Eliminates the Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council. Prohibits the Secretary from disclosing any accreditation survey made by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals or the American Osteopathic Association of an institution accredited by either of those bodies as a hospital. Eliminates the requirement that institutional providers include as a part of the required overall plan and budget the three year capital expenditures plan. Eliminates the requirement that a psychiatric hospital must be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. Eliminates the requirement that final cost reports of health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans be independently certified. Provides that only in contracts of above $50,000 (currently $10,000) between a Medicare provider and any of its subcontractors must there be a clause permitting access to the subcontractor's records before reimbursement will be made. Makes the national end-stage renal disease medical information system discretionary with the Secretary (currently, the Secretary is required to establish the system). Authorizes the Secretary, if patient health and safety is not jeopardized, to apply less severe sanctions than are presently available for dealing with an end-stage renal disease facility which is not in compliance with applicable regulations. Prohibits Medicare payment to any physician convicted of Medicare or Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) related crimes. Authorizes the Secretary to deny participation in the Medicare program to any provider: (1) convicted of Medicare or Medicaid related crimes; (2) against whom a Medicare or Medical related civil penalty has been assessed; or (3) to whom Medicare payments have been denied due to knowingly and willfully making a false statement or representation related to Medicare participation. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate an agreement with a provider if any individual who directly or indirectly owns or controls five percent or more of the provider's business has been convicted of certain Medicare or Medicaid related offenses. Authorizes the Secretary to use accrediting organizations to determine whether rural health clinics, laboratories, clinics, rehabilitation agencies, and public health agencies meet Medicare requirements. Eliminates certain reporting requirements of the Secretary. Title II: Medicaid - Subtitle A: Changes in Payments to States - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide 100 percent Federal payment of the administrative costs of processing combined Medicare and Medicaid claims. Provides that Federal Medicaid payments to States for FY 1985 and each succeeding year shall be reduced by three percent. Prohibits payment with respect to any amount spent for an item or service furnished by or through a physician who has been convicted of a Medicare or Medicaid related crime or who knowingly and willfully made false representations related to Medicare or Medicaid. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce the amount which would otherwise be considered as expenditures under a State plan by an amount equal to payments made by the State to any individual or institution that has failed to furnish requested information regarding payment claimed. Subtitle B: Changes in Eligibility, Benefits, and Cost Sharing - Requires (currently, permits) a State to provide for the assignment of rights of payment. Prohibits copayments on services furnished by health maintenance organizations (HMO's) to the categorically needy and to certain long-term care inpatients. Authorizes a State to exempt children and pregnant women from copayments. Authorizes a State to exempt emergency services from copayments. Requires the categorically needy to pay a copayment of one dollar per day for inpatient hospital services and one dollar per visit for outpatient hospital services, rural health clinic services, physician services, and clinic services. Requires copayments two dollars per day and $1,50 per visit by the medically needy for the same services. Subtitle C: Administrative Changes - Repeals provisions prohibiting grants to profit making organizations for research or demonstration projects. Revises provisions under title XIX relating to medical review and independent professional review. Repeals special requirements relating to coverage of tuberculosis treatments. Repeals the requirement that a State plan must have in effect: (1) program of control over utilization of inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, or intermediate care facility services exceeding 60 days (or inpatient mental care services exceeding 90 days); and (2) a utilization review plan with respect to any amount spent for care or services in the above institutions. Requires a State to obtain from each Medicaid applicant or recipient his or her taxpayer identification number. Repeals the requirement that Medicaid management information systems provide written notice to each Medicaid recipient of the services furnished. Requires instead, that each State provide for an effective method of verifying whether services billed by all participating providers were furnished as claimed. Authorizes the Secretary to waive or modify any Medicaid requirement with respect to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands (currently, the Secretary has this authority only with respect to American Samoa), other than a waiver of the Federal medical assistance percentage, the ceiling on total federal payments, or services for which medical assistance may be provided. Authorizes a State to terminate an agreement with a provider if any owner of the institution has been convicted of certain offenses. Eliminates the requirement that a psychiatric hospital must be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals and requires instead that it meet specified standards under the Medicare program. Modifies the type of hearing required before the Secretary may cancel approval of a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility. Modifies payment rates for hospital furnishing skilled nursing or intermediate care facility services. Provides those hospitals with the same payment rate as for other hospital services. Revises the Secretary's authority to provide, by waiver, that a State plan may include as medical assistance approved home or community based services in the situation where an individual otherwise would have to be placed in nursing care facility. Provides that the waiver shall be for an initial term of one, two, or three years and, upon the request of a State, shall be extended for additional periods of one, two, or three years, if appropriate. Provides the Secretary with the same authority to issue and enforce subpoenas under Medicaid as the Secretary has under title II (Old age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Act. Revises provisions relating to disputed claims on which States are required to pay interest on Federal matching claims. Makes the requirement effective with respect to amounts claimed by the State (currently, expenditures for services furnished) on or after October 1, 1980. Title III: Other Health Care Financing Provisions - Repeals provisions under titles XVIII and XIX of the Act which authorized payments to promote the closing and conversion of underutilized hospital facilities. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to provide that the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Revises provisions relating to the capital expenditures review program. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Governor and with appropriate local public officials, to make an agreement with any State which is able and willing to do so under which a designated planning agency (which shall be a State governmental agency) may make, and submit to the Secretary, findings and recommendations with respect to capital expenditures proposed by or on behalf of any health care facility in the State that the agency chooses to review. Eliminates the national advisory council which was established to assist the Secretary with respect to the program. Repeals provisions providing for Federal funding of State programs that review health facility capital expenditures. Revises requirements concerning ownership of providers. Eliminates reporting requirements if an individual owns $25,000 or more, but still owns less than five percent. Authorizes the Secretary to bar from participation in Medicare or Medicaid any provider in which an ownership interest of five percent or more is owned by an individual convicted of Medicare or Medicaid related crimes. Repeals part B (Peer Review of the Utilization and Quality of Health Care Services) of title XI of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Health Cost Containment Tax Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in the gross income of an employee any employer contribution to the employee's health plan which exceeds $70 per month ($175 per month for employees with family coverage), beginning in 1984. Provides for a cost of living adjustment to allowable contribution amounts for calendar years after 1984. Treats an employee as having individual coverage unless the employee has a spouse or a dependent who is covered under the plan. Provides that the employer contribution to a health plan will be the cost of coverage of the employee under the plan reduced by the amount of the employee's contributions for such coverage. Specifies rules which must be used to calculate the annual cost of providing coverage for an employee. Excludes any cost allocable to workmen's compensation or to a purpose other than providing medical care for purposes of determining cost of coverage under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Medicare Catastrophic Hospital Cost Protection Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the time limits on the duration of inpatient hospital care, post-hospital extended care, and inpatient psychiatric hospital care. Prohibits more than two inpatient hospital deductibles per year, no matter how many hospitalizations occur. Revises coinsurance provisions. Provides that coinsurance shall be: (1) eight percent of the inpatient hospital deductible for each of the first 15 days of hospitalization during any spell of illness; and (2) five percent of the inpatient hospital deductible for each subsequent day. Prohibits the total number of days annually for which coinsurance was charged plus the days for which the inpatient hospital deductible was charged from exceeding 60. Reduces the coinsurance imposed on the 21st through 100th day of care for post-hospital extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Designates November 1983 as National Alzheimer's Disease Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Health Care for the Unemployed Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI - Health Care for the Unemployed: Part A - Grants to States - Authorizes appropriations for a sum sufficient to enable each State to furnish medical assistance to unemployed individuals and their immediate family. Requires a State, in order to receive funding, to have an approved State plan for medical assistance for the unemployed. Requires a State plan to: (1) meet specified administrative requirements of the State's Medicaid plan; (2) make medical assistance available to eligible individuals voluntarily enrolled during the individual's coverage period; (3) require the State unemployment compensation agency to inform unemployment compensation recipients of the plan and of group health plans, and to notify the State Medicaid agency of eligible unemployment compensation recipients; (4) provide the following services: (a) inpatient hospital services up to nine days annually; (b) outpatient hospital, emergency, rural health clinic, and physician services for up to ten visits annually; (c) laboratory and x-ray services, subject to such limits as the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish; and (d) family planning and nurse mid-wife services; (5) provide for the imposition of premiums, enrollment fees, and similar charges; (6) provide that the plan will be secondary in payment to any other insurance or benefit plan providing medical assistance; and (7) provide that a State make reasonable efforts to determine the Medicaid eligibility of individuals enrolled in the plan who are not receiving unemployment compensation. Requires the Secretary to approve any plan meeting the above requirements, but precludes approval of any plan: (1) which excludes any U.S. citizen or any individual residing in the State; (2) which, if approved, would result in a deduction of Medicaid services; or (3) which does not meet requirements relating to the continuation and coversion rights of employees who lose health benefits under group health plans due to unemployment. Provides that an individual is eligible for a week if the individual: (1) is receiving unemployment compensation and three weeks have elapsed since the first week the individual received unemployment compensation; or (2) is not receiving unemployment compensation for the week, was receiving unemployment compensation for a week during the 104 week period ending with the week before the first week in which the plan is in effect and has not received unemployment compensation for any week in which the plan is in effect, and certain requirements relating to work availability. Makes an individual's family eligible if the individual is eligible. Requires a State plan to establish standards concerning whether or not an individual is employed. Requires an individual to be considered employed for a week if the individual's earnings equal or exceed an amount equal to 30 times the minimum hourly wage. Makes an individual ineligible for a week if: (1) the individual is covered under a group health plan for which a contribution is being made by someone other than the individual; (2) the individual is covered under his or her spouse's group health plan; (3) the individual is eligible for Medicaid; (4) the individual is employed for four consecutive weeks; or (5) the individual was disqualified because of fraud for unemployment compensation or convicted of a Medicaid offense in the previous year. Authorizes a State to impose a premium of between two and five percent of an individual's unemployment compensation. Requires a State to provide for the same deduction, cost-sharing, and similar charges as imposed under Medicaid. Sets forth the methods for determining payments to States. Makes provisions of title XIX relating to the operation of State plans applicable to title XXI. Sets forth definitions used in this part. Directs the Secretary, provided certain conditions are met, to grant a waiver to a State plan with respect to some or all of the Medicaid administrative requirements in the case of a State plan which enters into an arrangement with one or more private health benefits plans under which health insurance or health benefits are made available to all eligible individuals which provide required benefits at a cost no greater than the premiums and other charges of the State plan. Makes specified provisions of title XIX and part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act relating to rural health clinics, fraud and abuse, Indian health service facilities, cost sharing, judicial and administrative review, capital expenditures, and administration applicable to this title. Requires a State to provide an employee covered under an insured group health plan who would otherwise lose coverage because of an involuntary separation (other than for cause) from employment be provided with the option of coverage under a group health plan. Part B: Assistance to Hospitals Serving the Unemployed - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to hospitals to assist the hospitals in providing services to individuals unable to pay. Requires a hospital, in order to receive a grant, to: (1) be located in an area of high unemployment or serve primarily medically underserved populations; (2) serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients having low income; (3) provide services to individuals without regard to their inability to pay; and (4) offer assurances that it will use the grants in addition to, rather than in lieu of, existing Federal, State, and local funds. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1984-1987. Establishes the effective date for part B of title XXI as the beginning of FY 1984. Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to group health plans to require a group health plan to have an open enrollment period of at least 30 days for each eligible married employee whose spouse loses coverage under a group health plan due to involuntary termination (other than for cause) of the spouse's employment. Provides for the participation of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa in the program established this Act.