Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· SS. 2652 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2004
Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2004 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2006, to: (1) offer one or more Medicare operated prescription drug plans nationally that offer qualified prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices, while allowing the plan to offer supplemental prescription drug coverage in the same manner as other qualified prescription drug coverage offered by other prescription drug plans; and (2) enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered Medicare part D drugs for eligible part D individuals, and encourage the use of more affordable therapeutic equivalents. Requires the monthly beneficiary premium charged under such a plan to be uniform nationally. Makes the premium for months in 2006 $35. Bases the premium for months in succeeding years on the average monthly per capita actuarial cost of offering the Medicare operated prescription drug plan for the year involved, including administrative expenses. Allows for adjustment of such premium amount in case of supplemental prescription drug coverage.
Bill· HRH.R. 4822 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2004
Medicare Beneficiary Freedom To Contract Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries for professional services. Outlines specific requirements for private contracts between Medicare beneficiaries and physicians or health care practitioners for services for which no Medicare claims may be submitted.
Bill· HRH.R. 4812 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2004
Stem Cell Discovery Through Diversity Act - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acting through the national research institutes, to conduct and support research that uses human embryonic stem cells in accordance with the final guidelines issued by NIH and published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2000, including: (1) the requirements that stem cells used in research be derived from human embryos that were created in vitro for fertility treatments and were in excess of the clinical needs of the individual seeking such treatment and that such individuals voluntarily donated such embryos with informed consent; and (2) the prohibition against the use of Federal funds to derive such cells from the embryos. Provides that restrictions on such research established by the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to policies announced by the President on August 9, 2001, have no legal effect after enactment of this Act. Prohibits additional Federal administrative policies on such research from being established or applied. Requires the Director to ensure that such research program include a significant number of donations from individuals who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups in order to make progress toward the goal of developing an understanding of whether the variables studied in clinical research affect such groups differently. Requires the Director to establish the Ronald Reagan Office of Human Stem Cell Research to coordinate all research conducted or supported by NIH that used human pluripotent stem cells.
Bill· HRH.R. 4793 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Justice and Understanding By International Loan Elimination and Equity (JUBILEE) Act of 2004 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and other international financial institutions (multilateral development institutions (MDI's)) to accomplish: (1) the cancellation of all debts owed to each institution by specified eligible poor countries, and the financing of such debt cancellation from the institution's ongoing operations, procedures, and accounts; (2) the limitation of any waiting period before receipt of debt cancellation to one month from the date of an eligible poor country's application for it; and (3) encouragement of the government of each eligible poor country to allocate at least 20 percent of its national budget, including the savings from such debt cancellation, for the provision of basic health care services, education services, and clean water services to individuals in the country. Sets forth requirements for: (1) establishment of a framework to ensure transparency regarding each international financial institution's activities; and (2) availability on the Treasury Department's website of U.S. Executive Directors' remarks at meetings of international financial institutions' Boards of Directors. Requires the Secretary to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club, the IMF, and other appropriate MDI's, to ensure that the provision of debt cancellation to such countries is not conditioned on any agreement by such a country to implement or comply with specified policies that deepen poverty or degrade the environment.
Bill· HRH.R. 4799 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions regarding Federal assistance for programs to reduce suicide among children and adolescents. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop and implement State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies in schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth support organizations; (2) support public organizations actively involved in State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies and in the development and continuation of such intervention and prevention strategies; (3) collect and analyze data on State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention services that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of such services and for research, technical assistance, and policy development; and (4) assist eligible entities in achieving their targets for youth suicide reductions. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award a grant or contract to establish the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Requires the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to expand mental and behavior health services to students, to provide such services, and to develop best practices for the delivery of such services.
Bill· HRH.R. 4790 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Drug Importation Promotion and Safety Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish the Office of Drug Importation Promotion and Safety. Allows a registered drug importation facility, pharmacy, Internet pharmacy, or wholesaler to import a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug from Canada or a permitted country. Prohibits the commingling of domestic and imported prescription drugs. Requires a pharmacy or Internet pharmacy that dispenses an imported prescription drug to label such drug accordingly. Allows individuals to import prescription drugs from: (1) a registered Internet pharmacy; or (2) licensed pharmacies for personal use. Allows the Secretary to suspend importation of a particular drug from a particular facility, pharmacy, wholesaler, or country. Allows licensed Internet pharmacies to dispense prescription drugs. Sets forth licensing requirements for Internet pharmacies. Makes interactive computer service providers and advertising service providers liable for violations under this Act if such a provider accepts advertising: (1) for a prescription drug from an unlicensed Internet pharmacy; or (2) stating that an individual does not need a prescription to obtain a prescription drug. Requires the Secretary to: (1) require the adoption and use of electronic track and trace technology to identify each sale, purchase, or trade of a prescription drug; and (2) establish a network to provide prompt notification of counterfeit drugs and to facilitate the identification and reporting of such drugs. Sets forth requirements for wholesalers, including requirements to identify the immediately previous distributor of record and all previous sales, purchases, or trades for imported prescription drugs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4798 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Enhancement of Veterans Mental Health Services Act - Authorizes appropriations for the employment of additional psychiatrists and other mental health services specialists at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and outpatient facilities specializing in the diagnoses and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a nationwide outreach program at the community level for veterans who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom who are or may be suffering from PTSD. Directs the Secretary of each military department to conduct a comprehensive review of the mental health care programs of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary to determine ways to improve the efficacy of such care. Requires the Secretary of each military department to take special care in providing for as seamless a transition as possible from Department of Defense health care services to Department of Veterans Affairs health care services with regard to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to combat or are otherwise at risk for PTSD. Requires the Secretary of each military department and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) assess the adequacy of privacy and patient confidentiality standards and practices of their respective departments, particularly with regard to patients seeking treatment for PTSD; and (2) identify other factors that may deter members of the Armed Forces from seeking treatment for PTSD.
Bill· HRH.R. 4805 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2004
Ensuring Medication Safety for Seniors Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program under which grants for computer hardware and software, as well as other communications capabilities, education, and training, are made available, upon request and on a voluntary basis, to Medicare health care providers to assist them in offsetting the costs of electronic prescribing systems.
Law· SS. 2634 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions regarding Federal assistance for programs to reduce suicide among children and adolescents. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop and implement State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies in schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other child and youth support organizations; (2) support public organizations actively involved in State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies and in the development and continuation of such intervention and prevention strategies; (3) collect and analyze data on State-sponsored statewide or tribal youth suicide early intervention and prevention services that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of such services and for research, technical assistance, and policy development; and (4) assist eligible entities in achieving their targets for youth suicide reductions. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award a grant or contract to establish the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Requires the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education to expand mental and behavior health services to students, to provide such services, and to develop best practices for the delivery of such services.
Bill· SS. 2629 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Closing the Coverage Gap Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to eliminate: (1) the initial standard prescription drug coverage limit of $2,250 (adjusted for inflation); and (2) the MedicareAdvantage regional plan stabilization fund. Repeals the Premium Support Demonstration Program. Eliminates Health Savings Accounts under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.
Bill· SS. 2630 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Universal Access to Affordable Health Insurance for all Americans Act of 2004 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to: (1) administer a health insurance program for non-Federal employees; and (2) enter into contracts with carriers to make health benefits plans available to eligible individuals. Allows the Office to require carriers to offer such a plan to be eligible to enter into a contract for a Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) plan. Prohibits individuals from joining the plan that are: (1) 65 years of age or older; (2) eligible to enroll for coverage under a public health insurance program; (3) eligible to enroll in a FEHB plan; or (4) members of the uniformed services. Allows rates charged and premiums paid for such a plan to differ among geographic regions. Prohibits any Government contribution to such plans. Requires the Office to keep individuals under such plans in a separate risk pool from individuals covered under a FEHB plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for refundable credits for payments made to such plans. Provides for full credit for those below the poverty line, and gradually decreasing credit based on individual income. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments to such a plan on behalf of an enrollee equal to the Secretary's estimate of the amount of credit allowable for the enrollee.
Bill· HRH.R. 4779 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
Clinical Research Act of 2004 - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to award clinical research support grants to eligible academic health centers to: (1) defray the costs of unfunded Federal requirements for the protection of human research costs; and (2) support activities leading to innovative ways to meets such requirements in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Requires that health centers receive a proportionate share of the total grant money awarded based on the amount invested by the grantee in clinical research compared to the total clinical research investment of all grantees. Allows the Director to award clinical research infrastructure grants to eligible academic health centers for: (1) necessary infrastructure to facilitate the transfer of new understandings of disease mechanisms gained in the laboratory into the development of new methodologies for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention; (2) the initial testing of human subjects; and (3) addressing obstacles impeding the expeditious application of new science, including a lack of up-to-date information technology systems and a shortage of willing participants. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make up to five grants to eligible academic health centers to form partnerships between the centers involved and health care providers for carrying out clinical human subject research to demonstrate how academic research centers may collaborate with the practicing health care community in such research.
Bill· HRH.R. 4781 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2004
MMA Territorial Equity for Low-Income Individuals Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to treat Medicare-eligible citizens of Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands the same as low-income citizens in the 50 States and the District of Columbia with respect to the Medicare prescription drug transitional assistance program, and premium and cost-sharing subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Himan Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to undertake a study for a report to the Secretary and Congress on access of Medicare beneficiaries in territories to prescription drugs.
Law· SS. 2618 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare cost-sharing for the Medicare part B premium for certain qualifying low-income individuals through September 2005. Prescribes allocation amounts for specified periods between January 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005.
Bill· SS. 2613 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of public health professionals to eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages in Federal, State, and local public health agencies by offering four-year scholarships in return for employment at such agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of loans incurred by individuals in the pursuit of the relevant public health preparedness workforce educational degree or certificate in exchange for working at such agencies for at least three years. Requires the Secretary to award grants to public health agencies that receive public health preparedness cooperative agreements from the Department of Health and Human Services to operate State and local public health workforce loan repayment programs
Bill· SS. 2614 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
ESRD Modernization Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for an annual update mechanism under the Medicare end stage renal disease (ESRD) program to adjust the payment rates for changes in input prices and inflation. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish demonstration projects to: (1) increase public awareness about the factors that lead to chronic kidney disease, how to prevent it, how to treat it, and how to avoid kidney failure; and (2) enhance surveillance systems and expand research to better assess the prevalence and incidence of chronic kidney diseases. Requires the Secretary to establish demonstration projects to enable individuals with ESRD to develop self-management skills. Provides for Medicare coverage of kidney disease patient education services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish demonstration projects to evaluate how blood flow monitoring affects the quality and cost of care for Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD; (2) provide appropriate incentives to improve the home dialysis benefit for individuals on behalf of whom payment may be made; (3) enter into an arrangement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the barriers to increasing the number of individuals with ESRD who elect to receive home dialysis services under the Medicare program; (4) review the surgical procedures and evaluate whether to include in such procedures the full range of dialysis access procedures and to revise such units to reflect evaluation findings; (5) review the relative value units under Medicare that are applicable with respect to physicians' services for vascular access procedures and revise them to reflect accurately the difficulty of such procedures; and (6) establish demonstration projects under which the Secretary shall evaluate methods that improve the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of the temporary codes for nephrologists' services applicable under the fee schedule for physicians' services.
Bill· HRH.R. 4768 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2004
Veterans Medical Facilities Management Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts for major medical facility leases at specified locations. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer real property to another department or agency of the United States, to a State, or to any public or private entity including Indian Tribes. Establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund which may be used for costs associated with: (1) current or future real property transfers under this Act; (2) the improvement of patient care facilities for veterans; and (3) the transfer, lease, or adaptive use of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Terminates the nursing home revolving fund. Sets forth procedures for the transfer of real property. Requires the Secretary to submit reports on historic properties to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives. Authorizes the use of certain construction and maintenance project funds for the construction or relocation of surface parking lots incidental to such projects. Removes the congressional review requirement otherwise applicable to the obligation of funds for major medical facilities where funds have been authorized by law. Specifies that the construction, alteration, repair, remodeling, or improvement of property under an enhanced-use lease is not subject to State or local land use laws unless otherwise provided by the Secretary. Amends the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act to extend authority for the long-term care pilot programs established by that Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4762 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2004
Mercury Health Advisory Act of 2004 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs jointly to develop fish consumption advisories for methyl-mercury in fish. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) prepare and distribute to health professionals (and others upon request) a consumer's mercury advisory notice regarding the health risks of fish consumption; and (2) establish a toll-free number for individuals who desire additional information. Requires the Administrator to prepare and distribute to specified State entities and applicants for fishing licenses (and others upon request) a consumer's guide to mercury, including a health advisory for the consumption of recreationally-caught fish. Requires the Secretary to work with States and other entities to: (1) develop and distribute standardized advisories, including consumption advisories and health warnings, regarding the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood; and (2) design and implement a related national public education program. Directs the Commissioner to resume the Food and Drug Administration's seafood methyl-mercury monitoring sampling program. Requires the Secretary, within one year of enactment of this Act, to finalize the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point assessment to determine whether methyl-mercury exposure through fish consumption is a public health hazard.
Bill· HRH.R. 4753 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2004
Enhancing America's Guard and Reserve Act - Entitles a Federal employee who is a member of a reserve component to receive the difference in pay between military compensation and civilian compensation during periods of active duty exceeding 30 days. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse States or local governments for 50 percent of the civilian compensation paid by such governments to equalize military and civilian pay. Increases the reimbursement rate to 100 percent if active duty extends beyond nine months. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an active-duty reserve component employee credit for employers who provide compensation to employees on active duty. Modifies age and service requirements for receipt of retired pay for non-regular service. Permanently extends authority for certain TRICARE benefits for members of reserve components. Makes permanent the extended time period during which members of the Armed Forces separated from active duty may seek transitional health care (repealing time limits set forth in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 and the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan). Increases the amount of basic educational assistance for members of reserve components under the Montgomery GI Bill and indexes such payments to the cost of higher education. Prohibits the termination of educational assistance for a member's failure to participate satisfactorily in required training due solely to a call to active duty. Authorizes the limited use of telecommuting to satisfy inactive-duty training. Requires the Secretary of Defense to give Selected Reserve members eligibility for travel on Department of Defense aircraft on a space-available basis.
Bill· HRH.R. 4724 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2004
Medicare Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner Services Coverage Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of authorized clinical pharmacist practitioner (CPP) services involving toxicology, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, pharmacoeconomics, and other life sciences for the direct care of patients, which would otherwise be covered if furnished by a physician, or as an incident to a physician's professional service. Requires such services to be performed under State law or regulation in a collaborative practice agreement. Requires Medicare beneficiaries to pay 20 percent coinsurance. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop, and report to Congress on, CPP fee schedules meeting specified requirements for services furnished by January 1, 2007. Requires CPP's to be reimbursed at 85 percent of applicable physicians' rates as of January 1, 2005, until such fee schedules are implemented.
Bill· SS. 2593 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Geriatric and Chronic Care Management Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of geriatric assessments and chronic care management services for eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of the different payment methodologies applicable with respect to chronic care management services developed and implemented under this Act; (2) the effectiveness of the pay for performance programs to serve Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, including dementia; (3) process measures and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic illnesses, including dementia; (4) the cost-effectiveness and quality associated with chronic care management under the Medicare program; and (5) the feasibility of broadening and incorporating the findings of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) study into the Medicare program.
Bill· SS. 2594 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Faircare Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to require additional data collection and reporting for funded health programs. Authorizes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop a set of quality measures for each of the most common treatment settings, including hospitals and outpatient settings. Requires the Agency to rank these measures according to their potential to remedy health care disparities. Requires the Agency to establish an Advisory Committee on Quality to recommend quality indicators for all quality data sets developed by the Agency. Establishes the Office of National Healthcare Disparities and Quality within the Agency to administer the development and submission of the annual National Healthcare Disparities Report and the National Healthcare Quality Report. Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which financial incentive payments are made to hospitals if they meet certain criteria regarding data collection, high quality care, and the treatment of health disparity populations. Amends the PHSA to require the Secretary to: (1) designate health centers that receive Federal assistance as Faircare Health Centers if they meet such criteria; and (2) make designated health centers eligible for annual bonuses. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants and carry out activities to expand the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Program (REACH 2010). Sets forth provisions for allowing tax credits and awarding grants for qualified medical malpractice insurance expenditures for eligible health care providers and eligible entities.
Bill· SS. 2572 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Positive Aging Act of 2004 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary for Aging to establish an Office of Older Adult Mental Health Services within the Administration on Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to: (1) States for systems to deliver mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals lacking access to such services, and for programs to increase public awareness of the benefits of preventing and treating mental disorders; and (2) public and nonprofit private entities for demonstration projects providing mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals residing in rural areas or in naturally occurring retirement communities in urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of HHS, acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for: (1) demonstration projects integrating mental health services for older patients into primary care settings; and (2) multidisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams in community settings where older adults reside or receive social services. Requires the Director to designate a Deputy Director for Older Adult Mental Health Services. Requires membership of the advisory council for the Center for Mental Health Services to include representatives of older Americans, their families, and geriatric mental health specialists. Includes among projects of national significance the targeting of substance abuse by older individuals. Includes services for older individuals under community mental health services block grant State plan criteria.
Bill· SS. 2597 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Prescription Drug Price Comparison for Savings Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and maintain an Internet website using the information supplied by participating pharmacies to allow an individual to compare for each zip code the usual and customary prices for a range of strengths and quantities of covered outpatient drugs sold by retail pharmacies that receive Medicaid payments. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct States to: (1) require a participating pharmacy, concurrent with filling a prescription for an individual receiving assistance under Medicaid, to report to the State its zip code and the usual and customary price for the covered outpatient drug as of the date the prescription is filled; and (2) submit this information to the Secretary to enable the Secretary to post monthly updates on the website.
Bill· SS. 2587 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Ensuring Quality and Access to Cancer Care Act of 2004 - Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to increase the applicable percentage for services furnished during 2005 to the applicable percentage currently specified for 2004 with respect to transitional adjustment to the physician fee schedule for drug administration services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
Bill· SS. 2576 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Health Care Reform Expedited Procedures Act of 2004 - Requires, within 30 calendar days after the commencement of the first session of a Congress, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, the chairs of the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and on Ways and Means, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the House each to introduce a bill to provide universal health care coverage for the people of the United States. States that these bills may be introduced by request, but only one qualified bill may be introduced by each such individual within a Congress. Authorizes the ranking minority party member of a committee, if the chair fails to introduce the bill within the 30-day period, to introduce a bill that will qualify for the expedited procedure provided in this Act. Qualifies a bill if: (1) its title reads "to reform the system of the United States and to provide insurance coverage for all Americans;" and (2) it reaches the goal of providing health care coverage to 95 percent of Americans within ten years. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such legislation in both chambers.
Bill· SS. 2595 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for programs for: (1) assistive technology (AT), with required uses of funds for State financing systems to increase access to and funding for AT devices and services, and for device demonstrations, loans, reutilization, training, and technical assistance; and (2) AT-related protection and advocacy services. Authorizes competitive grants for AT-related: (1) supplementary activities; (2) national projects, including research and public awareness; (3) State training, technical assistance, data collection, and reporting; and (4) updating of the National Public Internet Site. Authorizes an assessment of the AT industry. Directs the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to administer this Act. Repeals the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.
Bill· HRH.R. 4694 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Positive Aging Act of 2004 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary for Aging to establish an Office of Older Adult Mental Health Services within the Administration on Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to: (1) States for systems to deliver mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals lacking access to such services, and for programs to increase public awareness of the benefits of preventing and treating mental disorders; and (2) public and nonprofit private entities for demonstration projects providing mental health screening and treatment services to older individuals residing in rural areas or in naturally occurring retirement communities in urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of HHS, acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for: (1) demonstration projects integrating mental health services for older patients into primary care settings; and (2) multidisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams in community settings where older adults reside or receive social services. Requires the Director to designate a Deputy Director for Older Adult Mental Health Services. Requires membership of the advisory council for the Center for Mental Health Services to include representatives of older Americans, their families, and geriatric mental health specialists. Includes among projects of national significance the targeting of substance abuse by older individuals. Includes services for older individuals under community mental health services block grant State plan criteria.
Bill· HRH.R. 4692 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Children's Health Equity Technical Amendments Act of 2004 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to permit qualifying States to use a portion of their SCHIP allotment for any fiscal year for certain Medicaid expenditures.
Bill· HRH.R. 4682 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells if: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) the embryos will never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.
Bill· HRH.R. 4689 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Geriatric and Chronic Care Management Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of geriatric assessments and chronic care management services for eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of the different payment methodologies applicable with respect to chronic care management services developed and implemented under this Act; (2) the effectiveness of the pay for performance programs to serve Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, including dementia; (3) process measures and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic illnesses, including dementia; (4) the cost-effectiveness and quality associated with chronic care management under the Medicare program; and (5) the feasibility of broadening and incorporating the findings of the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) study into the Medicare program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4687 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage organizations to provide for a payment rate for critical access hospital services and rural health clinic services at least 101 percent of the payment rate otherwise applicable under the Medicare Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4681 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2004
Prescription Drug Price Comparison for Savings Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and maintain an Internet website using the information supplied by participating pharmacies to allow an individual to compare for each zip code the usual and customary prices for a range of strengths and quantities of covered outpatient drugs sold by retail pharmacies that receive Medicaid payments. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct States to: (1) require a participating pharmacy, concurrent with filling a prescription for an individual receiving assistance under Medicaid, to report to the State its zip code and the usual and customary price for the covered outpatient drug as of the date the prescription is filled; and (2) submit this information to the Secretary to enable the Secretary to post monthly updates on the website.
Bill· SS. 2562 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Medicare Quality Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a quality performance incentive payment program to provide annual financial incentive payments, consisting of National Performance Quality Payments and National Quality Improvement Payments, to Medicare Advantage organizations offering Medicare Advantage plans and organizations providing benefits under a reasonable cost reimbursement contract that demonstrate superior quality health care to enrollees. Provides for a reduction in payments to such organizations in order to fund the program. Directs the Secretary to establish a corresponding renal dialysis performance incentive payment program, also including National Performance Quality Payments and National Quality Improvement Payments. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for award of bonus payments to Medicare providers that demonstrate innovative practices, structural improvements, or capacity enhancements that improve the quality of health care provided Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to conduct a three-year demonstration program of projects for pediatric dialysis facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish a Medicare Quality Advisory Board. Requires a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) study and report to Congress on the use of adjuster mechanisms under the Medicare quality performance incentive payment programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct a three-year demonstration program to measure the quality of health care furnished to individuals under 18 years of age under the SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and title XXI (SCHIP) programs. Authorizes the Secretary to hire five full-time employees within the Center for Medicaid and State Operations from among health professionals experienced in quality improvement, chronic care management, and care coordination (at least one of them also experienced with pediatric populations). Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the efforts to coordinate and integrate data from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on care coordination programs for Medicare and Medicaid dual-eligibles. Requires the Secretary to establish a five-year program of grants for demonstration projects to develop and use Medical Smart Cards and examine their impact on health care costs, quality of care, and patient safety.
Bill· SS. 2570 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Health Care Assurance Act of 2004 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to: (1) develop a target actuarial value for standard health care coverage offered by any plan or group or individual health insurance coverage; (2) specify how premiums for health care coverage are to be set; and (3) require health plans and issuers to disclose rating practices. Sets forth provisions governing the operation (including premium setting and enrollment) of qualified small employer purchasing groups, qualified association plans, church plans, multi-employer plans, plans maintained by rural electric cooperatives, and plans maintained by rural telephone cooperatives. Requires small employers to offer, but not contribute to, standard health care coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose taxes on the failure of specified health insurance plans to comply with this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding "continuation coverage" (COBRA), including regarding deductibles, terminating coverage, length of coverage, and coverage of dependent children. Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) revise the definition of an eligible ''low-income child'' to mean a child whose family income is at or below 233 percent (currently, 200 percent) of the poverty line; and (2) authorize States to extend SCHIP coverage to include health care assistance for low-income parents and pregnant women. Increases the authorized appropriations for the Account for Medicare Integrity Program. Requires the Secretary to provide for reporting systems, training, education, and a national database to reduce medical errors. Establishes the Trust Fund for Medical Treatment Outcomes Research to be funded using taxes related to health insurance policies. Sets forth provisions regarding information technology, including regarding how the use of such technology can be encouraged. Requires the Secretary to educate the public about health care choices and to develop ways to improve advance directives and living wills. Amends the title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSA to increase the reimbursement rate for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. Requires the Secretary to establish programs to recruit high school or college students to careers in general medicine.
Bill· SS. 2566 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2004 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for Medicare benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request that the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences conduct a study on the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before the condition reaches disability levels.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 389 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Commends national and community organizations and health care providers for supplying information concerning the importance of screening for prostate cancer and the treatment options. Declares that the Federal Government and the States should ensure that health care providers supply patients with appropriate information and tools necessary to receive readily understandable information about all medically efficacious screening and treatments for prostate cancer.
Bill· HRH.R. 4672 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to prohibit the Medicare comparative cost adjustment program from operating in Rhode Island.
Bill· HRH.R. 4662 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Health Care Choice Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the primary State (as designated by the health insurance issuer) apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer both in the primary State and in any secondary State. Exempts health insurance issuers from any State law or regulation that would: (1) regulate the operation of the health insurance issuer in the secondary State, except for certain activities, including paying taxes and registering with the State insurance commissioner; (2) require any individual health insurance coverage issued by the issuer to be countersigned by an agent or broker residing in the secondary State; or (3) discriminate against the issuer issuing insurance in both primary and secondary States. Allows States to require brokers to obtain a license from that State, but not to impose any requirements that discriminate against nonresident brokers. Requires health insurance issuers offering coverage in more than one State to submit to the insurance commissioner of each State a copy of a plan of operation or a feasibility study, written notice of any change in designation of its primary State, and an annual financial statement. Declares that this Act does not affect the authority of Federal or State courts to enjoin the sale of health insurance coverage to any person or group who is not eligible for such insurance or by a health insurance issuer that is in hazardous financial conditions. Sets forth requirements for primary States. Gives sole jurisdiction to primary States to enforce the covered laws in primary and secondary States. Sets forth procedures for resolving disputes.
Bill· HRH.R. 4659 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
USERRA Health Care Coverage Extension Act of 2004 - Extends from 18 to 24 months the maximum period of employer-sponsored health care coverage that a person covered by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) may elect to receive while absent from employment due to service in the uniformed services. Reinstates reporting requirements for the Secretary of Labor relative to USERRA cases.
Bill· HRH.R. 4671 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2004
Iraqi Women and Children's Liberation Act of 2004 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should ensure that women and children in Iraq benefit from the liberation of Iraq; (2) women of all ethnic groups in Iraq should be included in the economic and political reconstruction of Iraq; and (3) the Government of Iraq should adhere to internationally accepted standards on human rights and rights of women and children. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for: (1) education and health care for Iraqi women and children living in Iraq or living as refugees in other countries; and (2) enhancement of political participation, economic empowerment, civil society, and personal security of women in Iraq. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should ensure that such assistance is: (1) provided in a manner that protects and promotes the human rights of all people in Iraq, utilizing indigenous institutions and nongovernmental organizations, especially women's organizations; and (2) conditioned on the government of Iraq making continued progress toward internationally accepted standards of human rights and the rights of women.
Bill· SS. 2558 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act or the HeLP America Act - Sets forth provisions for the establishment of, and incentives for, preventive health programs. Provides for: (1) a program to make free fresh fruits and vegetables available in schools; (2) establishment of a local school wellness policy; (3) healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants; and (4) school mental health program grants. Healthy Workforce Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for: (1) a wellness program credit; and (2) an income exclusion for employer-provided off-premises health club services. Provides for grants to promote individual and community health, to prevent the incidence of chronic disease, and to implement Living Well With a Disability Programs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop enhanced standards for the design of roads and intersection controls to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety; and (2) implement public health surveillance measures to address mental and behavioral health needs. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to: (1) regulate tobacco products (through the Food and Drug Administration); and (2) establish the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Sets forth tobacco product standards and registration, recordkeeping, reporting, manufacturer and importer user fee, labeling, advertising, and marketing requirements. Requires vending machines and certain restaurants to provide nutritional information on each food offered, including the number of calories. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to allow the Secretary to prohibit the advertising of certain foods in participating schools. Disallows deductions for certain tobacco-related advertising and marketing expenses. Provides for national and local campaigns to reduce the use of tobacco products. Allows the Secretary to impose penalties on the tobacco industry for failure to achieve specified goals to reduce youth smoking. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of certain counseling and screening services, including for substance use, diet, exercise, clinical depression, anxiety, and cessation of tobacco use. Establishes the Help (Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention) America Trust Fund to fund smoking cessation efforts and other efforts required by this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on obesity prevention, treatment, and control with regard to the effectiveness of physical activity and dietary counseling. Revises provisions concerning tax shelters, including defining economic substance and adding or increasing the penalty for certain types of tax shelter activity.
Bill· SS. 2559 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2004
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 - Appropriates funds for FY 2005 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M) (including for overseas contingency operations, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, environmental restoration, overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid, and former Soviet Union threat reduction); (3) procurement (including for shipbuilding and conversion and purchases under the Defense Production Act of 1950); (4) research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E); (5) revolving and management funds; (6) DOD medical and health care programs; (7) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (8) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (9) the Office of the Inspector General; (10) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (11) the Intelligence Community Management Account; and (12) the National Security Education Trust Fund. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Reduces the total amount appropriated in this Act in order to: (1) reflect savings from revised economic assumptions; (2) reflect certain cash balance and rate stabilization adjustments; (3) limit excessive growth in the procurement of advisory and assistance services; (4) reflect excessive unobligated balances; and (5) limit excessive growth in travel and transportation expenses. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) approving or licensing the sale of the F-22 advanced tactical aircraft to any foreign government; (2) RDT&E, procurement, or deployment of nuclear armed interceptors of a missile defense system; or (3) the Terrorism Information Awareness Program (with an exception). Appropriates additional funds for the Iraq Freedom Fund, to be used only to support operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. Allocates such funds among specified accounts. Authorizes the use of O&M funds for specified activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, including supporting U.S. military and security forces, assistance to the New Iraqi Army and the Afghan National Army, and providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.
Bill· SS. 2553 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004
Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of screening ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education and information campaign to promote awareness among health care practitioners and the general public with respect to the importance of early detection and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Bill· HRH.R. 4628 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004
Patient Bill of Rights Act of 2004 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to apply patient protection and quality care standards to group health plans and issuers of health insurance coverage. Applies such standards also to Federal health insurance programs. Requires such plans and issuers to have approved utilization review programs, claims procedures, and appeal procedures concerning claims denials. Requires patient access to health plan information and to care, including: (1) a consumer choice option and choice of health care professional; (2) emergency care; (3) timely access to specialists; (4) obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics; (5) care continuity; (6) prescription drugs; (7) participation in clinical trials; and (8) breast cancer treatment hospital stays and consultations. Restricts interference by a plan or insurer with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits discrimination against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Sets forth requirements relating to payment of claims and protection of patient advocacy. Provides a tax credit for the health insurance expenses of small businesses. Treats qualified health benefit purchasing distributions by private foundations as distributions for a charitable purpose. Establishes demonstration grants programs to: (1) increase access to health insurance through alternative means; and (2) provide health insurance information to small employers.
Bill· HRH.R. 4626 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2004
Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Efficiently (SAAAVE) Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of screening ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education and information campaign to promote awareness among health care practitioners and the general public with respect to the importance of early detection and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Bill· HRH.R. 4622 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2004
Children's Dental Health Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States to improve dental services to children enrolled in Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish a grant program to expand the availability of primary dental care services in medically underserved areas. Authorizes retention bonuses for eligible dental officers of the Indian Health Service. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of HRSA and the Director of the Indian Health Service, to establish demonstration projects to increase access to dental services for children in underserved areas. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an oral health initiative to reduce disparities in oral health; and (2) Chief Dental Officers for Medicaid and SCHIP, HRSA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Requires the Director of the CDC to collect data on dental, craniofacial, and oral health. Requires the Secretary to identify populations at high risk for early childhood caries (tooth decay) and to develop prevention programs. Revises the eligibility requirements for the school-based dental sealant program to include Indian tribes. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the CDC, to award grants to States and Indian tribes to improve their basic capacity to improve the oral health of children and their families.
Bill· HRH.R. 4612 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2004
Safe Online Drug Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit selling prescriptions through Internet sites that fail to meet all standards and regulations or owning or operating an illegal Internet pharmacy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to certify Internet pharmacies that meet certain conditions, including: (1) verifying compliance with applicable laws; (2) verifying controls to ensure that prescriptions are only dispensed with a valid prescription; (3) agreeing to allow inspections by the Secretary; (4) offering a meaningful and accessible opportunity for consumers to consult with licensed pharmacists; (5) using controls to ensure authenticity and security of prescription orders; and (6) having an effective, accessible system to communicate with consumers. Requires the Secretary to provide a seal to certified pharmacies. Allows the Secretary to deem Internet pharmacies as meeting all requirements if they are certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program. Prohibits pharmacies from advertising that a prescription drug can be obtained without a prescription. Prohibits interactive computer services from accepting advertisements from or providing links to any illegal Internet pharmacy. Sets forth provisions requiring regulations to require designated payment systems to establish policies and procedures reasonably designed to identify and prevent restricted transactions with illegal Internet pharmacies.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 682 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2004
Expresses support for the goals and ideas of National Time Out Day to promote the adoption of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' universal protocol for preventing errors in the operating room. Congratulates perioperative nurses and representatives of surgical teams for working together to reduce medical errors.
Bill· SS. 2544 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2004
Health Care Access for Small Businesses Act of 2004 - Amends the Social Security Act to create a new title XXII to address health insurance coverage for small businesses. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants for the startup and operation of 50 eligible three-share (three-way health insurance premium sharing between employer, employee, and the community) pilot programs for a five-year period. Authorizes the use of grants to establish three-share programs, provide for contributions to premiums assessed for coverage under such programs, and establish risk pools. Requires grant applicants to: (1) be either nonprofits or local governmental entities; (2) define the program's service region; (3) have the capacity to carry out administrative functions associated with managing health plans; and (4) have demonstrated community involvement. Requires programs to pay for the costs of services through monthly premiums, divided according to specified percentages. Sets forth minimal coverage requirements for three-share program eligibility. Requires the Administrator to develop a formula to determine which businesses qualify as distressed businesses for purposes of this Act. Directs the General Accounting Office to submit a report to the Secretary and appropriate congressional committees after the grant period has ended.