Healthcare

Community Protection and Response Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006

Community Protection and Response Act of 2006 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Act) to include a terrorist attack, dispersion of radioactive or other contaminants, dispersion of hazardous substances, or other catastrophic event as a "major disaster" eligible for relief under the Act. Includes as a "private nonprofit facility" for purposes of damages coverage in a major disaster private for-profit telecommunications, phone services, and utilities when losses occur during a homeland security event and are not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President, at the request of a state governor, to declare that a major disaster constitutes a homeland security event and is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capacity of the affected state and local government. Provides specified federal assistance under the Act upon such a declaration, including reimbursement and grant assistance for lost compensation, sustained losses, and required repairs. Includes as critical services under the Act education systems, providers of counseling, and providers of assistance to the homeless. Removes the $5 million limit on community disaster loans provided under the Act. Requires or provides for: (1) standards for reporting information concerning disasters involving homeland security events; (2) a special commission to review air quality following a homeland security event; (3) guidelines concerning health risks associated with the release of materials following a homeland security event and associated monitoring and analysis; and (4) grants for data collection during public health emergencies, research on assisting victims, advance preparation for public health emergencies, and disaster relief for local educational agencies.

Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006

Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services Act of 2006 - Establishes the Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services. Requires the Consortium to conduct a study of all matters relating to the potential use of new technology to assist older adults and their caregivers, including: (1) methods for identifying technology that may be adapted to meet their needs; (2) methods for fostering scientific innovation in aging services technology within the business and academic communities; (3) strategies for addressing liability, reimbursement, privacy, and security issues with respect to such innovation; (4) developments in such technology in other countries; and (5) methods for ensuring that U.S. businesses have a leadership role in the global market of such technology. Requires the Consortium to develop recommendations concerning: (1) developments in current technologies that may result in increased efficiency and cost savings to the healthcare system; (2) specifications for federal funding of research and development by businesses and academia to accelerate the development of aging services technology; (3) methods to ensure that technology infrastructure is in place to deliver services; and (4) establishment of a federal interagency task force to facilitate the development and distribution of such technology and a National Resource Center to stimulate research, oversee demonstration projects, and provide training and assistance to entities that provide such services. Requires the Consortium to report recommendations regarding development of a national policy to address issues concerning technology and assistive health services for seniors, changes to federal laws and programs that would support and encourage the private sector to develop and make widely available consumer-empowered technology solutions, and establishment of a National Resource Center on Aging Services Technologies.

Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2006

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

Ensuring the Integrity of the Medicare Program Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

Ensuring the Integrity of the Medicare Program Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program for audits of Medicare secondary payer claims and activities. Requires the Secretary of Labor to provide for access by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS) and recovery audit contractors conducting audit and recovery activities under this Act to: (1) the National Directory of New Hires database; and (2) the database of the CMMS Coordination of Benefits Contractor with respect to specified audit and recovery periods.

Medicare Residency Program Fairness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

Medicare Residency Program Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to payments to hospitals for the direct graduate medical education (DGME) costs of inpatient hospital services, particularly the redistribution among qualifying hospitals of unused resident positions which figure in the calculation of DGME costs. Requires a specified adjustment to the reduction of Medicare resident positions for rural and small urban hospitals, where that reduction was based on a cost report subsequently settled, whether as a result of an appeal or otherwise, if the reference resident level under such settled cost report is higher than the resident level used for the reduction.

AmeriCare Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

AmeriCare Health Care Act of 2006 - Adds a new title XXII to the Social Security Act (SSA) entitled "AmeriCare Health Benefits." Makes all U.S. residents eligible for AmeriCare benefits, including prescription drugs and biologicals. Requires the development of an AmeriCare enrollment mechanism that includes automatic enrollment at birth and the issuance of AmeriCare cards for identification and claims processing purposes. Provides that an individual may elect not to be enrolled for benefits under AmeriCare if the individual has health benefits coverage under a group health plan at least equivalent to AmeriCare coverage. Provides the same benefits under AmeriCare as are provided under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare). Provides additional AmeriCare coverage to children under age 24, pregnant women, and low-income individuals. Establishes the AmeriCare Trust Fund. Requires the modification of Medicaid (SSA title XIX), SCHIP (SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program), and other federal health programs to avoid their duplication of AmeriCare coverage. Provides for the regulation of AmeriCare supplemental policies. Establishes the general obligations for individuals and employers for the cost of health insurance coverage provided under this Act. Provides for additional premium subsidies.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase the minimum Federal medical assistance percentage under the Medicaid Program for States to 53 percent.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Secuirty Act to increase the minimum federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) under the Medicaid program for states from 50% to 53%.

Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2006

Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Agency for Vaccine Safety Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Director for Vaccine Safety Evaluation to: (1) conduct or support safety research and monitor licensed vaccines; (2) develop a vaccine safety research agenda; (3) evaluate means to promote compliance with federal adverse reaction reporting requirements; (4) provide a clearinghouse for vaccine studies; (5) ensure that functions relating to vaccine monitoring or research on adverse reactions are not carried out by anyone with a conflict of interest; (6) oversee the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project; and (7) resolve U.S. conflicts of interest related to international agreements, partnerships, and activities. Allows the Director to establish a program of awarding fellowships for research on vaccine safety. Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to provide the Director, upon request, with complete access to all vaccine-related information submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by vaccine manufacturers. Requires the Director to require vaccine manufacturers to: (1) provide for postmarketing surveillance and clinical testing for any acute or chronic adverse reactions associated with the vaccine; and (2) register in a qualified public registry each clinical trial conducted or supported by the manufacturer with respect to the vaccine. Transfers to the Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) responsibilities for the Vaccine Safety Datalink Project, the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Centers, or any other post-licensure vaccine safety monitoring activities. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory council in the Agency.

Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006

Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2006 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue and periodically review standards setting forth the minimum technical criteria for medical diagnostic equipment used in medical settings, to ensure that such equipment: (1) is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (2) allows independent entry to, use of, and exit from the equipment by such individuals to the maximum extent possible. Applies such standards to examination tables and chairs, weight scales, mammography equipment, x-ray machines, and other radiological equipment commonly used for diagnostic purposes by health professionals. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for programs to promote good health, disease prevention, and wellness for individuals with disabilities and prevent secondary conditions in such individuals. Requires the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee on Wellness for Individuals With Disabilities to set priorities to carry out such programs, review grant proposals, make recommendations for funding, and annually evaluate the progress of such programs in implementing the priorities. Provides for training programs to improve competency and clinical skills for providing health care and communicating with patients with disabilities.

Medicare Physician Payment Reform and Quality Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006

Medicare Physician Payment Reform and Quality Improvement Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise physician payment requirements under the Medicare program, including the physician payment update and quality measures for physicians' services. Terminates application of the sustainable growth rate (SGR), replacing it with a single conversion factor, the Medicare economic index (MEI) minus 1%. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the selection of quality performance measures (Q-measures) for assessing physician, non-physician practitioner, and supplier services and determining ratings for them. Requires such Q-measures to be developed in conjunction with physician specialty organizations and consensus-building organizations. Eliminates specified limitations on the balance billing of highest income beneficiaries. Revises requirements for the quality improvement program (QIO), including program administration, data disclosure, use of evaluation and competition, quality improvement funding, and qualifications for QIOs under part B (Peer Review) of SSA title XI. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to permit alternative quality improvement programs under such program. Terminates the availability of funds from the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund. Directs the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to monitor and examine the extent to which the different Medicare funding mechanisms provide an appropriate alignment with the program goals of the respective parts. Provides for a one-year delay in Medicare adjustments in payments for imaging services. Eliminates the three-year phase-in for implementation of the reduction in Medicare part B premium subsidies for higher income beneficiaries (thus requiring immediate application of the reduction adjustment).

Health Partnership Through Creative Federalism Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006

Health Partnership Through Creative Federalism Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a State Health Coverage Innovation Commission to: (1) request states to submit proposals for state health care expansion and improvement programs, which may include reform options such as tax credit approaches, expansions of public programs, or other appropriate alternatives; (2) review state applications and submit to Congress a list of state applications that the Commission recommends for approval; (3) report to the public concerning progress made by states; and (4) make recommendations to the Secretary and Congress for minimizing the negative effect of state programs on national employer groups, provider organizations, and insurers because of differing state requirements under the programs. Requires states to prepare and submit to the Commission a healthcare plan that has as its goal increased coverage and such additional goals as improvements in quality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the appropriate use of information technology. Sets forth rules for congressional consideration of state proposals. Requires the Secretary to provide a grant to a state that has an application approved to enable such state to carry out an innovative state health program. Requires the Commission to direct the Secretary to: (1) fund a balanced diversity of approaches; and (2) link allocations to the state to the meeting of goals and performance measures related to health care coverage and health care costs. Prohibits states from: (1) changing eligibility criteria for state medical assistance programs; or (2) permitting the imposition of any preexisting condition exclusion for covered benefits, with exceptions.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals eligible for veterans health benefits to contribute to health savings accounts.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that individual taxpayers who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) periodic health care or medical services shall not be disqualified from making tax deductible contributions to health savings accounts.

PROTECT Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2006

Privacy Rights and OversighT for Electronic and Commercial Transactions Act of 2006 or the PROTECT Act - Prohibits any for profit entity that handles individuals' personal data from: (1) compromising the personal, nonpublic information of those individuals through theft, loss, data breach, or malfeasance; and (2) issuing credit or an account for services to an unauthorized individual or making an inaccurate change to a credit report as a result of identity theft. Exempts small business. Provides for the liability of violators. Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to prohibit a financial institution from disclosing usage data relating to consumers to a nonaffiliated third party without the consumer's written authorization. Requires the President to designate a Chief Privacy Officer within the Office of Management and Budget. Requires agencies and entities to provide notice of breaches that result in the unauthorized access or disclosure of personally identifiable information to affected individuals and all major credit reporting services upon an individual's request. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and each of the federal functional regulators to issue rules applicable to financial institutions concerning disclosures. Requires financial institutions to provide, upon a consumer's written request, a copy of all its information relating to the consumer and to not charge the consumer for one copy a year. Requires nationwide consumer reporting agencies to make free annual disclosures to consumers (currently, disclosure is only required upon request). Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to replace provisions about blocking the reporting of information with provisions concerning placing a security freeze on a consumer credit file. Prohibits, subject to exemptions, business enterprises from disclosing a U.S. resident's personally identifiable information to foreign parties. Prohibits health care businesses from terminating existing relationships with consumers to avoid the consumer objecting to such disclosure to foreign parties. Provides for the liability of enterprises and civil action. Requires the Secretary of Health and Health Services to revise regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) concerning notice of privacy protection given by covered entities that outsource protected health information outside the United States. Includes additional disclosure requirements concerning financial institutions that outsource information. Requires the FTC, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Attorney General to establish a Center for Telecommunications Records Privacy. Requires the FTC to issue new rules for federal agencies responsible for working with data processors to ensure the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information. Amends the Social Security Act to clarify that the provisions concerning the offense of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information apply to individuals who knowingly use, obtain, or disclose information, regardless of how the information was obtained or the relation of the individual to the entity that maintains the information. Requires the Secretary to broaden HIPAA's scope. Reinstates provisions concerning consent to use and disclose information for treatment, payment, or health care operations.

Catastrophic Health Coverage Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Catastrophic Health Coverage Promotion Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish demonstration projects to provide health care coverage to individuals who: (1) are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare benefits and have exceeded $10,500 in out-of-pocket health care costs in a year or an adjusted amount based on the average out-of-pocket costs of individuals with catastrophic illnesses in a state for the year; or (2) were receiving Medicare or Medicaid benefits but who have exhausted their eligibility and any additional private health insurance coverage. Directs the Secretary, in designing such demonstration projects, to use: (1) state risk pools; (2) reinsurance mechanisms for small businesses; (3) public or private arrangements for the provision of affordable health insurance coverage to cover catastrophic health care expenses; and (4) any combination of such arrangements. Requires the Secretary to establish demonstration projects to provide health insurance coverage for catastrophic health benefits to individuals who do not have health insurance coverage. Directs the Secretary, in designing such demonstration projects, to: (1) use a catastrophic health insurance product administered by private health insurance plans with a deductible indexed to income level or an adjusted deductible amount based on average out-of-pocket costs; and (2) subsidize such catastrophic coverage and allow subsidies on a sliding scale to offer an affordable product for individuals earning below 200% of the federal poverty level. Establishes evaluation requirements for the projects.

Danielle's Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Danielle's Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to require staff working with individuals with a developmental disability or traumatic brain injury to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation.

Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish requirements for providing and receiving reimbursement for school-based health care for children, including children with special needs, and the related administrative and transportation costs covered under Medicaid. Includes health care provided through Medicaid managed care organizations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education, acting jointly, to develop and implement a uniform methodology for claims under this Act.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY2007. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, such funds and transfers of funds. Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Labor, including: (1) the Employment and Training Administration; (2) the Employee Benefits Security Administration; (3) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (4) the Employment Standards Administration; (5) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (6) the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (7) the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (8) the Office of Disability Employment Policy; (9) the Office of Job Corps; and (10) the Office of Inspector General. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including: (1) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (2) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); (3) the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (4) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (5) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (6) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; (7) the Administration for Children and Families; (8) the Administration on Aging; (9) the Office of the Secretary for general departmental management; (10) the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; (11) the Office of Inspector General; and (12) the Office for Civil Rights. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes appropriations for FY2007 to the Department of Education, including: (1) the Institute of Education Sciences; (2) the Office for Civil Rights; and (3) the Office of the Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2007 for: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Corporation for National and Community Service; (3) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (9) the National Council on Disability; (10) the National Labor Relations Board; (11) the National Mediation Board; (12) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (13) the Railroad Retirement Board; and (14) the Social Security Administration.

Medicare Health Savings Accounts Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Medicare Health Savings Accounts Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a new part E (Medicare Health Savings Accounts) under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish procedures entitling each eligible beneficiary to elect to receive benefits under a Medicare Health Savings Account (HSA) instead of benefits under Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance), B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), or D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform to this Act.

Medicare Prescription Drug Lifeline Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Lifeline Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process under which an individual may terminate enrollment in the prescription drug plan or the Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) Plan in which he or she is enrolled and enroll in any prescription drug plan or MA-PD Plan serving the area where the individual resides that provides some coverage of covered part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) drugs after the individual has reached the initial coverage limit but not yet the annual out-of-pocket threshold. Sets forth a special rule permitting applicable individuals to enroll in a prescription drug plan outside the region in which they reside. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the costs to the Medicare program of eliminating the initial coverage limit and providing specified standard prescription drug coverage until the individual reaches the annual out-of-pocket threshold; and (2) the adjustment to the applicable coinsurance that would be necessary to eliminate the initial coverage limit under such conditions without increasing the costs to the Medicare program.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the marketing of authorized generic drugs.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit a holder of a new, approved drug application from manufacturing, marketing, selling, or distributing a generic version of such drug during any exclusivity period granted to manufacturers of generic brands.

Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006

Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006 - Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants to states to: (1) provide comprehensive eye examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for children identified by a licensed health care provider or vision screener, with priority to children under age nine; (2) provide treatment or services to correct vision problems of such children; and (3) develop and disseminate educational materials on recognizing signs of visual impairment in children.

Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006

Protecting Children's Health in Schools Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish requirements for providing and receiving reimbursement for school-based health care for children, including children with special needs, and the related administrative and transportation costs covered under Medicaid. Includes health care provided through Medicaid managed care organizations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education, acting jointly, to develop and implement a uniform methodology for claims under this Act.

COBRA Enhancement and Healthcare Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006

COBRA Enhancement and Health Care Relief Act of 2006 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code, and related federal law provisions to extend from 18 to 36 months the period during which employees and other individuals whose group health care coverage has terminated can continue such coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (known as COBRA continuation coverage). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individual taxpayers a tax credit for the cost of COBRA continuation coverage; (2) provide for advance payments of such credit to cover current COBRA continuation coverage premiums; and (3) increase tax rates for individuals with adjusted gross incomes over $500,000 ($1 million for married taxpayers filing joint tax returns).

Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2006

Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) establish a national program for the elimination of tuberculosis and expand tuberculosis research and development activities and demonstration projects; (2) expand the duties and membership of the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis and require the Council to develop and implement a national plan to eliminate tuberculosis in the United States; (3) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Federal Tuberculosis Task Force to develop new tools for the elimination of tuberculosis, including drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines; (4) require the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH tuberculosis research, to make awards to faculties of medical and osteopathic schools to develop curricula for tuberculosis prevention, management, and control, and to make awards to support career development of clinically trained professionals committed to pulmonary infection research; (5) require the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH to work to develop a tuberculosis vaccine; (6) require the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences to carry out an international training program regarding tuberculosis; and (7) require the Secretary to ensure that a portion of funds appropriated to repay education loans of qualified health professionals, researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds, and clinical researchers is reserved for contracts with individuals who research tuberculosis.

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to lead all federal public health and medical response to public health emergencies and incidents covered by the National Response Plan. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and transfers to the Assistant Secretary the functions of the Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness. Expands the program for state and local public health emergency preparedness to allow political subdivisions of states or a consortium of states to be eligible for funding. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and require the application of evidence-based benchmarks and objective standards that measure levels of preparedness; and (2) establish a near real-time electronic nationwide public health situational awareness capacity to enhance detection, response, and management of public health emergencies. Sets forth matching requirements for emergency preparedness funds. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the National Disaster Medical System, including a review of medical surge capacity. Transfers to the Secretary the functions of the National Disaster Medical System. Requires the Secretary to establish and maintain a Medical Reserve Corps to provide for an adequate supply of volunteers during a public health emergency. Allows the Secretary to establish Centers for Public Health Preparedness at accredited schools of public health. Requires the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to ensure the readiness of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers in a public health emergency.

Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006

Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct a study to: (1) determine the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injury; (2) report national trends in traumatic brain injury; (3) identify common therapeutic interventions which are used for the rehabilitation of individuals with such injuries; and (4) develop practice guidelines for such rehabilitation. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), to make grants to states and American Indian consortia (currently, only states) to improve access to rehabilitation (currently, health) and other services regarding traumatic brain injury. Requires the Administration and the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities to coordinate the collection of data regarding protection and advocacy services. Directs the Administrator to make a grant for training and technical assistance to protection and advocacy systems, if funds permit.

Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006

Medicare Independent Living Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in-the-home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs. Deems such devices to be durable medical equipment (DME) if they are used in customary settings for the purpose of normal domestic, vocational, or community activities.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM KATRINA IN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE

United States · United States Senate · 14 July 2006

FROM MEDICAID TO RETIREE BENEFITS: HOW SENIORS IMPACT AMERICA'S HEALTH CARE COSTS

United States · United States Senate · 13 July 2006

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals eligible for veterans health benefits to contribute to health savings accounts.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that individual taxpayers who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) periodic health care or medical services shall not be disqualified from making tax deductible contributions to health savings accounts.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to modify the program for the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees by terminating the authority for the removal of chimpanzees from the system for research purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal provisions providing for the removal of surplus chimpanzees from a sanctuary facility. Prohibits use of such chimpanzees for research except for noninvasive behavioral studies.

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Consolidated Coverage Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Consolidated Coverage Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the consolidated coverage of home infusion therapy under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).

Colorectal Cancer Early Detection, Prevention, and Treatment Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Colorectal Cancer Early Detection, Prevention, and Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to public and private entities for demonstrations projects to: (1) provide colorectal cancer screenings to individuals who are 50 years of age or older or at high risk for such cancer; (2) provide case management and referrals for medical treatment to individuals screened; (3) ensure the provision of cancer care to individuals screened; (4) improve the education, training, and skills of health professionals in the detection and control of colorectal cancer; (5) evaluate the projects through appropriate surveillance or program monitoring activities; (6) develop and disseminate findings derived through such evaluations and the collection of data on outcomes; and (7) promote the benefits of receiving screenings through the projects. Requires applicants to give priority to low-income individuals who lack colorectal cancer coverage under health insurance and health plans. Requires the Secretary to give special consideration to applicants currently receiving grants for preventive health programs for breast or cervical cancers or prostate cancer.

Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prohibit a state from providing for medical assistance through enrollment of an individual with benchmark coverage or benchmark-equivalent coverage unless it includes certain family planning services and supplies; (2 ) include women who are not pregnant but who meet certain income eligibility standards in a mandatory categorically needy group for family planning services purposes; and (3) allow a state Medicaid plan to provide for making medical assistance available to such individuals during a presumptive eligibility period.

Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for projects to prevent teen pregnancies in racial, ethnic minority, or immigrant communities with a substantial incidence or prevalence of cases of teen pregnancy as compared to the average number of such cases in communities in the state involved. Allows the Secretary to make grants to: (1) provide necessary social and cultural support services regarding teen pregnancy; (2) provide health and educational services related to the prevention of teen pregnancy; (3) promote better health and educational outcomes among pregnant teens; (4) provide training for individuals who plan to work in school-based support programs regarding the prevention of teen pregnancy; and (5) provide public education and increase awareness with respect to the issue of teen pregnancy and related social and emotional issues. Requires the Secretary to make grants to establish and operate a National Clearinghouse for Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to conduct, support, and coordinate research on the prevention of teen pregnancy in such communities. Allows a grant to be made under this Act only if the applicant agrees that: (1) all information provided pursuant to the Act will be age-appropriate, factually and medically accurate and complete, and scientifically based; and (2) information, activities, and services under the grant will be provided in the language and cultural context that is most appropriate for individual groups.

Keeping Families Together Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2006

Keeping Families Together Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award competitive matching grants to states to establish systems of care to treat and provide services to all children who are in the custody of the state or at-risk of entering into the custody of the state for the purpose of receiving mental health services. Requires states to use grant funds for certain activities, including to: (1) expand public health insurance programs to cover community-based mental health and family support services for such children and their families that will be sustainable after the grant has expired; (2) provide outreach and public education concerning available programs and activities; and (3) provide training and professional development for personnel who work with such children. Requires the Administrator to establish a task force to examine: (1) problems of mental health in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems; (2) issues with respect to access by children and youth to mental health services; and (3) the role of federal agencies in promoting access by children and youth to mental health services.

Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006

Helping Fill the Medicare Rx Gap Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to the annual out of pocket threshold, to count costs incurred in providing prescription drugs by the Indian Health Service, a federally-qualified health center, an AIDS drug assistance program, certain hospitals, or a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program. Amends SSA title XI, with respect to criminal penalties for certain illegal remunerations, to exclude from prohibited remunerations (provide safe harbor for) any remuneration paid by a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program, either in cash or through the distribution or donation of covered Part D drugs, to an individual enrolled in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under SSA title XVIII part C.

Prescription for Fairness Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006

Prescription for Fairness Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the monthly beneficiary premium under a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan during months in which an individual enrolled in such a plan has a gap in the prescription drug coverage. Describes such a gap as the period between the date on which the individual has reached the initial coverage limit and the date on which he or she has reached the annual out-of-pocket threshold. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reduce the initial funding of the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization Fund to offset the estimated cost of such premium waivers.

United States Physician Shortage Elimination Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006

United States Physician Shortage Elimination Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the National Health Service Corps Medical School Scholarship Program to ensure an adequate supply of physicians providing primary health services. Requires the Secretary to provide scholarships and accept individuals into the Corps in exchange for such individuals completing a residency in a specialty needed by the Corps and serving as a provider of primary health services in a health professional shortage area for six years. Allows the Secretary to make grants to: (1) increase the capacity of medical schools to accept students each year; (2) recruit students to participate in the Corps Scholarship Program; (3) increase the number of minority health professionals servicing medically underserved communities; and (4) establish new or alternative-campus accredited medical residency programs affiliated with accredited medical programs. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to make grants to community health centers to: (1) increase the number of medical service providers associated with such centers; and (2) increase primary care capabilities through the construction, expansion, or renovation of facilities.

Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2006

Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans. Requires the program to include: (1) mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors of the Department of Veterans Affairs who interact with veterans; (2) screening of veterans who receive medical care at a Department facility for suicide risk factors; (3) referral of at-risk veterans for counseling and treatment; (4) a suicide prevention counselor at each Department medical facility; (5) research for suicide prevention and for mental health care for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in military service; (6) 24-hour veterans' mental health care availability; and (7) a toll-free hotline. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and (2) the Secretary should take in the special needs of PTSD-afflicted veterans in developing and implementing the program.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that World War II merchant mariners who were awarded the Mariners Medal shall be provided eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs health care on the same basis as veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2006

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital care and medical services, and authorizes the Secretary to furnish nursing home care, as needed to any veteran who was awarded the Mariners Medal (currently, only the Purple Heart).

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the penalty for late enrollment under the Medicare Program to 10 percent and twice the period of no enrollment, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2006

Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the late enrollment penalty to a 10% increase in the monthly part B premium due for premiums paid during a period equal to twice the number of months in each of the full periods of 12 months that the part B beneficiary could have been but was not enrolled under Medicare part B. Excludes periods of COBRA and retiree coverage from calculation of the Medicare late enrollment penalty. Establishes a special enrollment period for individuals whose COBRA or retiree coverage terminates.

Helping Sole Community Hospitals Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for disproportionate share hospital treatment for sole community hospitals under the Medicare program.

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2005 (sic) - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage (as supplies associated with the injection of insulin) of home needle destruction devices and disposal of needles and lancets through a sharps-by-mail or similar program under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program).

A bill to clarify the effective date of the modification of treatment for retirement annuity purposes of part-time service before April 7, 1986, of certain Department of Veterans Affairs health-care professionals.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Makes January 23, 2002, the effective date of the modification of treatment for retirement annuity purposes of part-time service performed before April 7, 1986, by certain health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Administration pursuant to the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.

Save Our Safety Net Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Save Our Safety Net Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require payment to a physician of an additional 10% for emergency department visits. Prescribes special rules for calculating the Medicare hospital outpatient department (OPD) fee schedule amounts for clinic and emergency department visits. Extends from temporary to permanent the current adjustment to payments (hold harmless provisions) for certain small rural and sole community hospitals under the OPD prospective payment system (PPS). Eliminates the cap on the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for payments to rural hospitals.

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Physician Pathology Services Continuity Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with regard to a laboratory-furnished technical component of certain physician pathology services, to treat such component as a service for which payment shall be made to the laboratory, and not as an inpatient hospital or hospital outpatient service for which payment is made to the hospital.

To remove the 18 or 36 month limitation on the period of COBRA continuation coverage.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to remove all limitations on Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage that establish a period by which such coverage must end, and instead provides no deadline for discontinuing such coverage. Sets forth a formula to determine the maximum allowable premium that certain qualified disabled beneficiaries and individuals receiving extended coverage provided pursuant to this Act may be charged based on the average monthly actuarial cost of such continuation coverage. Applies such provisions to continuation coverage provided pursuant to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) revise the national program for traumatic brain injury registries to include grants for a traumatic brain injury surveillance system; and (2) authorize appropriations through 2010 for the prevention and control of injuries. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to conduct a study to: (1) determine the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injury; (2) maintain data on the incidence and prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury; (3) report national trends in traumatic brain injury; (4) identify common therapeutic interventions used for the rehabilitation of individuals with such injuries; and (5) develop practice guidelines for such rehabilitation. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), to make grants to states and American Indian consortia to improve access to rehabilitation and other services regarding traumatic brain injury. Requires the Administration and the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities to coordinate the collection of data regarding protection and advocacy services. Directs the Administrator to make a grant for training and technical assistance to protection and advocacy systems, if funds permit. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to provide for projects of national significance that: (1) support the development of policies that reinforce and promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life for individuals with traumatic brain injury; and (2) hold promise to improve or expand opportunities for such individuals.

To amend the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to expand the county organized health insuring organizations authorized to enroll Medicaid beneficiaries.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2006

Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as added by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to add health insuring organizations operated by public entities established by Ventura and Merced Counties, California, to the number of county-organized health insuring organizations in California authorized to enroll Medicaid beneficiaries under title XIX of the Social Security Act. Increases from 14% to 16% the maximum percentage of California Medicaid beneficiaries which may be enrolled with such organizations.