Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· SS. 1304 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2003
Women's Health Office Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Social Security Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the establishment of separate Offices on Women's Health within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Office of the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration to carry out specified activities relating to the health of women. Directs the lead officers of each Office of Women's Health to establish goals, provide information, serve as a consultant, and establish a Coordinating Committee on Women's Health within their respective agencies. Requires the Director of the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality to designate an official of the Office of Priority Populations to carry out similar responsibilities relating to women's health. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Office of Women's Health, to establish a National Women's Health Information Center to facilitate the exchange of information, access to such information, and the analysis of issues and problems relating to women's health. Transfers the functions of the Office on Women's Health of the Public Health Service to the Office of Women's Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Bill· SS. 1303 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2003
Quality Cancer Care Preservation Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the payment amount for covered drugs and biologicals furnished during a calendar quarter that are not paid on a cost or prospective payment basis. Changes such amount from 95 percent of the average wholesale price to 120 percent of the average sales price of the drug or biological for the second preceding calendar quarter. Requires drug manufacturers to report average sales prices each calendar quarter for covered drugs and biologicals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) revise the practice expense relative value units for drug administration services (including chemotherapy administration services) in accordance with this Act to determine the units to be used in determining the fee schedule amounts paid for drug administration services under the Medicare program; (2) recognize and make payments under Medicare for chemotherapy support services furnished incident to physicians' services; (3) recognize and establish a payment amount for the service of cancer therapy management to account for the greater pre-service and post-service work associated with visits and consultations conducted by physicians treating cancer patients compared to typical visits and consultations; and (4) develop a revised methodology for determining the payment amounts for services that are paid under the Medicare fee schedule and that do not have physician work relative value units, including radiation oncology services. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide that if the Secretary requires direct supervision of a service by a physician, that supervision requirement may be fulfilled by one or more physicians other than the physician who ordered the service.
Bill· SS. 1300 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Prescription Drug Consumer Information Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act with regard to certain contracts involving pharmacy benefit managers (PBM's). Sets forth certain requirements a PBM must meet for a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan (health insurance issuer), to enter into a contract with the PBM to manage the prescription drug coverage provided under such plan or coverage or to control the costs of such prescription drug coverage. Includes among such requirements that the PBM not be owned by a pharmaceutical manufacturing company and that the PBM shall agree to pass along any cost savings negotiated with a pharmacy to the group health plan or the health insurance issuer. Amends the Act to apply the provisions of this Act regarding contracts with a PBM to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market in the same manner as they apply to a group health plan and a health insurance issuer providing health insurance coverage. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to apply the provisions of this Act regarding contracts with a PBM to a group health plan and a health insurance issuer in the same manner as such provisions apply to a group health plan and a health insurance issuer providing health insurance coverage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations requiring a pharmacy to disclose the retail cost of a prescription drug upon request by a consumer.
Bill· HRH.R. 2544 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Medical Independence, Privacy, and Innovation Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate language making the medical expense deduction only apply to the extent the relevant expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. Permits the deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Exempts medical checking accounts from being subjected to certain taxes. Subjects such accounts to taxes on unrelated business income of charitable organizations. Allows a deduction equal to the amount paid in cash to an individual's medical checking account (up to $1,000, or $2,000 in the case of a joint return) and a credit (of up to $1,000) for contributions made to such account. Excludes from gross income any amount paid or distributed out of a medical checking account which is used exclusively to pay qualified medical expenses of any account holder. Decreases the minimum annual deductibles under a high deductible health plan for purposes of Archer medical savings accounts. Makes modifications to regulations regarding the privacy of individually identifiable health information. Prohibits the granting of an exclusive or partially exclusive license regarding an invention made with Federal assistance, except in accordance with specified provisions of Federal law pertaining to the licensing of Federally owned inventions. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs from foreign nations, with such regulations to require that each such drug complies with sections of the Act pertaining to new drugs, adulterated drugs and devices, and misbranded drugs and devices, and with other applicable requirements of this Act. (Current law directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import prescription drugs, except for specified controlled substances and biological products).
Bill· HRH.R. 2553 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Minority Diabetes Initiative Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and private health care providers for the purpose of providing treatment for diabetes in minority communities.
Bill· HRH.R. 2527 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act - Requires hospitals, as a condition of receiving Federal funds, to provide emergency contraception to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 225 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the illegal importation of prescription drugs severely undermines the regulatory protections afforded to United States consumers; (2) the President should take action to prevent the illegal importation of prescription drugs from Canada or any other foreign country; (3) the United States Trade Representative should take action to correct the inequities and discrimination caused by Canada's Patented Medicine Pricing Review Board; (4) the pharmaceutical industry and the health care community should work with United States consumers to lower the price of prescription drugs and should mount a nationwide educational awareness program regarding the dangers of imported drugs and medicines; and (5) Congress should enact a Medicare drug benefit as the best and safest way for United States patients to obtain their prescription drugs.
Bill· SS. 1288 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for special payment for brachytherapy under the outpatient hospital services prospective payment system equal to the hospital's charges for each device furnished, adjusted to cost.
Bill· SS. 1278 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
Conquering Pain Act of 2003 - Requires development and maintenance of an Internet website on evidence-based practice guidelines for pain treatment. Requires the Medicare and Medicaid programs, programs through the Public Health Service Act, programs through the Indian Health Service, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), and other programs administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform individuals concerning such programs' pain management benefits. Directs the Secretary to provide funds for special education projects to improve pain and symptom management. Amends Medicare provisions relating to the Medicare+Choice program to provide for dissemination of pain and symptom management information. Mandates a report by the Surgeon General on the state of pain and symptom management in the United States. Mandates grants to health care provider training entities to establish six National Family Support Networks in Pain and Symptom Management. Requires the existing Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPac) to report on specified financial, policy, and reimbursement barriers in providing pain and symptom management and palliative care. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management. Mandates an Institute of Medicine report on controlled substance regulation and the use of pain medications. Mandates grants for demonstration projects on: (1) effective methods to measure improvement in the skills and knowledge of health care personnel in pain and symptom management; and (2) end of life care.
Bill· SS. 1286 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
Seniors Safety Act of 2003 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend Federal sentencing guidelines: (1) to include the age of a crime victim as an enhancement factor; and (2) with respect to health care benefit program fraud. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) provide increased penalties for fraud which results in serious injury or death; and (2) set penalties for fraud in relation to retirement arrangements. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish procedures regarding telemarketing fraud, including referrals of complaints for potential law enforcement action. Provides for the blocking or termination of telephone service associated with telemarketing fraud. Includes within Federal injunctive authority against fraudulent actions certain offenses under the Social Security Act relating to false claims and illegal kickback schemes involving Federal health care programs. Amends the Social Security Act to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to bring an action to enforce such authority; and (2) extend certain anti-fraud safeguards to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Nursing Home Resident Protection Act of 2002 - Provides civil penalties for violations that affect the health, safety, or care of individuals in a residential health care facility and result in significant harm. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to state that a defendant may not use property subject to criminal forfeiture to satisfy a restitution order, with an exception. Prohibits: (1) the use of bankruptcy proceedings to shield illegal gains from false claims brought against the Government; and (2) the debt arising from such illegal gains from being discharged in bankruptcy proceedings.
Bill· SS. 1279 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
Disaster Area Health and Environmental Monitoring Act of 2003 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, if one or more chemicals or substances associated with potential acute or chronic human health effects (substances of concern) are being or have been released in a disaster area, to carry out a program for the protection, assessment, monitoring, and study of the health and safety of individuals. Requires such a program to ensure that: (1) the individuals are adequately informed about and protected against potential health impacts of the substance of concern and potential mental health impacts in a timely manner; (2) they are monitored and studied over time for any such impacts, both short- and long-term; (3) they receive needed health care referrals; and (4) information from any such monitoring and studies is used to prevent or protect against similar health impacts from future disasters. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency jointly to establish a Blue Ribbon Panel on Disaster Area Health Protection and Monitoring to provide advice and recommendations regarding the implementation of this Act, among other things.
Bill· HRH.R. 2514 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
Honor Thy Parents Act of 2003 - Suspends any tax reduction and any tax deduction, limitation, or credit made by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 scheduled to take effect after 2003. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to add a new part which establishes a voluntary outpatient prescription medicine benefit. Sets premium, deductible, and coinsurance limits, with an annual out-of-pocket limit of $2,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 2507 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2003
Conquering Pain Act of 2003 - Requires development and maintenance of an Internet website on evidence-based practice guidelines for pain treatment. Requires the Medicare and Medicaid programs, programs through the Public Health Service Act, programs through the Indian Health Service, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), and other programs administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform individuals concerning such programs' pain management benefits. Directs the Secretary to provide funds for special education projects to improve pain and symptom management. Amends Medicare provisions relating to the Medicare+Choice program to provide for dissemination of pain and symptom management information. Mandates a report by the Surgeon General on the state of pain and symptom management in the United States. Mandates grants to health care provider training entities to establish six National Family Support Networks in Pain and Symptom Management. Requires the existing Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPac) to report on specified financial, policy, and reimbursement barriers in providing pain and symptom management and palliative care. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management. Mandates an Institute of Medicine report on controlled substance regulation and the use of pain medications. Mandates grants for demonstration projects on: (1) effective methods to measure improvement in the skills and knowledge of health care personnel in pain and symptom management; and (2) end of life care.
Bill· HRH.R. 2498 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2003
Medicare Extension of Drugs to Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Prescription Medicine Benefit for the Aged and Disabled) establishing a voluntary insurance program to provide prescription medicine benefits, including pharmacy services, for eligible individuals (including low-income individuals) who are aged or disabled or have end-stage renal disease, and who elect to enroll during a prescribed period. Provides that the program shall be financed from monthly premium payments by enrollees together with Federal appropriations. Creates the Prescription Medicine Insurance Account within the Federal Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement an Employer Incentive Program that encourages employers to provide adequate prescription medicine benefits to retired individuals and maintain such existing benefit programs. Outlines provisions for substantial reductions in the price of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, with respect to the importation of certain prescription drugs, to revise testing requirements (granting the Secretary certain waiver discretion), and add approved labeling requirements. Requires the recipient of a patent to make a reasonable pricing agreement with the Secretary (or the Secretary to waive such an agreement in the public interest) if any Federal agency or any non-profit entity: (1) undertakes federally funded health care research and development; and (2) is to convey or provide a patent or other exclusive right to use such research and development for a drug or other health care technology.
Bill· HRH.R. 2497 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2003
Prescription Drug Parity for Americans Act - Amends provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act set forth in the Medicine Equity and Drug Safety Act of 2000 to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drugs from Canada (currently, from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, the countries in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, or other countries designated by the Secretary); and (2) exclude an infused or intravenously injected drug or a drug that is inhaled during surgery. Prohibits discrimination in the sale of prescription drugs by manufacturers to pharmacists or wholesalers, requiring: (1) terms as favorable as those provided to foreign purchasers; and (2) full access to drugs permitted to be imported. Continues the requirement that exported donated prescription drugs may only be reimported by the manufacturer. Permits the Secretary to waive the prohibition against importing a prescription drug or device on a case-by-case basis, particularly those from Canada that are FDA-approved and for limited personal use. Requires a study and report by the: (1) Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences on the regulatory compliance of importers of drugs; and (2) Comptroller General on how drug prices were affected.
Bill· HRH.R. 2490 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2003
Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Elder Justice) to establish: (1) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Office of Elder Justice; (2) within HHS an Intra-Agency Elder Justice Steering Committee to coordinate HHS elder justice programs and policy; (3) the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to make recommendations for the coordination of activities to HHS, the Department of Justice, and other relevant Federal, State, local, and private agencies and entities; and (4) the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Outlines provisions with respect to uniform collection, maintenance, and dissemination of national data relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to award various grants, including grants for: (1) prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (2) five Centers of Excellence nationwide that shall specialize in research, clinical practice, and training relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; (3) six diverse communities to examine various types of elder shelters and to test various models for establishing safe havens; (4) nonprofit organizations and faith-based organizations to encourage such organizations to establish or continue volunteer programs that focus on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, or that provide related services; and (5) various multidisciplinary elder justice activities. Provides for: (1) reporting to law enforcement of crimes occurring in Federally-funded long-term care facilities; (2) revising the quality of long-term care; and (3) increasing consumer information about long-term care. Amends: (1) SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to establish programs to prevent abuse of skilled nursing facility and nursing facility residents; (2) the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of health care professionals with geriatric training; (3) the Older Americans Act of 1965 with respect to the long-term care ombudsman program; (4) part A (General Provisions) of SSA title XI to establish in HHS the Office of Adult Protective Services; and (5) SSA titles XVIII and XIX to assure safety of residents when nursing facilities close. Establishes in the Department of Justice an Office of Elder Justice. Amends the: (1) Federal criminal code to provide for a cause of action for elder abuse and neglect; and (2) Internal Revenue Code to provide for a long-term care facility worker employment tax credit.
Bill· HRH.R. 2491 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2003
Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) limit a brand name drug manufacturer to one Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 30-month stay of competition in a patent infringement suit against a generic drug applicant; (2) permit a generic applicant being sued to file a counterclaim to correct or delete patent information; (3) limit damages that a brand name manufacturer may recover in an instance where such manufacturer failed to file certain patent information; (4) permit a generic drug applicant to seek declaratory judgment regarding patent infringement prior to marketing a drug; (5) forfeit the180-day market exclusivity period for a first generic drug applicant to a subsequent generic applicant if the first applicant engages in certain activities which impede such drug's timely marketing; and (6) permit alternative means to determine bioequivalence for drugs that are not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Bill· SS. 1270 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Medication Therapy Management Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for Medicare coverage of medication therapy management services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2473 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) under which each individual who is entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) is entitled to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage. Authorizes the individual to elect to enroll: (1) in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan (replacing the current Medicare+Choice plans); (2) in an enhanced fee-for-service (EFFS) plan; or (3) in a prescription drug plan (PDP) if the individual is not enrolled in an MA-EFFS plan (a Medicare Advantage plan and an EFFS plan). Establishes a Medicare Prescription Drug Trust Fund. Outlines standard coverage benefit packages for FY 2006. Includes for the standard package an annual deductible of $250, and requires insurers to cover 80 percent of enrollees drug costs up to the initial coverage limit of $2,000. Requires enrollees to cover all costs between $2,001 and $3,700, and Medicare to cover the entire cost once the beneficiary has reached the $3,700 catastrophic out-of-pocket threshold. Prescribes a formula for adjustment of: (1) such deductible and annual limits for inflation; and (2) such catastrophic limit for each enrollee in a PDP or in an MA-EFFS Rx plan (an MA-EFFS plan which provides qualified prescription drug coverage) whose adjusted gross income exceeds $60,000. Establishes a competitive bidding process for negotiating the terms and conditions of PDP sponsors. Provides for full premium subsidy and reduction of cost-sharing for individuals with incomes below 135 percent of the Federal poverty level. Contains subsidy payments for qualifying entities to promote the participation of PDP and MA-EFFS Rx plan sponsors. Sets out a: (1) new Medicare prescription drug discount card endorsement program under the Medicare program; and (2) requirements for combating waste, fraud, and abuse under Medicare. Makes a number of other changes with regard to Medicare: (1) part A concerning rural health care, inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, and hospices; (2) part B concerning physicians services and other services; and (3) part A and B concerning home health services, direct graduate medical education, and voluntary chronic care improvement. Establishes the Medicare Benefits Administration in the Department of Health and Human Services. Amends SSA title XVIII part F (Miscellaneous) (currently part D) to include a number of regulatory, contracting, and administrative changes, such as: (1) coordination of educational funding; (2) transfer of responsibility for Medicare appeals; (3) provision of expedited access to judicial review of Medicare appeals; (4) recovery of overpayments; and (5) revision of reassignment requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 2475 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act - Requires each fiscal year budget submitted to Congress by the President to include requests for amounts for veterans health care programs. Requires amounts appropriated for such programs to be available for two consecutive fiscal years. Establishes the Veterans Health Care Funding Review Board within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the Board, beginning with FY 2005, to determine the level of funding needed for such programs for that fiscal year and the next and to publish such determination in the Federal Register. Outlines veterans' health care needs factors to be considered by the Board in arriving at such determination. Repeals requirements for certain congressional notifications in connection with a funding request for a Department major medical facility project or lease. Provides a 30-day standard for access to medical care for veterans seeking primary or specialized care, as measured from: (1) the time the veteran contacts the Department seeking an appointment until the date a visit is completed (primary care); and (2) the date on which the veteran is referred to a specialist until the date a visit is completed (specialty care). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a standard of waiting time during a visit and to periodically review the performance of Department facilities compared to that standard.
Bill· HRH.R. 2471 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Emergency Room Modernization Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to declare that the medical screening requirement for individuals who come to a hospital emergency department shall not apply in the case of an individual who does not request examination or treatment for an emergency medical condition (such as a request solely for prescription refills, blood pressure screening, and non-emergency laboratory and diagnostic tests or requests treatment or assistance in another department or setting in the hospital or at a facility on the hospital campus).
Bill· HRH.R. 2476 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of home infusion drug therapy services.
Bill· HRH.R. 2486 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Deems Porter County, Indiana, to be located in the Chicago, Illinois, Metropolitan Statistical Area for purposes of reimbursement under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) of disproportionate share hospitals in Porter County, Indiana, with respect to the operating costs of inpatient hospital services.
Bill· SS. 1259 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2003
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend the minimum Medicare claims filing deadlines to account for any delay in processing adjustments from secondary to primary payor status.
Bill· SS. 1249 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
The TRICARE Retirees Opportunity Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) waive the part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) late enrollment penalty for certain military retirees who enroll by December 31, 2004; and (2) provide a special part B enrollment period for such retirees.
Bill· SS. 1257 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Medicare Payment for Quality and Value Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish demonstration projects to improve care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with high-volume and high-cost conditions and for which payment is made under Medicare. Directs the Secretary to increase payments under Medicare to health care providers in low-cost high-quality States that adhere to quality standards identified by the Secretary. Defines a low-cost high-quality State as a State meeting certain cost and quality efficiency standards. Directs the Secretary to accept proposals for projects in low-cost high-quality States from entities planning to include multiple public and private payers and a majority of practicing physicians in the State. Allows the Secretary to waive compliance with such requirements of the Medicare program to the extent and for the period necessary to conduct demonstration projects under this Act. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences under which the Institute shall conduct a study on clinical outcomes, performance, and quality of care under the Medicare+Choice program under the Social Security Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2444 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Parent's Right to Know Act of 2003 - Prohibits making available any funds appropriated for carrying out title X of the Public Health Service Act (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs) to any family planning project under specified provisions of that title if any service provider in the project knowingly provides contraceptive drugs or devices to a minor, unless: (1) the minor is emancipated; (2) by court direction; (3) the provider has given actual written notice to the custodial parent or guardian five days in advance; or (4) the minor has written consent of a custodial parent or guardian.
Bill· HRH.R. 2453 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Medicare Substitute Adult Day Care Services Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of substitute adult day care services.
Bill· HRH.R. 2469 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Medicare Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Establishment of Medicare Premium Support System) to restructure the Medicare program under SSA title XVIII into a health care program similar to that for Federal employees under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (which includes prescription drug benefits). Provides for standard and high option Medicare plans, while allowing certain Medicare beneficiaries to elect to retain their current Medicare benefits. Bases premiums on the beneficiary's level of income. Pays the entire premium in cases involving qualified low-income Medicare beneficiaries with income that does not exceed 200 percent of the official poverty line, with partial premium payments for other low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Trust Fund, consisting in part of an appropriation of hospital insurance taxes from under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance), for paying the expenses incurred by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2461 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Equal Access to Prescription Drugs for All Seniors Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program that provides outpatient prescription drug benefits for individuals who are enrolled under this part and entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance). State that the program is designed to provide benefits in a calendar year for a beneficiary after the beneficiary has incurred out-of-pocket costs for covered outpatient prescription drugs that exceeds such percentage of income as the Secretary shall specify for each year. Requires the percentage to vary from year to year and allows it to vary based on the income of beneficiaries.
Bill· HRH.R. 2451 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Medicare Geographic Equity in Reimbursement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to instruct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for making adjustments to the amount of payment made to entities and individuals for items and services provided under the original Medicare fee-for-service program, with specified formulae for States whose average yearly per beneficiary amount for the most recent recorded year is eight percent or more below the average of contiguous States.
Bill· HRH.R. 2456 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Research and Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health, in coordination with other specified officials, to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with regard to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. States that the Director shall as part of such effort award grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private entities to support a comprehensive research initiative. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) maintain and expand the Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Registry; and (2) establish a comprehensive clinical care center for Diamond-Blackfan Anemia.
Bill· HRH.R. 2470 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2003
Medicines to Eliminate Diseases in Developing States Act or MEDDS Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to encourage developing countries and pharmaceutical companies to make medicines for HIV/AIDS and other diseases available without charge or at affordable prices in developing countries. Prohibits agencies from obligating or expending Federal funds to seek the revocation or revision of any intellectual property or competition law or policy of a developing country that regulates medicines for HIV/AIDS and other diseases, if the law or policy promotes access to such medicines for the population of the country. Prohibits the USTR from initiating a proceeding in the World Trade Organization (WTO) challenging any law or policy of a developing country that promotes such access. Requires the President to direct the U.S. respresentative to the WTO to urge the WTO to exempt developing countries from the application of any provision of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) or other trade agreements that would prohibit or restrict those countries from establishing law or policy promoting access to medicines for HIV/AIDS and other diseases for their populations, and to support full implementation of the Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health. Requires the USTR to oppose the inclusion in future trade agreements of any provision that would prohibit or otherwise restrict developing countries from establishing or implementing the laws or policies encouraged by this Act.
Bill· SS. 1238 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Improving Women's Health Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) add a variety of preventive health benefits under Medicare, including therapy and counseling for cessation of tobacco use, counseling for post-menopausal women, and screening for diminished visual acuity, and provide enhanced reimbursement for others; (2) eliminate deductibles and coinsurance for existing preventive health benefits; and (3) provide for coverage of substitute adult day services. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to give States the option to expand or add coverage of certain pregnant women under Medicaid and SCHIP and to provide optional coverage of legal immigrants under such programs. Makes changes for promoting cessation of tobacco use under the Medicaid program, including removal of cost-sharing for tobacco cessation counseling services for pregnant women, and under the Maternal and Child Health Services program under SSA title V. Gives States the option under Medicaid of: (1) providing family planning services and supplies to individuals with incomes that do not exceed a State's income eligibility level for medical assistance; and (2) extending the postpartum period for provision of family planning services and supplies.
Bill· SS. 1240 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 - Declares that the purposes of the Act are to provide U.S. assistance for global development through the Millennium Challenge Corporation in a manner that: (1) promotes economic growth and the elimination of extreme poverty; and (2) strengthens good governance, economic freedom, and investments in people. Establishes in the executive branch the Millennium Challenge Corporation to provide assistance aimed at reducing extreme poverty to an eligible developing country that enters into a Millennium Challenge Contract with the Coporation establishing a multiyear plan for achieving economic growth, good governance, economic freedom, and investments in its people. Defines "eligible country" in terms of a country's commitment to democratic governance, economic freedom, and investment in its people (including educational opportunities and health care for all of its citizens). Establishes a Millennium Challenge Account for the receipt of funds authorized to carry out this Act.
Bill· SS. 1237 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Independent Living Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to revise formulae for allotment of funds to States for centers for independent living.
Bill· SS. 1 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Congress should enact, and the President should sign, legislation to amend title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make improvements in the Medicare program and to provide prescription drug coverage under the Medicare program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2433 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Health Care for Veterans of Project 112/Project SHAD Act of 2003 - Makes a veteran who participated in a test conducted by the Department of Defense Deseret Test Center as part of a program for chemical and biological warfare testing from 1962 through 1973 (including the program designated as Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD) and related land-based tests) eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs for any illness, notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such illness is attributable to such testing. Terminates such eligibility after December 31, 2005.
Bill· HRH.R. 2423 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Medicare Equal Access to Care Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit physicians and other health care practitioners, as a prerequisite for the provision of a covered item or service to a Medicare beneficiary, from charging the beneficiary a membership or other incidental fee or requiring the purchase of a non-covered item or service.
Bill· HRH.R. 2440 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2003 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for enrollment of qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX (as under current law). Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with an Office for Urban Indian Health. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bi-Partisan Indian Health Care Entitlement Commission to: (1) establish a Study Committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the Study Committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress for providing health services for Indians as an entitlement. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act through FY 2015. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (SCHIP) to conform with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2427 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2003
Pharmaceutical Market Access Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations allowing qualifying individuals to import covered products (in addition to pharmacists and wholesalers, whom current law authorizes to import such products). Amends provision pertaining to record keeping regarding imported covered products. States that the Secretary shall not have to store records in cases in which qualifying individuals have imported a covered product. Amends provisions regarding the testing of imported covered products. Declares that specified tests, including ones involving authenticity and degradation of products, shall not be required unless the importer is a wholesaler. Requires such tests to be conducted by the importer unless a product is a prescription drug subject to the provisions of this Act pertaining to counterfeit-resistant packaging. (Currently either the importer or the manufacturer may conduct such tests). Eliminates the sunset date current law establishes for the provisions pertaining to the importation of covered products. Classifies prescription drugs as misbranded if they do not incorporate specified counterfeit -resistant technologies in packaging.
Bill· SS. 1223 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish programs of educational loan forgiveness and scholarships to encourage qualified individuals to provide mental health services to children and adolescents. Sets forth qualifications, including education and licensing requirements. Limits the program to U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Grants priority according to financial need, methodology, and willingness to work with high priority populations in the public sector. Treats such grants as equivalent to those of the National Health Service Corps Programs. Authorizes additional grants for clinical and graduate and paraprofessional training to accredited schools and State-licensed mental health organizations, respectively. Gives priority to applicants that have: (1) a demonstrated ability to collect data on the numbers trained; (2) a familiarity with certain methodology; and (3) programs to increase the numbers of professionals and paraprofessionals serving high priority populations. Requires training to prioritize cultural competency. Amends the Social Security Act to increase the number of child and adolescent psychiatry residents permitted to be paid under the Medicare Graduate Medical Education Program. Extends the Medicare Board eligibility period for residents and fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the distribution and need of child mental health service professionals.
Bill· SS. 1222 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Medicare Beneficiary Access to Rehabilitation Facilities Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to prospective payment for inpatient rehabilitation services to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services by regulation to define the terms "rehabilitation hospital" and "rehabilitation unit" in a manner fully consistent with all the rehabilitation impairment categories (except miscellaneous) used to classify patients into case-mix groups. Requires the Secretary to update these regulations periodically to ensure that they remain fully consistent with the rehabilitation impairment categories used to classify patients into case-mix groups. Prohibits the Secretary from seeking to recoup any overpayment, take any enforcement action, or to impose any sanction or penalty, with respect to a rehabilitation hospital, or a converted rehabilitation unit insofar as such overpayment, enforcement action, sanction or penalty, is for failure to satisfy the requirement that 75 percent of the patients of the rehabilitation hospital or converted rehabilitation unit be in one or more of ten listed treatment categories (the 75 Percent Rule).
Bill· SS. 1220 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) extend reasonable cost contracts under the Medicare program and the period during which cost contracts may expand service areas; (2) apply certain Medicare+Choice requirements under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice) to cost contracts to allow beneficiaries to be informed about the option of cost contracts, apply quality assurance requirements, prevent plans from discriminating against certain patients by offering lower premiums, and prohibit States from taxing cost contract premiums; and (3) permit dedicated group practice health maintenance organizations to participate in the Medicare cost contract program.
Bill· SS. 1227 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Medicare Adult Day Services Alternative Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for Medicare coverage of substitute adult day care services.
Bill· SS. 1225 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) limit a brand name drug manufacturer to one Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 30-month stay of competition in a patent infringement suit against a generic drug applicant; (2) permit a generic applicant being sued to file a counterclaim to correct or delete patent information; (3) limit damages that a brand name manufacturer may recover in an instance where such manufacturer failed to file certain patent information; (4) permit a generic drug applicant to seek declaratory judgment regarding patent infringement prior to marketing a drug; (5) forfeit the180-day market exclusivity period for a first generic drug applicant to a subsequent generic applicant if the first applicant engages in certain activities which impede such drug's timely marketing; and (6) permit alternative means to determine bioequivalence for drugs that are not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Bill· HRH.R. 2413 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
National Guard and Reserves Reform Act for the 21st Century - Makes an individual eligible for retired pay for non-regular (reserve) military service if such individual: (1) satisfies one of specified combinations of minimum age (between 55 and 60) and years of service (between 20 and 30); (2) performed the last six years of qualifying service in currently authorized categories of military service, but not while a member of a regular component, the Fleet Reserve, or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; and (3) is not entitled to any other retirement pay from an armed force or as a member of the Fleet Reserves. Authorizes a member of the Selected Reserve to enroll for self or for self and family under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a reserve component employment credit equal to the sum of the employment credit with respect to all qualified employees of the taxpayer and the self-employment credit of a qualified self-employed taxpayer. Limits the credit to $25,000 for each qualified employee. Disallows the credit for failure to comply with reserve member employment or reemployment rights, or when a reserve member is called or ordered to active duty for training.
Bill· HRH.R. 2402 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Health Coverage, Affordability, Responsibility, and Equity Act of 2003 or the HealthCARE Act of 2003 - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow State plans for medical assistance to provide Medicaid coverage to individuals who meet a specified standard for poverty. Amends Title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) of the Act to permit a State to opt to provide coverage of targeted low-income children in excess of the State's allotment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a credit for the cost of qualified health insurance for the taxpayer or qualifying family members. Provides for the advance payment by the Secretary of the Treasury of credit for health insurance costs of eligible low-income individuals. Establishes a program of health insurance purchasing pools (purchasing pools) for eligible individuals in participating states. Sets conditions entities must meet to enter into contracts with a purchasing pool operator. Prohibits participating insurers from limiting or denying coverage or increasing premiums for any of specified health factors. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for State-based reinsurance programs, and permits the Secretary to award grants to States to cover the costs of such programs. Directs the Secretary to establish the National Advisory Commission on Expanded Access to Health Care, which shall assess the effectiveness of programs designed to expand health care coverage or make such coverage affordable to otherwise uninsured individuals. Permits a State to apply to the Secretary for waivers of such provisions of law as may be necessary for the State to implement policies that make comprehensive, affordable health coverage available for all State residents.
Bill· HRH.R. 2409 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Safety Net Hospital Pharmacy Access Act of 2003 - States that the Constitutional authority upon which this Act rests is the power of the Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several States. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include inpatient prices charged to disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals in the best price exemptions for the Medicaid drug rebate program. (Thus allows certain high-volume DSH safety net providers to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and receive the lowest price they can get for inpatient drugs. Currently such entities are only able to receive discounts on the prices of outpatient drugs because of a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services interpretation of the best price exemption under the Medicaid drug rebate program). Subjects such drugs purchased by high-volume DSH hospital safety net providers for inpatient use to specified auditing and recordkeeping requirements.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 267 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2003
Supports payment rates for rural physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers that are adequate, and equitable to their urban counterparts. Encourages Federal efforts to address the current inequities in Medicare reimbursement rates and to ensure access to quality, affordable health care.