Healthcare

Roth IRA Flexibility Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2013

Roth IRA Flexibility Act of 2013 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the formula for reductions in the income-based subsidy for premiums under Medicare parts B and D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Disregards, in computing adjusted gross income in that formula, any amounts transferred from a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) to a Roth IRA. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the use of tax return information involving such amounts for disclosure to carry out those subsidy adjustments. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Commissioner of Social Security, to refund to an individual the portion of premiums paid under Medicare parts B and D equal to the difference between the premiums paid and the premiums the individual would have paid if any rollovers to a Roth IRA from an eligible non-Roth IRA retirement plan made on or after January 1, 2011, had not been taken into account.

TELE-MED Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2013

TELEmedicine for MEDicare Act of 2013 or TELE-MED Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit certain Medicare providers licensed in a state to provide telemedicine services to Medicare beneficiaries in a different state.

A bill to delay the application of the individual health insurance mandate, to delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2013

Fairness for American Families Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), to delay until 2015 the requirement that individuals maintain minimal essential health care coverage. Authority for Mandate Delay Act - Amends PPACA to delay until 2015 enforcement of requirements that large employers offer their full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential coverage. Delays the effective date of related reporting requirements for such employers and for providers of minimum essential coverage.

No Special Deal for D.C. Insiders Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2013

No Special Deal for D.C. Insiders Act of 2013 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit the expenditure of federal funds to pay or contribute to any portion of the premium for a health plan purchased by a Member of Congress pursuant to the Act or purchased by congressional staff. Includes in the definition of "congressional staff" employees in a leadership office of the House of Representatives or the Senate (consisting of the offices of the President pro Tempore, Majority and Minority Leaders, Majority and Minority Whips, Conferences of the Majority and of the Minority, and Majority and Minority Policy Committees of the Senate) and employees of any congressional committee.

No Special Treatment for Congress Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2013

No Special Treatment for Congress Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit any government contribution under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program for health benefits obtained by a Member of Congress or congressional staff.

No Obamacare Subsidies for Members of Congress Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2013

No Obamacare Subsidies for Members of Congress Act of 2013 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prohibit the expenditure of federal funds to pay any portion of the premium for a health plan purchased by a Member of Congress pursuant to the Act.

Expressing support for designation of the week beginning September 8, 2013, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week".

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2013

Expresses support for the designation of National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Commends direct support professionals as integral in supporting the long-term support and services system of the United States. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the successful implementation of the public policies of the United States depends on the dedication of direct support professionals.

HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES FACING KENTUCKY'S WORKERS AND JOB CREATORS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 27 August 2013

Insurance Fairness for Amputees Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Insurance Fairness for Amputees Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits and also provides benefits for prosthetics and custom orthotics to offer such prosthetics and custom orthotics in the same manner as applicable to medical and surgical benefits. Prohibits separate financial requirements or more restrictive treatment limitations. Requires a health plan that does not provide coverage for benefits outside of a network to ensure that such provider network is adequate to ensure enrollee access to prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and related services provided by appropriately credentialed practitioners and accredited suppliers. Allows limitation of coverage for required benefits for prosthetics and custom orthotics to the most appropriate device or component that meets the medical requirements of the patient. Requires benefits to include repair and replacement due to normal wear and tear, irreparable damage, a change in the patient's condition, or as otherwise determined appropriate by the treating physician. Prohibits any annual or lifetime dollar limitation on benefits for prosthetics and custom orthotics unless such limitation applies in the aggregate to all benefits.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Defense provides each member of the Armed Forces, before the member separates from the Armed Forces, with an electronic copy of the medical records of the member and a physical examination.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide to each member of the Armed Forces who is scheduled to be separated from service a copy of such member's medical records in an electronic format. Requires such records to include any medical records that, in connection with service in the National Guard, are maintained by the governor of the appropriate state, commonwealth, territory, or possession or the Commanding General of the National Guard of the District of Columbia. Directs the Secretary concerned to provide to a member who is scheduled to be separated a comprehensive physical examination immediately before that separation. Repeals provisions authorizing the waiver of such examination if the member has otherwise undergone an examination within 12 months before the scheduled date of separation. Prohibits a member from being entitled to health care benefits solely by reason of being provided such examination.

Healthcare for our Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Healthcare for our Heroes Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish scholarships to new participants in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Professionals Educational Assistance Scholarship Program until December 31, 2016 (currently, December 31, 2014).

Adoption Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Adoption Information Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require family planning service projects or programs, as a condition of receiving certain grants or contracts, to assure the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that they will provide each person who inquires about their services with a pamphlet containing a comprehensive list of adoption centers in their state. Directs the Secretary to prepare, annually update, and distribute such pamphlets to such projects or programs.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for the health insurance expenses of small employers, to: (1) expand the eligibility of such employers for the credit by allowing them to have up to 50 full-time employees (currently, limited to no more than 25 full-time employees); (2) modify the phaseout of such credit based upon increases in the number of eligible employees and the employer's average annual wages; (3) increase the average annual wage limitation for 2013 and subsequent years; (4) repeal the requirement that employers make uniform contributions of at least 50% of each employee's premium to qualify for the tax credit; and (5) repeal the limitation on such credit based on the average premium in the small group market in the rating area in which an employee enrolls for coverage.

Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Medicare Common Access Card Act of 2013 - Establishes a pilot program under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in order to utilize smart card technology for Medicare beneficiary and provider identification cards.

S.A.F.E. Compounded Drugs Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Supporting Access to Formulated and Effective Compounded Drugs Act of 2013 or S.A.F.E. Compounded Drugs Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) with respect to the regulation of compounded drugs. Eliminates authority for compounding pharmacies to compound any drug product that is a copy of a commercially available drug. Prohibits such pharmacies from compounding: (1) any drug product appearing on a list of active ingredients and dosage forms that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines should not be compounded, or (2) in violation of promulgated minimum standards for the safe production of compounded drug products. Establishes notification requirements before a patient is prescribed, dispensed, or administered a compounded drug, which must include providing the patient a document concerning the availability, safety, and production of such drugs. Requires a drug product compounded under the FFDCA to be clearly labeled as a “non-FDA approved compounded drug product.” Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish different labeling requirements for compounded drugs. Requires the Secretary to establish a process for pharmacies to register as compounding pharmacies. Exempts pharmacies that employ fewer than 20 full-time employees and perform traditional compounding of drug products for use in a single state. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a database of information on compounding pharmacies licensed in more than one state for oversight purposes, (2) establish minimum standards for the safe production of compounded drugs as well as for which drugs must meet those standards, and (3) conduct regional training for state agencies that regulate compounding pharmacies. Directs the Secretary to establish advisory committees on labeling of compounded drugs and on the database under this Act. Requires the Secretary to convene an Advisory Committee on Pharmacy Compounding as appropriate to consider issues related to the safety and availability of compounded drugs. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to review: (1) the extent to which federal health care programs ensure that compounded drug products they pay for are compounded in FFDCA-compliant facilities, (2) whether the reimbursement rates for such products under these federal programs are appropriate, and (3) whether these programs encourage the use of compounded drug products in place of otherwise available lawfully marketed drug products. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of prohibitions concerning compounded drug products that are committed: (1) knowingly and intentionally to defraud or mislead, or (2) with conscious or reckless disregard of a risk of death or serious bodily injury.

Medical Testing Availability Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Medical Testing Availability Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to labeling in the shipment or delivery of an in vitro diagnostic product for an investigation exempt from compliance with a performance standard or the requirement of premarket approval. Declares that such a product whose labeling states "For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures." may not be deemed misbranded on the basis that its manufacturer or distributor: (1) sells the product to an end user who uses the product in a manner inconsistent with such statement, or (2) engages in business communications regarding the product with an end user. Defines "business communications": (1) as oral, written, or electronic contact between a manufacturer or distributor of such a product and an end user regarding the product's functioning; and (2) includes any such contact consisting of technical support, customer service, assistance with the installation of such product, communication relating to ensuring the performance of the product, and other similar contacts.

Unnecessary Cap Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Unnecessary Cap Act of 2013 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal the annual limitation on deductibles under the essential health benefits of employer-sponsored qualified health plans of: (1) $2,000 in the case of a plan covering a single individual, and (2) $4,000 in the case of any other plan.

Taxpayer Conscience Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Taxpayer Conscience Protection Act of 2013 - Directs each state that makes a Medicaid payment from federal funds during the fiscal year for any items or services furnished by an abortion provider to: (1) report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on all such payments, and (2) publish the report on a public Internet website of the state. Requires an annual report to specified congressional committees on such reports, which shall also be published on a public Internet HHS website.

Forty Hours Is Full Time Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Forty Hours is Full Time Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the employer mandate to provide health care coverage, to: (1) modify the formula for calculating the number of full-time employees employed by an applicable large employer subject to the mandate; and (2) define a "full-time employee" as an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours per week (currently, 30 hours).

Protecting Access to Primary Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Protecting Access to Primary Care Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives payment for primary care services furnished in 2013 and 2014 at a rate not less than 100% of the Medicare payment rate applicable to physician for such services.

Combination Drug Development Incentive Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Combination Drug Development Incentive Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the five-year bar on a new drug application (or abbreviated drug application) by anyone that has not obtained a right of reference or use from the original and approved drug approval applicant by or for whom investigations under the original, subsequently approved application were conducted. Applies this five-year bar, and the requirement of a grant of a right of reference or use, with respect to an approved drug application (or abbreviated drug application) if: (1) the application contains reports of new clinical investigations (other than bioavailability studies) essential to the approval of the application and conducted or sponsored by the applicant, (2) the application is for a drug which contains a combination of active ingredients (combination drug), and (3) no such combination of active ingredients has been approved in any other application.

To require certain certifications before funds may be awarded for the operation of a Navigator program under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Prohibits the award by states of American Health Benefit Exchange grant funds under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to an entity for the operation of a Navigator program (to raise awareness of the availability of qualified health plans) or for facilitation or advocacy for enrollment in a qualified health plan, until the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies to Congress that the entity has certified that it will not use such funds to: (1) provide advice concerning benefits, terms, and features of a particular qualified health plan or offer advice about which such plan is better or worse or suitable for a particular individual or employer; (2) recommend or endorse a particular qualified health plan or advise consumers about which plan to choose; (3) accept any compensation or consideration dependent, in whole or in part, on whether an individual enrolls in or purchases such a plan; or (4) violate any applicable insurance law or regulation of the applicable state or any subpoena or order of the state's insurance commissioner.

Expressing the firm conviction of the House of Representatives that any continuing resolution or debt ceiling increase it may approve for the duration of the 113th Congress shall affirmatively include a provision specifically prohibiting the expenditure of any federal funds in support of or in implementation or effectuation or enforcement of any provision of the Affordable Care Act ("ObamaCare").

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2013

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that no bill or resolution shall pass that continues appropriations in the event of a lapse in appropriations or increases the borrowing authority relating to the public debt limit unless it contains a provision prohibiting the expenditure of any federal funds to implement or enforce any provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

Postal Reform Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Postal Reform Act of 2013 - Amends provisions of federal law relating to the funding of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) retirement and health care systems, operations, revenue, and governance. Title I: Postal Service Workforce - Modifies the pre-funding formula for the USPS retirement system using demographic data and revised economic assumptions regarding wage and salary growth. Allows USPS to use up to $6 billion of any funding surplus for repayment of its debt obligations. Restructures the pre-funding requirements for USPS retiree health benefits by replacing the current schedule of annual payments to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund with a schedule of annual installment payments that will liquidate pension liabilities by September 30, 2052, or within 15 years, whichever is later, as recomputed by June 30 of each year beginning in 2016. Reduces the pre-funding requirement for retiree health benefits to 80% of projected liability (currently, 100%). Authorizes USPS to negotiate: (1) coverage of new employees under the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) defined benefit plan, and (2) establishment of a single Postal Service Health Benefits Program outside of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Sets forth the basic requirements for such health program, including that it provide coverage that is actuarially equivalent to the types of plans available under the FEHB Program. Permits the enrollment of USPS employees in Medicare without penalty. Requires any arbitration board deciding a contract dispute between USPS and labor organizations to render a decision not later than 45 days after the date of its appointment and to consider relevant factors such as the financial condition of USPS. Title II: Postal Service Operations - Requires USPS to: (1) maintain service standards for first-class mail and periodicals for two years after the enactment of this Act, and (2) develop and promote adequate and efficient postal services with respect to its market-dominant products. Prohibits USPS, during the two-year period beginning on the enactment of this Act, from closing or consolidating any existing postal facility. Sets forth criteria for the closing or consolidation of postal facilities that requires the consideration of other alternatives and the effect of closure or consolidation on the community, businesses, and USPS employees. Authorizes USPS to establish a general, nationwide delivery schedule of five or fewer days per week to street addresses, beginning not less than one year after the enactment of this Act. Requires USPS to: (1) use the primary mode of mail delivery that is most cost-effective and in the best long-term interest of USPS; (2) convert door delivery to other delivery modes, including centralized delivery or curbside delivery; and (3) develop and promote adequate and efficient postal services with respect to its market-dominant products. Title III: Postal Service Revenue - Requires the Board of Governors of USPS to establish a system of classes and rates for market-dominant products. Requires USPS to provide services that are not postal services if the provision of such services: (1) uses the processing, transportation, delivery, retail network, or technology of USPS; (2) is consistent with the public interest; (3) would not create unfair competition with the private sector; and (4) has the potential to improve the net financial position of USPS. Authorizes the mailing of distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages in accordance with the laws of the state, territory, or district where the sender initiates the mailing and the addressee takes delivery. Title IV: Postal Service Governance - Revises provisions relating to the Board of Governors of USPS, including its membership, qualifications, compensation, and terms. Removes the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General from the Board of Governors. Establishes in USPS a Strategic Advisory Commission on Postal Service Solvency and Innovation as an independent commission to provide strategic guidance to the President, Congress, the USPS Board of Governors, and the Postmaster General on enhancing the long-term solvency of USPS and to foster innovative thinking to address the challenges facing USPS. Requires the Postmaster General to submit to the USPS Board of Governors a plan describing actions to achieve long-term solvency for USPS. Establishes in USPS the position of Chief Innovation Officer, to be appointed by the Postmaster General. Requires such Innovation Officer to have proven expertise and a record of accomplishment in areas such as: (1) the postal and shipping industry; (2) innovative product research and development; (3) brand marketing strategy; (4) new and emerging technologies, including communications technology; or (5) business process management. Requires the USPS to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategic plan for an area office and district office structure that will be efficient and cost effective, that will not substantially and adversely affect USPS operations, and that will reduce the total number of area and district offices. Title V: Federal Employees' Compensation Act - Workers' Compensation Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) to revise benefit payments for FECA enrollees. Reduces FECA benefits for totally disabled enrollees to 50% of their pre-disability pay upon the enrollee reaching full retirement age, as defined in the Social Security Act. Exempts any enrollee who: (1) has attained retirement age by the date of enactment of this Act, (2) is an individual who has an exempt disability condition, or (3) is a member of a household that meets eligibility requirements for the supplemental nutrition assistance programs (SNAP). Eliminates augmented compensation under FECA for dependents of postal employees who have a work-related injury. Exempts employees who are totally disabled and allows augmented compensation, for three years after the enactment of this title, for employees who are partially disabled. Allows injured workers to receive schedule compensation payments (i.e., specific payments for certain injuries) if their FECA benefits are reduced under the this Act. Revises requirements for vocational rehabilitation of injured workers (except workers who have attained retirement age) by: (1) requiring such workers to develop a comprehensive return to work plan and undergo vocational rehabilitation, (2) authorizing the Secretary of Labor to enter into an assisted reemployment agreement with public or private employers for hiring individuals eligible for wage-loss compensation for up to three years, and (3) extending vocational rehabilitation opportunities under FECA to partially disabled workers. Directs the Secretary to require employees who are receiving worker compensation benefits to report their earnings from employment or self-employment. Requires forfeiture of worker compensation for any period for which an employee fails to report or understates such earnings. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a disability management review process for certifying and monitoring the disability status and injuries of employees receiving benefits, and (2) require employees receiving benefits to submit to physical examinations to assess the nature and extent of their disability. Requires the three-day waiting period for the commencement of FECA benefits to begin immediately after a work-related injury for all injured federal employees (currently, different waiting periods apply to USPS employees and other federal employees). Requires individuals who are eligible for compensation under FECA and under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), FERS, or another retirement system to elect which benefits to receive. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) use field nurses (registered nurses who assist in the medical management of disability claims and provide claimants with assistance in coordinating medical care) to coordinate medical services and vocational rehabilitation programs for injured employees, and (2) suspend compensation to employees who refuse to cooperate with a field nurse or who obstruct a field nurse in the performance of duties. Allows the federal government to recover continuation of pay (i.e., salary that is continued to be paid during the 45-day period between the beneficiary's injury and the start of FECA disability benefits) from third parties who are liable for the beneficiary's work-related injury. Directs the Secretary to establish an Integrity and Compliance Program (Program) and cooperate with other federal agencies to prevent, identify, and recover fraudulent and other improper payments for the FECA program. Establishes the FECA Integrity and Compliance Task Force to assist in implementing the Program. Grants the Secretary, the Postmaster General, and Inspectors General access to agency databases to improve compliance with requirements under the Program, including social security earnings information, the OPM retiree database, the Department of Veterans Affairs Beneficiaries Database, and the National Directory of New Hires. Requires the establishment of protocols for the secure transfer and storage of any information provided under the Program. Requires GAO to conduct periodic audits of the Program. Increases to $50,000 the benefit amount for a severe disfigurement of the face, head, or neck. Increases to $6,000 the maximum benefit amount for the reimbursement for funeral expenses for an employee who dies due to a work-related injury. Expands compensation provisions for the disability or death of a federal employee to include injuries sustained in an attack by a terrorist or terrorist organization, either known or unknown. Provides for continuation of pay for federal employees who sustain injuries in a zone of armed conflict. Title VI: Property Management and Expedited Disposal of Real Property - Federal Real Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2013 - Requires each federal agency to: (1) maintain adequate inventory controls and accountability systems for real property under its control; (2) develop current and future workforce projections to assess the need of the federal workforce regarding the use of real property; (3) continuously survey real property under the control of a federal agency to identify excess and underutilized property and other real property, including postal properties, suitable for colocation or consolidation with other agencies and facilities; (4) establish goals to reduce excess and underutilized federal property; (5) assess leased space to identify space that is not fully used or occupied; and (6) conduct an inventory and make an assessment of real property under the the control of the agency on an annual basis. Establishes a Federal Real Property Council to: (1) develop guidance and ensure implementation of an efficient and effective real property management strategy, (2) identify opportunities to better manage real property assets, and (3) reduce the costs of managing real property. Requires agencies with independent leasing authority to submit to the Council a list of all their leases, including operating leases. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish and maintain a single, comprehensive, and descriptive database of real property under the custody and control of all federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish a pilot program to dispose of any surplus property by sale, transfer, or other means of disposal. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on such pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to private nonprofit organizations to purchase real property to assist the homeless.

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and revise a grant program for screening, counseling, and other services related to heritable disorders. Extends a grant program to evaluate the effectiveness of screening, counseling, or health care services in reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by heritable disorders in newborns and children. Expands the program to include evaluation of follow-up care for newborns and their families after screening and diagnosis. Directs the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children to provide a priority review of a human drug application with respect to a nomination to the recommended uniform screening panel. Requires the Advisory Committee to meet in person at least four times each calendar year with at least two meetings in person. Extends the clearinghouse for newborn screening information. Expands the duties of the clearinghouse to include: (1) maintaining current data on the number of conditions for which screening is conducted in each state; and (2) disseminating available evidence-informed guidelines related to diagnosis, counseling, and treatment with respect to conditions detected by newborn screening. Extends requirements for the Secretary to provide for quality assurance of laboratories involved in screening newborns and children for heritable disorders. Extends the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Newborn and Child Screening. Authorizes the Secretary to have the Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening Research Program to: (1) provide research and data for newborn conditions under review by the Advisory Committee to be added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel; and (2) conduct pilot studies on conditions recommended by the Advisory Committee to ensure that screenings are ready for nationwide implementation.

Empower States Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Empower States Act of 2013 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing or promulgating any guideline or regulation relating to oil or gas exploration or production on federal land in a state if the state has otherwise met the requirements under applicable federal law, unless the Secretary determines that as a result of the exploration or production there is an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or the environment. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the head of a federal department or agency, before issuing or promulgating any guideline or regulation relating to oil and gas exploration and production on federal, state, tribal, or fee land pursuant to federal law or executive order, to seek comments from and consult with the head of each affected state, state agency, and Indian tribe at a location within their jurisdiction. Requires federal departments and agencies to develop Statements of Energy and Economic Impact that detail and analyze: (1) adverse effects of an action on energy supply, distribution, or use; and (2) impact on the domestic economy if the action is taken. Prohibits imposition of any new or modified oil and gas regulation unless the head of the applicable department or agency determines: (1) that the rule is necessary to prevent immediate harm to human health or the environment, and (2) by clear and convincing evidence that the state or tribe does not have an existing reasonable alternative to the proposed regulation. Requires any regulation promulgated after enactment of this Act that requires disclosure of hydraulic fracturing chemicals to refer to the database managed by the Ground Water Protection Council and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Sets forth procedures for judicial review of such regulations.

Long Term Care Insurance Integrity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Long Term Care Insurance Integrity Act of 2013 - Requires an insurance issuer that offers a long-term care insurance plan to implement claims dispute resolution procedures that: (1) are designed to expeditiously resolve disputes; (2) provide for alternative means of dispute resolution involving independent third-party review by entities that are mutually acceptable to the issuer and the enrollee, with the reviewer's decision being binding on the issuer; and (3) ensure that an enrollee is eligible to obtain claims review only to the extent and in the manner provided for in the applicable insurance contract. Allows an enrollee to appeal the decision of an independent reviewer to an appropriate state court as provided for under state law.

National Nurse Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

National Nurse Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service as the National Nurse for Public Health within the Office of the Surgeon General. Includes among the duties of such position providing leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Public Health Service, conducting outreach and education, and providing guidance and leadership for activities that will increase public safety and emergency preparedness. Requires the National Nurse for Public Health to: (1) participate in identification of national health priorities, (2) encourage volunteerism of nurses and strengthen the relationship between government agencies and health-related national organizations, and (3) promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice in educating the public on health promotion and disease prevention activities.

Long-Term Care Insurance Consumer Right-to-Know Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Long-Term Care Insurance Consumer Right-to-Know Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to issue a white paper with its results from the following activities: (1) review and describe disclosure requirements for long-term care insurance policies under the long-term care insurance model regulation and model act promulgated by NAIC (as adopted as of October 2000 and December 2006), (2) review and describe disclosure requirements for long-term care insurance policies under state laws, (3) review and describe differences in long-term care services among states and develop a standardized definition of long-term care services, and (4) identify and describe key issues to consider in the development of a proposed model form for marketing long-term care insurance policies. Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to: (1) establish a Working Group to develop and issue a model disclosure form for marketing long-term care insurance policies, and (2) amend the model regulation and model act to require the use of such form. Requires the Secretaries of the Treasury and HHS to promulgate regulations requiring issuers of a qualified long-term care insurance contract under certain tax-qualified or Medicaid Partnership policies to use the model form for marketing such contracts. Directs each state to require any issuer of a long-term care insurance policy to use the model form for marketing a policy.

Strengthening Congressional Oversight of Regulatory actions for Efficiency

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Strengthening Congressional Oversight of Regulatory actions for Efficiency - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to establish and maintain a separate Regulatory Analysis Division within CBO responsible for assessing the impact of federal rules and regulations. Requires the Division to provide analysis: during the public comment period, of the prospective economic impact of economically significant proposed rules having an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or an adverse effect in a material way on the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; and of economically significant regulations that have been in effect for five years, including an analysis of costs and benefits to determine if the regulation is meeting the stated goals it was intended to meet.

Congressional Health Care for Seniors Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Congressional Health Care for Seniors Act of 2013 - Allows access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) beginning in 2015 for persons who would have been entitled to, or could have enrolled in part A (Hospital Insurance) Medicare benefits, or who could have enrolled in part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) Medicare. States that a covered individual who elects to enroll in such program shall enroll as an individual and not as self and family. Bases monthly premiums on adjusted gross income. Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish procedures to ensure that health benefits plans coordinate with state Medicaid programs regarding cost-sharing and other medical assistance for covered individuals enrolled in health benefit plans who are also eligible for medical assistance and enrolled in a state Medicaid program. Requires OPM, at the end of each contract year, to identify high risk individuals and pay to a carrier contracting to provide a health benefits plan to a high risk individual 90% of the benefits paid by the carrier for such individual. Defines "high risk individual" as an enrolled individual who, of all individuals enrolled in a health benefits plan for the contract year, is in the highest 5% in terms of benefits paid by a carrier for the contract year. Exempts health benefits plans from specified insurance requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Amends the Social Security Act to incrementally increase the Medicare qualifying age from 65 years to 70 years, by 2034, plus the number of months in a specified age increase factor. Sunsets Medicare, on January 1, 2014, with a transition to FEHBP coverage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make available to states recommendations with respect to specified requirements for health care entities and individuals under Medicare that will no longer apply but that should be considered on the state level.

Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Interagency Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinating Committee to make recommendations on, and coordinate, all efforts within HHS concerning pulmonary hypertension. Requires the Committee to: (1) develop and update annually a summary of pulmonary hypertension advances in medical research and treatment development and improvement, early and accurate diagnosis, appropriate and timely intervention, transplantation, and access to care and therapies for patients; (2) monitor federal activities respecting pulmonary hypertension; (3) make recommendations regarding appropriate changes to such activities as well as stakeholder participation in decisions relating to pulmonary hypertension; and (4) develop and update annually a comprehensive strategic plan to cooperatively improve health outcomes for pulmonary hypertension patients.

Health Care Coverage for Displaced Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Health Care Coverage for Displaced Workers Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for the health insurance coverage costs of certain taxpayers (i.e., Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation [PBGC] pension and trade adjustment assistance [TAA] recipients) and their dependents, to: (1) increase the rate of such credit from 72.5% to 80%, and (2) make such credit permanent.

National Health Service Corps Improvement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

National Health Service Corps Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the definition of "primary health services" for purposes of the National Health Service Corps to include optometry health services. Includes optometrists within: (1) the fellowship program for the delivery of primary health services in health professional shortage areas, (2) the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, and (3) the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by a physician who is an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals in the same manner as payment is made for anesthesia services furnished by a certified registered nurse anesthetist in such hospitals.

Care Planning Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Care Planning Act of 2013 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to cover advanced illness planning and coordination services furnished to an eligible individual with progressive illness, including Alzheimer's disease, by a hospice or other provider through an interdisciplinary team. Amends SSA title XI with respect to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation and its selection for Phase I testing of innovative payment and service delivery models to reduce Medicare and Medicaid expenditures while preserving or enhancing the quality of care. Adds a model for payments to providers that furnish advanced illness care coordination services to eligible individuals who are entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), but not enrolled under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice). Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in awarding grants, contracts, or agreements under provisions for quality measure development, to give priority to the development of quality measures that allow the assessment of various specified factors including the effectiveness, patient-centeredness (and, where relevant, family caregiver-centeredness), and accuracy of care plans, including documentation of individual goals, preferences, and values. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to require inclusion of information on advanced care planning materials in the "Medicare and You Handbook." Directs the Secretary to establish a Care Planning Advisory Board. Revises requirements for the use under Medicare and Medicaid of advanced directives, portable treatment orders, and other treatment directions from an individual or legally authorized representative. Amends the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 with respect to advanced directives. Establishes additional requirements under Medicare for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospice programs with respect to completion before discharge of care plan documentation. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to certain entities to: (1) develop online training modules, decision support tools, and instructional materials for individuals, family caregivers, and health care providers; (2) establish a website and telephone hotline to disseminate such resources and any materials designed by the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for faith communities; and (3) conduct a national public education campaign to raise public awareness of advance care planning and advanced illness care. Directs the Secretary to study state and regional activities with respect to storing completed advance directives and portable treatment orders. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the provisions of, and amendments made by, this Act, including the quality associated with them.

A resolution designating the week of October 13, 2013, through October 19, 2013, as "National Case Management Week" to recognize the value of case management in improving healthcare outcomes for patients.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Designates the week of October 13-October 19, 2013, as National Case Management Week. Recognizes the value of case management in providing successful and cost-effective health care.

A resolution expressing support for designation of October 6, 2013, through October 10, 2013, as "American College of Surgeons Days" and recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the organization.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Expresses support for the designation of American College of Surgeons Days. Recognizes: (1) the 100th anniversary of the American College of Surgeons, and (2) its many important contributions to the welfare of surgical patients and the U.S. health care system.

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2013 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destructive device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize attending physician assistants as attending physicians to serve hospice patients.

Medicare Prescription Drug Integrity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Medicare Prescription Drug Integrity Act of 2013 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require a prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsor to have in place procedures designed to prevent fraud and abuse in PDPs. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), with respect to establishing special enrollment periods for full-benefit dual eligible individuals, to set coverage limits for individuals who have obtained coverage for a covered Medicare part D drug at a frequency or amount not medically necessary. Amends SSA title IX to allow the Secretary to exclude from participation in any federal health care program any individual or entity that has engaged in the inappropriate prescribing or dispensing of a covered Medicare part D drug. Amends SSA title XVIII part D to allow a PDP or a MedicareAdvantage-PD (MA-PD) plan to exclude from qualified prescription drug coverage, and deny payment for, any covered part D drug: (1) prescribed or dispensed inappropriately to an individual under a PDP or a MA-PD plan that could not have been prescribed or dispensed to the individual on the date of such prescribing or dispensing; or (2) any drug at a frequency or amount that represents a practice or pattern of abusive prescribing or dispensing, or presents a risk to enrollee health or safety. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to direct the Attorney General to: (1) compile a list of the unique health identifiers of prescribers and dispensers that are members of a group practice registered and authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances in schedules II and III, and (2) make the list available to all PDP sponsors. Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to the use of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare Integrity Program to identify underpayments and overpayments and recoup the latter. Authorizes the Secretary to retain an additional portion of up to 25% of the amounts recovered for purposes of carrying out this Act.

Fairness in Health Care Claims, Guidance, and Investigations Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Fairness in Health Care Claims, Guidance, and Investigations Act - Amends the False Claims Act to set forth special rules for the investigation and prosecution of false claims submitted with respect to a federal health care program (i.e., a health care program funded by the federal government, a state health care program defined by the Social Security Act, or a health plan offered under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). Requires the Attorney General to certify in writing, prior to requesting any information from a physician, hospital, or other provider or supplier of health care services in connection with an investigation reasonably expected to concern 10 or more claims submitted to a federal health care program by or on behalf of a single entity, that: (1) each agency responsible for promulgating relevant regulations, guidelines, and billing instructions relevant to any allegations of fraud has examined such regulations, guidelines, and instructions, all communications between the alleged perpetrator of the fraud and the agency, and each of the allegedly false claims; (2) the allegations under investigation are viewed as viable based on unambiguous regulations, guidelines, and billing instructions issued during the relevant time period; and (3) if proven to be true, the allegations will be pursued under the False Claims Act. Prohibits an action against a health care provider or supplier under the False Claims Act: (1) unless the amount of damages alleged to have been sustained by the government is a material amount, (2) if a claim is submitted in good faith reliance on erroneous information or written statements of federal policy provided by a federal agency or in good faith reliance on an audit or review by an agency of the entity submitting the claim or retaining an overpayment, or (3) if a claim is submitted in substantial compliance with a model compliance plan issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Establishes the standard of proof necessary for a civil prosecution of a claim submitted with respect to a federal health care program as clear and convincing evidence (currently, a preponderance of the evidence is required for all other claims).

Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Act of 2013 - Considers as a banned hazardous product under the Consumer Product Safety Act any firearm receiver casting or firearm receiver blank (do-it-yourself assault weapon) that: (1) at the point of sale does not meet the definition of a firearm under the federal criminal code; and (2) after purchase can be completed by the consumer to the point at which such casting or blank functions as a firearm frame or receiver for a semiautomatic assault weapon or machine gun. Makes it unlawful to sell, offer for sale, manufacture for sale, or import into the United States for sale, to a consumer an assault weapon parts kit or machine gun parts kit. Makes it unlawful to market or advertise any of these weapons for sale on any medium of electronic communications, including over the Internet. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct or support research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of serious mental illness. Authorizes additional appropriations for National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayments in order to ensure an adequate supply of behavioral and mental health professionals. Reauthorizes the mental and behavioral health education and training program of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Renames mental illness awareness training grants as mental health awareness grants. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to award grants under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to eligible entities for the development of curricula for continuing education and training to health care professionals on identifying, referring, and treating individuals with serious mental illness. Revises the program to assist local communities in developing ways to assist children in dealing with violence. Requires the Secretary to assist local communities and schools in implementing a comprehensive mental health program to assist children in dealing with trauma and violence. Replaces the mandate for youth interagency research, training, and technical assistance centers to one for a single suicide prevention technical assistance center addressing the prevention of suicide among all ages, particularly among groups at high risk for suicide. Reauthorizes and revises the programs for: (1) youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategies, and (2) mental health and substance abuse disorder services. Directs the Secretary, acting through the SAMHSA and HRSA Administrators, to award grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to eligible entities for the provision of coordinated and integrated mental health services and primary health care. Requires programs receiving grants to address the problems of persons who experience violence related stress to provide for continued operation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI), including an NCTSI coordinating center. Directs the Secretary to provide information to priority mental health need grantees regarding evidence-based practices for the prevention and treatment of geriatric mental health disorders and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study: (1) the availability of inpatient beds for treatment of mental health disorders; (2) its impact on access to, and the quality of, mental health services; and (3) the impact on individuals with serious mental illness and on states of the exclusion from medical assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act of payment for care or services for certain patients in an institution for mental diseases. Increases requirements for certain annual reports and audits by states of recipients of block grants for: (1) Community Mental Health Services, and(2) prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Declares that the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 shall be construed, in the case of a group health plan or health insurance coverage that provides both medical and surgical benefits and mental health and substance use disorder benefits, to ensure full parity of such benefits, including: (1) at all levels of medically appropriate treatment, and (2) with respect to applicable medical management techniques. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to eligible entities for planning, establishing, coordinating, and evaluating a nationwide public education campaign designed to: (1) promote public awareness and understanding of mental health disorders, including serious mental illness; and (2) reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders. Requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research the causes, mechanisms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries from gun violence. Prohibits construction of this mandate, however, as authorizing advocacy or promotion of gun control. Requires the Secretary, acting through the CDC Director, to improve the National Violent Death Reporting System, particularly through the voluntary participation of additional states. Declares that none of the authorities provided to the Secretary under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shall be construed to prohibit a physician or other health care provider from: (1) asking a patient about the ownership, possession, use, or storage of a firearm or ammunition in the patient's home; (2) speaking to a patient about gun safety; or (3) reporting to the authorities a patient's threat of violence.

Medicare VA Reimbursement Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Medicare VA Reimbursement Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), to establish a Medicare VA reimbursement program under which the HHS Secretary shall reimburse the VA Secretary, from the Medicare trust funds, for any item or service: (1) furnished to a Medicare-eligible veteran by a VA medical facility for the treatment of a non-service-connected condition, and (2) covered by Medicare or determined to be medically necessary by the VA Secretary. Requires the HHS Secretary to enter a memorandum of understanding with the VA Secretary concerning administration of the program. Specifies required conditions in the memorandum. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the program every three years. Declares the sense of Congress that the amount of funds appropriated to the VA for medical care in any fiscal year should not be reduced as a result of the implementation of the Medicare VA reimbursement program.

Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to address potential shortages in the Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan for payment of health care benefits to retired coal miners by expanding the eligible uses of interest transferable to the plan from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, and supplemental payments from the General Fund of the Treasury. Requires calculation of such amount by taking into account only those beneficiaries who are actually enrolled in the plan as of enactment of this Act, as well as those retirees whose health benefits, payable directly by an employer in the bituminous coal industry under a coal wage agreement as a result of a bankruptcy proceeding commenced in 2012, would be denied or reduced. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the trustees of the 1974 United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Pension Plan a certain additional amount of funds, to pay pension benefits required under that plan, if the $490 million limitation on certain transfers to the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund and distributions to states and Indian tribes exceeds the aggregate amount required to be transferred to them. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe a special rule that employer contributions to an employees' trust or annuity benefit plan providing supplemental benefits solely to participants in a pension plan are neither deductible nor nondeductible as such from the employer's gross income. Subjects such contributions, on the other hand, to deduction as an allowable trade or business expense. Treats a trust holding the assets of such a pension benefit plan as a tax-exempt organization. Excludes from taxable wages any payments made to, or on behalf of, an employee or his or her beneficiary under such a plan.

OPTION Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Offering Patients True Individualized Options Now Act of 2013 or OPTION Act of 2013 - Repeals Title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (relating to health insurance and health coverage expansion) and any amendments to it made by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Restores provisions of law amended or repealed by such provisions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to health savings accounts (HSAs) to: (1) eliminate the high deductible health plan coverage requirement for HSA participants, (2) increase to $10,000 the maximum dollar amount of the tax deduction for payments to an HSA, and (3) permit Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) eligible individuals to contribute to an HSA. Allows an HSA rollover to a Medicare Advantage Medical Savings Account (MSA). Repeals the additional tax on HSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses. Eliminates the 10% floor and the 2% miscellaneous itemized deduction floor on itemized medical expense deductions, and the prescribed drug limitation on certain tax benefits for medical expenses. Allows physicians a tax credit for providing charity care and anyone a tax credit for contributions or gifts for medical care for the indigent. Extends continuation coverage under COBRA (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985). Excludes from gross income HSA distributions for charitable purposes. Amends title II (Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a procedure to enroll a Medicare Part A beneficiary in the Medicare Reform Premium Assistance Program (established by this Act) to buy private health insurance. Directs the Secretary to begin phasing out, over ten years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the Administrator of such Centers and eventually transfer their duties and responsibilities to an office and official within the Department of the Treasury. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) to allow certified medical professionals to assess the nature and extent of an emergency room patient's illness or injury to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists (triage). Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the sale and purchase of individual and group health insurance policies across state lines. Sets forth requirements for and restrictions on such policies. State Health Flexibility Act of 2013 - Amends SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and XIX (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) to repeal and replace these programs with a program of block grants to states for health care services to indigent individuals. Requires states receiving such block grants to pay for health-care-related items and services provided to a citizen, legal resident, or an alien not lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law, if: (1) such health-care-related items and services are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition, (2) the individual meets all necessary eligibility requirements for health-care-related items and services under the block grant program except for any immigration status requirement, and (3) such items and services are not related to an organ transplant procedure.

Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include as a health care provider behavioral and mental health professionals, substance abuse professionals, psychiatric hospitals, certain community mental health centers, and residential or outpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment facilities. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), with respect to incentives for meaningful use of certified electronic health records (EHR) technology under the pay schedule for physician's services, to include as additional eligible professionals clinical psychologists providing qualified psychologist services. Subjects any additional eligible professionals, including those under a MedicareAdvantage (MA) plan, to reductions in incentive payments after a certain date for failure to be a meaningful EHR user. Makes inpatient psychiatric hospitals eligible for payment for inpatient hospital services. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to treat as Medicaid providers: (1) public and certain private hospitals that are principally psychiatric hospitals, (2) certain community mental health centers, and (3) certain residential or outpatient mental health or substance abuse treatment facilities. Makes eligible professionals under the Medicaid program certain clinical psychologists providing qualified psychologist services. Authorizes a covered entity to submit to a patient safety organization information on electronic health record (EHR)-related adverse events with respect to certified EHR technology. Specifies covered entities as certain EHR users, health information exchange entities, and health care professionals who use EHR technology. Defines an EHR-related adverse event as a defect, malfunction, or error in the certified health information technology or EHR used by a provider, or in the input or output of data maintained through such technology or record, that results or could reasonably result in harm to a patient. Limits electronic discovery (e-discovery) in any health care lawsuit against a covered entity relating to an Reallotted adverse event involving certified EHR technology to information: (1) related to that event, and (2) from the period in which the event occurred. Prohibits a claimant from commencing a lawsuit more than three years after the manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers, or should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first. Requires tolling of this limitation, however, to the extent that the claimant is able to prove: (1) fraud; (2) intentional concealment; or (3) the presence of a foreign body, with no therapeutic or diagnostic purpose or effect, in the injured person. Subjects each party to such a lawsuit which is not a covered entity to proportionate liability only. Allows punitive damages against a covered entity only upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the entity acted with reckless disregard for the claimant's health or safety. Shields covered entities, employees, agents, and representatives from civil liability for libel or slander arising from information or entries made in certified EHR technology, or transferred to another eligible provider, if the information, entries, or transfer were made in good faith and without malice.

To require certain preconditions for allowing premium tax credits, reductions in cost-sharing, and funding of Navigators and related Exchange enrollment activities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Disallows specified subsidy payments under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), including the tax credit for health care coverage premium assistance and reduction in cost-sharing, or any funding for the operation of a PPACA Navigator Program until: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies to Congress that verification methods under PPACA to determine eligibility for subsidies have been tested to verify their accuracy and have safeguards in place to protect personally identifiable information; and (2) the Inspector General of HHS reviews such verification methods and certifies to Congress the quality, accuracy, response time, and integrity of such methods and that the level of improper subsidy payments is not likely to exceed 3% of the level of the total subsidy payment. Requires the Inspector General of HHS to review verification methods annually to determine the level of improper subsidy payments and suspend such subsidies in years in which they exceed 3% of the total subsidy payment.

Exchange Sunset Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2013

Exchange Sunset Act of 2013 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make inapplicable provisions concerning Health Benefit Exchanges if one or more Exchanges fail to accept applications for enrollment in qualified health plans beginning on October 1, 2013. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the requirement that individuals maintain minimum essential coverage upon such a determination by the Secretary of the Treasury.