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Bill· HRH.R. 2294 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Osteoporosis Education and Prevention Act of 1999 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require plans by area agencies on aging to provide that such agencies will coordinate education relating to osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and cooperate with State or localities which have implemented such programs. Includes osteoporosis screening in the list of disease prevention and health promotion services eligible for grants under the Act. Adds to the list of demonstration projects to receive special consideration for grants and contracts to improve supportive services to, or otherwise promote the well-being of, older individuals projects that: (1) determine the best practices for providing information and outreach services relating to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis; and (2) measure the effectiveness of osteoporosis prevention programs over a three-year period.
Bill· HRH.R. 2304 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Health Care Benefits Financial Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for an eligible employer for costs incurred in maintaining an employee group health plan.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 139 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that all Americans should recognize their responsibility to become trained in the life-saving technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and seek the opportunity to halt the devastation of cardiac arrest. Supports the efforts of the National CPR Task Force in its development of mass CPR training programs in ten States by the end of 1999, and in every State by the end of 2001. Commends the goals and ideas of the National CPR Weekend initiated by the Task Force in order to facilitate awareness of its program and the need for individuals to receive training in administering CPR.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 138 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers June 1, 1999, Medical Policy on Individuals With Severe Respiratory Diseases should conform fully to the clinical criteria agreed upon at the 1998 Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilators (NPPV) Consensus Conference; and (2) Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) payment for NPPVs should continue in the frequent and substantial service category until otherwise provided by Federal law.
Bill· SS. 1256 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1999
Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1999 - Subtitle (sic) A: Health Insurance Bill of Rights - Chapter 1: Access to Care - Requires any group health plan, or health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer, providing emergency services benefits to cover emergency services furnished: (1) without the need for any prior authorization determination; (2) whether or not the health care provider furnishing such services is a participating health care provider; and (3) without regard to any other term or condition of such coverage (other than exclusion or coordination of benefits, or an affiliation or waiting period, permitted under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), or the Internal Revenue Code). Requires such coverage in a manner so that, if the emergency services are provided by a nonparticipating health care provider, the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee is not liable for amounts exceeding the liability that would be incurred if the services were provided by a participating provider with prior authorization. Prescribes the same coverage for maintenance care or post-stabilization care (subject to certain guidelines) by nonparticipating health care providers. (Sec. 102) Requires a plan or coverage that provides benefits only through participating providers to offer a participant the option to purchase point-of-service coverage for benefits provided by a nonparticipating provider, unless the plan offers the participant a choice of health insurance coverage and one or more coverage options that do not provide benefits only through participating health care providers. (Sec. 103) Requires any plan and issuer to permit each participant, beneficiary, and enrollee to receive: (1) primary care from any participating primary care provider available to accept such individual; and (2) (unless the plan or issuer clearly declares choice limitations) medically necessary or appropriate specialty care, pursuant to appropriate referral procedures, from any qualified participating provider available to accept such individual for such care. (Sec. 104) Requires any plan or issuer that requires or provides for designation of a participating primary care provider to permit: (1) a female participant, beneficiary, or enrollee to designate a participating physician who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology as the individual's primary care provider; and (2) designation of a pediatrician as a child's primary provider. Prohibits the plan or issuer, in the absence of such a designation, from requiring authorization or a referral by the individual's primary care provider or otherwise for coverage of routine gynecological care (such as preventive women's health examinations) and pregnancy-related services provided by a participating specialist in obstetrics and gynecology to the extent such care is otherwise covered. Permits a plan or issuer to treat the ordering of other gynecological care by such a participating health professional as the primary care provider's authorization of such care. Requires the plan or issuer to refer to an available and accessible specialist any participant, beneficiary, or enrollee with a condition or disease of sufficient seriousness and complexity to require treatment by a specialist, if benefits for such treatment are covered. Requires a plan or issuer to refer an individual to a nonparticipating specialist only: (1) if a participating specialist is not available and accessible; and (2) at no additional cost to the individual. Requires a plan or issuer to have a procedure by which an individual with an ongoing special condition (life-threatening, degenerative, or disabling) may be referred to a specialist who shall be responsible for and capable of providing and coordinating the individual's primary and specialty care, without referral from the individual's primary care provider. Requires standing referrals to a specialist for any condition requiring ongoing specialist care. (Sec. 105) Prescribes requirements for continuity of care for participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees in the event of a termination of a health care provider or of the contract between a plan and an issuer. (Sec. 106) Prescribes requirements for participation in approved clinical trials of individuals with life-threatening or serious illnesses for which no standard treatment is effective. Prohibits denial of participation in such trials, or discrimination against participants. Limits plan or issuer payments to routine patient costs. (Sec. 107) Requires any plan or issuer that provides prescription drug benefits limited to drugs included in a formulary to: (1) ensure participation of participating physicians and pharmacists in the development of the formulary; (2) disclose to providers, and upon request to participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees, the nature of the formulary restrictions; and (3) consistent with the standards for a utilization review program, provide for exceptions from the formulary limitation when a non-formulary alternative is medically indicated. Prohibits a plan or issuer from denying coverage of such a drug or device on the basis that the use is investigational, if certain labeling requirements are met. (Sec. 108) Requires each plan and issuer to have (in relation to the coverage) a sufficient number, distribution, and variety of qualified participating providers to ensure that all covered health care services, including specialty services, will be available and accessible in a timely manner to all participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees. Permits inclusion among such providers of federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, migrant health centers, and other essential community providers located in the service area. Requires inclusion of such providers if necessary to meet such number, distribution, and variety requirements. (Sec. 109) Prescribes nondiscrimination requirements. Chapter 2: Quality Assurance - Directs each plan and issuer to establish an ongoing, internal quality assurance and continuous quality improvement program meeting specified requirements. (Sec. 112) Requires each plan and issuer to: (1) collect uniform quality data, including a minimum uniform data set specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (2) have a written process for the selection of participating health care professionals, including minimum professional requirements; and (3) establish and maintain, as part of any internal quality assurance and continuous quality improvement program including prescription drug benefits, a drug utilization program which encourages appropriate drug use and takes appropriate action to reduce the incidence of improper drug use and adverse drug reactions and interactions. (Sec. 115) Requires each plan and issuer to conduct (or arrange for qualified outside agents to conduct) benefit utilization review activities only in accordance with a utilization review program that meets certain requirements. Prohibits a program from permitting or providing contingent compensation arrangements with its employees, agents, or contractors in a manner that: (1) provides incentives, direct or indirect, for such persons to make inappropriate review decisions; or (2) is based, directly or indirectly, on the quantity or type of adverse determinations rendered. Requires a utilization review program to make determinations and notifications concerning: (1) prior authorization services within three business days after receiving any necessary information; (2) authorization for continued or extended health care services within one business day after receipt of such information; and (3) retrospective review of services previously provided, within 30 days of such receipt. (Sec. 116) Directs the President to establish an advisory board to provide information to Congress and the administration on issues relating to quality monitoring and improvement in the health care provided under group health plans and health insurance coverage. Chapter 3: Patient Information - Specifies benefits, access, emergency coverage, prior authorization, grievance and appeals, and other pertinent information which plans and issuers shall provide to participants and beneficiaries at the time of initial coverage, annually, within a reasonable period before or after the date of significant changes, and upon request. (Sec. 122) Requires plans and issuers to establish procedures to: (1) safeguard the privacy of any individually identifiable enrollee information; (2) maintain records and information in an accurate and timely manner; and (3) assure individuals timely access to such records and information. (Sec. 123) Provides for grants to States for creation and operation of a Health Insurance Ombudsman. Requires any State receiving such a grant to contract for such an Ombudsman with a not-for-profit organization that operates independent of group health plans and health insurance issuers. Requires the Secretary to provide through such a contract for an Ombudsman in any State that does not provide for one. Makes such an Ombudsman responsible to: (1) assist consumers in choosing among health insurance coverage or among coverage options offered within group health plans; and (2) provide counseling and assistance to enrollees dissatisfied with their treatment by issuers and plans, and with respect to grievances and appeals of coverage or plan determinations. Chapter 4: Grievances and Appeals Procedures - Requires each plan and issuer to establish a system for the presentation and resolution of oral and written grievances brought by participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees, or health care providers or other individuals acting on behalf of an individual and with the individual's consent. Requires the system to include grievances regarding access to and availability of services, quality of care, choice and accessibility of providers, network adequacy, and compliance with the requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 132) Requires each plan and issuer to establish an internal appeals process, and provide for an external appeals process, which meet certain requirements. Specifies the appeal rights of participants, beneficiaries, and their representatives, as well as the kinds of decisions which are appealable. Chapter 5: Protecting the Doctor-Patient Relationship - Prohibits any contract or agreement between a plan or issuer and a health care provider from: (1) prohibiting or restricting the provider from engaging in medical communications with the provider's patient; or (2) containing any provision purporting to transfer to the health care provider by indemnification or otherwise any liability relating to activities, actions, or omissions of the plan, issuer, or agent (as opposed to the provider). Declares null and void any such contract or agreement provisions. (Sec. 142) Prohibits any plan or issuer from operating any physician incentive plan that does not meet certain requirements under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 143) Requires any plan or issuer to establish reasonable procedures relating to the participation of health care professionals, including notice of participation rules, written notice of adverse participation decisions, and a process for appealing adverse decisions. (Sec. 144) Prohibits a plan or an issuer from retaliating against a participant, beneficiary, enrollee, or health care provider based on use of, or participation in, a utilization review or a grievance process. Prohibits a plan or an issuer from retaliating or discriminating against a protected health care professional because the professional in good faith: (1) discloses information relating to the care, services, or conditions affecting one or more participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees to an appropriate public regulatory agency, private accreditation body, or management personnel of the plan or issuer; or (2) initiates, cooperates, or otherwise participates in an investigation or proceeding by such an agency with respect to such care, services, or conditions. Defines good faith action. Chapter 6: Promoting Good Medical Practice - Prohibits a plan or issuer from arbitrarily interfering with or altering the decision of the treating physician regarding the manner or setting in which particular covered services are delivered (including the number of days in a hospital) if they are medically necessary or appropriate for treatment or diagnosis. Allows a plan or issuer to limit the delivery of services to one or more providers within a network. (Sec. 152) Requires a plan or issuer that provides medical and surgical benefits to provide inpatient coverage following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer for a period of time as is determined by the attending physician, in his or her professional judgment consistent with medical standards, to be medically appropriate. Prohibits a plan or issuer from: (1) denying to a woman eligibility to enroll or renew coverage solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this title; (2) providing monetary payments or rebates to encourage women to accept less than the minimum protections available under this title; (3) penalizing or otherwise reducing or limiting reimbursement because an attending provider gave care to a participant or beneficiary in accordance with this title; (4) providing incentives (monetary or otherwise) to induce an attending provider to provide care to a participant or beneficiary in a manner inconsistent with this title; or (5) restricting benefits (other than imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing) for any portion of a period within a required hospital length of stay in a manner less favorable than the benefits provided for any preceding portion of such stay. Chapter 7: Definitions - Sets forth definitions. Subtitle B: Application of Patient Protection Standards to Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage Under Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of this Act. (Sec. 202) Requires each health insurance issuer to comply with such requirements with respect to individual health insurance coverage. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends ERISA to require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of this Act. (Sec. 302) Provides that nothing in ERISA shall be construed to invalidate, impair, or supersede any cause of action under State law to recover damages resulting from personal injury or wrongful death against any person (except employers and other plan sponsors): (1) in connection with the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by that person to or for a group health plan; or (2) that arises out of the arrangement by that person for the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by other persons. Allows such an action against an employer or other plan sponsor (or against an employee of such an employer or sponsor acting within the scope of employment) only if it is based on the employer's or sponsor's exercise of discretionary authority to decide a claim for covered benefits, and such exercise resulted in personal injury or wrongful death. (Sec. 303) Prohibits participants and beneficiaries from bringing an action under specified provisions of subtitle A of this Act. Allows actions under other specified provisions, but prohibits class actions and limits relief to benefits, items, or services denied plus attorney's fees and costs. Subtitle D: Application to Group Health Plans under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to comply with the requirements of this Act. Subtitle E: Effective Dates; Coordination in Implementation - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this Act. (Sec. 502) Amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 to provide for coordination in the implementation of this Act. (Sec. 503) Mandates an annual estimate of the impact of enactment of this title (sic) on the income and balances of the trust funds under specified provisions of the Social Security Act and requires, if the estimate is that this title (sic) has a negative impact, transfer from general Federal revenues, sufficient funds to ensure that the income and balances are not reduced. Subtitle F: Revenue-Related Provisions - Amends provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act relating to Medicare as a secondary payer to require plans (and employers and employee organizations that maintain or participate in plans) subject to those provisions to provide certain information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Sec. 602) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reimpose the environmental tax from December 31, 1998, through January 1, 2010 and to remove provisions allowing for the termination of that tax, in specified circumstances, before 2010. Amends provisions relating to the tax on crude oil received at a U.S. refinery and on petroleum products entered into the United States to apply the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate to dates between September 15, 1999, and October 1, 2009. (Sec. 603) Modifies foreign tax credit carryback and carryover periods. (Sec. 604) Modifies rules relating to the exemption of certain ten or more employer plans from welfare benefit fund provisions. (Sec. 605) Makes the installment method not apply to accrual method taxpayers. Modifies requirements regarding pledges of installment obligations.
Bill· SS. 1250 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1999
Veterans' Long-Term Care Enhancement Act of 1999 - Includes noninstitutional extended care services within the definition of medical services authorized to be provided to eligible veterans. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assisted living services to a veteran who is eligible to receive hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care, and to the spouse of such veteran. Requires such veteran and spouse to agree to reimburse the United States for the cost of such care. Repeals provisions authorizing respite care for such veterans. Directs the Secretary to carry out three pilot programs to determine the feasibility and practicability of various methods of meeting the long-term care needs of eligible veterans. Requires each program to be carried out at two Veterans Integrated Service Networks. Requires services provided to include a comprehensive array of health care services and other services that meet such needs, including case management services. Directs the Secretary to emphasize the provision of preventive care services, including screening and education. Requires one pilot program to be carried out: (1) directly through facilities and personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) through a combination of Department facilities and personnel and services provided under cooperative arrangements with public and private nongovernmental entities; and (3) through cooperative arrangements with non-Department entities. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) payment for services under the pilot programs; (2) required data collection; and (3) annual reports from the Secretary to Congress for the duration of the programs. Terminates such programs three years after their commencement.
Bill· SS. 1243 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1999
Prostate Cancer Research and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) revise the prostate cancer screening preventive health program; and (2) reauthorize National Institute of Health research on prostate cancer.
Bill· SS. 1244 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1999
Truth in Regulating Act of 1999 - Allows the Comptroller General, when a Federal agency develops or issues an economically significant rule, to review the rule at the request of a committee of either House of Congress. Defines "economically significant rule" to mean any proposed or final rule, including an interim or direct final rule, that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report on each rule reviewed, including an independent analysis of the costs and benefits, alternative approaches, impact on State and local governments, and differences from the agency's analyses. Grants the Comptroller General discretion to develop procedures for determining the priority and number of requests for review. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2002. Provides for the pilot project established under this Act to continue for a three-year period, if specified appropriations are provided. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on such project's effectiveness and on whether it should be authorized permanently.
Bill· SS. 1231 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Medicare Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an additional site inspection for each applicable items or services provider that applies for a provider number. Requires the Secretary, in conducting the inspection, to ensure that the site is in full compliance with all the conditions and standards of participation and requirements for obtaining Medicare billing privileges. Requires the Secretary to conduct the site inspection for an applicable provider before the issuance of a provider number. (Sec. 2) Sets forth rules for the Secretary to conduct a background check on any individual or entity that applies for a Medicare provider number, allowing the Secretary to refuse to issue such number if the Secretary determines, after the background check, that such individual or entity has a history of acts that indicate issuance would be detrimental to the best interests of Medicare or Medicare beneficiaries. Requires reporting of such a refusal to the health integrity protection database (HIPDB) in accordance with the procedures for reporting final adverse actions taken against a health care provider, supplier, or practitioner. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the registration of all applicant billing agencies. Requires the Secretary to assign a unique identification number to each registered agency, which must appear on every claim for Medicare reimbursement. (Sec. 3) Amends SSA title XI to allow the Secretary to exclude from participation in any Federal health care program any billing agency that knowingly submitted or caused to be submitted a claim for Medicare reimbursement that it knows or should know is false or fraudulent. (Sec. 4) Provides for expanded access to the HIPDB. Prescribes a criminal penalty for misuse of HIPDB information. (Sec. 5) Amends SSA title XVIII with respect to agreements under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) with a public agency or private organization that facilitates payment to service providers. Requires such agreements to require that the agency or organization reimburse the Secretary for any amounts it has paid for a Medicare service furnished by an individual or entity during any period for which the individual or entity is excluded from participation in the Medicare health care program, if the amounts are paid after a 60-day period following the notice of exclusion, unless the payment was made as a result of incorrect information provided by the Secretary, or the individual or entity excluded from participation has concealed or altered its identity. Applies the same reimbursement requirement to contracts with a carrier with respect to payments to an excluded individual or entity for an item or service under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 6) Revises the definition of community mental health centers with respect to partial hospitalization services, excluding from coverage for ambulatory treatment services any services in an individual's home or in an inpatient or residential setting. (Sec. 7) Amends SSA titles XI and XVIII to deny a discharge in bankruptcy to: (1) civil monetary penalties for fraudulent activities by a health care provider or supplier; (2) overpayments to service providers under Medicare part A and of benefits under Medicare part B; and (3) past-due obligations arising from breach of scholarship and loan contract. (Sec. 8) Amends SSA title XI to prescribe a criminal penalty for illegal distribution of a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary identification or provider number. (Sec. 9) Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for the treatment of acts involving Federal health care programs described under SSA title XI as Federal health care offenses. (Sec. 10) Authorizes any criminal investigator of the Office of Inspector General of HHS, upon proper designation, to: (1) obtain and execute any warrant or other process issued under the authority of the United States; (2) make an arrest without a warrant for any offense against the United States committed in the presence of such investigator, or any Federal felony if such investigator has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing that felony; and (3) exercise any other authority necessary to carry out such authority. Authorizes the HHS Office of Inspector General to receive and to expend certain funds that represent the equitable share from the forfeiture of property in investigations in which the Office participated. (Sec. 11) Requires all claims forms developed or used by the Secretary for reimbursement under Medicare to accommodate the use of universal product numbers (UPNs) for a UPN covered item, and all claims for such an item to contain the UPN. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on implementation of this requirement. Amends SSA title XVIII to set forth rules governing use of UPNs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2266 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Medicare HEAL (Hospital Emergency Assistance Legislation) Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase certain payment amounts made under the Medicare program for prospective payment system hospitals, for indirect medical education, and for disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustments.
Bill· HRH.R. 2275 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Ensuring Physician Choice Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require group health plans, if they provide for coverage of services only if such services are furnished exclusively through health care professionals who are members of a closed panel of health care professionals, to make available an option which provides for coverage of services regardless of whether or not the professionals are members of such a panel. Exempts from such requirement: (1) plans that maintain an alternative group health plan which offers such a coverage option; and (2) plans (other than ones under which all benefits consist of health insurance coverage) of small employers who employ an average of two to 25 employees on business days.
Bill· HRH.R. 2260 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Pain Relief Promotion Act of 1999 - Title I: Use of Controlled Substances Consistent With the Controlled Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that for purposes of such Act, alleviating pain or discomfort in the usual course of professional practice is a legitimate medical purpose for the dispensing, distributing, or administering of a controlled substance consistent with public health and safety even if the use of such a substance may increase the risk of death. Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes intentionally dispensing or administering a controlled substance for purposes of causing death or assisting another person in causing death. Prohibits the Attorney General, in determining whether a controlled substance manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser registration is consistent with the public interest under the Act, from giving force and effect to State law permitting assisted suicide or euthanasia. Authorizes certain educational and research programs carried out by the Attorney General under the Act to include educational and training programs for local, State, and Federal personnel on the necessary and legitimate use of controlled substances in pain management and palliative care and means by which investigation and enforcement actions by law enforcement personnel may accommodate such use. Title II: Promoting Palliative Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to carry out a program to: (1) develop and advance scientific understanding of palliative care; and (2) collect and disseminate protocols and evidence-based practices regarding such care, with priority given to pain management for terminally ill patients, and make such information publicly available. Defines "palliative care" as the active total care of patients whose prognosis is limited due to progressive, far-advanced disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to health professions schools, hospices, and other entities for programs to provide education and training to health care professionals in palliative care. Sets forth requirements for grant applicants. Provides for the evaluation of such programs to determine their effect on knowledge and practice regarding palliative care. Makes funds available for such grants and contracts.
Bill· HRH.R. 2268 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Medicare Managed Care Cost Contract Continuation Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit the indefinite extension of current Medicare managed care cost contracts.
Bill· HRH.R. 2241 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Hospital Outpatient Preservation Act of 1999 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) to limit temporarily the reductions in Federal payments under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Provides for the retroactive effectiveness of this Act as if included in BBA '97.
Bill· HRH.R. 2242 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Medical Malpractice Rx Act - Establishes an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure for all health care liability actions, except: (1) an action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death to the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act applies; or (2) an action under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Specifies the extent to which this Act preempts State and other Federal law, as well as the limits of its effect on State, Federal, and foreign government sovereign immunity. (Sec. 3) Establishes a statute of limitations for health care liability actions of two years from the date on which the alleged injury was discovered or should reasonably have been discovered, but in no case more than five years after the date the alleged injury occurred. (Sec. 4) Makes a defendant in any health care liability action liable (severally but not jointly) only for the amount of noneconomic damages attributable to such defendant in direct proportion to the defendant's share of fault or responsibility for the claimant's actual damages, as determined by the trier of fact. Limits total noneconomic damages for an injury to $250,000, regardless of the number of parties against whom the action is brought, or the number of actions. Requires for the award of punitive damages that the claimant establish by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct: (1) specifically intended to cause harm; or (2) manifesting a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others. Prohibits the award of punitive damages against a manufacturer or product seller of a drug or medical device which caused the claimant's harm where: (1) the drug or device was subject to premarket approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the safety of the formulation or performance of the aspect of such drug or device which caused the claimant's harm, or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling of such drug or device which caused the harm, and such drug, device, packaging, or labeling was approved by the Food and Drug Administration; or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by the FDA and applicable regulations, including packaging and labeling regulations. Allows punitive damages in any case in which, before or after premarket approval: (1) the defendant intentionally and wrongfully withheld from or misrepresented to the FDA any information about the drug or device which was material and relevant to the harm suffered, and whose submission was required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Public Health Service Act; or (2) the defendant made an illegal payment to an FDA official or employee for the purpose of securing or maintaining such approval. Prohibits punitive damages against a drug manufacturer or product seller in a health care liability action for harm alleged to relate to the adequacy of the packaging or labeling of a drug required by regulation to have tamper-resistant packaging, unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that such packaging or labeling is substantially out of compliance with such regulations. Permits periodic payments of any damages awarded for future economic and noneconomic loss exceeding $50,000. Permits defendants to introduce evidence of collateral source payments. Declares that no provider of collateral source payments shall recover, in a judgment or in a settlement, any amount against the claimant or receive any lien or credit against the claimant's recovery or be equitably or legally subrogated to the right of the claimant in a health care liability action. (Sec. 5) Entitles the prevailing party in an action to attorney's fees from the non-prevailing party, if: (1) the claimant seeks noneconomic damages in excess of $250,000 (or the cap on noneconomic damages, adjusted for inflation) or three times the economic damages, whichever is less; and (2) the request for such damages in such amount is made before the determination of liability of one party or another by verdict or order of judgment. Prohibits the sum of the attorney's fees to which the prevailing party is entitled from exceeding the attorney's fees of the non-prevailing party. Authorizes a court to limit such fees if their amount is deemed unjust. Specifies limits to contingent fees. (Sec. 6) Declares that any ADR used to resolve a health care liability action or claim shall contain provisions for statute of limitations, noneconomic damages, joint and several liability, punitive damages, collateral source rule, periodic payments, and award of attorney's fees which are identical to the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 2246 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Medicare Home Health Care Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to provide that the Secretary of Health and Human Services may only require the submission of additional home health agency information that the Secretary considers necessary for the development of a reliable case mix system for the slated prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on data collected from home health agency patients that includes, among other things, a determination of whether the integrity of data collected pursuant to the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) is affected by the personal nature of the questions posed by reason of such set.
Bill· HRH.R. 2240 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Medicare Home Health Access Restoration Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase payment amounts to home health agencies with specified limits under the national average. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to eliminate the 15 percent contingent reduction in payment amounts under the interim prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services. Directs: (1) the Secretary to prepare specified informational materials for assisting Medicare beneficiaries with regard to home health services; and (2) the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on certain aspects of the Medicare home health benefit, including whether it has resulted in overall lower costs to the Federal Government.
Bill· HRH.R. 2236 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Community Hospital Preservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible nonprofit community hospitals for legitimate hospital purposes. Sets forth provisions for: (1) the recovery of grant amounts if they are not used for legitimate purposes, within ten years, or by a hospital meeting eligibility requirements; and (2) forgiveness of repayment of ten percent of a grant amount for each year the recipient met one or more eligibility requirement. Mandates an annual report by the Secretary to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2238 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Affordable Health Care For Working Families Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize the provision of waivers to allow the use of welfare-to-work funds to cover the start-up costs of small business health insurance purchasing alliances designed to enable small businesses to buy discounted health insurance for their employees.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 211 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) all American men should take an active role in the fight against prostate cancer by all available means, including regular testing and medical examinations; and (2) the role played by national and community organizations and health care providers in promoting regular examinations and testing, and in providing related information, support, and access to services, should be applauded. Declares that the Federal Government has a responsibility to: (1) try to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and proper treatment; (2) continue to fund research into the causes of, and improved treatment for, such cancer; and (3) continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating it.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 135 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) any premium support, privatization, or voucher plan for the Medicare program (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) should be rejected; (2) the eligibility age for Medicare should not be increased; (3) no copayment should be imposed on home health care; (4) specified changes should be made to Medicare to improve and extend it; and (5) the current guarantee of Medicare benefits should not be eliminated.
Bill· HRH.R. 2229 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
Medicare Fraud and Reimbursement Reform Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to restructure the formula for payment of drugs and biologicals to include the lowest of the actual acquisition cost, 95 percent of the average wholesale price (as under current law), the median actual acquisition cost, or as otherwise determined. Includes parenteral nutrients as reimbursable items. (Sec. 2) Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to eliminate the study and report to specified congressional committees on the effect of its amendments on the wholesale price of drugs and biologicals. (Sec. 3) Amends SSA title XVIII to revise the payment method for erythropoietin (epogen) for certain patients determined to have end stage renal disease. (Sec. 4) Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to mental health partial hospitalization services. Limits the location where such services can be furnished to places other than in a skilled nursing facility, residential treatment facility, or other residential setting as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Revises the qualifications for community mental health centers to permit the Secretary to specify certain conditions in addition to State licensing or certification requirements. Directs the Secretary to first adopt national coverage and administrative policies for partial hospitalization services under Medicare using a negotiated rulemaking process. Requires the periodicity of review of individualized, written plans for partial hospitalization services to be at a reasonable rate. Provides for: (1) mandatory periodic recertification of providers of partial hospitalization services; and (2) civil monetary penalties for false certification of eligibility for hospice care or partial hospitalization services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a demonstration project under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) under which community mental health centers may offer wrap around mental health services for purposes of providing for a full continuum of ambulatory behavioral health care services; and (2) establish and make prospective monthly payments of a capitation amount for individuals receiving wrap around mental health services under this project. Provides for necessary funding. (Sec. 5) Requires administrators of group health plans and employers or employee organizations, with respect to Medicare as secondary payer, to provide the Secretary with specified information about individuals, including information about employers and family members with current or former employment status. Sets forth a civil money penalty for noncompliance. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to use a competitive process to contract with specific hospitals or other entities (centers of excellence) meeting certain quality standards for furnishing hospital inpatients with services related to surgical procedures, as well as appropriate services unrelated to surgery. Provides for payment on the basis of negotiated all-inclusive rates. Requires the Secretary, by October 1, 2001, to enter into contracts with centers of excellence in geographic regions nationwide for coronary artery by-pass surgery and other heart procedures, knee replacement surgery, and hip replacement surgery, so that at least 20 percent of the projected number of those procedures can be provided under such contracts.
Bill· HRH.R. 2227 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
COBRA Extension Act for 55 to 65 Year Olds - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to extend health plan insurance continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) for individuals age 55 or older.
Bill· HRH.R. 2228 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
Medicare Early Access Act of 1999 - Title I: Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-65 Years of Age - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age). Makes eligible to enroll in Medicare during a specified period individuals between the ages of 62 and 65 who: (1) are not eligible for coverage under group health plans or Federal health insurance; but (2) would be Medicare-eligible if age 65. Requires prior notification of each individual seeking to enroll of the deferred monthly premium amount for which the individual will be liable upon attaining age 65. (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine rates for: (1) the base monthly premium; (2) the base annual premium for individuals age 62 or older, adjusted appropriately for each premium area; as well as the maximum amount of such premium; and (3) the deferred premium for such individuals. Directs the Secretary to provide for payment and collection of the base monthly premium. Makes the enrollee liable for the deferred monthly premium payment. Requires collection of both premiums in the same manner as for the payment of monthly premiums under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to hold collected premiums. Directs: (1) the Trust Fund's Board of Trustees to report annually to Congress on the need for adjustments in the new program in order to maintain its financial solvency; and (2) the Comptroller General to report periodically to Congress on the adequacy of program financing along with appropriate recommendations to accomplish such end. Requires: (1) individuals enrolled under the new part D program to be treated for Medicare purposes as though they were entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B; and (2) new part D program benefits to be payable under Medicare to such individuals in the same manner as if they were so entitled and enrolled. Provides that the new part D program shall not be treated as Medicare for purposes of the Medicaid program (SSA title XIX), including the provision of Medicare cost-sharing assistance, nor for purposes of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation requirements of the Public Health Service Act. Title II: Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers 55-to-62 Years of Age - Amends SSA title XVIII part D to rename the newly established part D program the Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 55-to-65 Years of Age. Provides for part D coverage for certain displaced workers and spouses between the ages of 55 and 62 under arrangements similar to those in title I. Directs the Secretary to provide for continued enrollment of displaced workers who attain 62 years of age. Title III: COBRA Protection for Early Retirees - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle B: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Title IV: Financing - Provides that any increase in payments under SSA title XVIII resulting from enactment of this Act shall be offset by reductions in payments under such program pursuant to the anti-fraud and anti-abuse provisions enacted as part of the Medicare Fraud and Reimbursement Reform Act of 1999.
Bill· HRH.R. 2205 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to require that funds for State emergency health services provided to undocumented aliens be paid to hospitals and related providers in: (1) metropolitan areas of one million or more; (2) counties contiguous with Mexico or Canada; and (3) a manner that takes into account the volume of such services. Revises the funding allotment for such services (amount not specified in bill text).
Bill· HRH.R. 2230 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion in the adjusted community rate for a Medicare+Choice organization of certain organization lobbying- and politically-related costs that are not allowable under Medicare cost-reimbursement principles or under the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 133 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1999
Declares that Congress recognizes: (1) the severity of the issue of colorectal cancer; (2) such disease's preventable nature; and (3) the importance of the Screen for Life Campaign. Calls on health educators, elected officials, and the people of the United States to: (1) broaden the message of the Screen for Life Campaign to reach all individuals; and (2) learn about colorectal cancer and its preventable nature and learn to recognize the risk factors and symptoms which enable early detection and treatment.
Bill· HRH.R. 2199 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1999
Medicare Hospital Capital Efficiency Promotion Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for cost reporting periods and discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2004, to reduce by up to 25 percent the capital payments under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for a hospital located in a hospital catchment area, with certain exceptions, if: (1) the hospital bed ratio for the area for that type of hospital is higher than the national average hospital bed ratio for that type of hospital; and (2) the average hospital occupancy rate for the hospital is below the average hospital occupancy rate for that type of hospital.
Bill· HRH.R. 2188 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Response to the Public Health Crisis of Pain Title II: Developing Community Resources Title III: Reimbursement Barriers Title IV: Improving Federal Coordination of Policy, Research, and Information Title V: Demonstration Projects Conquering Pain Act of 1999 - Title I: Emergency Response to the Public Health Crisis of Pain - Requires development and maintenance of an Internet website on evidence-based practice guidelines for pain treatment. (Sec. 102) Requires the Medicare and Medicaid programs (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act), 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, where relevant, to inform individuals that they should expect to have their pain managed under such programs. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to provide funds for implementation of special education projects carried out by peer review organizations to improve the quality of pain and symptom management. (Sec. 105) Amends Medicare provisions relating to the Medicare+Choice program to provide for dissemination to Medicare beneficiaries and prospective beneficiaries of information about an organization's coverage, and an evaluation of plan performance and quality, regarding pain and symptom management. Directs the Secretary to determine how to include measurements of pain and symptom management in Medicare, Medicaid, and other appropriate Federal programs. (Sec. 106) Mandates a report by the Surgeon General to appropriate congressional committees and the public on the state of pain and symptom management in the United States. Title II: Developing Community Resources - Mandates grants to health care provider training entities for the establishment of six National Family Support Networks in Pain and Symptom Management. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Reimbursement Barriers - Requires the existing Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPac) to study and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the way Medicare policies may limit pain and symptom management and palliative care services; (2) Medicare and Medicaid financial barriers to continuity of care and interdisciplinary or supportive care for chronic pain patients and those who are terminally ill; (3) reimbursement barriers in providing pain and symptom management through hospice care; (4) whether the Medicare reimbursement system provides providers incentives to delay informing terminally ill patients of hospice and palliative care availability; and (5) the impact of providing payments for drug therapy management services in pain and symptom management and palliative care. (Sec. 302) Requires the General Accounting Office to survey public and private health insurance providers and report to appropriate congressional committees on whether the insurers' reimbursement policies inhibit patient access to pain and symptom management. Title IV: Improving Federal Coordination of Policy, Research, and Information - Establishes the Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary, through a contract with the Institute of Medicine, to review research findings and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) the effects of controlled substance regulation on patient access to effective care; (2) factors that may contribute to the underuse of pain medications, including opioids; and (3) State legal and regulatory barriers that may impact patient access to medications for pain and symptom management. (Sec. 403) Mandates the convening of a national conference to discuss the translation of pain research into the delivery of health services, using unobligated amounts appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services. Title V: Demonstration Projects - Mandates grants to establish at least five demonstration projects on effective methods to measure improvement in the skills and knowledge of health care personnel in pain and symptom management. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 1203 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Older Americans Act Amendments of 1999 - Title I: Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Part A: Administration on Aging - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Aging to develop and operate, either directly or through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, a National Eldercare Locator Service, providing nationwide toll-free information and assistance services to identify community resources for older individuals. (Sec. 103) Requires the Assistant Secretary to develop, in collaboration with a representative group of State and area agencies on aging, according to a specified procedure, and publish by December 31, 2000, a set of performance outcome measures to be used for planning, managing, and evaluating activities performed and services provided by such agencies under the Act. (Sec. 104) Requires the Assistant Secretary to cooperate with the Secretary of Labor under title I (Workforce Investment Systems) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to accept, on behalf of the United States, gifts (in cash or in kind, including voluntary and uncompensated services), which shall be available until expended, for: (1) design and implementation of demonstrations of innovative ideas and best practices in programs and services for older individuals; (2) planning and conduct of conferences for exchange of information on programs under this Act and other related programs and services; and (3) development, publication, and dissemination of pertinent informational materials. Requires the Assistant Secretary to establish written ethics guidelines for the acceptance of gifts or donations. (Sec. 106) Makes a permanent authorization of appropriations for the Federal Council on the Aging. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration on Aging through FY 2004. Part B: State and Community Programs on Aging - Restricts the use of Federal funds paid to States under the Act, and cash and in-kind contributions required as the non-Federal share of expenditures, for activities and services to benefit older individuals and other individuals as specifically provided in the Act. (Sec. 112) Revises and consolidates requirements for the area plans of area agencies on aging. Repeals specified procedures for area agencies to follow when requesting State waiver of required assurances that adequate proportions of the area allotment will be expended for priority services. (Sec. 113) Requires area plans to provide assurances that the area agency will coordinate services for older individuals with disabilities, especially severe disabilities, with agencies that develop or provide services for such individuals. (Sec. 114) Requires an area agency to make services under the area plan available to Native Americans age 60 or older to the same extent they are available to older individuals within the service area. (Sec. 115) Revises and consolidates State plan requirements. Requires area agencies to submit area plans for State agency approval in accordance with a uniform format. (Sec. 116) Requires State plans to assure that the State agency will make demonstrable efforts to develop and operate a system providing one or more specified services, or coordinate the provision of such services by other entities in the State, including health care information services, counseling, a health care ombudsman program, and needs identification assistance to nutrition and supportive service providers and acute and chronic health care providers. (Sec. 117) Allows States to elect to require cost sharing by service recipients, but limited to individuals with incomes above a low-income threshold. Requires the State plan to: (1) exempt from cost-sharing any individuals with incomes below the low-income threshold; and (2) waive cost sharing for information and assistance, outreach, or case management services, ombudsman or other protective services, and congregate or home-delivered nutrition services. (Sec. 118) Requires a State plan to specify whether (and if so, with respect to which supportive or nutrition services) the State elects to permit area agencies to provide: (1) services to older individuals through direct contracts with the individuals delivering such services; or (2) vouchers or cash to older individuals to permit them to contract with individuals or entities for the delivery of such (consumer-directed) services (and, if so, any requirements for the setting of payment rates or amounts). (Sec. 119) Requires a State plan to declare whether the State elects to operate a project or projects, in collaboration with one or more area agencies, to develop, test, and implement innovative, cost-effective methods of delivering to older individuals and their families services (service innovation development project). Provides for funding delivery of services but not administrative activities. (Sec. 120) Repeals the Assistant Secretary's discretionary authority to permit a State to transfer additional amounts between congregate and home-delivered meal programs. (Sec. 121) Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make disaster relief funds available to tribal organizations. (Sec. 122) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make nutrition services incentive payments, according to a specified formula, to State agencies and tribal organizations with plans for delivering nutritious meals to older Americans. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 123) Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to waive one or more of certain requirements for State programs on aging that meet specified criteria. (Sec. 124) Revises and consolidates specified authorities for supportive services, senior centers, and nutrition services. (Sec. 126) Replaces the current program of in-home services for frail older individuals with a national family caregiver support program. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to States under State plans for multi-faceted systems of support for families and other informal providers of in-home and community care to older individuals. Requires State family caregiver support services to include: (1) provision of information to caregivers about available services; (2) assistance to caregivers in gaining access to such services; (3) individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training to help families make decisions and solve problems relating to their caregiving roles; (4) respite care to enable families and other informal caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities; and (5) provision of supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by families and other informal caregivers. Allows a State to elect to require cost sharing on a sliding-fee scale based on income (or to require or permit area agencies on aging to require such cost sharing) by service recipients, except those with incomes below the Federal poverty line. Provides for funding, with the Federal share of up to 75 percent of service costs. Declares that Federal funds under this program are in addition to, and may not supplant, any funds that are or would otherwise be expended under any Federal, State, or local law. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make innovation grants on a competitive basis to foster the development and testing of new approaches to: (1) sustaining the efforts of families and other informal caregivers of older individuals: and (2) serving particular groups of such caregivers, including minority caregivers and distant caregivers. Directs the Assistant Secretary, directly or by grant or contract, to carry out activities of national significance to promote quality and continuous improvement in the support provided to family and other informal caregivers of older individuals through program evaluation, training, technical assistance, and research. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 127) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for supportive services and senior centers, congregate nutrition services, home-delivered nutrition services, and preventive health services. Part C: State and Local Innovations and Programs of National Significance - Replaces current requirements for training, research, and discretionary projects and programs with new requirements for State and local innovations and programs of national significance. (Sec. 141) Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make grants to States, public or nonprofit private agencies, organizations, and institutions, and tribal organizations, and to enter into contracts with any agency, organization, institution, or individual for certain discretionary projects and programs, including: (1) education and training to develop an adequately trained workforce to work with and on behalf of older individuals; (2) applied social research and analysis to improve access and delivery of services for older individuals; (3) demonstration of new approaches to design, deliver, and coordinate programs and services for older individuals; (4) technical assistance in planning, development, implementation, and improvement of services and activities; (5) dissemination of information related to longevity and its ramifications for various segments of the elderly population; and (6) life course planning. Authorizes appropriations, making funds available for the national ombudsman and elder abuse centers as well. Part D: Community Service Employment For Older Americans - Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary for this Part) to encourage projects to place participants in unsubsidized employment under the older American community service employment program. (Sec. 152) Requires a community service employment project to include among its methods of recruitment and selection arrangements with the local one-stop delivery system established under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Repeals the requirement that the project authorize funds for including individuals participating in it under the State unemployment insurance plan. Requires the project to: (1) provide appropriate services for participants through the local one-stop delivery system; and (2) be involved in the planning and operations of such system under a memorandum of understanding with the local workforce investment board. Repeals the Secretary's authority to establish a Senior Environmental Employment Corps. Requires the Secretary to evaluate such projects on a regular basis and monitor programs receiving financial assistance to determine whether the grantees are complying with requirements and regulations. (Sec. 154) Revises requirements for distribution of national grants or contracts and State allotments for projects. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on improvement in the formula for distributing funds for the older American community service employment program. (Sec. 155) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 157) Declares grantees in the older American community service employment program to be partners under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 in the appropriate local one-stop delivery system. Authorizes the Secretary, upon grantee request, to waive any of the statutory or regulatory requirements of the program except its basic purposes, wage and labor standards, worker rights, participation and protection of workers and participants, grievance procedures, judicial review, and participant eligibility criteria. Requires the Secretary to establish performance measures appropriate to older worker activities, including specified indicators. Part E: Grants for Native Americans - Revises requirements for the Native American grant program to limit a federally recognized tribe to eligibility for only one grant per fiscal year. (Sec. 162) Requires the Assistant Secretary for Aging, in determining whether a tribal grant application complies with nutrition services requirements, to provide maximum flexibility that seeks to take into account subsistence needs, local customs, and other characteristics appropriate to the unique cultural, regional, and geographic needs of the Indian populations to be served. (Sec. 163) Authorizes appropriations. Part F: Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection - Consolidates the authorization of appropriations for specified vulnerable elder rights protection activities. Repeals minimum allotments for ombudsman and elder rights activities. (Sec. 171) Requires a State plan to assure that total State expenditures in any fiscal year for the long-term care ombudsman program shall not be less than total State expenditures for such programs in FY 1999. (Sec. 172) Redesignates the State outreach, counseling, and assistance program a State life course planning program. Defines life course planning as the identification and implementation by an individual of appropriate measures to prepare for the financial, health, and social aspects of longevity, and to ensure the protection of elder rights, including planning for: (1) economic security; (2) options for community participation and social activities; (3) housing options; (4) insurance benefits; and (5) consumer protection, especially defenses against telemarketing scams and fraudulent investment offers. Specifies minimum requirements for a program of outreach, information, counseling, and assistance related to life course planning. (Sec. 173) Authorizes a State to establish a demonstration project for outreach to assist older individuals with greatest economic need in life course planning. Part G: Definitions - Revises certain definitions used in such Act. Part H: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this title. Title II: White House Conference on Aging - Directs the President to convene by December 31, 2005, the White House Conference on Aging, under the direction of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in cooperation with the Assistant Secretary and other Federal agency heads, to: (1) increase the public awareness of the interdependence of generations and the essential contributions of older individuals to society; (2) identify the problems facing older individuals and their commonalities with problems of younger generations; (3) examine the well-being of older individuals; (4) develop specific and comprehensive recommendations for executive and legislative action; (5) develop recommendations for the coordination of Federal policy with State and local needs; and (6) review the status and multigenerational value of recommendations adopted at previous White House Conferences on Aging. (Sec. 203) Establishes a Policy Committee to plan the Conference. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 1204 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Healthy Seniors Promotion Act of 1999 - Title I: Healthy Seniors Promotion Program - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a Healthy Seniors Working Group to set general policies and criteria with respect to the functions of the HHS Secretary with regard to the health promotion and disease prevention program for the elderly authorized under this title. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) in administering the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA) the HHS Secretary should ensure that the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) encourages the inclusion of preventive measures as part of all treatments described in such program; (2) the HHS Secretary should ensure that the HCFA Administrator expands the study of the most promising behavioral modification of risk factors associated with health promotion and disease prevention for all Medicare beneficiaries; and (3) the National Library of Medicine should collect information regarding innovative and successful health promotion and disease prevention interventions from both publish and unpublished sources, establish a clearinghouse targeting all Medicare beneficiaries in a variety of settings for the consolidation and coordination of all such information, and make the clearinghouse publicly available and Internet accessible. Title II: Medicare Coverage of Preventive Services - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for Medicare coverage of counseling for cessation of tobacco use, screening for hypertension and glaucoma, and other specified preventive services. (Sec. 205) Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct a national falls prevention and awareness campaign to reduce fall-related injuries among Medicare beneficiaries. Title III: Preventive Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for Medicare coverage of preventive outpatient prescription drugs and biologicals not otherwise covered under Medicare, and for selection of entities to provide such benefit under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). (Sec. 303) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide access of low-income beneficiaries to such drug benefit. (Sec. 304) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate a specified amount of any Federal proceeds received from any global tobacco settlement to enhance such drug benefit. (Sec. 305) Requires the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and issues involved in developing, administering, and financing a Medicare comprehensive outpatient prescription drug benefit. Title IV: Studies and Reports Advancing Original Research in Prevention and the Elderly - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to require MEDPAC to report biannually to Congress its evaluation of the Medicare benefit package with regard to the degree to which such benefit package is actuarially equivalent to that offered by health benefit programs available in the private sector to individuals over age 65. (Sec. 403) Sets the framework for a National Institute on Aging study and an Institute of Medicine study, as well as specified reports, with regard to health promotion and disease prevention. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Sets forth procedures for fast-track consideration of prevention benefit legislation.
Bill· SS. 1200 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
Bill· HRH.R. 2149 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Late Term Abortion Restriction Act - Makes it unlawful, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, to knowingly perform an abortion after the fetus has become viable, unless, in the medical judgment of the attending physician, it is necessary to preserve the life of the woman or to avert serious adverse health consequences to her. Subjects a physician who violates this Act to a civil penalty of up to $10,000.
Bill· HRH.R. 2175 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Child Care Quality Improvement Act of 1999 - Establishes a Child Care Quality Improvement Grant program under the Social Security Act. (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make such grant program allotments to eligible States to pay the Federal share of costs of State grants to local collaboratives for activities to improve the quality of child care. Bases such allotment amounts on relative numbers of children in poverty in the States. Requires State Governors, in order for their States to be eligible for such grants, to establish or designate an entity to serve as a Child Care Quality Advisory Board (State board), which shall receive the grant and make the grants to local collaboratives. Requires such State boards, in order to be eligible for such grants, to submit to the Secretary annual applications containing specified information, including comprehensive State plans for reaching quantifiable goals for child care quality improvements in the following areas: (1) increased training for child care providers and administrators; (2) enhanced licensing standards that will apply to a broader range of providers; (3) reduced numbers of unlicensed providers; (4) increased monitoring and enforcement; (5) reduce caregiver turnover, through incentives such as increased compensation or scholarships for continuing education; and (6) higher levels of accreditation among licensed providers. Provides for monitoring, enforcement, and technical assistance by the Secretary. (Sec. 3) Requires State boards to use such grants to: (1) establish and enforce State child care licensing requirements; and (2) make competitive grants to local collaboratives to carry out child care quality improvement activities. Sets forth requirements for composition and eligibility of local collaboratives and their uses of grant funds to carry out planned activities and make reports. Requires State boards to: (1) ensure that at least 60 percent of the funds made available through each grant are used to provide the activities to improve the quality of child care to children (and parents of children) who reside in school districts in which half or more of the students would be eligible to receive free or reduced price lunches under the National School Lunch Act; and (2) monitor activities of local collaboratives that receive such grants. (Sec. 6) Amends the Social Security Act to make appropriations for the Child Care Quality Improvement Grant program. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Advisory Commission on Quality Child Care to study and report to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary on: (1) the most important issues affecting the quality of child care; and (2) the most efficient and effective manner of ensuring that families in the United States receive quality health care. Directs the Commission to make recommendations regarding: (1) feasible goals and targets for child care programs to improve the quality of child care; and (2) national standards for the quality of child care.
Bill· HRH.R. 2120 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided such services; or (5) providing incentives to a professional to induce the professional to withhold drugs, devices, or services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply those prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market.
Bill· HRH.R. 2173 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Expansion Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the sunset date for, and numerical limitation on, Medicare participation in Medicare+Choice medical savings account (MSA) plans under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice).
Bill· HRH.R. 2148 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends the Nursing Education and Practice Improvement Act of 1998 (NEPIA) to change to November 13, 1998, (instead of six months after such date) the effective date of provisions: (1) removing mandatory performance standards for lenders and holders of loans under the health education assistance loan (HEAL) program under the Public Health Service Act; and (2) allowing Federal payment of a HEAL loan after default, unless the lender, holder, or servicer has a compliance performance rating under 97 percent, in which case payment must be made at 98 percent of the loss. Provides that: (1) such provisions apply to any HEAL program loan to graduate students made by an eligible lender and insured by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on or after November 13, 1998; and (2) the HEAL program provisions superseded by NEPIA, as in effect on November 12, 1998, apply to a HEAL loan made by an eligible lender and insured by the Secretary before November 13, 1998.
Bill· HRH.R. 2123 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a special rule for calculating the per beneficiary limits under the home health agency interim payment system for certain home health agencies that were in existence before FY 1980 and had partial FY 1994 cost reports because they changed the end date of their cost reporting periods during such fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 2174 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1999
Improvement of Medicare Accrediting Entity Act of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require: (1) the governing boards and compensation committees of Medicare national accrediting entities to have public representation, subject to certain restrictions; and (2) such governing boards to have public meetings under certain conditions.
Bill· SS. 1191 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
International Prescription Drug Parity Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to replace certain drug reimportation provisions with provisions requiring manufacturers of prescription drugs, or drugs containing insulin, manufactured in a State and domestically approved and then exported, or domestically approved and manufactured in a registered foreign establishment, to maintain specified shipment records, provide required labeling, and make the records available to U.S. importers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish related criteria to facilitate importation into the United States of such drugs.
Law· HRH.R. 2116 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Access to Care Title II: Program Administration Title III: Miscellaneous Veterans' Millennium Health Care Act - Title I: Access to Care - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to operate and maintain a program to provide the following extended care services to eligible veterans: (1) geriatric evaluation; (2) nursing home care, either in facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department) or in community-based facilities; (3) domiciliary services; (4) adult day health care; (5) noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care; and (6) respite care. Makes eligible for such care any veteran in need of such care: (1) for a service-connected disability; or (2) who has a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more. Directs the Secretary to give the highest priority to such veterans in making placements for nursing home care in Department facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from furnishing such services for a nonservice-connected disability not rated at least 50 percent unless such veteran agrees to make a copayment for services of more than 21 days in any year. Requires the Secretary to establish a methodology for establishing the copayment amount. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Extended Care Fund for deposits and disbursements to cover such care. Directs the Secretary to develop and begin to implement a plan to carry out the recommendations of the Federal Advisory Committee on the Future of Long-Term Care to increase the options, services, and budget level of community-based care for eligible veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish adult day health care to veterans enrolled in the Department's annual patient enrollment system who would otherwise require nursing home care. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish respite care services: (1) outside of a hospital, nursing home, or Department facility; and (2) through contract arrangements. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse for the reasonable value of emergency treatment furnished in a non-Department facility those veterans who are active Department health-care participants (enrolled in the annual patient enrollment system and recipients of Department hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care under such system within the last 12-month period) and who are personally liable for such treatment. Provides reimbursement limitations. Provides an independent right of recovery for the United States when a third-party subsequently makes a payment for the same treatment. Requires the veteran to notify the Secretary of any such payment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive recovery of such payment in the best interests of the United States. Requires the Secretary to include in annual budget justification materials a report on implementation of the extended care services. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to furnish hospital and medical services, and authorizes the Secretary to furnish nursing home care, to a veteran who: (1) is wounded in action by an enemy of the United States or by any weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict; or (2) is retired from active-duty service, is eligible for care under the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), and is not otherwise eligible for such care. Requires, in the latter case, a memorandum of understanding between the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense for reimbursement to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for services provided. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the payment of veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation for persons disabled by participation in a compensated work therapy program. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to provide primary health care services for the spouse or child of a veteran who is enrolled in the annual patient enrollment system and is able to pay for such care or services either directly or through reimbursement or indemnification from a third-party insurer. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such services either through a Department facility or by contract. Prohibits such services from being provided in a Department facility if it would deny or delay access to care for any enrolled veteran at that facility. Entitles the United States to recover from a third-party insurer the reasonable charges for such care or services. Requires the Secretary to designate (under specified criteria) no more than four veterans integrated service networks in which such pilot program shall be carried out. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) monitor the program; and (2) report to the Secretary on findings and recommendations. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary, in providing hospital care and medical services through network-based planning, to establish an enhanced service program at Department medical centers that are so designated by the Secretary (designated centers). Requires such designated centers to improve access and quality of services provided to veterans served by those medical centers. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan for each center to improve access to, and quality of, care and services provided. Outlines designation criteria and plan requirements. Prohibits any such plan from being implemented until at least 45 days after its submission to the appropriate congressional committees. Provides for plan implementation and funds allocation. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on implementation of the enhanced service program. (Sec. 108) Revises a program providing counseling and treatment for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma to: (1) extend such program through calendar year 2002; (2) require (current law authorizes) the Secretary to provide such care and services to those in need; and (3) ensure that information about such care and services is revised and updated and made available through appropriate means (requiring a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees on implementation of such outreach efforts). Requires the Secretary: (1) to study, and report to the veterans' committees on, the possibility of extending eligibility for such care and services to former reserve personnel; and (2) report to the veterans' committees on implementation of the sexual trauma program. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to jointly report to the appropriate congressional committees describing the efforts of their respective departments to ensure that military personnel, upon separation, are provided appropriate and current information about such counseling and treatment programs, including eligibility requirements and application procedures. Title II: Program Administration - Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to required copayments by veterans for medication furnished by the Department on an outpatient basis for the treatment of a nonservice-connected disability or condition, to: (1) increase the amount of such copayment (currently $2 for each 30-day supply of medication); (2) establish a maximum annual copayment for veterans who have multiple outpatient prescriptions; and (3) require certain veterans to pay a reasonable copayment for sensori-neural aids, electronic equipment, and any other costly item furnished for a nonservice-connected disability (other than a wheelchair or artificial limb). (Sec. 202) Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Improvement Fund for the deposit and disbursement of funds used for improving various health services to veterans, including services under this Act. (Sec. 203) Establishes in the Treasury the Veterans Tobacco Trust Fund. Provides that if a lawsuit is brought by the United States against tobacco manufacturers for costs incurred due to tobacco- related illnesses, there shall be credited to the Fund, without further appropriation, the amount that bears the same ratio to the amount recovered as the amount of the Department's costs for health care attributable to tobacco-related illnesses bears to the total amount sought in the suit. Makes such amounts available to the Secretary for: (1) furnishing veterans' medical care and services; and (2) conducting medical, rehabilitation, and health systems research, with particular emphasis on research relating to the prevention and treatment of, and rehabilitation from, tobacco addiction and diseases associated with tobacco use. (Sec. 204) Revises provisions establishing nonprofit research corporations at Department medical centers to: (1) authorize such corporations to provide education and training to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health-care personnel; (2) include additional personnel on its board of directors; and (3) prohibit such corporation from expending funds for an education activity unless it is approved under procedures prescribed by the Department's Under Secretary for Health. (Sec. 205) Extends through: (1) calendar year 2002 the veterans' readjustment counseling program; (2) 2003 required reports concerning the provision of care to severely chronically mentally ill veterans; and (3) March 1, 2000, and February 1, 2001, certain reports concerning the provision of counseling and treatment for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Amends the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Service Programs Act of 1992 to: (1) extend through FY 2002 the authority to make grants for housing assistance for homeless veterans; and (2) remove a limitation on the number of such programs which may incorporate the procurement of vans as part of such program. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary to prescribe for each State the number of nursing home and domiciliary beds for which assistance under veterans' domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care may be authorized. Requires such regulations to be based on the projected demand for such care ten years after enactment of this Act by veterans who are 65 years old or older. Directs the Secretary, with respect to State applications for the construction or acquisition of new nursing facilities or the replacement or increase of the number of beds at a current facility, to characterize the need of such facility as great, significant, or limited and to grant applications accordingly. Allows financial assistance only for renovation projects for which total construction costs are in excess of $400,000. Outlines State application requirements for such projects or assistance. (Sec. 207) Adds as a required condition to the authority of the Secretary to enter into an enhanced-use lease (the leasing of Department property not currently used by the Department) the Secretary's determination that the business plan proposed by the Under Secretary for Health for applying lease payments to the provision of medical care and services demonstrably improves services to eligible veterans in the geographic service-delivery area within which the leased property is located. Increases to 75 years the authorized term for such leases. Requires funds received under such a lease and remaining after expense deductions to be deposited in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Improvement Fund and used for authorized purposes. Requires at least 75 percent of such funds to be made available to the designated VHA health care region within which the leased property is located. (Sec. 208) Makes ineligible for employment as a VHA health-care professional an individual who was licensed, registered, or certified to practice in more than one State when any one of those States has since terminated such license, registration, or certification. Title III: Miscellaneous - Prohibits the Secretary from closing in any fiscal year more than 50 percent of the beds within a Department medical center unless the Secretary first submits to the veterans' committees a justification for such closure. Prohibits any such closure until 21 days after submission of the report. Requires the Secretary to report annually to such committees on bed closures during the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 302) Revises provisions concerning the Veterans Canteen Service to remove a provision limiting such services to the sales of merchandise and services for consumption and use on the premises. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the feasibility of establishing a pilot program to assist veterans in receiving assisted living services. (Sec. 304) Requires the Department's Under Secretary for Health to establish a VHA policy regarding the role of chiropractic treatment in the care of veterans.
Bill· HRH.R. 2113 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Group Health Plan Disclosure Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require covered group health plans to give their participants and beneficiaries an annual separate written notice of ERISA limitations on certain protections that would otherwise apply under State law.
Bill· HRH.R. 2115 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Medicare Purchasing Flexibility Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct specified demonstration projects to: (1) improve the quality of items and services furnished under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA); and (2) reduce Medicare expenditures for such items and services. Provides for funding such demonstration projects. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary, in the case of unusual increases in Medicare costs attributable to unjustified increases in the amount or intensity of such items and services, to modify the payment update and-or methodology with respect to such items and services to one that imposes a sustainable growth rate similar to that applied with respect to payment for physician services under Medicare. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary, in the case of a service area in which payments to a health care provider for such items and services represent the largest single source of payment to the provider for such items and services in that area, to negotiate a preferred customer rate with such provider. Requires the Secretary, for such a service area where Medicare payment rates for items and services exceed the rates charged by the provider for payment made other than under Medicare, to negotiate a preferred customer rate with such health care provider. Raises from 15 percent to 30 percent of the preceding year's payment the limitation on the increase or decrease in payment for a particular item or service with respect to factors for the determination that a payment, except in certain circumstances, is not inherently reasonable. (Sec. 5) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for basing Medicare payment under the prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services on payment rates for similar services provided outside the hospital setting. (Sec. 6) Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to report to Congress and the Secretary on whether diagnosis-related group (DRG) weighting factors for DRG's associated with emergency care are adequate to cover the costs of emergency room use within discharges classified within such DRG's. Directs the Secretary to make appropriate adjustments in such DRG weighting factors for discharges occurring on or after January 1, 2001, to ensure that hospital emergency room costs attributable to Medicare patients are appropriately covered. (Sec. 7) Allows the Secretary, upon estimating that treatment in a non-hospital or -institutional setting under Medicare is likely to provide similar or better quality care and outcomes at a lower cost to the program, to waive specified requirements which discourage or prevent treatment in such a setting. Prohibits the Secretary from providing for such a waiver in the case of an individual unless there are satisfactory assurances that the Medicare beneficiary has not received (and is not likely to receive) Medicare benefits for hospital services for the treatment with respect to which the waiver applies.
Bill· HRH.R. 2114 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Medicare Paperless Claims Promotion Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to do the following: (1) establish a $1 administrative fee (with certain exceptions) for the submission of a claim in paper or non-electronic form for items or services for which payment is sought under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA); and (2) make available at no charge public domain software to facilitate the filing of electronic forms and claims under SSA titles XVIII and XIX (Medicaid).
Bill· HRH.R. 2108 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Drinking Water Right-to-Know Act of 1999 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require a national primary drinking water regulation for radionuclides to require the testing of drinking water for the presence of radium 224 no later than 48 hours after taking a sample. Requires annual consumer confidence reports by community water systems to include a report on the level of each contaminant that may be difficult to detect in finished water and present at levels that present a public health concern in such water. Requires regulations regarding such reports to direct public water systems to mail such reports to residential consumers and such reports suitable for posting to customers providing water to non-residential consumers. Provides that certain procedures for systems serving smaller communities that are not required to mail such report to consumers shall require such systems to notify consumers of new contamination or a significant increase in contamination by a regulated contaminant that is above the maximum contaminant level goal for the contaminant or of such contamination or increase by an unregulated contaminant. Requires State source water assessment programs to assess the susceptibility of each public water system in the delineated areas to any contaminant that is: (1) subject to a national primary drinking water regulation; (2) included on a specified list of unregulated contaminants; (3) the subject of a health advisory published by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; (4) monitored under such programs; (5) known or suspected to be from a pollution source; or (6) monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey under the National Water Quality Assessment program. Requires such programs to: (1) identify contaminants described in the preceding paragraph that the State determines present a public health threat; (2) require monitoring for such contaminants if a contaminant may have been released by a potentially significant source; (3) identify known or suspected sources of pollution that may threaten public health; (4) apply to wellheads, groundwater recharge areas, watersheds, and other areas determined to be appropriate; and (5) be developed, updated, and implemented in cooperation with the public served by the source water assessment areas included in such programs. Directs States to submit plans for such programs to the Administrator. Provides for plan updates every five years.
Bill· HRH.R. 2092 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Inclusion of Alternative Approaches in Cancer Research Act - Requires the membership of advisory bodies serving the National Cancer Institute to include one or more individuals who are knowledgeable in complementary and alternative medicine.
Bill· HRH.R. 2089 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Group Health Plan Review Standards Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require group health plans to provide written notice of adverse coverage decisions to participants or beneficiaries and care providers. Requires group health plans to meet specified time limits for: (1) making decisions on requests for benefit payments, advance determination of coverage, and medical necessity determinations; and (2) making coverage decisions relating to accelerated need medical care, and for completing internal reviews of initial denials of such coverage. Requires internal reviews by medical professionals of initial coverage decisions involving: (1) medical appropriateness or necessity; (2) investigational items; or (3) experimental treatment or technology. Allows participants or beneficiaries, under certain conditions, to request external review by an independent medical expert of an adverse coverage decision and reconsideration of the initial review decision. Sets forth: (1) permitted alternatives to required internal reviews and required external reviews; (2) review requirements; and (3) a fiduciary standards compliance requirement.
Bill· HRH.R. 2096 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
H.R. 2096 Dgst LJH Federal Family Health Coverage Act of 1999 - Amends Federal employee health insurance provisions to allow Federal employees the option of enrolling in an approved health benefits plan for "self and extended family". Defines "member of the extended family" to mean, with respect to an employee or annuitant, any individual who is a member of the family of such employee or annuitant or which includes coverage of a dependent parent of such employee or annuitant.
Bill· HRH.R. 2095 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Health Care Quality and Access Act of 1999 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise provisions relating to group health plans. Title I: Patient Right to Unrestricted Medical Advice - Prohibits a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group coverage, from imposing on a health professional any restriction on advice provided to a participant or beneficiary. Title II: Patient Right to Emergency Medical Care - Requires a group health plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for emergencies, to provide benefits (without preauthorization and without regard to network limitations) for emergency medical screening examinations if a prudent layperson would determine them necessary. Title III: Patient Right to Obstetric and Gynecological Care - Requires a group health plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for routine gynecological or obstetric specialist care benefits, to: (1) provide those benefits from a participating specialist without authorization or referral by a primary care provider; and (2) treat the ordering of other routine care by such participating specialist as an authorization by a primary care provider. Title IV: Patient Right to Pediatric Care - Requires a group health plan or issuer, if it provides benefits for routine pediatric specialist care benefits, to allow designation of a participating pediatric specialist as the primary care provider for any beneficiary under 18 years of age. Title V: Patient Access to Information - Requires plan administrators to include specified information in summary plan descriptions, and to provide certain other information upon request of the participant or beneficiary. Requires advance notice of exclusion from a drug formulary of a drug or biological that is used in the treatment of a chronic illness or disease. Title VI: Group Health Plan Review Standards - Requires group health plans to provide written notice of adverse coverage decisions to participants or beneficiaries and care providers. (Sec. 601) Requires group health plans to meet specified time limits for: (1) making decisions on requests for benefit payments, advance determination of coverage, and medical necessity determinations; and (2) making coverage decisions relating to accelerated need medical care, and for completing internal reviews of initial denials of such coverage. Requires internal reviews by medical professionals of initial coverage decisions involving: (1) medical appropriateness or necessity; (2) investigational items; or (3) experimental treatment or technology. Allows participants or beneficiaries, under certain conditions, to request external review by an independent medical expert of an adverse coverage decision and reconsideration of the initial review decision. Sets forth: (1) permitted alternatives to required internal reviews and required external reviews; (2) review requirements; and (3) a fiduciary standards compliance requirement. Title VII: Small Business Access and Choice for Entrepreneurs - Establishes rules governing health plans sponsored by certain associations, including requirements for: (1) certification; (2) sponsors and boards of trustees, and treatment of franchised networks and collectively bargained plans; (3) participation and coverage of employers and individuals and of previously uninsured employees; (4) plan documents, contribution rates, and benefit options; (5) maintenance of reserves, excess-stop loss insurance, and solvency indemnification for plans providing health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage; (6) applications and related reporting; (7) notice for voluntary termination; and (8) corrective actions and mandatory termination. (Sec. 701) Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply, to the appropriate Federal district court, to be appointed trustee of certain insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan that begins operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the effect association health plans have had, if any, on reducing the number of uninsured individuals. (Sec. 702) Revises requirements for treatment of single employer arrangements. (Sec. 703) Revises requirements for certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 704) Sets forth enforcement requirements relating to association health plans. (Sec. 705) Sets forth State responsibilities, and requirements for cooperation between Federal and State authorities, with respect to association health plans. (Sec. 706) Prescribes special rules for certain existing health benefits programs. Title VIII: Health Care Access, Affordability, and Quality Commission - Establishes the Health Care Access, Affordability, and Quality Commission to: (1) establish model guidelines for independent expert external review programs, consumer friendly information programs, systems for measuring patient satisfaction and patient outcomes, and systems to ensure the timely processing of claims; and (2) evaluate, upon congressional request, existing and proposed benefit requirements for group health plans, taking into consideration the overall cost effect, availability of treatment, and the effect on the health of the general population. (Sec. 801) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 2055 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1999
Imported Food Safety Improvement Act of 1999 - Title I: Improvements to the Food Safety Import System - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require imported food to be prepared, packed, and held under a system meeting the requirements of such Act, or determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to be equivalent to domestic requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop an implementation plan; and (2) conduct overseas food system evaluations. Directs the Secretary to establish, for use by the Secretary of the Treasury, a system to deny the entry of imported food from a specific area, producer, manufacturer, or transporter into the United States that: (1) has been repeatedly adulterated or associated with repeated outbreaks of foodborne disease, presents a health danger, and is likely without systematic changes to cause disease or be adulterated again; or (2) in an emergency determination, has been strongly associated with a serious outbreak of foodborne disease. Makes a conforming amendment to the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 102) Deems as adulterated an imported (or offered for import) food: (1) withheld for review that is distributed prior to the Secretary's authorization of distribution; (2) ordered to be held in secure storage prior to distribution that is not so held; (3) required to be destroyed that is not so destroyed; (4) previously denied admission that is subsequently offered for admission without a showing of appropriate compliance (port shopping); or (5) owned or consigned by a debarred person. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) prohibit distribution of an imported food until the Secretary so authorizes; (2) prohibit distribution and require the secure storage of an imported food if the importer, owner, or consignee of such food is a person against whom the Secretary of the Treasury has assessed certain liquidated damages for failure to redeliver food subject to a bond; (3) order dangerous imported food to be destroyed; and (4) require marking of refused entry (but not ordered destroyed) food until brought into appropriate compliance. Deems as misbranded a refused entry food not so marked. (Sec. 108) Shortens the period before a refused entry article which is not exported shall be destroyed. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the collection and analysis of imported food by entities other than the Food and Drug Administration. Title II: Enforcement and Penalties for Importing Contaminated Food - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish increased bonding requirements for persons involved in prior importing of adulterated or misbranded food. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary to debar a person from importing food into the United States for food import-related repeat or felony activities. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations for additional Food and Drug Administration laboratory, inspection, and compliance personnel. Title III: Improvements to Public Health Infrastructure and Awareness - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to make grants to, enter into contracts with, and provide technical assistance to State and local health entities for enhanced surveillance and prevention of foodborne disease, particularly related to imported food. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to foodborne disease, to: (1) conduct pathogen detection research and development; and (2) provide for training, education, and public information. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to provide related international public health training and technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations.