Healthcare

Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

51 records in US in 2003

Records

Bill· SS. 2003 (108th)referred

Health Information for Quality Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003

Health Information for Quality Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) an Office of National Healthcare Information Infrastructure to develop a strategic plan to create such an infrastructure; and (2) a Medical Systems Safety Initiative to conduct research on improving and advancing medical care. Requires efforts to increase information technology usage and efficiency in health care to improve the quality of patient care and safety, while protecting privacy and security of information. Prohibits health insurers from denying and preventing individuals with serious illnesses participation in approved clinical trials. Supports research on: (1) how best to care for older patients with multiple chronic conditions; and (2) the effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs with a high level of use in federally funded health programs. Requires the development and use of standardized indicators of health care quality. Supports data collection and analysis to assess health care quality in communities and among people of different backgrounds. Requires a study on approaches to developing and disseminating practice guidelines that synthesize the scientific evidence to support clinical practice. Requires an evaluation of options to align health care performance with payment, including Medicare payments. Supports projects to assess the feasibility of using different organizations to disseminate information about health care quality to consumers. Awards grants for research on patient experiences. Requires the development of standardized materials to assist non-English speaking or functionally illiterate patients in the safe and appropriate use of prescription drugs.

Bill· SS. 1994 (108th)referred

Efficiency in Government Health Care Spending Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003

Efficiency in Government Health Care Spending Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to repeal the prohibition against the Secretary of Health and Human Services' negotiating with drug manufacturers and pharmacies and Medicare prescription drug plan sponsors concerning the prices of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Bill· SS. 1988 (108th)referred

Nursing Home Staffing Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003

Nursing Home Staffing Act of 2003 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate standards for minimum nurse staffing levels in nursing facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments. Reinstitutes (Boren amendment) payment methodology, providing for payment of Medicaid services through the use of rates determined pursuant to the criteria under State Medicaid plan requirements as in effect on August 1, 1997. Establishes safe harbor rates. Provides a permanent 1.50 percent increase of the Medicaid Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for a State beginning with FY 2004. Authorizes inclusion of: (1) financial accountability requirements in the survey and certification process with respect to facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments; and (2) professionals trained in financial accounting and auditing in the multidisciplinary survey teams of professionals under Medicare and Medicaid.

Bill· SS. 1992 (108th)referred

Defense of Medicare and Real Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003

Defense of Medicare and Real Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in applying risk adjustment factors in a budget neutral manner to payment to Medicare+Choice organizations under part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), to assure that such factors, in the aggregate, take into account the actuarial characteristics of the entire Medicare population, and not merely the population of individuals enrolled under a Medicare+Choice plan. Requires the Secretary to provide for adjustment of payment rates to such organizations so that they reflect only the payment rate relating to 100 percent fee-for-service payment. Eliminates the Medicare Advantage (MA) Regional Plan Stabilization Fund established under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Repeals cost containment provisions of such Act. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare), as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to: (1) provide for phased-in elimination of the coverage gap; (2) eliminate discriminatory treatment of employer plans; (3) allow Medicaid wrap-around for dual-eligibles (persons eligible for Medicare and full Medicaid benefits, including drugs); (4) eliminate the assets test; and (5) eliminate Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans from the meaning of qualifying prescription drug plans (PDPs) with respect to the choice of a minimum of two qualifying plans a SSA title XVIII part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) eligible individual shall be allowed to choose between. Prohibits any formulary from being established or applied under the new Medicare prescription drug program under SSA title XVIII part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) unless the classes and categories used under it are specified by the Secretary. Allows certain Medigap Rx policies that provide wrap-around prescription drug coverage to be sold, issued, and renewed. Directs the Secretary to provide for appropriate adjustments in payments to PDP sponsors under SSA title XVIII part D, and to MA organizations offering MA-PD plans under SSA title XVIII part C, to assure that premiums of part D eligible individuals under PDPs and under MA-PD plans are not increased as a result of this Act. Phases out the phased-down State contribution with respect to the Federal phase-in of the costs of premiums and cost-sharing subsidies for dual eligibles. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Medicine Equity and Drug Safety Act of 2000, to: (1) direct the Secretary to promulgate regulations permitting pharmacists and wholesalers to import Health Canada-approved prescription drugs from Canada; and (2) exclude an infused or intravenously injected drug, or a drug that is inhaled during surgery. Requires that a Canadian exporter: (1) register with the Secretary its name and place of business (including the place of business of each warehouse and establishment); (2) export only prescription drugs that have been approved by Health Canada and meet all requirements of Canadian law; (3) permit inspections by the Secretary (including inspections of all records, especially financial records) of each warehouse and establishment of the Canadian exporter; and (4) pay an inspection fee to the Secretary on a semiannual basis not to exceed five percent of the total price of prescription drugs exported by the Canadian exporter to the United States under the regulations (which fees the Secretary shall use solely to inspect the warehouses and establishments of Canadian exporters and to monitor imports of prescription drugs at ports of entry). Requires that each prescription drug imported under the regulations be imported directly from a Canadian exporter through a limited number of ports of entry (at which the Secretary shall monitor such imports). Prohibits discrimination in the sale of prescription drugs by manufacturers to pharmacists, wholesalers, or Canadian exporters, requiring: (1) terms as favorable as those provided to foreign purchasers; and (2) full access to drugs permitted to be imported. Continues the requirement that exported donated prescription drugs may only be reimported by the manufacturer. Permits the Secretary to waive the prohibition against importing a prescription drug or device on a case-by-case basis, particularly those from Canada that are FDA-approved and for personal use, not resale. Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to give the Secretary the authority similar to that of other Federal entities that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered Medicare part D drugs in order to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled under PDPs and MA-PD plans pay the lowest possible price. Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to repeal the authorization and tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for Health Savings Accounts.

Bill· SS. 1999 (108th)referred

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title IV of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to give the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to negotiate prices in contracts with manufacturers of covered Medicare part D drugs.

Bill· SS. 1995 (108th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to repeal authorization for the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund.

Bill· HRH.R. 3658 (108th)referred

Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) carry out a national education and information campaign to promote stroke prevention and increase the number of stroke patients who seek immediate treatment; and (2) maintain the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry and Clearinghouse by collecting specific data points and benchmarks for stroke care analysis, and compiling and disseminating information on State, local, and private care system achievements and problems. Defines "stroke" as an attack in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted, or in which a blood vessel or aneurysm in the brain breaks or ruptures. Includes stroke and traumatic injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment within the grant program for emergency medicine residency training. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants to qualified entities for health care professionals education programs in the use of diagnostic approaches, technologies, and therapies for stroke and traumatic injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Gives preference to areas with a significant incidence of stroke or traumatic injuries. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, to make up to seven grants to States and to consortia of public and private entities in any non-grantee State to conduct a five-year pilot project (not to extend beyond FY 2009) to improve and coordinate stroke-related health care through telehealth networks.

Bill· HRH.R. 3663 (108th)open

TRICARE Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

TRICARE Equity Act - Prohibits any member or former member (or dependent of such member) of the armed forces who is eligible for benefits under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program) and who has another insurance plan or program that provides primary coverage for health benefits from being required to pay any copayment or annual deductible under the TRICARE program.

Bill· HRH.R. 3684 (108th)referred

Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth food labeling requirements for a food that is not a raw agricultural commodity and that is, or contains, a major food allergen (as defined by this Act). States that: (1) any person may petition the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food ingredient from such requirements; and (2) the Secretary's determination of such a petition shall constitute final agency action. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct inspections to ensure compliance with practices to reduce or eliminate cross-contact with major food allergen residues, and ensure that major food allergens are properly labeled on foods; (2) issue a final rule to define, and permit use of, the term "gluten-free" on the labeling of foods; (3) improve food allergen data collection, including physician and health care provider education; (4) convene a panel of allergy and immunology experts to review food allergy research efforts; (5) pursue Food Code revisions in order to provide allergen-free food preparation guidelines for food establishments; and (6) include food allergy treatment in trauma and emergency care technical assistance.

Bill· HRH.R. 3668 (108th)referred

Frontier Health Care Access Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Frontier Health Care Access Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include residents of frontier areas (as defined by this Act) within the population groups making a servicing health facility eligible for "health center" grants and loans.

Bill· HRH.R. 3664 (108th)referred

Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Federal Government, and any State or local government that receives Federal financial assistance, from discriminating against any health care entity because (in addition to current prohibited reasons) the entity refuses to provide coverage of, or pay for, induced abortions. Expands the definition of "health care entity" to include (in addition to physicians) other health professionals, a hospital, a provider sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, and any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 3672 (108th)referred

To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for negotiation of fair prices for Medicare prescription drugs.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to give the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority similar to that of other Federal entities that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs, consistent with the requirements and in furtherance of the goals of providing quality care and containing costs.

Bill· HRH.R. 3656 (108th)referred

Quality Nursing Care Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Quality Nursing Care Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to require under new Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) that each participating hospital adopt and implement a staffing system that ensures a number of registered nurses on each shift and in each unit of the hospital to ensure appropriate staffing levels for patient care. Outlines whistle-blower protections.

Bill· HRH.R. 3662 (108th)referred

State and Local Access to Fair Prescription Drug Prices Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

State and Local Access to Fair Prescription Drug Prices Act - Requires a participating manufacturer of a covered outpatient drug to make available for purchase by each State for the benefit of its residents whose cost of covered outpatient drugs is paid for by the State through a group health program, a retiree health program, a State or local pharmaceutical assistance program, or other similar program (including a State Medicaid program), such covered outpatient drug in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of a covered drug sold in a State at a price that is no greater than the manufacturer's average foreign price. (Makes such provision applicable to local governments under similar outpatient drug purchase arrangements.) Applies such requirement to direct purchases by State or local organizations or agents. Sets forth enforcement provisions, including manufacturer debarment for repeat violations. Permits a State, with respect to its provision of Medicaid assistance for covered outpatient drugs, to: (1) continue its Medicaid rebate agreement; or (2) disregard the manufacturer's average foreign price in determining the best price under a rebate agreement. Defines specified terms.

Bill· HRH.R. 3677 (108th)referred

Prescription Drug Retail Price Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Prescription Drug Retail Price Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require prescription drug labels to state a drug's full retail price (the price absent discount, insurance, or public health benefit payments).

Bill· HRH.R. 3671 (108th)referred

To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to permit the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into direct negotiations to promote best prices for Medicare beneficiaries.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into direct negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies, and between Medicare prescription drug plan sponsors and Medicare Advantage organizations offering prescription drug plans, to promote the best prices of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 348 (108th)referred

Recognizing the survivors of cervical cancer and the importance of good cervical health, preventing HPV infection, and detecting cervical cancer during its earliest stages.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003

Recognizes: (1) the importance of good cervical health, preventing human papillomavirus (HPV), and early cervical cancer detection; and (2) the courage of cervical cancer survivors. Urges: (1) medical institutions to continue to raise public awareness about cervical cancer and early detection; and (2) Federal health agencies to provide the public and health care professionals with medically accurate HPV information.

Bill· SS. 1974 (108th)open

Medicare Preservation and Drug Price Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003

Medicare Preservation and Drug Price Fairness Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to repeal the prohibition against: (1) interference by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors; and (2) any requirement by the Secretary of a formulary or institution of a price structure for the reimbursement of covered prescription drugs. Repeals the Comparative Cost Adjustment Program. Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary to promulgate regulations allowing qualifying individuals who are neither pharmacists nor wholesalers (qualifying individuals) to import covered products (in addition to pharmacists and wholesalers, whom current law authorizes to import such products). Repeals the requirement that regulations require that a product not coming directly from the first foreign recipient of the product from the manufacturer be approved for marketing in the United States. Repeals requirements that the importer provide the Secretary with: (1) documentation from the foreign seller specifying the original source of the product and the amount of each lot of the product originally received; and (2) any other information that the Secretary determines is necessary to ensure the protection of the public health. Revises testing requirements to provide that specified tests, including ones involving authenticity and degradation of products, shall not be required unless the importer is a wholesaler. (Currently either the importer or the manufacturer may conduct such tests). Exempts from importer-wholesaler testing a prescription drug subject to requirements for counterfeit-resistant packaging. Makes permanent the requirements of Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for the importation of covered products. Classifies prescription drugs as misbranded if they do not incorporate specified counterfeit-resistant technologies in their packaging. Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to repeal its requirements for the importation of prescription drugs from Canada into the United States (effectively replacing them with the requirements of this Act.) Removes Medicare Advantage (MA) prescription drug plans from the meaning of qualifying prescription drug plan. Repeals authorization for the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund and Health Savings Accounts.

Bill· SS. 1951 (108th)referred

Rural Safety Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003

Rural Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize: (1) the Attorney General to make grants to rural local and tribal governments for the retention for one additional year of police officers funded through the cops on the beat (COPS) Program; and (2) the use of COPS grants on a matching funds basis to improve police communications and access to crime-solving technologies. Directs the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice to make grants to: (1) establish or improve 911 service in those communities; and (2) establish restorative justice programs for juveniles. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to make grants to establish in rural areas substance abuse prevention and treatment pilot programs and methamphetamine prevention education programs. Directs the Attorney General to provide for the cleanup of methamphetamine laboratories and related hazardous waste and for the improvement of response time by providing additional contract personnel, equipment, and facilities in rural areas. Establishes a Rural Policing Institute as part of the Small Town and Rural Training Program. Secure Storage of Firearms Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to carry out a demonstration program to make grants to assist qualified law enforcement officers in the acquisition and installation of gun safes or gun storage racks in their residences. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit for certain gun safe or storage rack acquisition expenses.

Bill· SS. 1955 (108th)open

Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003

Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2004 - Makes technical amendments to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, the Indian Financing Act of 1974, the Indian Tribal Justice Technical and Legal Assistance Act, the Crow Boundary Settlement Act of 1994, the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Indian Tribes Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990, the California Indian Land Transfer Act, and other specified Federal law with regard to: (1) replacing "American Indian Education Foundation" with "National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education"; (2) loan guaranties and insurance with respect to eligible borrowers and loan approval; (3) Indian trust land; (4) Indian tribal justice technical and legal assistance; (5) tribal justice systems; (6) authorization of 99-year leases for the Prairie Band of Potawatomi; (7) certain Navajo Healthcare contracting; (8) distribution of capital gains and any other noninterest income received on funds in the Crow Tribal Trust Fund; (9) use of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Settlement Fund; (10) deeming of specified lands in Alaska under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to a Native Corporation; and (11) certain lands to be held in trust for the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe, Benton Paiute Reservation. Cowlitz Indian Tribe Distribution of Judgment Funds Act - Specifies the required distribution and use of funds awarded in Indian Claims Commission Docket No. 218 to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe of Washington. Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2003 - Specifies the required distribution and use of funds awarded to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation in the case of Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation v. United States of America, Docket No. 773-87-L.

Bill· SS. 1976 (108th)referred

Children's Health Equity Technical Amendments Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003

Children's Health Equity Technical Amendments Act of 2003 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to permit qualifying States to use a portion of their SCHIP allotment for any fiscal year for certain Medicaid expenditures.

Bill· SS. 1956 (108th)referred

HOPE Youth Pregnancy Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003

HOPE Youth Pregnancy Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to State or local governments, or private nonprofit entities for: (1) teenage pregnancy prevention activities targeted at areas with large ethnic minorities and other at-risk youth; and (2) related outreach and public awareness programs, with priority given to programs aimed at such youth.

Bill· SS. 1939 (108th)referred

Mercury Health Advisory Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003

Mercury Health Advisory Act of 2003 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs jointly to develop fish consumption advisories for methyl-mercury in fish. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) prepare and distribute to health professionals (and others upon request) a consumer's mercury advisory notice regarding the health risks of fish consumption; and (2) establish a toll-free number for individuals who desire additional information. Requires the Administrator to prepare and distribute to specified State entities and applicants for fishing licenses (and others upon request) a consumer's guide to mercury, including a health advisory for the consumption of recreationally-caught fish. Requires the Secretary to work with States and other entities to: (1) develop and distribute standardized advisories, including consumption advisories and health warnings, regarding the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood; and (2) design and implement a related national public education program. Directs the Commissioner to resume the Food and Drug Administration's seafood methyl-mercury monitoring sampling program. Requires the Secretary, within one year of enactment of this Act, to finalize the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point assessment to determine whether methyl-mercury exposure through fish consumption is a public health hazard.

Bill· SS. 1950 (108th)referred

Medicare Prescription Drug Savings Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003

Medicare Prescription Drug Savings Act of 2003 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2006, to: (1) offer a Medicare operated prescription drug plan nationally that only offers standard prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices, but not any supplemental prescription drug coverage; and (2) enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered Medicare part D drugs for eligible part D individuals, and encourage use of more affordable therapeutic equivalents. Requires the monthly beneficiary premium charged under such a plan to be uniform nationally and determined by the Secretary.

Bill· SS. 1945 (108th)referred

Bipartisan Patient Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003

Bipartisan Patient Protection Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to health care coverage. Provides for patient protection and quality care standards for individual and group health plans under PHSA and ERISA. Applies such standards, as well, to: (1) all Federal health care programs, as defined under the Social Security Act; and (2) the Federal employee health benefits program. Requires group health plans and health insurance issuers providing health insurance coverage to have approved utilization review programs, claims procedures, and appeal procedures concerning claims denials. Sets forth provisions concerning group health plans and health insurers and the provision of certain advice and care, including: (1) emergency care; (2) obstetric and gynecological care; (3) specialists care; (4) prescription drugs; (5) participation in approved clinical trials; and (6) health plan information. Restricts interference by health plans and insurers with the doctor-patient relationship. Prohibits health plans and insurers from discriminating against a licensed health care professional with respect to participation or indemnification. Sets forth limitations on certain class action litigation and other actions. Makes certain civil remedies available. Declares that courts should consider the loss of a nonwage earning spouse or parent as an economic loss to be fully compensated in certain ERISA cases. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) men and women battling life-threatening, deadly diseases, including advanced breast or ovarian cancer, should have the opportunity to participate in a federally approved or funded clinical trial; (2) a child battling a rare cancer should be allowed to go to a cancer center capable of providing high quality care for that disease; and (3) every patient who is denied care by a health maintenance organization or other health insurance company should have a fair, speedy, and impartial appeal to a review organization that has not been selected by the health plan.

Bill· SS. 1935 (108th)referred

Universal Secure Access to Health Care Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 23 November 2003

Universal Secure Access to Health Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XXVIII (Universal Health Insurance Coverage). Requires each employer of at least 50 full-time employees to offer to enroll each of its employees and their families in a standard health benefit plan providing benefits for health care items and services that are actuarily equivalent to or greater in value than the benefits offered as of January 1, 2000, under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Standard Option Plan provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Federal program to award grants to States for State premium assistance programs for low-income workers and small business employers. Authorizes a small business employer of at least 75 full-time employees to enroll its employees in an FEHBP plan or the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA) if such employees are at least 50 years of age. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow a tax deduction for self-employed individuals equal to 100 percent of the amount paid during the taxable year for insurance which constitutes medical care for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and the taxpayer's dependents. Amends SSA to add a new part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age). Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund for collected premiums and other revenues for use in funding the new part D program. Provides access to Medicare benefits for displaced workers 55 to 62 years of age. Amends Federal civil service law to make FEHBP coverage available for the self-employed. Establishes a MediKids Program under a new SSA title XXII to allow certain eligible individuals born after December 31, 2002, who have not attained age 23, to enroll for benefits specified by the Secretary, including early and periodic screening, diagnostic services, and treatment services under Medicaid (SSA title XIX), and prescription drugs and biologicals. Creates in the Treasury the MediKids Trust Fund for collected premiums and other revenues for use in funding the MediKids Program. Amends SSA title XVIII to increase the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, with the initial terms of additional members staggered. Amends the IRC to: (1) impose a MediKids premium tax in the case of any taxpayer (with certain exceptions) required to pay a premium under the MediKids Program for an eligible individual; and (2) provide for a refundable tax credit for 50 percent of cost-sharing expenses under the MediKids Program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the MediKids Program as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.

Law· SS. 1929 (108th)enacted