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551 records in 1977
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, to provide that eligible drugs, requiring a physician's prescription or certification, shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Medicare Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a system of administrative and judicial review of claims which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring specified air carriers, railroads, and common carriers by motor vehicle to designate a portion of their seating capacity for passengers who do not smoke.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the appropriation of the additional revenues so raised to the National Heart and Lung Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include under the supplementary medical insurance program under such Title payment for wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment which are furnished on a lease-purchase basis.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a national program for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1978 for making grants to public and nonprofit entities to establish and operate such screening programs. Sets forth the procedure for applications for and administration of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
National Catastrophic Illness Protection Act - Part A: General Provisions - Establishes as the policy of Congress the need for a National Castastrophic Illness Insurance program to encourage State and private insurers in the development of insurance policies. Part B: Establishment of Program; State Plans - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish and carry out a National Catastrophic Illness Insurance Program. Provides that the program shall involve the creation of State-wide plans providing extended health insurance, and that the Federal Government will reinsure insurers and pools of insurers who offer such insurance. Requires all plans to include: (1) that extended health insurance be available to all eligible individuals, and at a cost which is reasonable, subject only to deductibles authorizes in this Act; (2) that where an insurer does not agree to write a policy of extended insurance, or does so under various limiting conditions, the State authority is notified and provides that the policy would then be placed with a pool or otherwise assigned to insurers by the "all- industry placement facility"; (3) that data be compiled and studied in connection with the operation of the State-wide plan; (4) that certain reports be submitted to the State insurance authority by individual insurers; (5) that any cancellation of a policy provide for reasonable notice to permit coverage under a new policy to be written under the plan; and (6) that public information about the plan be readily distributed. Sets premium rates on the basis of a study of the risks in question and actuarial principals, such rates to be promulgated by the Secretary. Provides that, before payments are made under an extended insurance policy, a deductible must be satisfied through an equal amount of medical expenses paid or incurred by such individual. Provides that the amount of such deductible is determined by relating the extent of medical expenses to adjusted income and is equal to one-half of the amount by which a person's or family's adjusted income exceeds $1,000 but does not exceed $2,000; plus all of the amount by which such adjusted income exceeds $2,000. Provides that statements pledging participation and cooperation with the State insurance authority would be required of insurers seeking reinsurance under the program. Provides that no insurer shall direct any agent or broker not to solicit business through such a plan, not penalize agents or brokers in any manner for submitting applications under the plan. Provides that the State plan shall be evaluated from time to time in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary. Part C: Reinsurance Coverage - Provides that the Secretary is authorized to reinsure against the losses which might be incurred under extended health insurance policies. Authorizes the Secretary to make agreements with insurers and pools for reinsurance in consideration of payments of reinsurance premiums deposited in the National Catastrophic Illness Insurance Fund in excess of the estimated amount of losses under such policies. Provides a detailed procedure for implementation of the reinsurance program in a State within specified time requirements, taking into account certain State and local factors which might affect such implementation. Provides that the Government may recover in the courts any unpaid premiums lawfully payable to the Government by an insurer under provisions of a 5-year statue of limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act - Declares that it is the policy of Congress and the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to programs for the delivery of health services in order to increase the availability of health care services to residents of rural areas. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Rural Health. Authorizes the Director of such office to award grants, contracts, loans, and loan guarantees for projects to: (1) examine existing models of rural health care delivery; (2) determine such models applicability and transferability to other rural areas; and (3) assist in the study, planning, and development of rural health care delivery models. States that the Director shall: (1) provide liaison among all Federal agencies for the purpose of coordinating health care programs in rural areas; (2) provide technical assistance and advice for the development of rural health care delivery models; and (3) provide for the coordination of programs assisted under this Act with programs of the National Health Service Corps. Establishes in the Treasury a rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund. Stipulates that the Director shall not approve an application for a loan or a loan guarantee under this Act unless he determines that the terms and conditions are sufficient to protect the financial interests of the United States. Establishes a Rural Health Care Advisory Committee composed of 11 members. Directs such committee to make recommendations to the Director with respect to overall planning, policies, objectives and priorities for the Office of Rural Health. Stipulates that the Director shall not approve an award of any grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee under this Act unless such award has been approved by the Rural Health Care Advisory Committee and the appropriate State and local medical society. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as may be required from time to time for for the rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Department of Defense Appropriation Act, 1977, to repeal the prohibition of expenditure of funds for claims for nonemergency inpatient hospital care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) when such care was available at a facility of the uniformed services within a 40-mile radius of the patient's residence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from premium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. States that the benefits provided to an individual under this Act shall consist of (1) home health services, (2) homemaker services, (3) nutrition services, (4) long-term institutional care services, (5) day care and foster home services, and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Enumerates the requirements for certification of a State long-term care agency by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act by individuals who elect to participate in the long-term care program. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a Board of Trustees of such Trust Fund, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, all ex officio. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Commissioner of Social Security shall serve as the Secretary of the Board. Requires the Board to meet at least once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual who (a) is eligible for benefits under this part, (b) resides in the area served by such center, and (c) is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth a formula by which payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers may be calculated. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Secretary. Provides that whenever the Secretary finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Secretary shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method within 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Secretary a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Provides for increases in supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare should, by April 30, 1977, publish in the Federal Register proposed regulations governing all research involving recombinant DNA.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Repeals Title XV (National Health Planning and Development) and Title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture give written notice to individuals in control of common carriers of the existence of animal and plant contagion and quarantine zones, and of various regulations affecting the treatment and handling of livestock and produce within such zones.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Child and Maternal Health Care Extension Act - Authorizes to be appropriated, under Title V (Grants to States for Maternal and Child Welfare) of the Social Security Act, for the purpose of enabling the States to diagnose, screen, and provide immediate limited treatment of child health and maternal health conditions, for each fiscal year a sum sufficient to carry out the purposes of this Act. Declares that such funds shall be used for making payments to States which have submitted, and had approved by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, State plans for establishment and operation of mobile health care facilities. Enumerates criteria which a State plan must meet prior to approval, including: (1) the existence and operation of a mobile health care team in each of the eligible counties within the State; (2) the establishment or designation of a single State agency to supervise the administration of the plan; and (3) the authorization of the State agency to carry out the plan in conformity with this Act. Requires the periodic review of the eligibility of all counties in each State. Provides that if the State agency supervising the administration of the State plan finds that: (1) the plan has been so changed that it no longer complies with the provisions of this Act; (2) in the administration of the plan there is a failure to comply substantially with this Act; or (3) an eligible county within the State is not included within the State plan; further payments will not be made to the State until the Secretary is satisfied that there will no longer be any such failure to comply. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for pediatric nurses services. Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides, under the Social Security Act, for: (1) the training of pediatric nurse practitioners; (2) the payment for services rendered by such pediatric nurse practitioner; (3) expanded services for crippled children; and (4) maternal and child health services for low-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Comprehensive National Health Care Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to create a system of national health care benefits which will make comprehensive health services available to all residents of the United States. Title I: National Health Care Program - Repeals title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes a health care benefits program covering: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) physicians' services; (3) medical and other health services; (4) home health services; (5) post-hospital extended care services; (6) outpatient drugs and biologicals; (7) routine dental services; (8) developmental vision care services; as defined in regulations, routine eye and vision examinations, and eyeglasses; (9) hearing aids and examinations; (10) routine physical examinations and preventive services as defined in regulations; and (11) ambulance services in specified instances. Limits post-hospital extended care services to 180 days and home health care services coverage to 180 visits per year. Limits inpatient psychiatric hospital services to 45 days per year. States that every individual, without regard to race, sex, income or age, who is a resident of the United States shall be eligible for health care benefits. Directs the Social Security Administration to establish a separate account for each individual covered by this program. Requires the Administration to make payments to providers of services under the provisions of this Act. Sets forth conditions and limitations on payment for services. Allows payments for emergency hospital services furnished to individuals entitled to benefits under this Act. States that payment for major surgery and other specialized services may be made only when such services are furnished by specialists. States that payment may not be made for services furnished by a professional practitioner in a hospital which is not a participating provider of services, except for specified outpatient services. Establishes an area health care services board within each geographic area established by the Public Health Service Act. Enumerates regulations governing prospective payment methods under this Act. Requires providers of services to file an agreement with the Administration not to charge individuals for services for which individual is entitled to have payment made under this Act. Authorizes the Administration to enter into contracts with carriers to perform specified functions. States that payment for services rendered by a physician shall be made in accordance with a single fee schedule applicable throughout the designated geographical area. Establishes a National Health Care Formulary Committee, consisting of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and three other individuals. Directs the Committee to compile, publish, and make available a National Health Care Formulary containing an alphabetical list of drugs, including specific dosage forms and strengths. Establishes a National Health Care Trust Fund, and a Board of Trustees to govern such fund. Directs the Board to report to Congress annually on the status and operation of the Fund. Defines terms used in this title. Provides criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Establishes a Provider Reimbursement Review Board to hold hearings on cost reports filed by providers of services, if such provider is dissatisfied with a final determination of his cost report. States that at such hearing, the provider of services shall have the right to be represented by counsel. Creates a National Health Care Benefits Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Administration with respect to this title. Directs the Administration to prescribe necessary regulations to carry out the provisions of this title. Imposes a special income tax to finance the health care program. Provides that one-half the amount paid may be taken as an income tax credit. Title II: Independent Social Security Administration - Establishes as an independent agency of the executive branch a Social Security Administration. States that the Administration shall administer the program established by this Act, in addition to the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program, and the black lung benefits program. Directs the Administration to study the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance. Requires the Administration to submit an annual report to Congress on its activities and recommendations for legislation. Abolishes the positions of Commissioners of Social Security. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that existing employer-employee health benefits plans shall be unaffected by this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to nonprofit private entities: (1) for specified research and development projects designed to improve systems and delivery of health care for persons who are critically ill; (2) to support biomedical engineering projects for testing new instrumentation and systems for delivery of critical health care; and (3) for the establishment and initial operation of not more than ten critical care facilities for the delivery of health care to critically ill patients, which facilities would be used for clinical testing of new instrumentation and health care delivery systems and to train personnel in the use of such instrumentation and systems. Specifies conditions for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include physician extender services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Requires an employer to contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of an electing employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium, with the employee contributing the balance. Establishes, for low-income employees, a program of certificates of entitlement or income tax credit in the amount by which the portion of the premium payable by such an employee exceeds the premium for which he would be liable under the program of health insurance for the unemployed or self-employed as established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll cost due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. States that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of the annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Sets forth a plan of health insurance providing hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and their families. Establishes, as a means of implementing such plan, a program of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax for the premium for qualified health care insurance. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to the income of the individual or family, the Secretary to pay the full premium for those whose annual income are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides qualified health care insurance for an individual or family with no tax liability for the base year. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under such plan for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accommodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for catastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary, programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established by this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
Germany · German Bundestag · 14 January 1977
Germany · German Bundestag · 14 January 1977
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for enterostomal therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Extends the coverage for dental services provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include any services which may be performed by a doctor of dental surgery or of dental medicine and to authorize payment under the Medicare program for all inpatient hospital services furnished in connection with dental procedures requiring hospitalization.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Requires an employer to contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of an electing employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium, with the employee contributing the balance. Establishes, for low-income employees, a program of certificates of entitlement or income tax credit in the amount by which the portion of the premium payable by such an employee exceeds the premium for which he would be liable under the program of health insurance for the unemployed or self-employed as established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll cost due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. States that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of the annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Sets forth a plan of health insurance providing hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and their families. Establishes, as a means of implementing such plan, a program of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax for the premium for qualified health care insurance. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to the income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides qualified health care insurance for an individual or family with no tax liability for the base year. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under such plan for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accommodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for catastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary, programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established by this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase the inpatient deductible from $40 to $104 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1978. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to roll back the time period considered for the purpose of determining the rate of hospital insurance tax on employees, employers, and the self-employed.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement of three days prior hospitalization to be eligible for home health care and extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for eyeglasses and prescription drugs under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Burn Facilities Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide for the establishment of new burn treatment centers and the upgrading of burn units in general hospitals; (2) provide training and support of specialists to staff new and existing burn treatment facilities; (3) provide special training in emergency care of burn victims; and (4) sponsor other research and training programs related to the treatment of burn victims. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assist the Secretary by providing information on existing burn treatment programs, and other information. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Medical Assistance Accountability Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the appointment, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, of an officer to be known as the "Special Auditor General for Medicaid Fraud and Abuse," (Auditor General). Declares that such appointment shall be made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the Auditor General shall report directly to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Declares that the Auditor General shall not be under the control of, or subject to supervision by, any officer of the Department having responsibilities with respect to Medicaid medical assistance programs. Declares it to be the duty and responsibility of the Auditor General to arrange for, direct, or conduct such reviews, inspections, and audits of the Medicaid medical assistance programs as he considers necessary for ascertaining the efficiency and economy of their administration, their consonance with the provisions of this title, and the attainment of the objectives and purposes for which this title was enacted. Authorizes the Auditor General to refer directly to other departments or agencies in carrying out audits, reviews, and inspections. Directs the head of other Federal departments, agencies, offices, or instrumentalities to provide any information requested by the Auditor General. Directs the Auditor General to report semiannually to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives, and to any duly authorized subcommittees thereof having legislative or oversight jurisdiction over the matters involved, with respect to his activities under this section. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Auditor General to compile, keep current, and make available to State agencies a list of persons who have been convicted of a violation which is described in Title XIX and which was made in connection with the furnishing by such persons of items and services to individuals for which payment was or was to be made under a State plan approved under this title. Directs that a person convicted of a violation occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act shall, during the two-year period beginning on the date such conviction became final, be ineligible to receive any payment under a State Medicaid plan for the furnishing of items or services. Directs the Auditor General to conduct a study of fraud and abuse in connection with the furnishing of health care in the United States and the payment and reimbursement under both public and private systems for the cost of furnishing such care. Requires the Auditor General to complete such study within two years after the date of enactment of this Act and to, within 30 days of the completion of such study, make a report respecting the results of such study to the Committees on Finance and Labor and Public Welfare of the Senate and the Committees on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for hearing aids and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase the inpatient hospital deductible from $40 to $104 in the case of any spell of illness beginning before 1978. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to roll back the time period considered for the purpose of determining the rate of hospital insurance tax on employees, employers, and the self-employed.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Maternal and Child Health Care Act - Title I: General Provisions and Administration - Entitles every individual who is a United State citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and who is a child or who is pregnant, to have payment made for health care services received by such individual in accordance with this Act. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Maternal and Child Health Board. Directs the Board to continuously study the operation of this Act and the most effective methods of providing comprehensive personal health services to mothers and children. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress on its activities. Establishes a National Maternal and Child Health Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy, study the operation of this Act, and recommend changes it deems advisable. Title II: Nature and Scope of Benefits - Sets forth procedures to be used in determining whether institutions are qualified health services providers under this Act. Includes within covered professional services: (1) preventive children's health services; and (2) professional services for the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of a child following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within covered inpatient hospital services: (1) emergency medical care for children; (2) inpatient services for a child under the age of 12 in a qualified pediatric unit; (3) inpatient services for a child 12 years of age or older in a qualified hospital; and (4) child inpatient services in a qualified nursing home. Includes the following services within the coverage of this Act: (1) rehabilitative services, encompassing physical therapy and speech therapy; (2) social services; and (3) mental health services, encompassing psychiatric and psychological services furnished to a child in a qualified facility. Includes within coverage drugs and biologicals prescribed for a child who is not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for longer than four weeks. Includes within coverage devices, appliances, and equipment, the dispensing of such devices for the correction of a child's vision or hearing, and the dispensing of such devices as are necessary for the treatment or rehabilitation of a child following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within maternity coverage: (1) professional services for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy and related medical problems; (2) inpatient hospital services for care during pregnancy and for 12 weeks after the pregnancy's termination; (3) diagnostic services performed by a qualified pathology laboratory during such time period; (4) drugs and biologicals prescribed during such time period for a woman not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for more than four weeks; and (5) devices, appliances, and equipment required for treatment of a woman for any pregnancy-related condition during such time period. Directs the Board to arrange for the furnishing of covered medical services to individuals who reside in a medically underserved area or who, because of poverty, discrimination, or cultural barriers, are determined by the Board to suffer a higher risk of infant and maternal mortality than other individuals. Includes within coverage of such individuals, transportation to and from the place where medical services are furnished, care of dependents while such individuals are being furnished medical services, and social outreach services to inform such individuals about services available under this Act. Title III: Administration and Method of Payment of Benefits - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into contracts with carriers to perform some or all of specified administrative functions. Stipulates that payments for covered services may be made only to: (1) the person furnishing such services; (2) the employer of such person; or (3) the facility in which such services were provided. Directs the Secretary to pay 100 percent of the full payment amount for covered services in specified circumstances and to pay 90 percent of that amount in all other cases. Allows the Board, upon determining that a person furnishing covered services under this Act has substantially or consistently violated requirements under this title, to prohibit the making of any payments under this Act for a period not to exceed one year. Requires an individual requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing such services. Requires the Board to approve for each fee payment area a schedule of the amount of payments to be made under this Act for the furnishing of covered professional services. Directs the Board to designate for each fee payment area a nonprofit fee payment board, to submit to the Board a proposed fee payment schedule, and to propose annual revisions. Permits persons adversely affected by the Board's approval or disapproval of a fee payment schedule to seek review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Directs that payments be made on a timely basis for covered institutional services. Requires qualified institutions requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of their participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing covered services. Directs the Board to make available to the public the name, address, and telephone number of each dispenser of drugs and devices covered under this Act. Requires dispensers to display public notice of their participation in the program and to inform patients of any copayment that must be made for any drugs and devices furnished under this Act. Directs the Board to publish annually a schedule of the wholesale cost of covered drugs and devices commonly dispensed under this Act. Title IV: Financing the Maternal and Child Health Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a maternal and child health care tax on employees, employers, and self-employed individuals. Creates on the books of the United States Treasury a Maternal and Child Health Trust Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act in each fiscal year. Appropriates to the Fund for the fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter, amounts equivalent to the revenue from the maternal and child health care taxes. Authorizes the Managing Trustee of the Fund to accept and deposit into the Fund money, gifts, and bequests made unconditionally for the benefit of such Fund or any of its activities. Creates a body to be known as the Board of the Trustees of the Fund and designates the Secretary of the Treasury as Managing Trustee. Directs such Board to submit an annual report to Congress on the operation and status of the Fund. Charges the Managing Trustee with the duty of investing such portion of the Fund as is not required to meet current withdrawals. Title V: Penalties, Effective Date, and Technical Amendments - Makes it unlawful to make false statements, misrepresent material facts, or fraudulently conceal or fail to disclose material facts in connection with applications and payment requests under this Act. Makes it unlawful to solicit, offer, or receive kickbacks, bribes, or referral charge rebates in connection with services covered under this Act. Subjects violators to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Makes specified technical and conforming amendments in the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
International Portability of Medicare Benefits Act - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, under specified circumstances, to make payment for inpatient hospital services furnished to an individual by a hospital located outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to make available free of charge to the State of Hawaii or through it to the Queen's Medical Center, unneeded physical facilities at Fort DeRussy, Hawaii to establish and operate a mental health clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
National Health Care Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Expresses the finding of Congress that many Americans find it difficult to secure quality health care when they need it. Declares the purpose of the Act to be the improvement of organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all citizens of the United States. Title II: Provisions to Strengthen Health Planning - Directs the States, as part of their review of institutional health services, to designate unneeded services as surplus. States that surplus service shall be considered as though it has been denied a certificate-of-need. Establishes, under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, a system of grants to reimburse health care institutions which incurred expenses in developing facilities which were later declared surplus. Authorizes State health planning and development agencies to establish health data consortium to serve the common data needs of itself and specified groups. Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines to be used in establishing certificate-of-need programs and in evaluating the need for new institutional health services. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Authorizes grants for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Places priority upon the construction of such facilities located in densely populated areas where such facilities do not now exist. Directs that in order to participate in programs pursuant to this title the States must submit a plan which includes a listing of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed to provide adequate ambulatory health care services for patients residing in the State. Title IV: Provisions to Assure a Coordinated National Health Policy - Requires the President to transmit to the Congress not later than July 1 of each year a health report setting forth the present status of the health care system of the Nation with an appraisal of trends and a review of the health programs and activities of the Federal, State and local governments. Creates a Health Policy Board which shall study the Nation's health care programs and make recommendations to the President concerning such programs. Directs the Board to consult with other advisory bodies and representative groups in carrying out their responsibilities. Directs all agencies of the Federal Government to include in every major action, statements regarding the effect of such action on the nation's health care. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Establishes minimum standard health care benefits. Specifies that such standard shall be 100 percent of specified examinations, X-rays and laboratory tests and 80 percent of specified hospital, surgical, professional, and ambulatory health care. Prohibits, after a transitional period, any deductions by an employer for payments to an employee health care plan unless the plan offers coverage to the employees' family, the employer pays at least 50 percent of the plan's cost, and the plan provides the minimum health care benefits specified by this Act. Allows an unlimited personal deduction for premiums paid by the taxpayer for a health care plan covering himself or his dependents which provides the minimum benefits specified by this Act. Specifies such minimum health care benefits, including basic dental, maternal, child, family planning and mental health care, which must be extended by health plans in order to qualify for the income tax deductions provided by this title. Requires that such plans provide an annual deductible of $100, with a carryover of any unused portion. Prohibits the awarding of damages for the cost of remedial services for which a party is compensated under this Act in any malpractice action arising out of the furnishing of services covered under a health care plan or under the Social Security Act. Adds to the Social Security Act, "Title XXI - Grants to States for Qualified State Health Care Plans". Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as necessary to provide comprehensive health care insurance to needy individuals and families. Allows individuals or families eligible for enrollment in the qualified State health care plan to elect coverage under an arrangement between the administering carrier and an approved health maintenance organization. States that every resident individual or family who is not eligible to enroll in a qualified employee health care plan, who is enrolled in the supplementary medical insurance program for the aged and who meets the requirements concerning income, shall be eligible to enroll in the qualified State health care plan. Sets forth a formula for determining premium rates to be paid by participating individuals and families. States that in the operation of a qualified State health care plan no charge for services rendered or supplies furnished by any hospital, skilled nursing facility, or home health agency shall be reimbursed to the extent that such charges exceed the rates approved by a State health care institution cost commission established pursuant to this Act. Makes it the duty of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review the level of rates of institutional reimbursement approved by the commission for such categories of health care institutions as shall be established by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to order a reduction in the level of rates approved for a given category of health care institution upon a determination that such rates are unjustifiably high. Stipulates that each State must establish a health care benefits pool. Directs that the premiums collected pursuant to Title XXI be paid into the pool. Makes such pool available to pay claims and other specified expenses associated with the program. Prohibits any class of individuals or families receiving all, or substantially all, of their medical care under a Federal program from receiving coverage under a qualified State health care plan unless the Federal Government provides payment as required by the Act. Makes the State insurance commissioner responsible for assuring the establishment and regulation of a facility to underwrite or reinsure minimum standard health care benefits for individuals, families, and groups of less than 50 employees or members to whom such benefits would not otherwise be available.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish standards with respect to preventive health care for identifiable populations within public health programs funded under such Act. Specifies that such standards shall be developed to identify populations in need and to maintain population-directed preventive health programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non- resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations; and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Allows eligible professional practitioners to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the following to participate as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under the Health Security Program. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans' Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Allocates the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new one percent Health Security tax on earned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.