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Bill· HRH.R. 1591 (95th)referred

Older American Special Nutritional and Medical Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977

Older American Special Nutritional and Medical Assistance - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a program to make supplemental food available to older persons determined to be nutritional risks because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income. Directs the Commissioner to establish a program to make medical services and medical supplies available to older persons determined to be in special need of such services and supplies because of their medical condition and inadequate income. Requires States receiving grants for such purposes to distribute such grants to local health or welfare agencies or private nonprofit agencies. Requires the Commissioner to insure that foods, services, and supplies provided under this Act will be delivered to homes of older persons otherwise unable to procure them. Requires the Commissioner to insure that there is an equitable distribution of such foods, services, and supplies to older persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Commissioner and the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an interim evaluation report and final evaluation report, detailing the administration of any program established under this Act together with legislative and administrative recommendations. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal year 1978 through 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1519 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Public Health Services Act to provide special allowances to certain physicians employed by the United States in order to enhance the recruitment and retention of such physicians.

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977

Amends the Public Health Service Act to entitle physicians employed by the Federal Government to a professional allowance in addition to basic pay. Authorizes Federal agencies to enter into service agreements with prospective government physicians whereby the Physician is paid a bonus of up to $5,800 annually in return for agreeing to work a specified number of years in such agency.

Bill· HRH.R. 1315 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for certain diagnostic tests and examinations given for the detection of breast cancer.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for diagnostic tests and examinations given for the detection of breast cancer under the supplementary medical insurance program.

Bill· HRH.R. 1314 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under part B of medicare for routine Papanicolaou tests for the diagnosis of uterine cancer.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.

Bill· HRH.R. 1299 (95th)referred

A bill to amend part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for emergency inpatient hospital service furnished outside the United States, to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for emergency inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States, to a qualified individual whose principal residence is within the United States, without regard to where the emergency occurred.

Bill· HRH.R. 1221 (95th)referred

National Diabetes Advisory Board Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board Activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Establishes within the National Institutes of Health a program of Distinguished Scientist Awards. Authorizes the Secretary to make such awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Sets the amount of each grant at $35,000 per year. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Bill· HRH.R. 1217 (95th)referred

Burn Facilities Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1220 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to train certain veterans, with appropriate experience as paramedical personnel, to serve as medical assistants in long-term health care facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends the Public Health Service Act to enable the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to schools of medicine to assist in developing and conducting training programs designed to prepare Armed Forces veterans, with appropriate experience as paramedical personnel, to serve as medical assistants in long-term health care facilities. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $5,000,000 for each of the next three fiscal years to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1219 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to provide for the making of grants to appropriate colleges and universities to assist them in the establishment and operation of programs for the training of physicians' assistants.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to colleges and universities to assist them in the establishment and operation of programs for the training of physicians' assistants.

Bill· HRH.R. 1128 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide that medicaid is a payor of last resort and to permit recovery by States from certain estates of medicaid expenses incurred by individuals before reaching the age of 65.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit any expenditure to an individual to the extent to which an entity (other than a member of the individual's family) would be liable for payment for such care and services but for a provision of a contract or a State law which has the effect of limiting or excluding such liability because the individual is eligible or entitled to receive care or services under the plan. Provides that a lien may be imposed by the State against the estate of a deceased individual after the death of his surviving spouse, on account of medical assistance paid or to be paid on his behalf under Title XIX.

Bill· HRH.R. 1116 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove all limits on the number of home health visits for which payment may be made under both part A and part B (eliminating the requirement of prior hospitalization in the case of home health care under part A), to include additional types of services as home health care, to provide coverage for preventive care under part B, to provide coverage for services furnished in outpatient rehabilitation facilities and elderly day care centers, to improve the administration of the medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the limit of 100 visits which applies to post-hospital home health services. Drops the requirement that the home health care provided be of the same kind as provided in prior hospitalization. Eliminates the requirement that a physician review the home health care plan and that the patient be under the care of a physician. Requires that such functions be done by the appropriate health professional under regulation of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Extends Medicare coverage to include periodic chore services, hospital outreach services, nutritional counseling, health and supportive services furnished in elderly day care centers, and expansion of professional standard review organization review functions. Requires the Secretary to establish a review plan which is adapted to meet the non-institutional nature of home health services. Extends Medicare coverage only to those outpatient rehabilitation services which are certified by a physician as being required.

Bill· HRH.R. 1089 (95th)referred

Health Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 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, including preventive care. Limits psychiatric services to ambulatory patients only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness provided by a group practice organization, hospital, or clinic. 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 to 120 days per spell of illness, except that such limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital budget. 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: (1) prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations; and (2) 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. Establishes a program to furnish therapeutic devices, appliances, and equipment which is similar in concept and operation to the benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of: (1) optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations; (2) diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services; (3) the care of a patient in a mental health day care service; and (4) emergency and non-emergency transportation services provided for access to covered services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner furnished in a hospital which is not a participation provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers agree to provide services without discrimination, make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program begins eligible 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 participation of the following 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. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. 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 Health Security. 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 judgements 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. Requires that in each of the first two years of program operation two percent of the Trust Fund be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund and the allocation be increased by one percent at two-year intervals to five percent within the next six years. 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. Prescribes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (free-for-service and capitation), the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. 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. Raises the wage base for the employee tax to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. 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. Adds a new one percent Health Security Tax on unearned 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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1130 (95th)referred

Medicare Long-Term Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Repeals existing provisions for post-hospital home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes, within the hospital insurance program of such Title, a program of long-term care benefits to be provided for aged and disabled individuals including all recipients of supplemental security income benefits and to be financed without additional cost to such individuals, through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, from funds appropriated by the Federal Government. States that the benefits provided to an individual by such program 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. Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, such benefits shall be provided by or through community long-term care centers, as defined in this Act; and, in any case where a State has an agency which performs the functions of planning and developing such centers and overseeing their operation the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make grants to the State or State agency to reimburse it for expenses incurred in the performance of such functions. Directs the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the amount expended by a State for the operation of a State long-term care agency. Enumerates the functions of such an agency. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center and (iii) who 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. Defines terms used in this Act, including the services to be provided by community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary to develop and promulgate to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth the standards of care for homemaker and nutritional services. Establishes the Federal Advisory Council on Long-Term Care. Sets forth the qualifications of the five members of such Council. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on regulations under this Act and on matters of general policy with respect to this Act. States that no regulations of the Secretary under this Act shall become effective unless they have first been approved by the Council. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Authorizes the appropriation to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as the Secretary considers necessary for any fiscal year for the purposes of the program created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with institutions to meet the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing long-term health care.

Bill· HRH.R. 1127 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include dental care, eye care, hearing aids, physical checkups, and foot care among the items and services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program, and to provide safeguards against consumer abuse in the provision of these items and services.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for one comprehensive physical examination a year, dental care including dentures, eye examinations including eyeglasses, hearing aids including examination, treatment of foot conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take steps to eliminate unnecessary or excessive medical appliance expenditures under the Medicare program by implementing appliance leasing, auditing of medical appliance manufacturers and providers, and by cross-referencing prevailing medical appliance rates. Includes under the term "medical appliance" hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, and similar health aids. States that the Federal Trade Commission should continue and increase scrutiny of the medical appliance industries in the interest of consumer protection. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare should provide increased assistance to encourage the continuing education and training of hearing specialists, clinical audiologists, and physicians to improve the quality of hearing care, and to encourage the provision by State local governments of more and better hearing care for the elderly, including a network of examination and treatment sites.

Bill· HRH.R. 1114 (95th)referred

Geriatric Health Personnel Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Geriatric Health Personnel Training Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to grant $500,000 for each of six schools of medicine to assist in the establishment and operation of departments of geriatrics. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist schools of medicine in the establishment and operation of continuing education programs in geriatrics for physicians. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $5,000,000 for each of the next three fiscal years to enable the Secretary to make grants to schools of medicine to assist in developing and conducting training programs designed to prepare armed forces veterans, with appropriate experience as paramedical personnel, to serve as medical assistants in long-term health care facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with public or nonprofit colleges and universities for the development of graduate programs for nurses in geriatrics and gerontology. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it an unfair labor practice for an employer to discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee who has testified before any congressional committee or any governmental agency or department.

Bill· HRH.R. 1090 (95th)referred

Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 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.

Bill· HRH.R. 981 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the excise tax on cigarettes, and to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a trust fund to be used to fund the research programs of the National Cancer Institute.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Cancer Research Fund in the Treasury to be partially funded from the additional excise taxes collected under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1018 (95th)referred

National Health Action Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

National Health Action Corps Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase the number of trained professional personnel in the allied health field by providing young Americans training and practical work experience in the allied health field. Establishes within the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Health Action Corps. Provides that the Corps shall be headed by a Board of Directors which shall consist of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, or their respective designees. States that it shall be the duty of the Corps to provide opportunities for young Americans to participate in programs which provide training and practical work experience in the allied health field. States that such programs shall include career counseling, exposure to various health-related occupations, and training and work experience in clinical settings. Stipulates that the Corps shall be composed of volunteers selected by the Administrator in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Board. States that the term of enlistment in the Corps shall be one year plus time for training. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to any volunteer who has completed his period of enlistment: (1) a scholarship of $3,000 if such volunteer is a full-time student at a junior college, college, or university; or (2) a bonus of $3,000, if such volunteer works for one year in an area which (as determined by the Administrator) has a critical shortage of trained professional personnel in the allied health field. Stipulates that the Board shall establish a National Advisory Committee to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Board on matters relating to: (1) the recruitment of Corps volunteers; (2) evaluation of the quality of the training provided to the Corps volunteers; (3) the projected future demand for trained professionals in the allied health field; and (4) innovations in the utilization of trained professional personnel in the allied health field.

Bill· HRH.R. 957 (95th)referred

National Voluntary Medical and Hospital Services Insurance Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

National Voluntary Medical and Hospital Services Insurance Act - Creates the National Voluntary Medical and Hospital Services Insurance Agency to operate a National Voluntary Medical and Hospital Services Insurance Plan with funds supplied by voluntary subscriptions and matching United States Treasury funds, to pay all reasonable costs of all medically necessary and appropriate medical and hospital services for all voluntary enrollees. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for the first calendar year after this Act becomes effective for the Agency to carry out its duties under this Act. Directs that payment be made by the plan to or on behalf of every enrollee for all legal, appropriate, and professionally recognized and medically necessary service provided as a personal professional service by or under the direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor, whenever performed. Specifies services excluded from benefits of the plan. Requires premium payments in the amount of $18 per month for each adult and one-half of the amount for each child. Stipulates that subscribers with a total earned and unearned family income of less than $12,000 per year shall be entitled to have their premiums calculated at 1.8 percent of such income for each child enrollee. Prohibits the use of more than three percent of all premiums received for the payment of costs of the plan other than benefits. Stipulates that the Agency shall affix a fee to every professionally recognized diagnostic and therapeutic medical service procedure or treatment and laboratory pathological test and procedure that is proportionate to the customary and reasonable fee for such service in each general area of the United States. Enumerates, with respect to claims for the benefits of this plan, the form of, items of information to be contained in, and procedures for auditing, assessment, and payment of, such claims. Authorizes the Agency to temporarily or permanently exclude any enrollee or provider of services found to have made any false claim for payment for services. Requires the arbitration of claims for damages resulting from alleged malpractice in the provision of any service that is a benefit of the plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 999 (95th)referred

National Comprehensive Vision Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

National Comprehensive Vision Care Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make annual grants to the States for the costs of establishing and operating programs under which students in public schools: (1) will receive free vision testing; and (2) will be provided, without charge, appropriate necessary follow-up services (including ophthalmologic and optometric services and eyeglasses). Authorizes such grants to be used to train personnel to administer such tests. Directs the Secretary to establish a panel to advise him with respect to the standards to be prescribed by him under this Act for qualified vision tests. States that such panel shall be composed of four ophthalmologists and four optometrists who by virtue of their training and experience are especially qualified to advise the Secretary with respect to such standards. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to the Congress respecting the grant program authorized under this Act and to include in such report his recommendations for such legislation as he deems appropriate.

Bill· HRH.R. 958 (95th)referred

Medical Assistance Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Medical Assistance Amendments - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate all the deductibles, coinsurance, and time limitations presently applicable to benefits thereunder. Eliminates medicare taxes as the method of financing hospital insurance benefits and premium payments as the method of financing supplementary medical insurance benefits. Includes within the coverage of Title XVIII eye care, dental care, hearing aids, prescription drugs, prosthetics, one physical checkup a year, preventive care, diagnosis of breast cancer, services of clinical psychologists, and services of registered nurses. Establishes a system of administrative and judicial review of claims which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program.

Bill· HRH.R. 954 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the excise tax on cigarettes, and to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a trust fund to be used to fund the research programs of the National Cancer Institute.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Cancer Research Fund in the Treasury to be partially funded from the additional excise taxes collected under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 951 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of Federal financial assistance for research programs and specialized treatment centers for the study and treatment of problems respecting human fertility and sterility and the human reproductive process.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends the Public Health Service Act by adding Title XIV - Fertility, Sterility, and the Reproductive Process. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit entities for research projects in fertility and sterility in humans and the human reproductive process and for training to enable persons to undertake such research. Authorizes the Secretary to establish in the National Institutes of Health and in various geographical regions of the United States specialized treatment centers in the field of human reproduction.

Bill· HRH.R. 862 (95th)referred

Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act - Prohibits smoking in specified areas of Federal facilities and in interstate passenger carrier facilities. Requires the effective separation of smokers from non-smokers in certain areas of such facilities. Requires that nonsmoking employees in Federal facilities be given the opportunity to be assigned to physically distinct offices or workplaces from those who smoke, whenever possible. Makes the executive head or chief administrative officer of each instrumentality responsible for the enforcement of these prohibitions in any Federal facility in which such instrumentality maintains offices. Requires such officers to submit an annual report on the enforcement of these prohibitions to the Administrator of General Services. Establishes civil penalties for individuals who smoke in any area of an interstate passenger carrier facility where smoking is prohibited under this Act. Requires that "No Smoking" signs be posted in specified areas.

Bill· HRH.R. 839 (95th)referred

Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful, under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which (1) fails to bear the required health warning statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in, or have an effect upon, commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported.

Bill· HRH.R. 807 (95th)referred

Continuing Care Consumer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Continuing Care Consumer Protection Act - Directs that no federally assisted continuing care institution, including such institutions which are engaged in interstate commerce, may require any transfer of property, or any cash payment in addition to or in lieu of the institution's regular periodic charges for the care and services involved from any individual in return for, or as a condition of the provision to such individual of, medical, nursing, custodial, or other long-term care except under, and in accordance with, a written contract or agreement which sets forth the rights and obligations of the institution and such individual. Sets forth requirements which must be met by such contracts in order to conform to this Act, including: (1) full written financial disclosure to potential patients prior to the time the contract is entered into; (2) a complete description of the services to be rendered; (3) a description of the method by which any payment is to be made; and (4) a statement that termination of the contract will be permitted upon 90-days notice to the nonterminating party. Requires that the financial records of each institution subject to this Act shall be audited not less than once each year. Directs each such institution to maintain financial reserves sufficient to meet its obligations under continuing care contracts. Specifies that in any case where an institution subject to this Act is in the process of construction or major rehabilitation at the time a payment is made to it, such payment shall be held in escrow. States that any institution which fails to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than $5,000. Allows any party to a continuing care contract, injured by reason of the institution's noncompliance with this Act, to sue therefor in the district court of the United States without respect to the amount in controversy, and shall be entitled to recover damages together with the cost of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees.

Bill· HRH.R. 760 (95th)referred

Health Care Insurance Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Health Care Insurance Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding the following new Title: Title XXI - Federal Financing of Voluntary Health Insurance. Declares the purpose of this Act to make it possible for every individual to obtain comprehensive medical and hospitalization insurance of his choice. Establishes for eligible beneficiaries and their dependents a program for the issuance of health insurance certificates of entitlement which shall operate to reduce or eliminate the cost to any individual of protection under a qualified health care insurance policy or plan of his choice. Provides that eligible beneficiaries under this title include: (1) a husband and his wife, both under age 65, living together; and (2) any person, under age 65, other than a married person living with his or her spouse where both are under age 65, who is not a dependent beneficiary. Defines a dependent beneficiary as any child or step-child of an eligible beneficiary who, during the base year of such eligible beneficiary, receives more than 50 percent of his support from such eligible beneficiary, and who at the close of such year has not attained the age of 21, or, if he is a full-time student, has not attained the age of 23. Provides that every individual who is an eligible beneficiary shall be eligible to receive a health insurance certificate of entitlement, which shall be applicable in full or part payment of allowable premiums on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. States that the value to be assigned to the health insurance certificate of entitlement shall be the sum of: (1) the allowable premiums for qualified health care insurance paid for basic coverage for the beneficiary's benefit year, multiplied by the applicable percentage factor ranging from 100 percent for persons with an income tax liability of $0, to ten percent for persons with an income tax liability of $891 or over; and (2) 100 percent of the allowable premiums paid for the catastrophic expense coverage for the beneficiary's benefit year. Provides that the allowable premium which shall be taken into account in the assignment of value to a health insurance certificate of entitlement shall be that portion of the aggregate amount of premiums paid or payable by an eligible beneficiary for one or more qualified health care insurance policies or plans providing coverage for such eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries for a 12 month period that represents the cost of the protection required in a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Provides that a health insurance certificate of entitlement means a certificate issued by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to an eligible beneficiary to apply toward payment of premium on a qualified health care insurance policy or plan. Defines a "qualified health care insurance policy or plan" as a contractual agreement specifying benefits under a program offered by a qualified carrier, which carrier and program have been registered by the State insurance department or by such other agency as may be authorized by the State, and which provides: (1) basic coverage providing for all expenses incurred for institutional care, emergency and outpatient services, medical care, dental or oral surgery, and ambulance services; and (2) catastrophic expense coverage. Provides that hospital and medical benefits under the basic coverage shall be subject to payment by the beneficiary of: (1) $50 for costs incurred during each stay in the hospital or extended care facility as an inpatient; (2) 20 percent coinsurance on the first $500 of expenses incurred during the twelve-month policy period for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries combined for emergency room or outpatient services in the hospital; and (3) 20 percent coinsurance on the first $500 of medical expenses and the expenses of dental or oral surgery and ambulance services incurred during such policy period for the eligible beneficiary and his dependent beneficiaries combined. Provides that benefits payable under the catastrophic expense coverage in a qualified health care insurance policy or plan shall be subject to reduction for the twelve-month policy period. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this title; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this title; and (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan and develop programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care, and the effective utilization of available financial resources, health manpower, and facilities, through utilization review, peer review, and other means which provide for the participation of the insurance carriers and the providers of services. Sets forth the qualifications of carriers under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated, from time to time out of moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the fund an amount equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this title through the redemption of health insurance certificates issued pursuant to this Act. Provides that sums authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this section shall be considered premiums payable under this Act and deposited in such fund. Provides that certificates upon presentation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall be redeemed through payments from the Fund.

Bill· HRH.R. 609 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the continued application of the nursing salary cost differential which is presently allowed in determining the reasonable cost of inpatient and nursing care for purposes of reimbursement to providers under the medicare program.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that in determining the reasonable reimbursable cost of inpatient nursing care, such coverage, at a minimum, shall include a salary cost differential of at least eight and one-half percent in recognition of the above-average cost of furnishing such care to aged patients.

Bill· HRH.R. 616 (95th)referred

National Diabetes Advisory Board Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977

National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board Activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal year 1977 and years following. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978-1982 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Bill· HRH.R. 533 (95th)referred

Medicare Long-Term Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 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 basis. States that once a community long-term care center elects a particular 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.

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