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451 records in 1975
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Requires physician visits to patients in skilled nursing facilities at least once every thirty days under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Authorizes, under the Medicare program of the Social Security Act, the provision of intermediate care services to persons requiring institutional care, but not the degree of care provided by a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1975
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Long-Term Care in 1976. Directs the Conference to consider methods to : (1) make long-term health care available to those who need it; (2) provide alternatives to nursing home placement; (3) improve the quality of care offered in long-term care facilities; (4) provide for appropriate training of personel; and (5) finance the necessary benefits structure to make long-term care a right of all Americans. Requires that the Conference submit a final report to the President not later than one hundred and twenty days following the date on which the Conference is called. Authorizes the Secretary of Health Education, and Welfare to establish an Advisory Committee to the Conference composed of not more than twenty-eight professionals and public members. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to carry out the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Authorizes R. Edward Bellamy, doctor of philosophy, a retired officer of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Services, to accept employment by the Canadian Department of Agriculture.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1975
Requires unannounced State inspections of public and private extended care facilities, skilled nursing homes, and intermediate care facilities as a criteria for eligibility for Medicaid payments under title XIX of the Social Security Act. Specifies that States must impose a fine of up to $300 for willful refusal to permit such inspections. Requires States to enforce specified guarantees of rights of patients in such facilities, including guarantees: (1) that the patient's civil and religious liberties will not be infringed; (2) that the patient has the right to private communications with his physician, attorney, or any other person; and (3) that the patient has the right to have privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs and confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
National Health Education Policy and Development Act - Declares that the Congress finds that: (1) a number of health problems have their roots in the habits, lifestyles, attitudes, and beliefs of the American people; and (2) there is a need for the development of effective school health education programs. Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to develop a national health education policy and program, and to authorize financial assistance for the development and implementation of that policy. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Health Education Administration. Establishes a permanent Advisory Council for Health Education to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Administrator on matters relating to the administration of this Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study and submit a report to the Congress on specified subjects including: (1) the current status of health education in the United States; (2) areas of greatest potential impact for health education; and (3) opportunities to improve, by means of health education, the well being of ethnic groups with distinctive health problems. Authorizes the Administrator, upon recommendation of the Council, to make grants to or enter into contracts with public or nonprofit private entities for the purpose of: (1) developing specific educational and informational techniques for the dissemination of health information; (2) developing mutifaceted systems of health care education for a defined geographic area; and (3) providing the training for personnel to carry out health education programs. Requires the Administrator to submit an annual report to the Congress on the status of health education in the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated for the purposes of carrying out this Act a sum not to exceed $5,000,000 for the first fiscal year after the enactment of this Act, $10,000,000 for the second such fiscal year, and $15,000,000 for the third such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Authorizes for the special food service program for children, the school breakfast program, and the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children under the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act through September 30, 1976. Permits States to elect to receive cash payments to purchase agricultural commodities in lieu of donated foods.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Provides compensation to any State which indemnifies any owner of livestock or livestock products which have been condemned by such State to protect the public health, if the owner did not negligently or willfully cause the contamination of such livestock. States that the provisions of this Act shall apply to any contamination that occurred on or after January 1, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1975
Sets forth the schedule of reimbursement of States by the Veterans' Administration for the provision of domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care for eligible veterans. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 641)
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1975
Establishes the per-annum pay scale for specified personnel of the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans; Administration, including the Chief Medical Director, at $49,700. States that in order to attract or retain highly qualified physicians, dentists, and nurses in the Department, such persons may be paid an additional 25 percent of their annual salary. Authorizes the granting of leave with pay for pursuit of studies to such individuals under enumerated circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Extends, under the Public Health Service Act, to commissioned officers of such Service all rights, benefits, and immunities of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
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 therefor; and (10) routine physical examinations and preventive services as defined in regulations. Limits post-hospital extended care services and home health care services coverage to 100 and 80 days 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 Social Security 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 the 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 violators 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 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 - States that the purpose of this title is to strengthen the fiscal and administrative structure of the contributory social security programs. 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 position of Commissioners of Social Security. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides 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 · 22 April 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the indiviudal could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled, (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services, (3) identify abuses against home health patients, (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients, (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable, and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes the children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this section shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code ot 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Food and Drug Recall and Remedy Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that every processor of any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic develop and maintain recall systems adequate to enable effective removal from the market of any article which has left the control of such processor, and which article the processor knows, or has reason to know, is adulterated or misbranded or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of that Act. Empowers the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations for the maintenance of records and reports necessary to enable the identification and removal from the market of adulterated or misbranded articles. Requires processors to notify the Secretary indicating the actions planned, if any, to assure effective removal of adulterated or misbranded articles from the market. Requires processors to immediately notify the Secretary of any recall, whether or not such notification is otherwise required under this Act. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article is adulterated or misbranded he may: (1) notify the appropriate processor of such determination and the basis for it; and (2) issue orders to assure that adequate notification of such determination is provided to all persons (including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, health professionals, and consumers) who should properly receive such notification.. Provides that if the Secretary determines that any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is adulterated or misbranded, he may issue a removal order. States that such a removal order may include requirements that production or distribution of the article be ceased, processing procedures be corrected, articles be recalled to the wholesale, retail, or consumer level, and other measures be taken to protect consumers. Provides that a removal order may also include requirements that: (1) the processor reimburse the Secretary for any expenses incurred due to the processor's failure to diligently assure effective removal from the market of articles which are adulterated or misbranded; (2) articles be destroyed or, if possible, brought into compliance with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, under the supervision of an authorized representative of the Secretary, with expenses borne by the claimant or person seeking release of the article; or (3) any processor to whom it applies refund the purchase price of an article subject to a removal order to purchasers. Stipulates that such a removal order may be issued only after the Secretary has afforded the processor or processors to whom such order is directed an opportunity for an informal hearing. Defines "informal hearing". Provides that whenever any article which is a food, drug, device, or cosmetic is found by a representative of the Secretary in interstate commerce, such article may be detained for a reasonable period, (not to exceed 20 days), if there is a reasonable basis to show that such article is adulterated or misbranded. Provides that any person who would be entitled to claim such article if it were seized may appeal a detention to a superior official. Requires that such official provide an opportunity for such person to present his views on the matter and confirm or revoke such detention within five days. Provides that in the case of actual controversy as to the validity of any final order of the Secretary under this Act, any person who is adversely affected may obtain review in the appropriate United States court of appeals. Stipulates that no such appeal shall operate as a stay of the Secretary's order. Increases the criminal penalty for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act from a fine of $1,000 to a fine of $5,000. Repeals the present prohibition against multiple seizure of misbranded articles in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Requires that any regulations that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is required to promulgate under this Act be issued within six months of the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
National Health Care Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, including coverage for medical catastrophes, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs, or $5,000. Authorizes to be appropriated for the operation of a student loan fund $62,500,000 for the fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978 and each of the two succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to enable students who have received a loan prior to October 1, 1977 to continue their education. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for Federal capital contributions to student loan funds, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978 and the two following fiscal years to enable students receiving loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Authorizes to be appropriated as grants to public or nonprofit private institutions that train personnel in the allied health professions $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Allows up to 50 percent of a loan for a student in the allied health professions to be cancelled at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit institution or agency, and at a rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary for student loans $18,750,000 for fiscal year 1976, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978, and each of the next 2 succeeding fiscal years as is necessary to enable students who have received loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Includes in the term "training center for allied health professions" junior colleges, colleges, and universities which offer training in health care center administration or the effective operation of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers or who are affiliated with such a hospital or a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Establishes a program of special project grants to help educational institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $12,500,000 for 1976, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant, including: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $37,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next succeeding four fiscal years $200,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for construction and modernization grants. Revises the method of computing the allotment for each State for carrying out construction and modernization under this Act. Requires the Surgeon General to determine the priority of projects by regulation for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers, to facilities located in densely populated areas where such facilities do not now exist. Adds the requirement that any State desiring to participate must submit a plan setting forth the comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed to provide adequate ambulatory health care services for patients residing in the State. Permits the United States to recover a specified portion of the funds with respect to which funds have been paid for the construction of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center and which has ceased to serve that function. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients. Title IV: Provisions to Strengthen Health Care Planning - Directs the President to transmit to Congress on July 1st of each year a health report setting forth: (1) the status of the health care system; (2) current trends in the health care needs of the nation; (3) the adequacy of available manpower and physical resources; (4) a review of the health programs of the Federal, State and local governments, and nongovernmental entities; and (5) a program for carrying out the policy of this Act. Creates in the Executive Office of the President a three member Health Policy Board, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board to (1) assist the President in preparation of the health report; (2) to review Federal Government health programs; (3) to develop procedures for interagency coordination of Federal health programs; (4) to develop measures to assure adequate manpower, services, and facilities for the Nation's health care. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 in any fiscal year as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions under this Act. Directs that all agencies of the Federal Government shall include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation the positive and negative impact of the proposals on human health and the Nation's health care system. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Establishes under the Internal Revenue Code the minimum standard health care benefits for a covered individual. Creates two categories of health expenses. Sets the minimum standard benefits at 80 percent of category I expenses over the deductible and 100 percent of the category II expenses incurred by the individual in that year. Provides for a deductible of $100 prior to January 1, 1978, and $100 times the ratio of the Consumer Price Index for each year commencing after January 1, 1978. Enumerates exemptions for specified injuries and treatments. Prohibits under the Internal Revenue Code any deduction equal to the disallowed percentage for any amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer for medical care of any employee of the taxpayer, employee's spouse, or any dependent of the employee. Exempts amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer pursuant to a qualified employee health care plan, as a tax imposed by the United States, and as medical care provided directly by the employer. Permits under the Internal Revenue Code an unlimited deduction for the medical insurance expenses of an individual covered by a qualified health care plan. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to accept the determination of the State insurance regulatory authority that a plan of health care benefits filed with such authority is a plan which qualifies as a qualified employee health care plan. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year a sum sufficient to provide comprehensive health care insurance to needy individuals and families. Defines a qualified State health care plan to be a contract between a State and an administering carrier which provides for payment to physicians and medical institutions the minimum health care benefits. Permits an individual or family to opt for coverage under a plan between a carrier and an approved health maintenance organization. Provides for a variable deductible under the qualified State health care plan. Specifies the requirements for eligibility to enroll in a State health care plan. Declares that the premium rate to be charged under a qualified State health care plan for each policy year shall be actuarially established in each State for: (1) single individual, (2) family of two, and (3) family of three or more. Sets forth the factors which shall be used to determine the premium rate for a given risk category to be charged for the initial policy year and for each subsequent policy year. Requires the State to file the premium rates for each policy year with the chief actuary for the Social Security Administration. Directs the chief actuary to recommend to the Secretary a commensurate reduction in the federal health care percentage if he determines that the rates are unjustifiably high for such State. Requires the appropriate State agency to enroll each Federal cash recipient required under this Act to be made eligible, and to file his application with the administering carrier. Permits all other individuals who provide the family's chief support to enroll in a qualified State health care plan. Requires individuals and families enrolled in such plan to contribute toward the cost of the plan by paying a specified amount determined on the individuals adjusted gross income. Requires the State to pay any contribution for that month of any policy year that an individual establishes that he is a Federal cash recipient. Requires each State which has a qualified State health care plan to make available and pay premiums for Medicare benefits under the Social Security Act to any individual who qualifies. Stipulates a qualified State health care plan shall immediately extend to any child, born to or adopted by, an eligible family member subsequent to the day the application for enrollment was made. Terminates coverage under such plan as of the first day of any calendar month if any contribution due with respect to that month has not been paid by the applicable due date. Declares that there shall be a State health care institutions cost commission designated as a State agency by the Governor of such State. Provides that the commission shall operate with the advice of a council appointed by the Governor. Prohibits reimbursing charges for services rendered or supplies furnished by medical facilities in excess of the rates approved by such commission. Requires the commission to review budgets and charges for the health care institutions in the State to establish prospectively approved charges which shall be applicable to all purchasers of services and supplies from health care institutions. Directs the Secretary to pay to any State which has a qualified State health care plan 75 percent of the reasonable amounts expended by the State each quarter for the administration of the State's health care institutions cost commission and its advisory council. Requires each State commission to file with the Secretary a report of the level of rates charged within such State. Stipulates that, if the Secretary determines that the level of rates approved for a given category of health care is unjustifiably high, he shall order a reduction for that State in the Federal medical assistance percentage and a reduction in the Federal health care percentage. Declares that the qualified State health care benefits poll shall be administered by the administering carrier. Deposits into the pool the premiums collected pursuant to this Act, specified service charges, and the reimbursements for pool losses. Makes available pool funds to: (1) pay health care plan benefit claims; (2) to repay to pool reinsurers their losses, if any; and (3) to pay other charges for which the pool has liability. Requires an accounting to be made of pool funds and submitted to the Secretary, the State, and to all reinsurers. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State which has a qualified State health care plan an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the total premiums for the qualified State health care plan paid by a State to the administering carrier by the Federal health care percentage. Sets such percentage at 100 percent less the State percentage, which shall not be more than 30 percent. Requires an NHI underwriter, in order to protect against insolvency to have a combined capital and surplus of not less than the greater of: (1) $1,500,000, or (2) 2 percent of the gross premium income of the underwriter for its immediately preceding fiscal year of operation. Permits the underwriter to obtain a performance bond as an alternative. Defines NHI to mean pertaining to one or more qualified health care plans. Specifies the reserve requirements that each NHI underwriter shall maintain. Places responsibility on the State insurance commissioner for assuring the establishment of a facility to underwrite or reinsure minimum standard health care benefits for individuals, families, and groups of employees to whom such benefits would not otherwise be available. Directs such facility to design one form of qualified individual health care plan and one form of qualified employee health care plan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. 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. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits 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 costs 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. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides 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 annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to 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 that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part 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 accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. 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 in 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 · 22 April 1975
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a national health care insurance program that will provide comprehensive benefits, including institutional, medical, dental, and other health care, protecting against ordinary and catastrophic expenses of illnesses for all individuals. 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. Provides that when an employee elects to obtain such coverage, the employer shall contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of the employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium; the employee shall contribute the balance. Permits 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 costs 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. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary for the Secretary to make such payments. Provides 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 annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Establishes a program of Federal participation, through a system of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax, in the premium for qualified health care insurance providing comprehensive hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and families. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to 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 that if an individual or family incurs no income tax liability for a base year, such individual or family shall be eligible for a certificate of entitlement or a credit against income tax for 100 percent of the premium for qualified health care insurance. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under this part 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 accomodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for castastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Defines terms used in this Act. 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 in 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 · 22 April 1975
Provides for the House to resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 4114) to amend the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the National Health Service Corps program. States that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule. States that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1975
Provides for the House to resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 4115) to amend title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the programs of assistance under that title for nurse training, and all points of order against section 222 (e) (2) of the bill are hereby waived for failure to comply with the provisions of clause 5, rule XXI. States that after general debate, which shall be confined to the bill and shall continue not to exceed one hour, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, the bill shall be read for amendment under the five-minute rule by titles instead of by sections. Declares that, at the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted, and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Authorizes expanded home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriations from general revenues to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust and to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for fiscal years beginning with 1976 of amounts necessary to reimburse such trust funds with 100 percent of the expenditures required to expand the program authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1975
Provides for the utilization of home- dialysis and early kidney transplantation under the renal disease program authorized under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Provides for payment of 100 percent of the reasonable cost of items, services, and supplies necessary for self-dialysis.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1975
Provides, under the Social Security Act, for the establishment and revision of Professional Standards Review Organization areas, such establishment and revision to take into account the recommendations of the doctors of medicine or osteopathy. States that the final determination in the establishment or revision of any Professional Standards Review Organization area shall be subject to review in a civil action commenced by any interested person. Directs the National Professional Standards Review Council to conduct a study for the purpose of evaluating whether, and under what conditions, organizations other than professional associations shall be allowed to perform review functions. Requires each Professional Standards Review Organization to assume responsibility for professional standards review of health care services furnished by or in institutions operated by the Public Health Service and the Veterans Administration in the area which it serves. Requires, in conjunction with such reviews, that procedures be developed whereby deficiencies shall be brought to the attention of administrators of the hospitals and other Federal institutions concerned. Calls for the consolidation of data and reports compiled under these provisions. Directs that criteria of health care shall be identified or developed by each Professional Standards Review Organization, giving due consideration to such criteria of care identified or developed by national medical specialty organizations. States that such criteria of care shall be used by the Professional Standards Review Organization as guides of care. Requires the National Professional Standards Review Council to provide for the distribution to each Professional Standards Review Organization, and to each other agency performing review functions, of appropriate materials indicating various guides being utilized in other geographical areas. Provides for the protection of the confidentiality of medical records compiled under this Act. Empowers the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into a contract with any State medical society or private nonprofit organization (including medical foundations) designated by a State medical society for the provision of necessary technical and other assistance in the creation and operation of local professional standards review organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Disease Control Amendments Act - Extends the program of assistance for the control and prevention of communicable diseases under the Public Health Services Act to include other diseases or conditions which are determined by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to be of national significance and which are amenable to reduction through vaccination and other programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1976 for specified grant programs, including (1) vaccine preventable disease control programs, (2) rodent and lead poisoning control programs, and (3) disease control programs other than those for which appropriations are specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Amendments - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish, under the National Venereal Disease Prevention and Control Act, a national program for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for projects for the prevention and control of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States to establish and maintain adequate public health programs for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease. Authorizes to be appropriated $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next four fiscal years for grants to States for venereal disease surveillance activities and casefinding and case followup activities respecting venereal disease.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Medical Malpractice Claims Settlement Assistance Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the achievement of equal access to quality health care at a reasonable cost is jeopardized by the uncertain future availability and cost of medical malpractice insurance. Title I: Federal Authority - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make available to insurance companies and other insurers reinsurance against medical malpractice claims by any of their insureds which exceed $200,000 within a qualified State. Defines "qualified States" as a State which meets requirements set forth in this Act. Permits the Secretary to use existing facilities and services in carrying out his responsibilities under this Act. Entitles the Secretary to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premiums lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Requires, as a condition to the receipt of reinsurance, that each insurer file specified information with the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to conduct comprehensive studies of medical malpractice claims and litigation, in order to determine methods of minimizing the costs of such a system. Title II: State Programs - Requires States to establish a program for the arbitration of medical malpractice claims. Provides that any civil action arising from a claim for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice on the part of any health professional or health care insitution may be instituted in a court of the State only after there has been an arbitration of the claim which forms the basis for such action. Sets forth procedures governing the initiation of arbitration, the appointment of an arbitration panel, hearing procedures, the decision of the arbitration panel, proceedings subsequent to the decision of the arbitration panel, the admissibility of the arbitration panel decision as evidence at trial, and the reporting of arbitration decisions. Requires States to establish and appropriately enforce a schedule of maximum contingent fee rates which may be charged or accepted by attorneys for services performed in connection with claims for damages on account of alleged medical malpractice. Provides that in order for any State to be eligible for Medicaid payments under title XIX of the Social Security, such State must have in effect a patient grievance mechanism applicable to all health care entities within the State. States that in order to qualify for malpractice reinsurance under this Act, such patient grievance mechanism must (1) receive, investigate, and evaluate grievances of patients respecting medical injuries occurring in noninstitutional settings, and (2) assist in the equitable settlement of any claims arising out of such grievances. Requires such mechanism to make quarterly reports to the Secretary on the grievances received by the mechanism, the disposition of such grievances, and the medical malpractice claims arising out of such grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1975
Authorizes the President to proclaim the week inclusive of May 12, 1975, as "National Hospital Week".
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Authorizes the provision of any outpatient dental service and treatment to any veteran who has a service-connected disability of 80 percent or more. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 612 (b)).
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1975
Sets forth standards, relating to the rights of patients under the General Provisions of the Social Security Act, to be met by intermediate care facilities participating in programs under title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act. Provides that the statement of rights required to be adopted by such facilities shall include guarantees: (1) that the patient's civil and religious liberties will not be infringed; (2) that the patient has the right to private communications with his physician, attorney, or any other person; and (3) that the patient has the right to have privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs and confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
National Health Care Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, including coverage for medical catastrophes, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs, or $5,000. Authorizes to be appropriated for the operation of a student loan fund $62,500,000 for the fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978 and each of the two succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to enable students who have received a loan prior to October 1, 1977, to continue their education. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare for Federal capital contributions to student loan funds, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978 and the two following fiscal years to enable students receiving loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Authorizes to be appropriated as grants to public or nonprofit private institutions, that train personnel in the allied health professions $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Allows up to 50 percent of a loan for a student in the allied health professions to be cancelled at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit institution or agency, and at a rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary for student loans $18,750,000 for fiscal year 1976, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978, and each of the next 2 succeeding fiscal years as is necessary to enable students who have received loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Includes in the term "training center for allied health professions" junior colleges, colleges, and universities which offer training in health care center administration or the effective operation of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers or who are affiliated with such a hospital or a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Establishes a program of special project grants to help educational institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $12,500,000 for 1976, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant, including: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $37,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next succeeding four fiscal years $200,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for construction and modernization grants. Revises the method of computing the allotment for each State for carrying out construction and modernization under this Act. Requires the Surgeon General to determine the priority of projects by regulation for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Adds the requirement that any State desiring to participate must submit a plan setting forth the comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed to provide adequate amublatory health care services for patients residing in the State. Permits the United States to recover a specified portion of the funds with respect to which funds have been paid for the construction of a comprehensive amublatory health care center and which has ceased to serve that function. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients. Title IV: Provisions to Strengthen Health Care Planning - Directs the President to transmit to Congress on July 1st of each year a health report setting forth: (1) the status of the health care system; (2) current trends in the health care needs of the nation; (3) the adequacy of available manpower and physical resources; (4) a review of the health programs of the Federal, State and local governments, and nongovernmental entities; and (5) a program for carrying out the policy of this Act. Creates in the Executive Office of the President a three member Health Policy Board, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board to (1) assist the President in preparation of the health report; (2) to review Federal Government health programs; (3) to develop procedures for interagency coordination of Federal health programs; and (4) to develop measures to assure adequate manpower, services, and facilities for the Nation's health care. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 in any fiscal year as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions under this Act. Directs that all agencies of the Federal Government shall include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation the positive and negative impact of the proposals on human health and the Nation's health care system. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Establishes under the Internal Revenue Code the minimum standard health care benefits for a covered individual. Creates two categories of health expenses. Sets the minimum standard benefits at 80 percent of category I expenses over the deductible and 100 percent of the category II expenses incurred by the individual in that year. Provides for a deductible of $100 prior to January 1, 1978, and $100 times the ratio of the Consumer Price Index for each year commencing after January 1, 1978. Enumerates exemptions for specified injuries and treatments. Prohibits under the Internal Revenue Code any deduction equal to the disallowed percentage for any amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer for medical care of any employee of the taxpayer, employee's spouse, or any dependent of the employee. Exempts amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer pursuant to a qualified employee health care plan, as a tax imposed by the United States, and as medical care provided directly by the employer. Permits under the Internal Revenue Code an unlimited deduction for the medical insurance expenses of an individual covered by a qualified health care plan. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to accept the determination of the State insurance regulatory authority that a plan of health care benefits filed with such authority is a plan which qualifies as a qualified employee health care plan. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year a sum sufficient to provide comprehensive health care insurance to needy individuals and families. Defines a qualified State health care plan to be a contract between a State and an administering carrier which provides for payment to physicians and medical institutions the minimum health care benefits. Permits an individual or family to opt for coverage under a plan between a carrier and an approved health maintenance organization. Provides for a variable deductible under the qualified State health care plan. Specifies the requirements for eligibility to enroll in a State health care plan. Delcares that the premium rate to be charged under a qualified State health care plan for each policy year shall be actuarially established in each State for a (1) single individual, (2) family of two, and (3) family of three or more. Sets forth the factors which shall be used to determine the premium rate for a given risk category to be charged for the initial policy year and for each subsequent policy year. Requires the State to file the premium rates for each policy year with the chief actuary for the Social Security Administration. Directs the chief actuary to recommend to the Secretary a commensurate reduction in the Federal health care percentage if he determines that the rates are unjustifiably high for such State. Requires the appropriate State agency to enroll each Federal cash recipient required under this Act to be made eligible, and to file his application with the administering carrier. Permits all other individuals who provide the family's chief support to enroll in a qualified State health care plan. Requires individuals and families enrolled in such plan to contribute toward the cost of the plan by paying a specified amount determined on the individual's adjusted gross income. Requires the State to pay any contribution for that month of any policy year that an individual establishes that he is a Federal cash recipient. Requires each State which has a qualified State health care plan to make available and pay premiums for Medicare benefits under the Social Security Act to any individual who qualifies. Stipulates a qualified State health care plan shall immediately extend to any child, born to or adopted by, an eligible family member subsequent to the day the application for enrollment was made. Terminates coverage under such plan as of the first day of any calendar month if any contribution due with respect to that month has not been paid by the applicable due date. Declares that there shall be a State health care institutions cost commission designated as a State agency by the Governor of such State. Provides that the commission shall operate with the advice of a council appointed by the Governor. Prohibits reimbursing charges for services rendered or supplies furnished by medical facilities in excess of the rates approved by such commission. Requires the commission to review budgets and charges for the health care institutions in the State to establish prospectively approved charges which shall be applicalbe to all purchasers of services and supplies from health care institutions. Directs the Secretary to pay to any State which has a qualified State health care plan 75 percent of the reasonable amounts expended by the State each quarter for the administration of the State's health care institutions cost commission and its advisory council. Requires each State commission to file with the Secretary a report of the level of rates charged within such State. Stipulates that if the Secretary determines that the level of rates approved for a given category of health care is unjustifiably high, he shall order a reduction for that State in the Federal medical assistance percentage and a reduction in the Federal health care percentage. Declares that the qualified State health care benefits pool shall be administered by the administering carrier. Deposits into the pool the premiums collected pursuant to this Act, specified service charges, and the reimbursements for pool losses. Makes available pool funds to: (1) pay health care plan benefit claims; (2) to repay to pool reinsurers their losses, if any; and (3) to pay other charges for which the pool has liability. Requires an accounting to be made of pool funds and submitted to the Secretary, the State, and to all reinsurers. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State which has a qualified State health care plan an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the total premiums for the qualified State health care plan paid by a State to the administering carrier by the Federal health care percentage. Sets such percentage at 100 percent less the State percentage, which shall not be more than 30 percent. Requires an NHI underwriter, in order to protect against insolvency, to have a combined capital and surplus of not less than the greater of: (1) $1,500,000, or (2) 2 percent of the gross premium income of the underwriter for its immediately preceding fiscal year of operation. Permits the underwriter to obtain a performance bond as an alternative. Defines NHI to mean pertaining to one or more qualified health care plans. Specifies the reserve requirements that each NHI underwriter shall maintain. Places responsibility on the State insurance commissioner for assuring the establishment of a facility to underwrite or reinsure minimum standard health care benefits for individuals, families, and groups of employees to whom such benefits would not otherwise be available. Directs such facility to design one form of qualified individual health care plan and one form of qualified employee health care plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides that payment may be made under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for emergency hospital services (and related 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. States that in cases where the hospital involved does not agree to comply with specified requirements, such payment shall be limited to $100 per day.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides for inclusion of the services of licensed (registered) nurses under the medicare and medicaid, titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
National Health Care Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to improve the organization, delivery, and financing of health care for all Americans by increasing health personnel, promoting ambulatory care, strengthening health planning, establishing national standards of health care benefits, including coverage for medical catastrophes, encouraging provisions of such benefits through comprehensive health care insurance, and by assisting persons of low income or in poor health to secure that insurance. Title II: Provisions to Increase the Supply and Improve the Distribution of Health Care Personnel - Allows a medical student to borrow the lesser of the sum of the full cost of tuition, fees, and reasonable amounts for room, board, books, supplies, and other related costs, or $5,000. Authorizes to be appropriated for the operation of a student loan fund $62,500,000 for the fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978 and each of the two succeeding fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to enable students who have received a loan prior to October 1, 1977 to continue their education. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for Federal capital contributions to student loan funds, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978 and the two following fiscal years to enable students receiving loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Authorizes to be appropriated as grants to public or nonprofit private institutions that train personnel in the allied health professions $12,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Allows up to 50 percent of a loan for a student in the allied health professions to be cancelled at the rate of 20 percent a year for service in a public or nonprofit institution or agency, and at a rate of 33 1/3 percent a year for appropriate service in an area designated as having a shortage of allied health professionals. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary for student loans $18,750,000 for fiscal year 1976, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and such sums for fiscal year 1978, and each of the next 2 succeeding fiscal years as is necessary to enable students who have received loans prior to October 1, 1977, to complete their education. Includes in the term "training center for allied health professions" junior colleges, colleges, and universities which offer training in health care center administration or the effective operation of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers or who are affiliated with such a hospital or a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Establishes a program of special project grants to help educational institutions meet the cost of developing curriculums and training programs to develop the skills needed to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $12,500,000 for 1976, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Establishes a program of Federal grants to medical personnel in return for service in urban and rural areas of critical need to alleviate the distribution of health care personnel. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to contract with individual health professionals, nurses, or allied health professionals who agree to provide health care services for a period of at least two years in an area designated by the Secretary as having a critical need for those services. Provides that the amount of the grant is that amount which, when added to the recipient's income from providing health care services for each contract year, provides a total income equal to 110 percent of the national annual median income for persons of comparable education and training, or 110 percent of his earnings from providing health care services in the previous year, whichever is greater. Provides that in determining the precise amount of the grant the Secretary may consider such factors as he deems relevant, including: (1) the national median annual income for the applicant's profession; (2) the cost of living in the area of need; (3) the background, training, and education of the applicant; (4) the amount of income the applicant can reasonably expect to receive from service in the area; (5) the number of persons of applicant's profession needed in the area; and (6) where appropriate, cost of equipment, supplies, and facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants $37,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Provides grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Sets up a special category of grants to comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Revises the declaration of purpose of title VI of the Public Health Service Act to recognize specifically the concept of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center. Provides that for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next succeeding four fiscal years $200,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for construction and modernization grants. Revises the method of computing the allotment for each State for carrying out construction and modernization under this Act. Requires the Surgeon General to determine the priority of projects by regulation for the construction of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers, to facilities located in densely populated areas where such facilities do not now exist. Adds the requirement that any State desiring to participate must submit a plan setting forth the comprehensive ambulatory health care centers needed to provide adequate ambulatory health care services for patients residing in the State. Permits the United States to recover a specified portion of the funds with respect to which funds have been paid for the construction of a comprehensive ambulatory health care center and which has ceased to serve that function. Defines comprehensive ambulatory health care centers to encompass only facilities which provide a wide range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for ambulatory patients. Title IV: Provisions to Strengthen Health Care Planning - Directs the President to transmit to Congress on July 1st of each year a health report setting forth: (1) the status of the health care system; (2) current trends in the health care needs of the nation; (3) the adequacy of available manpower and physical resources; (4) a review of the health programs of the Federal, State and local governments, and nongovernmental entities; and (5) a program for carrying out the policy of this Act. Creates in the Executive Office of the President a three member Health Policy Board, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Board to (1) assist the President in preparation of the health report; (2) to review Federal Government health programs; (3) to develop procedures for interagency coordination of Federal health programs; (4) to develop measures to assure adequate manpower, services, and facilities for the Nation's health care. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,000,000 in any fiscal year as may be necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions under this Act. Directs that all agencies of the Federal Government shall include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation the positive and negative impact of the proposals on human health and the Nation's health care system. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Establishes under the Internal Revenue Code the minimum standard health care benefits for a covered individual. Creates two categories of health expenses. Sets the minimum standard benefits at 80 percent of category I expenses over the deductible and 100 percent of the category II expenses incurred by the individual in that year. Provides for a deductible of $100 prior to January 1, 1978, and $100 times the ratio of the Consumer Price Index for each year commencing after January 1, 1978. Enumerates exemptions for specified injuries and treatments. Prohibits under the Internal Revenue Code any deduction equal to the disallowed percentage for any amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer for medical care of any employee of the taxpayer, employee's spouse, or any dependent of the employee. Exempts amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer pursuant to a qualified employee health care plan, as a tax imposed by the United States, and as medical care provided directly by the employer. Permits under the Internal Revenue Code an unlimited deduction for the medical insurance expenses of an individual covered by a qualified health care plan. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to accept the determination of the State insurance regulatory authority that a plan of health care benefits filed with such authority is a plan which qualifies as a qualified employee health care plan. Adds a new title XX to the Social Security Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year a sum sufficient to provide comprehensive health care insurance to needy individuals and families. Defines a qualified State health care plan to be a contract between a State and an administering carrier which provides for payment to physicians and medical institutions the minimum health care benefits. Permits an individual or family to opt for coverage under a plan between a carrier and an approved health maintenance organization. Provides for a variable deductible under the qualified State health care plan. Specifies the requirements for eligibility to enroll in a State health care plan. Declares that the premium rate to be charged under a qualified State health care plan for each policy year shall be actuarially established in each State for: (1) single individual, (2) family of two, and (3) family of three or more. Sets forth the factors which shall be used to determine the premium rate for a given risk category to be charged for the initial policy year and for each subsequent policy year. Requires the State to file the premium rates for each policy year with the chief actuary for the Social Security Administration. Directs the chief actuary to recommend to the Secretary a commensurate reduction in the federal health care percentage if he determines that the rates are unjustifiably high for such State. Requires the appropriate State agency to enroll each Federal cash recipient required under this Act to be made eligible, and to file his application with the administering carrier. Permits all other individuals who provide the family's chief support to enroll in a qualified State health care plan. Requires individuals and families enrolled in such plan to contribute toward the cost of the plan by paying a specified amount determined on the individuals adjusted gross income. Requires the State to pay any contribution for that month of any policy year that an individual establishes that he is a Federal cash recipient. Requires each State which has a qualified State health care plan to make available and pay premiums for Medicare benefits under the Social Security Act to any individual who qualifies. Stipulates a qualified State health care plan shall immediately extend to any child, born to or adopted by, an eligible family member subsequent to the day the application for enrollment was made. Terminates coverage under such plan as of the first day of any calendar month if any contribution due with respect to that month has not been paid by the applicable due date. Declares that there shall be a State health care institutions cost commission designated as a State agency by the Governor of such State. Provides that the commission shall operate with the advice of a council appointed by the Governor. Prohibits reimbursing charges for services rendered or supplies furnished by medical facilities in excess of the rates approved by such commission. Requires the commission to review budgets and charges for the health care institutions in the State to establish prospectively approved charges which shall be applicable to all purchasers of services and supplies from health care institutions. Directs the Secretary to pay to any State which has a qualified State health care plan 75 percent of the reasonable amounts expended by the State each quarter for the administration of the State's health care institutions cost commission and its advisory council. Requires each State commission to file with the Secretary a report of the level of rates charged within such State. Stipulates that, if the Secretary determines that the level of rates approved for a given category of health care is unjustifiably high, he shall order a reduction for that State in the Federal medical assistance percentage and a reduction in the Federal health care percentage. Declares that the qualified State health care benefits poll shall be administered by the administering carrier. Deposits into the pool the premiums collected pursuant to this Act, specified service charges, and the reimbursements for pool losses. Makes available pool funds to: (1) pay health care plan benefit claims; (2) to repay to pool reinsurers their losses, if any; and (3) to pay other charges for which the pool has liability. Requires an accounting to be made of pool funds and submitted to the Secretary, the State, and to all reinsurers. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State which has a qualified State health care plan an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the total premiums for the qualified State health care plan paid by a State to the administering carrier by the Federal health care percentage. Sets such percentage at 100 percent less the State percentage, which shall not be more than 30 percent. Requires an NHI underwriter, in order to protect against insolvency to have a combined capital and surplus of not less than the greater of: (1) $1,500,000, or (2) 2 percent of the gross premium income of the underwriter for its immediately preceding fiscal year of operation. Permits the underwriter to obtain a performance bond as an alternative. Defines NHI to mean pertaining to one or more qualified health care plans. Specifies the reserve requirements that each NHI underwriter shall maintain. Places responsibility on the State insurance commissioner for assuring the establishment of a facility to underwrite or reinsure minimum standard health care benefits for individuals, families, and groups of employees to whom such benefits would not otherwise be available. Directs such facility to design one form of qualified individual health care plan and one form of qualified employee health care plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
National Huntington's Disease Control Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of, and research in, Huntington's disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for projects for the establishment and operation of Huntington's disease screening, treatment, and counseling programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each each of the next two fiscal years for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Huntington's disease. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each of the next two fiscal years for use for such grants. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to develop information and educational materials relating to Huntington's disease and to disseminate such information and materials to persons providing health care and to the public in general. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for fiscal year 1976, and for each of the next two fiscal years to carry out this information program. Sets forth the requirements for applications for grants under this Act and the administration of such grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a program within the Public Health Service to provide for voluntary Huntington's disease screening, counseling, and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Authorizes payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act 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.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1975
Provides for inclusion of the services of licensed (registered) nurses under the medicare and medicaid, titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Includes hearing aids, eyeglass lenses (and related examinations), and dentures, among the items and services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program (Medicare) title XVIII of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Revises the conditions under which post-hospital home health services may be provided udner part A and home health services may be provided under part B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1975
Home Health Services Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the establishment and initial operation of public and nonprofit private agencies which will provide home health services in areas in which such services are not otherwise available. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants: (1) to meet the initial and expanding costs of such agencies; and (2) for programs for the training of professional and paraprofessional personnel to provide home health services. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Emergency Health Protection Act - Includes a new title under the Public Health Service Act establishing an emergency health benefits program for the unemployed. Declares all unemployed individuals who; (1) are entitled to receive State or Federal unemployment benefits and; (2) would, if their employment had not been discontinued, be covered under an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to be eligible for health insurance benefits of the type provided by their previous employer. Extends such benefits to the dependent spouse and the dependent children of such eligible individuals. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into arrangements with carriers and State agencies to carry out this Act. Stipulates that no health insurance benefits may be provided under this Act after Juen 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Authorizes the provision of additional dental care for dependents of active duty members of the uniformed services. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 1079)
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Provides that future increases in social security benefits shall be disregarded in determining eligibility for benefits or assistance under the supplemental security income program, the program of aid to families with dependent children, and the medicaid program under titles XVI, IV, and XIX, respectively of the Social Security Act, and under the veteran's benefits program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to contract for the use of health maintenance organizations in providing for the health care of the members of the Armed Forces. Sets limitations upon the annual payments made under such authority. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 1089)
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1975
National Health Education and Promotion Act - Title I: National Center for Health Education and Promotion - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Center for Health Education and Promotion to consist of not less than the following four divisions: the division for research in health education and preventive medicine; the division for community health education programs; the division for communications in health education; and the division of Federal programs. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Center, to develop a national health policy, including (1) formulation of a national strategy and national goals with respect to health education, health promotion, and preventive medicine; (2) incorporation of appropriate health education components into every facet of our society, especially into all aspects of health care and educational programming; and (3) increasing the application of health knowledge, skills, and practices by the general population in their patterns of daily living. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct specific programs consonant with the purposes of this Act upon determination of relative research needs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 for continuing surveys of such needs. Specifies application requirements for health care facilties for grants, contracts, or payments under the Public Health Service Act, the Community Health Centers Act, and the Social Security Act to insure that programs under such Acts provide consumer health education. Provides for dissemination of data on health information and education programs through the division for communications in health education. Establishes an interdepartmental committee on health education and promotion to coordinate Federal activities relating to health education and promotion. Establishes the Health Education and Promotion Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters of general policy with respect to the functions of the Center. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the activities and policy recommendations of the divisions of the Center. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978 to carry out this title. Title II: Institution for Health Education and Promotion - Authorizes to be established a nonprofit corporation to be known as the Institution for Health Education and Promotion with the following functions the purposes of which are to facilitate the development of a health education and promotion strategy for the Nation: (1) consensus building and policy determination; (2) national strategy design; (3) health education advocacy; (4) technical assistance to national, state, and local health education groups; and (5) evaluation, testing, and demonstration of health education programs and technologies. Directs the Institution to report annually to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for the expenses of the Institution for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
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 liason 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 eleven 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 to be appropriated for grants and contracts under this Act $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes to be appropriated for the rural health care delivery loan guarantee and loan fund such amounts as may be required from time to time for the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1975
National Tay-Sachs Disease Screening and Counseling Act - Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a national program, under the Public Health Service Act, for voluntary Tay-Sachs disease screening and counseling. Authorizes appropriations of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 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 · 8 April 1975
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Population Affairs to be directed by an Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs. Sets forth the duties of the Assistant Secretary. Establishes within the Department an Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Creates within the Administration a National Center for Family Planning Services, headed by a Director, which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Public information, program planning and evaluation, manpower development and training, supervision of field services, and grants management. Establishes within the Administration, a National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Reproduction physiology research, contraceptive development and evaluation, operational research, social science research, public information, manpower development and training, and grants management. Establishes a National Family Planning Services Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Center for Family Planning Services. Establishes a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change. Sets forth the functions of the Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year such amounts as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses of the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit a report to Congress on each January 1 for the five years following the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976-1978 for the following: (1) special project grants for family planning services; (2) formula grants for family planning, public health services; (3) manpower development and program planning and evaluation; (4) research grants and contracts; (5) grants for support of population sciences research centers; and (6) planning and population growth information distribution and educational materials development.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1975
Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Population Affairs to be directed by an Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs. Sets forth the duties of the Assistant Secretary. Establishes within the Department an Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Creates within the Administration a National Center for Family Planning Services, headed by a Director, which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Public information, program planning and evaluation, manpower development and training, supervision of field services, and grants management. Establishes within the Administration, a National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change which shall establish identifiable units to carry out, at a minimum, the following functions: Reproduction physiology research, contraceptive development and evaluation, operational research, social science research, public information, manpower development and training, and grants management. Establishes a National Family Planning Services Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Center for Family Planning Services. Establishes a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Director, at meetings held no less than two times each year, on matters relating to the activities of the National Institute for Research on Human Reproduction and Population Change. Sets forth the functions of the Administration on Reproductive Research and Family Planning. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year such amounts as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses of the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit a report to Congress on each January 1 for the five years following the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976-1978 for the following: (1) special project grants for family planning services; (2) formula grants for family planning, public health services; (3) manpower development and program planning and evaluation; (4) research grants and contracts; (5) grants for support of population sciences research centers; and (6) planning and population growth information distribution and educational materials development.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1975
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be 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. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; and (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this 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. Provides coverage for 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. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered 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. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to 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 those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required by Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications, and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of 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. Describes as eligible 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. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Permits the participation of 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 judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial 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 he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these 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, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a 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. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides 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). Provides that the Board shall 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. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment (fee-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. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. 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. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director will serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board may assign. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. 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. Provides that the Advisory Council will 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 directly or by contract 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 other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of 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. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States 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 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000; or, if higher, 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. 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. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 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 Commissioner 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, 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 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.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1975
Health Manpower and Shortage Area Assistance Act - Title I: General Provisions - Revises and repeals specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Title II: Assistance for construction of Teaching Facilities - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to assist in the construction of teaching facilities for the training of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, veterinarians, and professional public health personnel. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for such purposes. Title III: Student Assistance; National Health Service Corps - Expands the provisions governing the making of student loans under the Public Health Service Act and the rates for repayment of such loans. Authorizes appropriations for the purpose of making Federal capital contributions into the student loan funds of authorized schools. Prescribes new procedures for the establishment of the National Health Service Corps, applications for assistance from the Corps, and assignment and functions of Corps personnel to medically underserved populations. Outlines the rate-of-pay schedule for physician and dentist Corps members engaged in the delivery of health services to a medically underserved population. Details the reporting requirements by the Secretary of the Congess in his carrying out the programs of the National Health Service Corps. Establish the National Advisory Council in the National Health Service Corps. Specifies the membership composition of such Council. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1975-1977. Revises the Public Health and National Health Service Corps Scholarship Training Program, setting forth the eligibility requirements for acceptance in such program and the time and type of obligated service required. Title IV: Grants for Health Professions Schools - Sets forth new computation rules governing the making of annual grants by the Secretary for the support of education programs of schools of medicine, public health, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and podiatry. Provides for the apportionment of, and authorizations of, appropriations for the making of such grants. States that the Secretary shall not make such grants to any school unless specified assurances from each types of school, including assurances as to the enrollment of each school, are met. Revises the procedure for the making of special project grants and contracts for the purposes of assisting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through fiscal year 1977. Title V: Assistance for Specialized Training - Authorizes appropriations for three fiscal years for grants for: (1) training, traineeships, and fellowships in family medicine; (2) community-based health manpower education program; (3) clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy; and (4) bilingual health training clinical centers. Title VI: Allied Health Personnel - Revises the training programs for allied health personnel and allied health personnel, extending appropriations through fiscal year 1977. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits discrimination under this Act on the basis of moral beliefs or religious convictions. Authorizes appropriations for ten Lister Hill scholarship grants to individuals practicing family medicine in areas where there is a shortage of such doctors.