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Bill· HRH.R. 4529 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Repeals provisions of the District of Columbia Revenue Act of 1939 directing the Secretary of the Treasury to advance, on the requisition of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, funds out of the Treasury from time to time to meet the general expenses of the District. Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to reduce the amount authorized to be appropriated as the annual Federal payment to the District for a fiscal year by the amount of any funds advanced to the District by the Secretary on or after May 26, 1994, that have not been reimbursed by the District to the Treasury as of the last day of the previous fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 4534 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify certain pension requirements to provide a simplified method for compliance. Entitles employers to the benefits of this Act if the employer maintains a qualified simplified defined contribution plan and a qualified simplified defined benefit plan. Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a joint study of the feasibility of establishing a pension portability clearinghouse to accept rollovers from tax-qualified pension plans as well as to receive tax deductible contributions from employers not maintaining qualified pension plans.
Bill· HRH.R. 4532 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source to qualified fuels produced from certain tar sands. Repeals the tax preferences for intangible drilling costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4512 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Welfare to Work Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable credit for the hiring of qualified former recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) under title IV of the Social Security Act. Prohibits replacing existing workers in order to obtain such credit.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 445 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 3266 (providing for automatic downward adjustments in the discretionary spending limits for FY 1994).
Bill· SS. 2153 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Subtitle A: Short title; Table of Contents Subtitle B: Federally Qualified Health Insurance Plan Subtitle C: Certification of Federally Qualified Health Insurance Plans Title II: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification Title III: Health Care Liability Reform Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Reform Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) Title IV: Antitrust Provisions Title V: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle A: All-Payer Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law Title VI: Expanding Access in Rural Areas Title VII: Tax Provisions Title VIII: Revenue Provisions Advancement of Health Care Reform Act of 1994 - Amends COBRA provisions of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to continuation coverage requirements to permit the options of: (1) identical coverage; (2) coverage with an annual $1,000 deductible; and (3) coverage with an annual $3,000 deductible. Permits penalty-free withdrawals from qualified retirement plans for such coverage. Subtitle B: Federally Qualified Health Insurance Plan - Establishes standards for the certification of a health insurance plan as a federally qualified health insurance plan. Requires a federally qualified plan to, among other requirements: (1) cover medically necessary acute care, including, physician services, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency hospital services and appropriate alternatives to hospitalization, and inpatient and outpatient prescription drugs; (2) have specified limits on deductibles and coinsurance payments; (3) vary premium rates only in the basis of age, sex, and geography, except that discounts may be offered to individuals who participate in specified programs which promote healthy behavior, prevent the onset of illness, or provide for the early detection of illness; (4) provide guaranteed issue at standard rates to all applicants and not exclude from coverage, on the basis of a preexisting medical condition, an individual who has been continuously insured for the preceeding year or, in the care of a break in coverage, not exclude an indivdual from coverage for more than one year; and (5) not exclude a policyholder from coverage, except for nonpayment of premiums or fraud or misrepresentation by the policyholder. Subtitle C: Certification of Federally Qualified Health Insurance Plans - Requires each State to establish a regulatory program with specified requirements, including: (1) procedures certifying that the requirements of subtitle B have been met by a health insurance plan applying as a federally qualified health insurance plan; (2) meeting solvency standards; (3) reporting requirements under which carriers report to the Internal Revenue Service regarding the acquisition and termination by individuals of coverage under federally qualified health insurance plans; and (4) requirements for the passback of claims and premiums with respect to an individual who has been continuously treated for a treatment and who moves to a new plan; and requirements concerning market practices, risk adjustment or reinsurance, and nonbinding standards for premiums rating practices and guaranteed renewability of coverage. Title II: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification - Preempts State quill pen laws. (Sec. 202) Provides for the confidentiality of electronic health care information. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary to establish national goals for the health care industry concerning the: (1) standardization for the electronic receipt and transmission of health plan information; (2) use of uniform health claims forms and identification numbers; (3) priority of insurers when benefits are payable under two or more health plans; and (4) availability of information among health plans when benefits are payable under two more plans. Requires the Secretary to promulgate requirements if the industry does not meet the goals. Provides for monetary penalties on any health plan that does not meets the Secretary's requirements. Title III: Health Care Liability Reform - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Makes the provisions of this title applicable to any medical malpractice liability claim or action in any Federal or State court, except for a vaccine-related claim or action or to the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act applies. Subtitle B: Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Reform - Requires the initial resolution of a medical malpractice liability action through the alternative dispute resolution process. Limits the total amount of damages that may be awarded for noneconomic losses resulting from a medical malpractice or health care product liability claim to $250,000, unless there is a finding of special circumstances. Prohibits punitive or exemplary damages, unless malicious, wanton, willful, or excessively reckless behavior was involved. Prohibits punitive or exemplary damages against the manufacturer of a medical product. Directs that any punitive or exemplary damages awarded must be paid to the State for use in carrying out quality assurance activities. Provides for the periodic payment of damages exceeding $100,000. Sets forth provisions: (1) limiting attorney's fees; (2) permitting a defendant to be held severally but not jointly liable; (3) setting the statute of limitations; (4) requiring each State to develop a set of specialty clinical practice guidelines which; if used to establish a rebuttable presumption, may only be overcome by the presentation of clear and convincing evidence; (5) which permit a finding of negligence only if the defendants conduct was not reasonable; and (6) making special provision for certain obstetric services. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) - Establishes the basic requirements for a State's ADR and provides for the certification of such systems. Sets forth reporting requirements concerning the evaluation of such systems. Title IV: Antitrust Provisions - Exempts from the antitrust laws specified "safe harbor" activities related to the provision of health care services. Sets forth provision regarding the award of attorney fees and costs of suit to the prevailing party in an action based on a claim involving activity found to be exempt. (Sec. 402) Lists as safe harbors specified: (1) activities relating to health care services of combinations of health care providers with market share below a specified threshold; (2) activities of medical self-regulatory entities relating to standard setting or enforcement activities not conducted for purposes of financial gain; (3) participation of a health care provider in a written survey of the prices of services, reimbursement levels, or the compensation and benefits of employees and personnel; (4) activities relating to health care joint ventures for high technology and costly equipment and services; (5) activities relating to hospital mergers; (6) joint purchasing arrangements; and (7) negotiations. (Sec. 403) Directs the Attorney General to publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for additional safe harbors and to review and report to the Congress on proposed safe harbors. Sets forth criteria in establishing safe harbors, including: (1) the extent to which a competitive or collaborative activity will accomplish an increase in health care access and quality, the establishment of cost efficiencies, and increased ability of health care facilities to provide services in medically underserved areas or to underserved populations; and (2) whether designation as a safe harbor will result in specified desirable outcomes. (Sec. 404) Directs the Attorney General to issue certificates of review for providers of health care services and to assist persons in applying for such certificates. Sets forth provisions regarding, applications for, revocation of, and review of determinations regarding such certificates. Limits the disclosure of information. (Sec. 405) Sets forth provisions regarding notifications providing for a reduction in certain penalties under the antitrust laws for health care cooperative ventures. (Sec. 406) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) periodically review the safe harbors and certificates of review; and (2) promulgate such rules, regulations, and guidelines as necessary to carry out provisions of this title. (Sec. 408) Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Health Care Competition Policy. Title V: Anti-Fraud And Abuse Control Program - Subtitle A: All-Payer Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Requires the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services a program to control fraud and abuse under the universal health care plan. Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund. (Sec. 502) Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the application of the penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud to all health care programs. (Sec. 503) Requires the Secretary to establish a program through which Medicare-eligible individuals may report instances of suspected fraud under Medicare. Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse - Revises current SSA title XI sanctions for fraud and abuse involving Medicare and State health care programs, providing for: (1) program exclusion for individuals convicted of a felony relating to fraud or the unlawful manufacture or dispensing of a controlled substance; (2) new offenses under civil monetary penalty provisions, such as the offering of inducements to program-eligible individuals; (3) establishment of a minimum period of exclusion for practitioners and persons who fail to meet statutory obligations; (4) intermediate sanctions on eligible health maintenance organizations for program violations; and (5) procedures for imposing such sanctions. Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting by each government agency and health care plan of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, and practitioners. Requires program information to be made available to the public for a reasonable fee. (Sec. 522) Amends SSA title XI to require the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a listing of all final adverse actions taken during the quarter. Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly executing a scheme or artifice to: (1) defraud any health care plan in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits, items, or services (benefits); or (2) obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any health care plan or person in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits. (Sec. 532) Directs the court, upon a finding that a Federal health care offense is of a type that poses a serious threat to the health of any individual, or has a significant detrimental impact on the health care system, to order a person convicted of that offense to forfeit property that was used in the commission of the offense or that constitutes or was derived from proceeds traceable to the offense that is of a value proportionate to the seriousness of the offense. (Sec. 533) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action in Federal court to enjoin a violation constituting a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 534) Makes commission of a Federal health care offense a predicate to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Subtitle E: Amendments to Civil False Claims Act - Makes provisions of the Civil False Claims Act applicable to the use of false records or statements made to a health care plan. Includes within the definition of "claim" for purposes of such Act any request or demand for money or property which is made or presented to a health care plan. Title VI: Expanding Access In Rural Areas - Rural Health Innovation Demonstration Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize competitive grants: (1) to develop networks among rural and urban health care providers to preserve and share health care resources and enhance the quality and availability of health care in rural areas; (2) to develop and administer cooperatives in rural areas that will establish an effective case management and reimbursement system designed to support the economic viability of essential public or private health services, facilities, health care systems, and health care resources; and (3) to develop and implement a plan for mental health outreach programs in rural areas. (Sec. 605) Authorizes grants to enable rural communities to provide stipends to encourage health professional trainees to practice in such areas. Reauthorizes area health education center programs. Title VII: Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a business expense deduction for an employer's expenses for a group health plan or contributions to an employee's medical savings account, unless the plan is a federally qualified health plan. Extends permanently and increases to 100 percent the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals. Title VIII: Revenue Provisions - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, with respect to FY 1995 through 1998, to provide for a discretionary spending limit reduction of four-tenths of one percent in the discretionary category of the amounts set forth in H. Con. Res. 64.
Bill· HRH.R. 4489 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle A: Authorizations Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Revisions to Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 Title IV: Aeronautical Research and Technology National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1995 and 1996 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Subtitle A: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics, and technology, including facilities construction; (3) mission support; and (4) the Inspector General. Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations,and special authorities. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Administrator of NASA to submit five-year development cost estimates for specified projects. (Sec. 202) Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize appropriations to carry out such Act. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations for the Office of Space Commerce. (Sec. 204) Provides for domestic procurement by NASA. (Sec. 205) Requires independent cost analysis of specified NASA projects. (Sec. 206) Requires NASA to develop a Global Change Data and Information System to process, archive, and distribute data generated by the Global Change Research Program. (Sec. 207) Directs the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences to develop an access plan for data from classified archives and systems for global change research. (Sec. 209) Directs NASA to study: (1) the differences between U.S. and foreign expendable space launch systems; and (2) the feasibility and potential implementation of a University Innovative Research Program. (Sec. 214) Directs the Administrator to study the convergency of: (1) the NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) with commercial communications satellite systems; and (2) the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Altimetry mission with the Navy Geosat Follow-On program. Title III: Revisions to Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 - Amends the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 with respect to management and licensing of commercial remote sensing satellites. Title IV: Aeronautical Research and Technology - Directs NASA to develop an aeronautical basic research investment plan. (Sec. 406) Directs the President to develop an aeronautical test facilities initiative. (Sec. 407) Requires NASA and other appropriate Federal agencies to establish a joint aeronautical research and development program. (Sec. 408) Directs the Administrator of NASA to conduct an assessment of the hypersonic research plane.
Bill· HRH.R. 4494 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Child Security Act of 1994 - Prescribes guidelines for an entitlement program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) shall pay monthly child support assurance benefits to eligible individuals. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to establish a national registry of child support orders issued or modified by any State court or State administrative process. Grants the Secretary of the Treasury access to such registry. (Sec. 4) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe guidelines for the mandatory: (1) inclusion of child support obligations on each employee's tax withholding certificate; (2) withholding of such obligations from employee wages; and (3) payment of a child support obligation with the taxpayer's income tax return. Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Sec. 5) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) distribution by HHS of child support payments collected by the IRS; and (2) the State's role in collection and distribution of child support. (Sec. 7) Instructs the Secretary to establish the National Child Support Guideline Commission to develop recommendations for uniform national child support guidelines. (Sec. 8) Amends the Social Security Act to: (1) require that a State plan for child and spousal support provide that the State have in effect a law providing for the uniform termination of child support obligations; (2) prescribe guidelines for the reallocation of staffing resources by the Secretary; (3) increase the Federal financial participation in a State plan for child and spousal support; (4) set a minimum State AFDC standard of need; (5) expand from 19 to 21 years of age AFDC coverage for needy students; and (6) require that a State plan for medical assistance provide for an operative child support and AFDC program. (Sec. 11) Instructs the Secretary to authorize five States to conduct five-year demonstration projects under which States are to give priority in the provision of Federal job training, education, and child care services to parents unable to support their children financially.
Bill· HRH.R. 4491 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Juvenile Criminal Act of 1994 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to include among the Act's: (1) findings that emphasis should be placed on identifying hardcore youths who should be transferred from the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal justice system; and (2) purposes to assist State and local governments in improving the identification of hardcore juvenile offenders and the removal of such offenders from the juvenile justice system. Requires State plans under the Act to provide: (1) specified funding for the establishment and maintenance of an effective system that requires the prosecution of at least those juveniles who are 14 years of age and older as adults, rather than in juvenile proceedings, for listed offenses (murder or attempted murder; robbery, battery, or rape while armed with a firearm; any other crime the State deems appropriate; and the fourth or subsequent occasion on which such juveniles engage in an activity for which adults could be imprisoned for a term exceeding one year) unless, on a case-by-case basis, the transfer of such juveniles for disposition in the juvenile justice system is determined under State law to be in the interest of justice; and (2) that the State ensure that whenever a juvenile is adjudicated in a juvenile proceeding to have engaged in such offenses that a record be kept relating to that adjudication, the juvenile be fingerprinted and photographed (with such fingerprints and photograph sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), and the court in which the adjudication takes place transmit to the FBI information concerning the adjudication and disposition. Provides for a reduction of sums allotted to a State for a fiscal year by 16 2/3 percent for each of specified paragraphs of the Act with respect to which noncompliance occurs. (Current law provides for a reduction by 25 percent and doesn't include the requirements added by this Act in determining noncompliance.)
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 444 (103rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 4454 (making FY 1995 appropriations for the legislative branch).
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 443 (103rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 4426 (making FY 1995 appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs).
Bill· SS. 2146 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
Wetlands and Green Space Preservation Assistance Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for determining the environmental use value of sensitive environmental areas for estate tax purposes. Requires the estate to grant an environmental preservation easement for a period of ten years after the death of the decedent. Imposes an additional estate tax if an heir fails to maintain the easement.
Bill· HRH.R. 4476 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Park System Plan Title II: New Area Establishment National Park System Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: National Park System Plan - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a National Park System Plan to guide the direction of the System into the next century. Directs the Secretary to review the existing System to determine whether there are more appropriate alternatives for managing specific units within the System and to develop a report containing a list of areas where National Park Service management should be modified or terminated. Establishes a National Park System Review Commission to make and report such determinations if the Secretary fails to transmit the report within a specified time period. Title II: New Area Establishment - Removes certain reporting requirements concerning additional areas for the National Park System. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual list of areas recommended for study for potential inclusion in the System to specified congressional committees. Bars the initiation of any study of the potential of an area for inclusion in the System after this Act's enactment, except by specific authorization by an Act of the Congress. Requires studies to be completed within three fiscal years of the enactment date of legislation providing for study. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual list of areas which have been studied previously which contain primarily cultural or historical resources and areas which contain primarily natural resources in numerical order of priority for addition to the System.
Bill· HRH.R. 4483 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit registered vendors to administer claims for refund of diesel fuel taxes paid on fuel used in intercity, local, or school buses.
Bill· SS. 2143 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Value Added Tax Title II: Surplus Revenues Deficit and Debt Reduction and Health Care Financing Act of 1994 - Title I: Value Added Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a five percent tax on taxable transactions (such tax to be known as a value added tax). Describes taxable transactions as the sale, import, or export of certain property or services. Sets forth rules for the administration of such tax. Title II: Surplus Revenues - Establishes the Deficit Reduction and Health Care Reform Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund 80 percent of the revenues from the value added tax to reduce the public debt and 20 percent to carry out Federal health care reform programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4473 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Work Requirements for Welfare Recipients Title II: Promotion of Marriage and Social Responsibility Subtitle A: Welfare Benefits Subtitle B: Grants for Assistance to Children Born Out-of-Wedlock Subtitle C: Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption Subtitle D: Tax Credit for Certain Low-Income Families Title III: Child Support Enforcement Title IV: Specific Reforms in Welfare Spending Title V: State Options and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending Real Welfare Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Work Requirements for Welfare Recipients - Amends Part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require each State, as a condition of participation in the AFDC program, to establish a workfare and dependency reduction program meeting specified requirements. (Sec. 101) Sets forth program participation requirements for parents in the AFDC unemployed parent program and certain noncustodial parents, including a specified mix of weekly community work service and job search activities or benefits to wages program participation. Specifies participation requirements for each adult AFDC recipient in a single-adult family. Requires States to establish: (1) a community work service program under which a participating individual shall work for a public or nonprofit private sector organization; and (2) a benefits to wages program under which an individual shall work for a qualified private employer whom the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall pay a wage subsidy on behalf of such individual equal to the amount of AFDC allotment and the cash value of food stamp benefits the individual would otherwise receive. Sets forth penalties (including allotment reductions and eligibility denials) for individuals, including noncustodial parents, who fail to meet participation requirements. Prohibits participating organizations or entities from replacing any employed workers with participating AFDC individuals. Specifies payments to States for welfare and dependency reduction programs. Requires State plans to require custodial parents under 19 years old who have not successfully completed a high-school education to participate in an educational activity, either a high-school diploma or equivalency degree program or other training or work activities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for advance payments of the earned income tax credit to employees in a benefits to wages program. (Sec. 102) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to deny food stamp eligibility to any able-bodied individual belonging to a household otherwise eligible for food stamps if that individual has not performed at least 32 hours of work on behalf of a State, or local government, through a program established by that government, during the preceding month. (Sec. 103) Specifies job search requirements for AFDC applicants and recipients with children over five years old. Title II: Promotion of Marriage and Social Responsibility - Subtitle A: Welfare Benefits - Declares the sense of the Congress that: (1) marriage is the foundation of a successful society; and (2) in view of specified negative consequences of out-of-wedlock birth on the child, the mother, and society, the reduction of such births is an important government interest. (Sec. 201) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require State plans and State food stamp agencies, respectively, with specified exceptions, to deny AFDC payments for a child born to any unmarried individual under 26 (or later age, if the State so determines). Allows such payments if the child is legally adopted or if the child's custodian marries an individual who assumes lawful paternity or permanent legal guardianship and financial responsibility for the child. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require public housing contracts to provide for denial of housing and rental assistance in the same circumstances. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require similar denial of benefits with respect to any additional children born while the custodial parent was receiving assistance. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require reductions in AFDC payments to a family where a child has been born for whom paternity has not been established. Provides for such payments, notwithstanding such denial policy, for a child of up to four months old if some identifying information on the putative father is provided. Subtitle B: Grants for Assistance to Children Born Out-Of-Wedlock - Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to provide for grants to States for programs to discourage out-of-wedlock births and to care for children born out-of-wedlock. Allows the use of such funds to: (1) establish or expand out-of-wedlock pregnancy reduction programs; (2) promote adoption; (3) establish and operate orphanages; and (4) establish and operate closely supervised residential group homes for unwed mothers. (Sec. 211) Prohibits payments to: (1) parents of out-of-wedlock children; or (2) such children if parent and child live in any conventional residential or community setting, including a relative's household or a household headed by the custodial parent. Subtitle C: Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption - Prohibits any agency or entity involved in adoption or foster care placements and receiving Federal assistance from: (1) categorically denying any person the opportunity to become an adoptive or a foster parent on the basis of the race, color, or national origin of such person or of the child involved; or (2) delaying or denying the placement of a child for adoption or into foster care, or otherwise discriminate in making a placement decision, on such basis with respect to the adoptive or foster parent or child. Permits an agency to consider the race, color, or national origin of a child as a factor in making a placement decision if such factor is relevant to the child's best interests and is considered in conjuction with other factors. Grants any aggrieved individual the right to seek relief in the U.S. district court. Subtitle D: Tax Credit for Certain Low-Income Families - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional earned income tax credit for a married individual who: (1) has lived together with his or her spouse at all times during the marriage during the taxable year; and (2) has earned at least $8,500 in income for such year. Title III: Child Support Enforcement - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a system for the reporting of information relating to child support obligations of employees, including mandatory reporting of such information on W-4 forms. (Sec. 302) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require State agencies to: (1) maintain child support order registries; (2) make all pertinent State records accessible to any agency of any other State through the Interstate Locate Network; (3) give custodial parents access to State parent locator services to aid in establishment and enforcement of child support obligations against noncustodial parents; and (4) give noncustodial parents access to such services to aid in establishment of visitation rights. (Sec. 303) Provides for expansion of the Parent Locator Service. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish an Interstate Locate Network linking the Parent Locator Service and all State databases. Requires regulations governing information sharing among States, within States, and between the States and the Parent Locator Service. (Sec. 304) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require States to have laws requiring employers to withhold child support pursuant to uniform income withholding orders. (Sec. 305) Requires the responsible unit within HHS to develop: (1) a uniform abstract of a child support order containing specified terms for use by all State courts; and (2) procedures providing for voluntary establishment or acknowledgement of paternity. (Sec. 306) Waives the application and genetic testing fees for any individual receiving child support collection or paternity determination services who has been denied AFDC, food stamp, and housing assistance under this Act. Title IV: Specific Reforms in Welfare Spending - Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the income eligibility guidelines for reduced price lunches from 185 to 130 percent of the applicable family-size nonfarm income levels. (Sec. 402) Repeals the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act. Applies the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as if the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act had not been enacted. (Sec. 403) Amends the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 to repeal the mandates and authorities for empowerment zones and enterprise communities. (Sec. 404) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to reduce by 25 percent monthly benefits to AFDC families who also receive public housing benefits. (Sec. 405) Reduces the authorization of appropriations for social services block grants for each fiscal year after FY 1994. (Sec. 406) Limits specified welfare benefits, currently available to aliens, to U.S. citizens only. Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that States and local educational agencies should not be required to provide a free public elementary or secondary education to any individual who is not a U.S. citizen, a lawful resident alien, or an alien permanently residing in the United States under color of law. Requires a State or local educational agency to notify the Attorney General whenever it learns of a public school child who does not belong to any such category. Requires immediate deportation proceedings against such child. (Sec. 407) Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) to direct the HHS Secretary to issue vouchers in lieu of cash benefits to each eligible child under 18 to cover the cost of certain medical expenses. (Sec. 408) Requires an eligibility review during the year after the 18th birthday of any individual receiving disability benefits. (Sec. 409) Requires a specified reduction of the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance for any fiscal year. Title V: State Options and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC), the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and the United States Housing Act of 1937 to allow States the option to: (1) place a time limit on AFDC, food stamp, and housing assistance to any individual; and (2) apply that time limit to any household moving to a State from another State with such a time limit. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to give a State the option to treat interstate immigrants under the AFDC benefit rules of their former State. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with the States, to conduct ongoing evaluations of Federal and State job training programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 504) Amends specified parts of the Social Security Act, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require safeguards and information exchange among law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitive felons and probation and parole violators do not receive Medicaid, AFDC benefits, food stamps, SSI, or housing assistance. Requires public housing agencies to furnish Federal, State or local law enforcement agencies, upon request, the current address of any assistance recipient identified as a fugitive felon or probation or parole violator. Title VI: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending - Specifies FY 1995 through 1996 and subsequent fiscal year caps on Federal spending on certain welfare programs. (Sec. 602) Directs the HHS Secretary to make welfare block grants to the States for aid to low-income households. Prohibits the use of such funds for abortions or for any counseling related to abortion. Sets forth general work, job search, and training requirements for aid recipients, as well as certain participation requirements for States. Denies cash or direct food assistance to young unwed parents as under title II of this Act, or to noncitizens, fugitive felons, or probation or parole violators. (Sec. 603) Terminates funding and State obligations under specified cash, medical, housing, energy, education, jobs and training, social services, and low-income community aid welfare programs as of the end of FY 1994. (Sec. 604) Dedicates to deficit reduction all Federal savings under the spending cap mandated by this title. Requires the adjustment of the present discretionary spending caps for the net increase in discretionary spending that results from the creation of the welfare block grant as a replacement for current welfare entitlement programs. (Sec. 605) Sets forth special rules, upon termination of the AFDC program, with respect to grants for assistance to children born out-of-wedlock. (Sec. 606) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to Medicaid eligibility criteria after enactment of this Act. Authorizes States to request a waiver to simplify such criteria. Requires the HHS Secretary to review and approve such requests only if Federal Medicaid expenditures will not be increased as a result.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 433 (103rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1994
Waives points of order against the consideration of H.R. 4453 (making FY 1995 military construction appropriations) with respect to noncompliance with provisions of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
Bill· HRH.R. 4469 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of State Multicare Programs; Tax Changes Subtitle A: Establishment of State Multicare Programs Subtitle B: Federal Contribution Toward Multicare Plan Premiums; Tax Law Changes Title II: Requirements for Multicare Plans Subtitle A: General Requirements Subtitle B: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protections Subtitle C: Repeal of COBRA Continuation Requirements Title III: States Without State Multicare Programs; Federal Health Care Programs; National Reinsurance Pool Subtitle A: Multicare Plans in States Without State Multicare Programs Subtitle B: Federal Health Care Programs Subtitle C: National Reinsurance Mechanism Title IV: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform Subtitle B: Other Requirements and Programs Title V: Administrative Cost Savings Subtitle A: Standardization of Claims Processing Subtitle B: Electronic Medical Data Standards Title VI: Removing Restrictions on Managed Care Title VII: Modification of the Operation of the Antitrust Laws to Hospitals Multiple Choice Health Care Act of 1994 - Multicare Act of 1994 - Title I: Establishment of State Multicare Programs; Tax Changes - Subtitle A: Establishment of State Multicare Programs - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to each State to establish a State multicare program for the offering of competing multicare plans in the State. (Sec. 101) Requires supplemental increases in grant amounts to States in proportion to a reduction in Federal payments for Medicaid acute care services and programs under title IV (Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services) and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act, the Food Stamp Act, and other Federal welfare law. Restricts use of such supplemental increases to: (1) financing the State reinsurance mechanism; or (2) providing additional subsidies for poor and near poor individuals. (Sec. 102) Requires each State multicare program to provide a mechanism for certifying, according to specified criteria, at least two competing open enrollment multicare plans in all areas of the State. (Sec. 103) Requires each State multicare program to provide a mechanism for open season enrollment of State residents (with certain exceptions) in multicare plans. Authorizes a State to require: (1) each eligible individual in the State to be enrolled in such a plan; and (2) such a plan to be a multicare plan operated directly by the program. Prohibits a State from denying approval of a plan as a multicare plan because it does not have open enrollment and limits enrollment to individuals associated with an employer or association. Requires each State multicare program to provide for distribution to eligible individuals of comparative value information. (Sec. 104) Requires: (1) the HHS Secretary to develop a national list of services a multicare plan may cover, and publish treatment practice guidelines; and (2) each State multicare program to establish a State-specific list of covered health care services, which may or may not include services on the national list. Authorizes a State multicare program to decrease, for catastrophic protection, the amount of the cost-sharing limit otherwise permitted for multicare plans. (Sec. 105) Requires each State multicare program to establish procedures to ensure continuity of coverage for eligible individuals residing in each State. (Sec. 106) Requires each State multicare program to: (1) provide for a contribution, determined according to specified formulae, toward the premium cost of the enrollment of each eligible non-exempt individual enrolled in a multicare plan; and (2) include a mechanism for providing additional financial assistance to poor and near poor individuals to help them purchase multicare coverage. (Sec. 108) Requires each State multicare program to include a reinsurance mechanism, governed by a commission appointed by the State chief executive and meeting specified criteria, for high risk individuals enrolled or enrolling in plans offered in the State. Specifies options for such a mechanism, including additional payments from the common fund to plans for individuals whose costs exceed a particular threshold. (Sec. 109) Requires each State multicare program to establish procedures for consumer education and assistance, especially for individuals eligible for State health care subsidies. (Sec. 110) Requires each State multicare program to assure plan compliance with consumer rights under title II of this Act. (Sec. 111) Requires each State multicare program to provide for assurances that any State income tax laws treat employer payments for health care premiums and employee or dependent expenses as wage payments. (Sec. 112) Requires each State multicare program to provide for distribution on State and local levels of information on the average prices of common health care services. Subtitle B: Federal Contribution Toward Multicare Plan Premiums; Tax Law Changes - Sets forth formulae for determination of an annual Federal contribution toward multicare plan premiums. (Sec. 122) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate: (1) the exclusion from gross income of employer-provided health care coverage; and (2) the deductions for medical care and for the health insurance costs of the self-employed. Title II: Requirements for Multicare Plans - Subtitle A: General Requirements - Sets forth general multicare plan requirements for enrollment and continuity of coverage, covered services, premiums and cost-sharing, catastrophic protection, participation in a reinsurance system, data collection, medical malpractice reform and administrative cost savings, and specified consumer rights. Subtitle B: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protections - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide a limited exemption under preemption rules for multiple employer plans providing health benefits subject to certain Federal standards. Relieves such exempted multiple employer plans providing medical care benefits of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefits plans. Sets forth exemption procedures, eligibility requirements (including rules for franchise networks), and additional requirements applicable to such exempted plan arrangements (including notice, reporting, filing, and actuarial requirements). Requires certain disclosures by such arrangements to participating employers. Requires such arrangements to maintain certain reserves. Sets forth procedures for corrective actions, expiration, suspension, or revocation of exemption, and review of actions by the Secretary of Labor. (Sec. 212) Revises ERISA provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, treatment of single employer arrangements, and treatment of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 215) Treats employee leasing health care arrangements as multiple employer welfare arrangements, except for those employee leasing arrangements which are multiple employer health plans. Sets forth special rules for employee leasing health care arrangements which are multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 218) Provides for Federal-State cooperation in responsibility for multiple employer welfare arrangements. Allows delegation of enforcement authority to States, authorizing the Secretary to maintain concurrent authority. Directs the Secretary to provide certain enforcement assistance and ensure that only one State will be recognized as the primary domicile State which authority has been delegated pursuant to an agreement with respect to any particular multiple employer welfare arrangement. Subtitle C: Repeal of COBRA Continuation Requirements -Amends ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act (with respect to certain State and local employees) to repeal COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) continuation coverage requirements for employee-related group health plans. Makes such repeals applicable to health plans offered in a State by an employer as of the first date that a State multicare program is in effect in that State. Title III: States Without State Multicare Programs; Federal Health Care Programs; National Reinsurance Pool - Subtitle A: Multicare Plans in States Without State Multicare Programs - Authorizes the HHS Secretary, in the case of a State without an approved State multicare program, to provide for: (1) operation through the Department of HHS of such a program in the State; and (2) the approval and offering of multistate plans in the State. Subtitle B: Federal Health Care Programs - Authorizes the HHS Secretary to negotiate an agreement (containing specified terms) with a State multicare program to provide Medicare-eligible persons with access to multicare plans. (Sec. 322) Entitles Federal employees eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP), instead of enrolling in the FEHBP, to elect to have the Federal Government contribution toward the FEHBP applied toward enrollment under a multicare plan. Allows the HHS Secretary to approve as a multicare plan a FEHBP plan which participates in a multicare reinsurance mechanism and meets the other requirements for an approved multicare plan. (Sec. 323) Requires the HHS Secretary to report to the Congress his or her recommendations on how (and the extent to which) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), the health care programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Indian Health Service may be integrated with the multicare program established under this Act. (Sec. 324) Specifies consumer rights for individuals in Federal health care programs. Subtitle C: National Reinsurance Mechanism - Directs the HHS Secretary to establish a national reinsurance mechanism, governed by a commission appointed by the Secretary, for use by self-insured closed multicare plans operating in three or more States that have not elected to participate in State reinsurance mechanisms. Allows such plans a one-time election between the national reinsurance mechanism and a State mechanism. Title IV: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Applies this title to any medical malpractice liability claim or action brought in any State or Federal court, except a claim or action: (1) arising from a vaccine- related injury or death already covered by the Public Health Service Act; or (2) in which the plaintiff's sole allegation is of an injury arising from the use of a medical product. Preempts State law to the extent it differs from this subtitle. Declares that nothing in this subtitle shall be construed as establishing any Federal question jurisdiction over medical malpractice liability actions. (Sec. 411) Sets a statue of limitations for medical malpractice liability claims of two years after an alleged injury should reasonably have been discovered, but in no event more than four years after the alleged injury occurred (or in the case of a minor, no later than the tenth birthday). (Sec. 412) Declares that no medical malpractice liability action may be brought in any State court unless the underlying claim has been initially resolved under an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system certified by the HHS Secretary. Limits the scope of judicial review of such an ADR decision. Mandates application of Federal ADR in malpractice claims against the United States. Requires Federal agencies to report regularly to the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research (Administrator) on issues in controversy consisting of medical malpractice claims resolved under agency ADR proceedings. Requires pre-trial settlement conferences on any medical malpractice liability actions which reach court. (Sec. 415) Limits to $250,000 the total amount of noneconomic damages awardable to a plaintiff and family for losses resulting from the injury which is the subject of a medical malpractice liability action. Limits punitive damages to twice the total compensatory damages. Requires periodic payments of any award of more than $100,000 in damages for expenses in the future, unless the court determines that periodic payments are not in the plaintiff's best interests. Sets forth specified mandatory offsets to damages for any payments made under Federal, State, or private programs. Limits attorney's contingency fees, but allows award of such fees and other specified costs to the prevailing party. (Sec. 417) Declares that: (1) the liability of each defendant in such an action shall be several only and not joint, and limited to the defendant's percentage of responsibility; and (2) a defendant may not be found to have acted negligently unless his or her conduct was not reasonable. Makes it an affirmative defense to any allegation of negligence that the defendant followed the appropriate practice guideline sanctioned by the HHS Secretary. (Sec. 420) Declares that, in the case of a medical malpractice liability action relating to obstetric services, if the defendant health care professional did not previously treat the plaintiff for the pregnancy, the trier of fact may not find that the defendant committed malpractice and may not assess damages against him or her unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. States that a health care professional shall be considered to have previously treated an individual for a pregnancy if the professional: (1) is a member of a group practice whose members previously treated the individual for the pregnancy; or (2) is providing services during labor or the delivery of the baby pursuant to an agreement with another professional. (Sec. 421) Specifies the extent to which this subtitle preempts State law. (Sec. 431) Sets forth basic requirements for a State's ADR system. Requires the HHS Secretary to certify a State system if it meets such requirements. (Sec. 433) Requires the HHS Secretary to report to Congress on the State ADR systems operated according to this subtitle. Subtitle B: Other Requirements and Programs - Amends title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for sanctioning practice guidelines for purposes of an affirmative defense in medical malpractice liability actions. Directs the HHS Secretary to: (1) develop a standard reporting form for State ADR systems to use in transmitting information to the Administrator; and (2) study and report to Congress on the effect of the use of medical practice guidelines on the incidence of and the costs associated with medical malpractice. (Sec. 442) Declares that a State agency responsible for the conduct of disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner may enter into agreements (meeting specified requirements) to permit State or county professional societies of such type of practitioner: (1) to participate in practitioner licensing; and (2) to review any health care malpractice claim or allegation, or other information concerning the practice patterns of any such practitioner. Title V: Administrative Cost Savings - Subtitle A: Standardization of Claims Processing - Directs the HHS Secretary to adopt (taking into account the recommendations of specified task forces) standards relating to: (1) data elements for use in paper and electronic claims processing; (2) uniform claims forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements. Sets forth requirements for application of such standards, and their periodic review and revision. Subtitle B: Electronic Medical Data Standards - Directs the HHS Secretary to promulgate electronic medical data standards meeting specified criteria for hospitals and other providers. Sets a deadline for each hospital with a Medicare participation agreement to meet such standards. (Sec. 513) Authorizes the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, as of January 1, 2000, to require health care providers to present and transmit data elements electronically according to such standards. (Sec. 515) Directs the HHS Secretary to establish an advisory commission to monitor and advise about the standards established under this subtitle and operational concerns about their implementation. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Removing Restrictions on Managed Care - Preempts provisions of State law restricting: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. (Sec. 601) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. Title VII: Modification of the Operation of the Antitrust Laws to Hospitals - Declares that it shall not be unlawful under the antitrust laws for two or more hospitals to engage in conduct solely for the purpose of negotiating a proposed agreement to share expensive medical services or high technology equipment. (Sec. 702) Requires the HHS Secretary to issue waivers to exempt from the operation of the antitrust laws conduct engaged in by hospitals to carry out any such agreements which meet specified criteria.
Bill· HRH.R. 4465 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the employment tax treatment of certain crew members on fishing vessels with a crew of ten or fewer individuals. Requires certain persons engaged in the trade or business of purchasing fish for resale to file information returns with respect to such purchases.
Bill· HRH.R. 4470 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
Children and Incapacitated Dependents Care Annual Refund (CIDCARE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the dependent care credit a refundable tax credit. Makes higher-income taxpayers ineligible for such credit. Allows employers to advance the payments of such credit.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 431 (103rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
Sets forth the rule for the further consideration of H.R. 4301 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995).
Bill· SS. 2134 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Work Requirements for Welfare Recipients Title II: Promotion of Marriage and Social Responsibility Subtitle A: Welfare Benefits Subtitle B: Grants for Assistance to Children Born Out-of-Wedlock Subtitle C: Tax Credit for Certain Low-Income Families Subtitle D: Expansion of Abstinence Education Title III: Child Support Enforcement Title IV: Specific Reforms in Welfare Spending Title V: State Options and Miscellaneous Provisions Title VI: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending Welfare Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Work Requirements for Welfare Recipients - Amends Part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require each State, as a condition of participation in the AFDC program, to establish a workfare and dependency reduction program meeting specified requirements. (Sec. 101) Sets forth program participation requirements for parents in the AFDC unemployed parent program and certain noncustodial parents, including a specified mix of weekly community work service and job search activities or benefits to wages program participation. Specifies participation requirements for each adult AFDC recipient in a single-adult family. Requires States to establish: (1) a community work service program under which a participating individual shall work for a public or nonprofit private sector organization; and (2) a benefits to wages program under which an individual shall work for a qualified private employer whom the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall pay a wage subsidy on behalf of such individual equal to the amount of AFDC allotment and the cash value of food stamp benefits the individual would otherwise receive. Sets forth penalties (including allotment reductions and eligibility denials) for individuals, including noncustodial parents, who fail to meet participation requirements. Prohibits participating organizations or entities from replacing any employed workers with participating AFDC individuals. Specifies payments to States for welfare and dependency reduction programs. Requires State plans to require custodial parents under 19 years old who have not successfully completed a high-school education to participate in an educational activity, either a high-school diploma or equivalency degree program or other training or work activities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for advance payments of the earned income tax credit to employees in a benefits to wages program. (Sec. 102) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to deny food stamp eligibility to any able-bodied individual belonging to a household otherwise eligible for food stamps if that individual has not performed at least 32 hours of work on behalf of a State or local government, through a program established by that government, during the preceding month. (Sec. 103) Specifies job search requirements for AFDC applicants and recipients with children over five years old. Title II: Promotion of Marriage and Social Responsibility - Subtitle A: Welfare Benefits - Declares the sense of the Congress that: (1) marriage is the foundation of a successful society; and (2) in view of specified negative consequences of out-of-wedlock birth on the child, the mother, and society, the reduction of such births is an important government interest. (Sec. 201) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require State plans and State food stamp agencies, respectively, with specified exceptions, to deny AFDC payments for a child born to any unmarried individual under 26 (or later age, if the State so determines). Allows such payments if the child is legally adopted or if the child's custodian marries an individual who assumes lawful paternity or permanent legal guardianship and financial responsibility for the child. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require public housing contracts to provide for denial of housing and rental assistance in the same circumstances. (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require similar denial of benefits with respect to any additional children born while the custodial parent was receiving assistance. (Sec. 203) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require reductions in AFDC payments to a family where a child has been born for whom paternity has not been established. Provides for such payments, notwithstanding such denial policy, for a child of up to four months old if some identifying information on the putative father is provided. Subtitle B: Grants for Assistance to Children Born Out-Of-Wedlock - Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to provide for grants to States for programs to discourage out-of-wedlock births and to care for children born out-of-wedlock. Allows the use of such funds to: (1) establish or expand out-of-wedlock pregnancy reduction programs; (2) promote adoption; (3) establish and operate orphanages; and (4) establish and operate closely supervised residential group homes for unwed mothers. (Sec. 211) Prohibits payments to: (1) parents of out-of-wedlock children; or (2) such children if parent and child live in any conventional residential or community setting, including a relative's household or a household headed by the custodial parent. Subtitle C: Tax Credit for Certain Low-Income Families - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional earned income tax credit for a married individual who: (1) has lived together with his or her spouse at all times during the marriage during the taxable year; and (2) has earned at least $8,500 in income for such year. Subtitle D: Expansion of Abstinence Education - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States and public and private entities to establish educational programs beginning in the sixth grade or later that emphasize the social, psychological, and health gains to be derived from abstaining from sexual activity while unmarried. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Child Support Enforcement - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a system for the reporting of information relating to child support obligations of employees, including mandatory reporting of such information on W-4 forms. (Sec. 302) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require State agencies to: (1) maintain child support order registries; (2) make all pertinent State records accessible to any agency of any other State through the Interstate Locate Network; (3) give custodial parents access to State parent locator services to aid in establishment and enforcement of child support obligations against noncustodial parents; and (4) give noncustodial parents access to such services to aid in establishment of visitation rights. (Sec. 303) Provides for expansion of the Parent Locator Service. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish an Interstate Locate Network linking the Parent Locator Service and all State databases. Requires regulations governing information sharing among States, within States, and between the States and the Parent Locator Service. (Sec. 304) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to require States to have laws requiring employers to withhold child support pursuant to uniform income withholding orders. (Sec. 305) Requires the responsible unit within HHS to develop: (1) a uniform abstract of a child support order containing specified terms for use by all State courts; and (2) procedures providing for voluntary establishment or acknowledgement of paternity. (Sec. 306) Waives the application and genetic testing fees for any individual receiving child support collection or paternity determination services who has been denied AFDC, food stamp, and housing assistance under this Act. Title IV: Specific Reforms in Welfare Spending - Amends the National School Lunch Act to reduce the income eligibility guidelines for reduced price lunches from 185 to 130 percent of the applicable family-size nonfarm income levels. (Sec. 402) Repeals the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act. Applies the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as if the Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act had not been enacted. (Sec. 403) Amends the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 to repeal the mandates and authorities for empowerment zones and enterprise communities. (Sec. 404) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to reduce by 25 percent monthly benefits to AFDC families who also receive public housing benefits. (Sec. 405) Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires Federal contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wages). (Sec. 406) Reduces the authorization of appropriations for social services block grants for each fiscal year after FY 1994. (Sec. 407) Limits specified welfare benefits, currently available to aliens, to U.S. citizens only. Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that States and local educational agencies should not be required to provide a free public elementary or secondary education to any individual who is not a U.S. citizen, a lawful resident alien, or an alien permanently residing in the United States under color of law. Requires a State or local educational agency to notify the Attorney General whenever it learns of a public school child who does not belong to any such category. Requires immediate deportation proceedings against such child. (Sec. 408) Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) to direct the HHS Secretary to issue vouchers in lieu of cash benefits to each eligible child under 18 to cover the cost of certain medical expenses. (Sec. 409) Requires an eligibility review during the year after the 18th birthday of any individual receiving disability benefits. (Sec. 410) Requires a specified reduction of the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance for any fiscal year. Title V: State Options and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC), the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and the United States Housing Act of 1937 to allow States the option to: (1) place a time limit on AFDC, food stamp, and housing assistance to any individual; and (2) apply that time limit to any household moving to a State from another State with such a time limit. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title IV Part A (AFDC) to give a State the option to treat interstate immigrants under the AFDC benefit rules of their former State. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary of Labor, in cooperation with the States, to conduct ongoing evaluations of Federal and State job training programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 504) Amends specified parts of the Social Security Act, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require safeguards and information exchange among law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitive felons and probation and parole violators do not receive Medicaid, AFDC benefits, food stamps, SSI, or housing assistance. Requires public housing agencies to furnish Federal, State or local law enforcement agencies, upon request, the current address of any assistance recipient identified as a fugitive felon or probation or parole violator. Title VI: Capping the Aggregate Growth of Welfare Spending - Specifies FY 1995 through 1996 and subsequent fiscal year caps on Federal spending on certain welfare programs. (Sec. 602) Directs the HHS Secretary to make welfare block grants to the States for aid to low-income households. Prohibits the use of such funds for abortions or for any counseling related to abortion. Sets forth general work, job search, and training requirements for aid recipients, as well as certain participation requirements for States. Denies cash or direct food assistance to young unwed parents as under title II of this Act, or to noncitizens, fugitive felons, or probation or parole violators. (Sec. 603) Terminates funding and State obligations under specified cash, medical, housing, energy, education, jobs and training, social services, and low-income community aid welfare programs as of the end of FY 1994. (Sec. 604) Dedicates to deficit reduction all Federal savings under the spending cap mandated by this title. Requires the adjustment of the present discretionary spending caps for the net increase in discretionary spending that results from the creation of the welfare block grant as a replacement for current welfare entitlement programs. (Sec. 605) Sets forth special rules, upon termination of the AFDC program, with respect to grants for assistance to children born out-of-wedlock. (Sec. 606) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) with respect to Medicaid eligibility criteria after enactment of this Act. Authorizes States to request a waiver to simplify such criteria. Requires the HHS Secretary to review and approve such requests only if Federal Medicaid expenditures will not be increased as a result.
Bill· HRH.R. 4457 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1994
Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to repeal the rule for emergency appropriations. Requires, when emergency appropriations are enacted for a fiscal year in progress, a reduction in discretionary spending limits in the following fiscal year.
Bill· SS. 2130 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the death benefit limits and provide an inflation adjustment for certain life insurance policies purchased to cover payment of burial expenses or in connection with prearranged funeral expenses.
Bill· SS. 2131 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1994
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out two medical facility construction projects at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Sepulveda, California, in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations. Provides limitations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out an administrative reorganization at the Sepulveda site, as necessitated by a January 1994 earthquake, without regard to a congressional notification requirement.
Bill· HRH.R. 4448 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1994
Increases the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of the Interior to make available to the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission to carry out activities relating to the Lowell National Historical Park and the Lowell Historic Preservation District in Massachusetts. Requires the Secretary, acting through the National Park Service, to assume all responsibilities for administration and oversight of the loan and grant agreements between the Commission and the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation as were previously ascribed to the Commission, upon its termination. Makes any revenues or other assets acquired by the Secretary by donation, the lease or sale of property, or fees for service available to the Secretary, without fiscal year limitation, to be used for any authorized function under this Act. Requires the Secretary to provide for audits of the financial records of the Park at least once each year. Extends the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission until the year 2000. Revises provisions of the terms for loan agreements between the Commission and the Corporation. Authorizes the Commission to renegotiate the terms and conditions respecting loan repayment of the agreement dated December 8, 1980, with the Corporation. Directs the Secretary, upon the termination of the Commission, to establish the Lowell National Historical Park Advisory Committee to advise on the operation, maintenance, development, and programming of the Park and Preservation District.
Bill· HRH.R. 4449 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1994
Permanent Housing for Homeless Families Act - Amends part A of title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act to deem as emergency assistance to needy families with children any qualified State expenditures for construction, rehabilitation, purchase, or rental by State or local government or a nonprofit organization of permanent rental housing for homeless AFDC families. Requires a State to provide assurances that the average amount the State intends to expend per family for such emergency assistance for the fiscal year would not exceed such average amount for the immediately preceding fiscal year. Encourages the States to combine funds available for such purposes under the AFDC program with funds available under other Federal, State, or local programs, including the Community Development Block Grant program, the Home Investment Partnership program, and the programs under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4445 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1994
Rural Multifamily Rental Housing Loan Guarantee Demonstration Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee the repayment of loans made by private lenders for the development costs of multifamily rental housing for low- and moderate-income rural families. Permits a low-income housing tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code for housing developed from such a loan guarantee if it meets certain tax requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates loan guarantee authority after FY 1996.
Bill· SS. 2121 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
National Park Service Entrepreneurial Management Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish reasonable admission fees to units of the National Park System (NPS). (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary to make annual permits available at reasonable fees for admission or entrance to any NPS unit, into several specific units located in a particular geographic area, or for entrance to all units where an admission fee is charged as designated by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish reasonable fees for: (1) admission for a single visit at any designated NPS unit for persons who choose not to purchase an annual pass; (2) specialized outdoor recreation sites, facilities, equipment, or services that are furnished or provided at Federal expense; and (3) uses of park units that require special arrangements including permits. Requires fees collected for admission and recreational uses to be deposited in the special fund account established in the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 with the exception of certain fees to be deposited into the: (1) Fee Collection Support-NPS fund to cover fee collection cost; and (2) National Park Renewal Fund to be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation, for infrastructure needs at the parks. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the use of such fees; (2) discounts and fee waivers; and (3) criteria for the establishment of fees. (Sec. 5) Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to solicit donations of money, property, and services from potential donors who the Secretary believes would wish to make such donations as an expression of support for the national parks; and (2) National Park Service (Service) employees to solicit donations under specified conditions. Prohibits acceptance of donations which: (1) attach conditions inconsistent with applicable laws and regulations; (2) are conditioned upon or require the expenditure of appropriated funds that are not available to the Department; or (3) compromise a criminal or civil position of any Federal department or agency or the administrative authority of any Federal agency. Prohibits Service employees from directly conducting or executing major fund raising campaigns. Allows them to cooperate with other whom the Secretary designates to conduct such campaigns on behalf of the Service. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to negotiate and enter into challenge cost-share agreements with any State or local government, public or private agency, organization, institution, corporation, individual, or other entity. Authorizes the Secretary, subject to appropriation, to provide the Federal funding share from any funds available to the Service. (Sec. 7) Requires any funds payable to the United States as restitution for damage to park resources or property to be paid to the Secretary. Allows the use of such funds, and any other funds received by the Secretary resulting from forfeiture, compromise, or settlement on account of such damage to be available, without appropriation, and to be expended by the Secretary, without regard to fiscal year limitation, to improve, protect, or rehabilitate any park resources or property which have been damaged by the action of a permittee or any unauthorized person.
Bill· SS. 2122 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance Title II: Standards for Long-Term Care Insurance Title III: Incentives to Encourage the Purchase of Private Insurance Title IV: Improved Public Safety Net for Long-Term Care Public/Private Long-Term Care Partnership Act of 1994 - Title I: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow qualified individuals to deduct from income long-term care service expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. Includes among such services necessary diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance, and personal care performed in either a residential or nonresidential setting. (Sec. 101) Limits such deduction to individuals incapacitated during any period to the extent they are unable without substantial assistance to perform at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) (including eating, toileting, transferring, bathing, dressing, and continence), or who suffer from a moderate cognitive impairment. Requires a licensed professional or qualified community care case manager to determine the degree of incapacitation. (Sec. 102) Allows a medical expense deduction of premiums paid for qualified long-term care insurance meeting specified requirements. Makes any employer-paid premiums deductible by the employer as a business expense. Excludes from an employee's taxable income any premiums paid under an employer provided long-term care insurance policy. (Sec. 103) Excludes from an individual's gross income any benefits paid under such a policy, to the extent they do not exceed $150 per day, adjusted for inflation. Exempts private long-term care insurance from COBRA continuation of coverage requirements. Treats long-term care as a qualified benefit in a cafeteria plan. (Sec. 105) Excludes from taxable income as an amount paid by reason of death any accelerated death benefit distributed to an individual taxpayer on the life of an insured who is terminally ill. Title II: Standards for Long-Term Care Insurance - Requires long-term care insurance policies to meet specified National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) consumer protection standards. Applies to such policies certain additional requirements relating to nonforfeiture rights, rate stabilization, minimum rate guarantees, limits and notification of increases on premiums and reimbursement mechanisms. (Sec. 202) Imposes a penalty of $100 per day per policy on long-term care issuers failing to meet specified additional responsibilities. (Sec. 203) Declares that nothing in this subtitle shall be construed as preventing a State from applying standards providing greater protection of long-term care insurance policyholders. (Sec. 204) Directs NAIC to promulgate standards for the use of uniform language and definitions in long-term care insurance policies. Title III: Incentives to Encourage the Purchase of Private Insurance - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program designed to educate individuals on the risks of incurring catastrophic long-term care costs and the coverage options available to insure against such risk. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 302) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to Medicaid Estate Recoveries, to repeal the mandate that States require asset protection programs for individuals who buy qualified long-term care insurance to recover assets upon a beneficiary's death. Requires the Secretary to disapprove any State plan amendment providing for an asset protection program unless the State requires all participating insurers to file certain reports and information. (Sec. 303) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit individuals over 59 1/2 years old to receive tax-free distributions from an individual retirement account (IRA) or individual retirement annuity for the purchase of a long-term care policy. Allows individuals, regardless of age, to receive without penalty such distributions for the purchase of such a policy. Prohibits any medical expense deduction for any premiums paid from such distributions. Title IV: Improved Public Safety Net for Long-Term Care - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require States to expand eligibility for nursing facility residents determined to be medically needy. (Sec. 403) Increases from $30 to $50 the amount of funds an individual residing in a nursing facility is able to retain for personal needs. Provides for Federal reimbursement to State funds for any reductions attributable to such increased personal needs allowance. (Sec. 404) Allows States, in determining Medicaid eligibility, to disregard the first $8,000 of resources of an unmarried inpatient of a nursing facility or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded. (Sec. 405) Requires that a resident of a nursing facility or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded receive, at the time of Medicaid application and periodically thereafter, information on the range of home and community-based services available in the State. (Sec. 406) Authorizes each State with an approved State plan to establish a program furnishing covered home and community-based services (not provided by other Federal or State programs) to eligible individuals with disabilities. Defines such individuals as: (1) those unable without substantial assistance to perform at least two ADLs; (2) those with moderate cognitive or mental impairment; (3) those with severe or profound mental retardation; and (4) severely disabled children under age six. Provides for a phased-in income eligibility schedule for individuals with assets of under $8,000. Allows States to impose nominal cost-sharing charges on individuals with family incomes exceeding 100 percent of the official poverty line. Prescribes a formula for Federal matching funds. (Sec. 407) Directs the HHS Secretary to report to the Congress annually on: (1) the effectiveness of State programs furnishing home and community-based services to individuals with disabilities; and (2) the development of the market for long-term care insurance. (Sec. 408) Requires the HHS Secretary to report to the Congress on the feasibility and cost of including long-term care services for chronically ill individuals in a standard benefit package offered under a reformed health care system. (Sec. 409) Establishes a Chronic Care Commission to submit to the Congress legislative recommendations to simplify and improve chronic care services for chronically ill individuals. (Sec. 410) Directs the HHS Secretary to conduct up to seven demonstration projects under which qualified entities test the effectiveness of various approaches to financing and providing integrated acute and long-term care services to chronically ill individuals and individuals with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4438 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
Reduces by a specified amount total FY 1995 appropriations to all Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities for entering into service contracts with private entities. Increases by the same amount the total FY 1995 appropriations for Federal employee pay schedule adjustments and locality-based comparability payments. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to allocate such reductions and increases among the appropriate accounts. Requires Federal agency certification of compliance with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4434 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Elimination of Baseline Budgeting Title II: Changes in Discretionary Spending Limits Title III: Expedited Rescissions and Targeted Tax Benefits Title IV: Treatment of Emergency Spending Common Cents Budget Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Elimination of Baseline Budgeting - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) with respect to the baseline to remove requirements for inflation adjustments, except for purposes of adjusting discretionary spending limits. Removes the requirement that adjustments made for expiring housing contracts be sequential and cumulative. Requires the President's budget to include: (1) estimated expenditures and appropriations for the current year; (2) new budget authority in budget outlay comparisons; and (3) a certain comparison of levels of estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations that includes the proposed increase or decrease in spending in percentage terms. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make conforming changes to the development of the concurrent resolution on the budget. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to include in reports to budget committees certain current year comparisons and a table on sources of spending growth under current law in total mandatory spending for the budget year and the ensuing four fiscal years. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to report annually to the Congress on all programs and activities with permanent or indefinite spending authority or those programs for which budget authority is not provided for in advance by appropriation Acts. Title II: Changes in Discretionary Spending Limits - Reduces discretionary spending limits for new budget authority for any fiscal year by the amount in the Deficit Reduction Account. Requires each appropriation or rescission bill to contain a Deficit Reduction Account containing amounts resulting from reduced spending. Title III: Expedited Rescissions and Targeted Tax Benefits - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for the expedited consideration of proposed rescissions of budget authority or repeals of targeted tax benefits. Title IV: Treatment of Emergency Spending - Limits emergency appropriations and legislation to the matter of emergency. Allows such a statute to contain other offsetting provisions that reduce spending or non-emergency appropriations for the designated emergency. Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill or joint resolution containing an emergency designation, if the legislation provides an appropriation for any other item or matter.
Bill· HRH.R. 4433 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
Reinventing Government Act of 1994 - Establishes an independent Reinventing Government Commission to: (1) hold public hearings on recommendations by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with regard to disposals of surplus Government property, closure and consolidation of Federal offices, procurement of Government functions from the private sector, and termination of Federal statutes and regulations; and (2) formulate its own recommendations for the President and the congressional budget committees after analyzing the OMB Director's recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) assist the Commission in such review upon request; and (2) transmit an analysis of the Director's recommendations to the Commission and the congressional budget committees after the Commission has submitted its recommendations to the President and those committees. Sets forth procedures for: (1) formulation of the Director's recommendations; (2) consideration of Commission recommendations by the President and the Congress; and (3) implementation of final Commission recommendations. Establishes in the Treasury the Reinventing Government Account 1994 for use in closing and consolidating Federal offices and disposing of surplus Government property. Requires the Director to: (1) transmit reports on closure and consolidation operations to the congressional budget committees as part of the annual budget process; and (2) make annual downward adjustments in the discretionary spending limits of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by the aggregate amount of reductions in discretionary spending for the fiscal year involved. Provides that: (1) none of the changes in direct spending resulting from this Act shall be reflected in OMB estimates under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act); and (2) all receipts resulting from this Act shall be used solely to reduce the public debt.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 429 (103rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1994
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 4301 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995).
Bill· SS. 2117 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the application of the luxury automobile excise tax the value of components required for a vehicle to be powered by clean-burning fuel, including components enabling a vehicle to qualify as an electric vehicle.
Bill· HRH.R. 4425 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Construction Authorization Title II: Health Care Planning and Programs Title III: Medical Facilities Acquisition Title IV: State Home Program Title V: Miscellaneous Title I: Construction Authorization - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out the major medical facility (MMF) projects and leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for which funds are requested in the President's budget for FY 1995, with the exception of the construction of research additions at Huntington, West Virginia, and Portland, Oregon. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out additional MMF projects, in specified amounts, and additional MMF projects for which funds were appropriated in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1994. Authorizes FY 1995 appropriations for such purposes. Title II: Health Care Planning and Programs - Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe a specific, detailed statement of the mission of, and the clinical programs to be operated at, each Department health care facility; (2) review current Department health care missions; and (3) report on mission implementation timetables. (Sec. 202) Extends through FY 1997 (currently FY 1994) the pilot program for determining noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home care. Extends eligibility for such pilot program to all veterans eligible for nursing home care. (Currently, there are further requirements of being treated for, or having a certain degree of, a service-connected disability.) Extends certain report deadlines under the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990. Title III: Medical Facilities Acquisition - Specifies additional information to be included within a prospectus of a proposed medical facility to be acquired by the Department for use in providing veterans' medical care. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to review the Department methodology for establishing the priority for major construction projects under consideration. Requires such methodology to be revised to give additional weight to projects intended to expand long-term care and ambulatory care programs. Requires a report. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to submit semiannually to the veterans' committees a report showing the current Department priorities for major medical construction projects, with the highest 20 projects specifically identified. (Sec. 304) Includes within the definition of a major medical facility project a project for providing additional ambulatory care involving a total expenditure of more than $5 million. Title IV: State Home Program - Directs the Secretary to pay to each State a per diem amount for each veteran receiving adult day health care in a State home if the veteran is eligible to receive such care in a Department facility. Provides the rate for such care and increases the per diem rate for domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care (currently authorized). (Sec. 402) Includes the construction of adult day health care facilities in the provision by the Department of financial assistance to States for the construction of medical facilities for veterans. Title V: Miscellaneous - Designates specified veterans' research advisory committees that the Secretary may not terminate unless determined to be no longer needed, with a 120-day prior notification of such a finding to the veterans' committees by way of a report. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the operation of child care centers at Department facilities. Provides a priority for such services to employees of the Department, followed by employees of other Federal departments and agencies. Allows the Secretary to provide child care services to members of the public when necessary to assure the center's financial success. Directs the Secretary to establish reasonable charges for such services with the proceeds to be used by such centers for staffing and other expenses. Outlines related authority of the Secretary with respect to establishing and operating such centers. (Sec. 503) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into contracts for the provision of utilities to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, Texas; (2) during the period from February 28 through June 1, 1994, contract with facilities in the Republic of the Philippines other than the Veterans Memorial Medical Center to furnish hospital care and medical services to veterans for nonservice-connected disabilities if such veterans are unable to defray the cost of such care; and (3) undertake an administrative reorganization of the Department medical center in Sepulveda, California, without regard to a required waiting period.
Bill· SS. 2116 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle A: Authorizations Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1995 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Subtitle A: Authorizations - Authorizes FY 1995 appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) human space flight; (2) science, aeronautics, and technology; (3) mission support; and (4) the Inspector General. Subtitle B: Limitations and Special Authority - Sets forth funds uses, limitations, and special authorities. Obligates funds for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the use of NASA life sciences facilities by specified National Institutes of Health investigators. Requires the submission of a five-year Orbital Research Plan. Directs the Administrator of NASA to: (1) perform a feasibility study for implementing a University Innovative Research Program; and (2) provide for diversity factors in procurement. Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize appropriations for commercial space launch activities. Prohibits space advertising.
Bill· SS. 2109 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
Access to Community Health Care Act of 1994 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow community health centers to provide: (1) services at schools and other appropriate locations; and (2) specified enabling and outreach services. (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants (including planning and development grants) to one or more community health centers receiving medically underserved population grants, or to one or more federally qualified health centers, to support development of a community health service network or plan. Requires such a network or plan to be governed by individuals a majority of whom are registered network or plan patients, or representatives of entities providing health services under grants, or a combination of such individuals. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for planning, developing, and operating health networks and plans that will provide or enhance the provision and accessibility of specified services to medically underserved populations and health professional shortage areas in the network or plan's service area. Requires a network or plan, as a condition of grant approval, to assure significant community involvement, including: (1) a board of governors one-third of whom are registered patients or representatives of entities providing health services under grants, or a combination of both; or (2) a patient advisory board. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary to make and guarantee loans to grant-receiving entities for: (1) acquisition, modernization, expansion, conversion, or construction of facilities with respect to medically underserved populations; (2) major equipment purchases; (3) establishment of reserves required for furnishing services on a prepaid basis; and (4) other necessary capital costs. Sets forth preferences and priorities in the making of such loans and loan guarantees. Establishes a Loan and Loan Guarantee Fund (Fund) in the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to preserve tax-exempt status for any State or local bonds guaranteed by the Fund. (Sec. 4) Allows migrant health centers to provide: (1) services at schools and other appropriate locations; and (2) specified enabling and outreach services. Authorizes a homeless health services grant to include the acquisition, modernization, or expansion of existing buildings, or construction of new buildings. Authorizes appropriations for migrant and homeless health centers. (Sec. 5) Authorizes additional appropriations for the National Health Service Corps. (Sec. 6) Sets forth preferences for certain health professions program and nurse training program applicants. Revises specified requirements with respect to payment for direct and indirect costs of graduate medical education. (Sec. 7) Amends title XI (General Provisions and Peer Review) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to specified safeguards (including freedom of choice of care and services provider) for rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers in Medicaid demonstrations. (Sec. 8) Amends SSA title XI to exempt from specified criminal penalties for acts involving Medicare and State health programs any remuneration paid by or to a Federal grant recipient or subrecipient in connection with an arrangement for goods or services procurement, if certain requirements are met. Requires, among other things, that such an arrangement will: (1) result in the savings of Federal grant funds or increased revenues to the recipient or subrecipient that will be used to increase the availability of or improve services to a medically underserved population; and (2) not result in private inurement to any current employees or members of the Board of Directors of the recipient or subrecipient, or to agents involved in recommending or negotiating the arrangement. Exempts from such criminal penalties any arrangement failing to meet such requirements which is approved by the Secretary because it will produce substantial benefit to a medically underserved population that outweighs any failure to meet those requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 4414 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Time-Limited Transitional Assistance Title II: Make Work Pay Subtitle A: Health Care Subtitle B: Earned Income Tax Credit Subtitle C: Child Care Subtitle D: AFDC Work Disregards Subtitle E: AFDC Asset Limitations Title III: The Work First Program Subtitle A: AFDC Subtitle B: Targeted Jobs Tax Credit Title IV: Family Responsibility and Improved Child Support Enforcement Subtitle A: Enhancement of Ability to Identify and Locate Noncustodial Parents Subtitle B: Paternity Establishment Subtitle C: Improvement of Child Support Order Establishment Process Subtitle D: Child Support Enforcement Title V: Teen Pregnancy and Family Stability Subtitle A: Federal Role Subtitle B: State Role Title VI: Program Simplification Subtitle A: Increased State Flexibility Subtitle B: Coordination of AFDC and Food Stamp Programs Subtitle C: Fraud Reduction Title VII: Financing Subtitle A: Ineligibility of certain Aliens for certain Social Services Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Aliens Subtitle C: Limitation on Emergency Assistance Expenditures Subtitle D: Family Day Care Homes Program Improvements Subtitle E: Collection of Certain State and Local Taxes on Out-of-State Sales Title VIII: Effective Date Independence for Families Act of 1994 - Title I: Time-Limited Transitional Assistance - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require States opting below to have work first programs to make ineligible for AFDC any family with a member who has participated in such work program for two years; (2) condition eligibility for AFDC on participation in job search activities except during unsubsidized full-time private sector employment; (3) provide transitional child care for families cut off AFDC after two years; and (4) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Service (Secretary) to establish a database of work first and community service programs participants for use by States opting to have work first programs. Title II: Make Work Pay - Amends SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and IV part A (AFDC), as well as the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and other specified Federal law, to make various specified changes with regard to, among others, extended Medicaid enrollment for former AFDC recipients, increased AFDC earned income disregards, limited AFDC income and resource disregards of savings for education, first time home or automobile purchase, microenterprise initiatives, increased child care funding and transitional benefits for two parent families, and refundable tax credits for dependent care and other expenses connected with gaining employment in order to enable AFDC recipients to become self-sufficient. (Sec. 229) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Child Care Development and Block Grant Act should be reauthorized to allow States greater flexibility to use their funds to strengthen child care; and (2) States should institute a child care voucher system to enable families on AFDC to purchase child care services, create Consumer Information Centers for providing information on eligible child care providers, and loosen their regulations to allow for reimbursement of certain provider costs. Title III: The Work First Program - Amends SSA title IV to: (1) replace the current Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F with a new Work First Program that allows participating States to establish work programs similar to those operated by Riverside County, California and the State of Oregon; (2) add a new part G (Community Service Program); (3) include a work supplementation component under each such program that provides for subsidized private sector or State or local government jobs; (4) give States the option of having such programs; and (5) require States exercising such option to provide participants with the necessary case management services to ensure integrated benefits and services provided under such programs. (Sec. 311) Amends IRC to provide for an increase in the minimum period of employment required to receive a targeted jobs tax credit. Title IV: Family Responsibility And Improved Child Support Enforcement - Amends SSA title IV parts A and D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to make specified changes with regard to AFDC recipient cooperation in establishing paternity of illegitimate children, locate services for enforcing child support orders, parenting services for new fathers, and distribution of child support proceeds. (Sec. 411) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) certain actions pursuant to a child support order, such as the denial of visitation rights, should be treated as irrelevant in actions brought to enforce other provisions of the order; (2) the Secretary should investigate accessing certain Federal data banks not linked to the Parent Locator Service; (3) the national network established under this title for handling locate requests should be used to access State records only through the agency administering the State part D plan; (4) social services should be provided in hospitals to women whose pregnancy results from rape or incest; and (5) States should implement methods for verifying locate information and develop programs like the State of Wisconsin's program for noncustodial parents unable to meet support obligations. (Sec. 421) Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to: (1) study and develop a national child support guideline if one proves advisable; and (2) submit a report on the study's results to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 431) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a system for enabling child support information to be obtained at the workplace via W-4 form reporting by employees. Amends IRC to require employers to: (1) deduct and withhold child support obligations from employee wages; (2) pay withholdings to the appropriate payee; and (3) include withheld obligations on the employee's W-2 form. Makes various other specified changes to SSA title IV part D involving: (1) State procedures for comparing information in the national registry of child support orders (NR) established under this title with information obtained above from W-4 form reporting, and for imposing monetary penalties on employees who fail to report support obligations; (2) development of uniform withholding orders; (3) garnishment of certain Federal benefits and seizure of lottery winnings and other payouts to satisfy support arrearages; (4) State reporting of support obligations to credit bureaus; and (5) liability of grandparents for financial support of children of their minor children. Title V: Teen Pregnancy and Family Stability - Amends SSA title IV part A (AFDC) with respect to Federal and State roles in reducing teenage pregnancy and promoting family stability; by: (1) requiring States to deny AFDC for additional children (except those born as a result of rape or incest) of AFDC families unless the State plan explicitly provides for such additional children; and (2) providing for unmarried minors who are pregnant or who have children to live under adult supervision in order to receive AFDC. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a task force to reduce teenage pregnancy. (Sec. 511) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) children should be educated about the risks of early parenthood; (2) reproductive family planning and education should be made available to potential parents; and (3) States should use SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) funds to provide comprehensive services to high-risk youth and work with schools for early identification and referral of such children. Title VI: Program Simplification - Amends SSA titles IV part A and XI, as well as the Food Stamp Act of 1977, to give States increased flexibility in providing AFDC benefits (including restoring those wrongfully terminated) through, among other means, use of electronic benefit transfers, quicker action on waiver requests, and coordination with food stamp rules. (Sec. 631) Expresses the support of the Congress for certain efforts by the Social Security Administration to reduce fraud and abuse in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program under SSA title XVI. (Sec. 632) Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of issuing a single counterfeit-resistant ID card to replace the current social security card and any health security card issued under health reform legislation. Title VII: Financing - Amends the SSA, the IRC, and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to make certain aliens ineligible for AFDC, SSI, Medicaid, food stamps, and the earned income tax credit. (Sec. 711) Sets forth special rules concerning aliens and general public assistance. (Sec. 714) Authorizes appropriations for financial assistance to States for assistance to resident aliens. Specifies the annual allocation of such Federal financial assistance for each State and the District of Columbia through FY 1988. (Sec. 721) Amends SSA title IV part A (AFDC) to revise: (1) the definition of "emergency assistance to needy families with children"; and (2) the limitation on State expenditures for such assistance. (Sec. 731) Amends the National School Lunch Act to: (1) modify family and group day care home reimbursement provisions under the child and adult care food program; and (2) provide grants to States for making grants to family and day care homes. Tax Fairness for Main Street Business Act of 1994 - States that the Congress: (1) recognizes that some States will be adversely affected by provisions of this Act which deny immigrants certain public assistance; (2) pledges to help those States offset the potential cost shift; and (3) encourages States, in authorizing them below to require out-of-State companies to collect sales taxes on certain purchases, to use increased revenues resulting from such collections to offset such cost shift and design assistance programs addressing special needs of immigrants. (Sec. 744) Authorizes a State or local jurisdiction to require certain out-of-State businesses to collect sales taxes on tangible personal property sold to residents of the State or local jurisdiction. (Sec. 745) Provides an in-lieu fee rate where local taxes are not uniform. (Sec. 746) Prohibits a State from requiring out-of-State businesses to file reporting returns more than once every calendar quarter. (Sec. 749) Requires a State to establish toll-free information services to provide such businesses with necessary forms and instructions. Title VIII: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4410 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Purchase of Health Care Coverage Subtitle B: Medical Care Savings Accounts Subtitle C: Expansion of COBRA Continuation Coverage Title II: Insurance Reform Subtitle A: Employer Insurance Protections Subtitle B: Guaranteeing Portability of Health Insurance for Individuals Subtitle C: Assuring Health Insurance Coverage for Uninsurable Individuals Title III: Medicaid Reform Title IV: Medical Charge Disclosure Bipartisan Health Security Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Amendments of Internal Revenue Code of 1986- Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Purchase of Health Care Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a refundable credit of 30 percent of the amount paid for: (1) the purchase of health care coverage for the taxpayer, the spouse, and dependents; and (2) contributions to a medical care savings account if the individual is covered under a high deductible health plan or by a health maintenance organization. Repeals the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Subtitle B: Medical Care Savings Accounts - Provides for the establishment of medical care savings accounts. Makes the account beneficiary the owner of the account and includes distributions in the beneficiary's gross income. Sets forth uses and limitations for such accounts. Excludes health benefit payments made by employers from employment taxes. (Sec. 112) Allows the transfer of unused amounts in flexible spending accounts of cafeteria plans to medical savings accounts. Subtitle C: Expansion of COBRA Continuation Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Public Health Service Act to make the continuation coverage requirements for group health plans inapplicable to employers of fewer than four employees (currently, 20 employees). Extends the required period of coverage to 36 months (currently, 18 months). Title II: Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: Employer Insurance Protections - Prohibits a health benefit insurer that provides or offers a small group health benefit plan from: (1) cancelling or non-renewing an individual small employer group because of high claims costs or the health of the group; or (2) refusing to provide coverage to such a group based solely on the nature of the employer's business or industry. Places limitations on increases in premium rates and variations in premiums across and within classes of businesses. (Sec. 202) Provides for continued health benefit coverage for individuals who change employers. (Sec. 204) Imposes an excise tax on the failure of an insurer or group health plan to meet the requirements of this title. Makes such tax nondeductible. Subtitle B: Guaranteeing Portability of Health Insurance for Individuals - Provides continued coverage and portability protections for eligible individuals or families applying for an individual health benefit plan. Subtitle C: Assuring Health Insurance Coverage for Uninsurable Individuals - Requires each State, beginning in 1997, to establish, administer, and fund a high-risk health insurance pool that assures the availability of qualified health insurance coverage to uninsurable individuals. Provides funding for such high-risk programs through: (1) premiums, with limitations; (2) surcharges for avoidable health risks, such as smoking; and (3) other means specified under State law. Title III: Medicaid Reform - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to grant States the authority to provide an eligible individual the option to receive medical assistance through enrollment in a private health plan. Title IV: Medical Charge Disclosure - Requires providers of medical services to visibly post maximum charges and costs for services.
Bill· HRH.R. 4420 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an itemized deduction for 75 percent of State and local general sales taxes.
Bill· HRH.R. 4421 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirement that tax-exempt interest be taken into account when determining the amount of social security and railroad retirement benefits that is subject to tax.
Bill· HRH.R. 4391 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 - Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission.
Bill· HRH.R. 4392 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to direct the Administrator of General Services to transfer surplus Federal property to certain tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to assist the hungry or the indigent.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 421 (103rd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on S. 2000 (authorizing appropriations for FY 1995 through 1998 to carry out the Head Start Act and the Community Services Block Grant Act).
Bill· SS. 2096 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improving Private Health Insurance Subtitle A: Federal and State Roles Subtitle B: Health Plan Requirements Subtitle C: Improved Health Plan Delivery Title II: Tax and Reinforcement Provisions Subtitle A: General Tax Provisions Title III: Financing and Reforming Federal Programs Subtitle A: Medicare Subtitle B: Health Discount and Medicaid Reform Subtitle C: Increase in Tax on Tobacco Products Title IV: Improving Access in Rural Areas Title V: Other Health Care Cost Reduction Measures Subtitle A: Medical Liability Reform Subtitle B: Antitrust Provisions Subtitle C: Administrative Cost Savings Health Care Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Improving Private Health Insurance - Subtitle A: Federal and State Roles - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish by regulation a process by which each State shall submit a health reform program for the Secretary to determine and certify whether it complies with the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to review such a program from time to time to certify continued compliance. (Sec. 102) Requires each State to ensure that health plans offered to individual residents meet this Act's requirements. Requires the Secretary of Labor to ensure that health plans established under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) meet certain requirements for accountable health plans under this Act. Requires the HHS Secretary to ensure that health plans in a State meet certain requirements of this Act if the State's health reform program is not certified or is decertified. (Sec. 103) Sets forth requirements any State health reform program must contain to be certified under this Act, including requirements for: (1) health plan market areas; (2) interstate coordination; (3) health plan regulation; (4) the absence of benefit mandates and managed care requirements; (5) small business purchasing pools; (6) health discount programs; and (7) medical liability reform. Requires the HHS Secretary to ensure that State health reform programs are consistent with: (1) a nationwide private health insurance system; (2) cost control based on cost-conscious consumers and fair competition among health plans; and (3) freedom for residents to choose and pay for health care providers and health insurance as they wish. Authorizes the Secretary to allow States to propose alterations of the framework of this Act if they are consistent with such principles, do not increase the Federal budget deficit, and meet other specified requirements. Prohibits the Secretary from certifying any State health reform program that proposes to create a single payer health insurance plan in any portion of the State. Mandates limits to Federal spending for health discounts to a certain level for States with no certified health reform program. Subtitle B: Health Plan Requirements - Sets forth requirements for certified health plans, including: (1) no more than six months exclusion of coverage for treatment of preexisting conditions; (2) specified small group market standards (among them guaranteed eligibility, renewability, and availability); and (3) parity coverage of severe mental illnesses. (Sec. 112) Sets forth additional requirements for accountable health plans (AHPs). Requires an AHP to: (1) provide all medically necessary and effective health benefits for a fixed premium for each enrollee for a specified period of time; and (2) collect and report to the plan's enrollees and the general public objective measures of the quality of the plan's health care, the impact of its health care on the health status of enrollees, and enrollee satisfaction with its cost, quality, and service. Allows an AHP to apply for a limit on enrollment in certain circumstances. Prohibits an AHP from denying, limiting, or conditioning plan coverage or benefits on the basis of an individual's health status, claims experience, or expected use of services. Requires an AHP, in the small group (under 51 employees) market, to charge a standard premium for all eligible individuals in a market area, adjusting only for age and family status. Requires an AHP to: (1) maintain a system of continuous quality assurance and improvement meeting specified criteria; and (2) comply with a prescribed process by which it shall provide the appropriate regulatory authority (in an electronic form) with certain standardized information on quality, health outcomes, and enrollee satisfaction. Requires an AHP to: (1) comply with specified market conduct standards; (2) comply with specified medical liability reform and administrative cost reduction requirements; (3) maintain procedures for hearing and resolving enrollee grievances; (4) meet certain financial solvency standards; and (5) participate (if not self-insured under ERISA) in State health discount programs for poor and low-income individuals and employees. Requires any health plan offering services that must be obtained from participating providers to make available an alternative insurance plan (which may charge a higher premium) that provides for a point of service option under which: (1) an enrollee may select any licensed health care provider to obtain services; and (2) the plan shall pay such provider at least half the services' cost. (Sec. 113) Directs the HHS Secretary to issue regulations establishing: (1) a standard benefits package meeting certain coverage and cost-sharing arrangement requirements; and (2) an alternative benefits package that may be necessary for determining health discounts for low-income eligible individuals and employees. Subtitle C: Improved Health Plan Delivery - Requires each small group purchasing pool in a health plan market area in a State to provide a process for eligible employees of eligible small employers, and eligible individuals not entitled to health discounts, to have the opportunity to select annually from among competing AHPs offering the standard benefits package (and, for poor eligible employees, the nominal cost-sharing benefits package) at an adjusted community rate for the coverage period. Specifies pool requirements and prohibitions. (Sec. 122) Requires each employer to: (1) offer each eligible employee enrollment in an AHP with a standard benefits package serving the employee's residential (or employment) area, both on an individual and a family basis and, if required, the alternative point of service insurance plan; (2) provide, at the employee's option, for deduction of premiums from wages or other compensation; and (3) make available, if the employer is an eligible small employer, an AHP providing the nominal cost-sharing benefits package. Sets forth civil money penalties for failure to offer coverage or provide for wage deduction. Title II: Tax and Enforcement Provisions - Subtitle A: General Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that gross income of an employee does not include employer-provided coverage under an accountable health plan or a certified health plan. Includes in such gross income excess employer contributions to the health plans. (Sec. 202) Allows a business expense deduction for the costs of such health plans. Makes permanent the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Increases such deduction to 100 percent of expenses (currently, 25 percent of expenses). Makes such deduction applicable to an accountable health plan or a certified health plan. Title III: Financing and Reforming Federal Programs - Subtitle A: Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to replace current provisions for payments to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans with provisions generally allowing Medicare beneficiaries enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) an annual choice of enrolling under certain conditions in: (1) any of the various competing Medicare health plans certified as meeting specified requirements and under contract with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Medicare market area established where they reside; (2) an employer-sponsored health plan; or (3) the Medicare fee-for-service coverage otherwise provided under SSA title XVIII. Allows such individuals to choose supplementary benefits offered by either a Medicare supplemental policy or any of the plans above. (Sec. 302) Amends SSA title XVIII part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to provide for the establishment of competitive acquisition areas within which the Secretary will award contracts under certain conditions to providers for furnishing fee-for-service items and services in such area. Directs the Secretary to use a competitive process to contract with centers of excellence for cataract surgery, coronary artery by-pass surgery, and other services determined appropriate for individuals enrolled in the fee-for-service option. Describes the payment basis for such services. Makes various specified technical changes with regard to Medicare physician, hospital, and skilled nursing facility payments, including changes involving secondary payer situations and payments for physician services furnished by high-cost hospital medical staffs. Directs the Secretary to discontinue Medicare payments to hospital service providers for reasonable costs relating to unrecovered costs associated with unpaid deductibles and co-payments incurred under Medicare. Imposes co-payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and certain home health visits. Provides for reduced payments for home health services and hospital outpatient services. (Sec. 303) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the annual recapture of a portion of an individual's subsidized Medicare health plan premium for high-income and certain other individuals enrolled above. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to take specified actions providing for Medicare administrative simplification, including consolidating the fee-for-service administration. Subtitle B: Health Discount and Medicaid Reform - Requires each State, to obtain certification, to include in its health reform plan a State administered program under which eligible persons shall receive premium assistance ("health discounts") for purchasing health care coverage from AHPs. (Sec. 312) Requires a State health discount program to allow each eligible individual who otherwise meets entitlement criteria to: (1) select from among competing AHPs in his or her residential market area based on the price and quality of the competing AHPs; and (2) use the discount to which such individual is entitled only to offset the AHP premium charged for the benefits package selected. Specifies general program requirements, including a formula for determining benchmark monthly premiums and discounts. Authorizes a State to contract with small group purchasing pools to administer portions of the health discount program. (Sec. 313) Declares that health discounts shall be financed with: (1) available Federal spending; (2) required State Medicaid maintenance of effort spending and State matching amounts; and (3) optional State supplementation. Prescribes formulae for the first two financing sources. (Sec. 321) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to terminate on December 31, 1994, the authority to furnish acute care services to Medicaid-eligible individuals. Excepts qualified Medicare beneficiaries from this termination. Requires each State plan to include as a mandatory benefit the payment of premiums for qualified Medicare beneficiaries to Medicare health plans. Subtitle C: Increase in Tax on Tobacco Products - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products. (Sec. 332) Imposes a civil penalty on any person who sells, relands, or receives tobacco products labeled for export. Restricts the importation of previously exported tobacco products. (Sec. 333) Imposes an excise tax on the manufacture or importation of roll-your-own tobacco. Title IV: Improving Access in Rural Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend authorized appropriations for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps for FY 1995 through 1998. (Sec. 403) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for primary health services providers who practice in frontier, rural, and urban underserved areas for a mandatory period. Excludes from gross income National Health Service Corps loan repayments. Title V: Other Health Care Cost Reduction Measures - Subtitle A: Medical Liability Reform - Directs the HHS Secretary to develop and publish medical liability reform standards that States must meet to be certified, including standards for binding alternative medical injury claims dispute resolution systems. Specifies limits on liability damages that may be awarded. Requires an AHP to identify clearly for plan purchasers the individuals or entity that will be responsible for any such liability. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary, by certain deadlines, to issue regulations to: (1) establish the criteria and procedures for determining whether a State has met the medical liability reform standards set by this subtitle; and (2) establish the criteria for certifying medical practice guidelines. Subtitle B: Antitrust Provisions - Directs the President to provide for the development and publication of guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to AHPs. Requires the Attorney General to establish a review process under which an AHP (or organization that proposes to establish an AHP) may obtain a prompt opinion from the Department of Justice on the AHP's conformity with the antitrust laws. Specifies that if the Department determines that an AHP conforms with the antitrust laws, it shall not be liable under such laws regarding the development and operation of the AHP, as reviewed by the Department. (Sec. 512) Provides for the issuance of certificates of public advantage by the Attorney General to eligible health care collaborative efforts which, if followed, exempt such efforts from antitrust liability. Subtitle C: Administrative Cost Savings - Directs the Secretary to establish data and transaction standards, conventions, and requirements that permit the electronic interchange of any health care data necessary for the efficient and effective administration of the health care system, including standards for: (1) financial and administrative transactions; (2) quality measurement indicators; and (3) patient care records. (Sec. 522) Declares that no AHP may be certified unless it complies with such standards.
Bill· SS. 2098 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from income military moving and storage expense reimbursements without regard to the deductibility of such expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 4377 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Incentives Regarding Rural Health Care Title II: Public Health Service Programs Regarding Rural Health Care Subtitle A: National Health Service Corps Subtitle B: Other Programs Regarding Rural Health Care Title III: Provisions Relating to the Medicare Program Title IV: Treatment of Student Loans for Health Professionals Rural Health Professional Shortage Act of 1994 - Title I: Tax Incentives Regarding Rural Health Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any payment made on behalf of a taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Permits a deduction for medical education loan interest incurred by health professionals serving in medically underserved rural areas. Provides a credit for a qualified primary health services provider providing primary health services full time to individuals residing in a rural health professional shortage area and who: (1) is not receiving a National Health Service Corps Scholarship or a loan repayment under the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program; (2) is not fulfilling service obligations under such Programs; and (3) has not defaulted on such obligations. Provides for an increase in the amount which may be expensed as depreciable business assets in the case of rural health care property. Title II: Public Health Service Programs Regarding Rural Health Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add additional criteria for use in determining health professional shortage areas by including in the criteria the number of individuals paying for health services through Medicare or Medicaid and the number of individuals who have no health insurance, as well as the number of physicians who will accept Medicare and Medicaid patients. (Sec. 202) Requires that at least five percent of appropriations for the National Health Service Corps be used for special loans for former Corps members to enter private practice in health professional shortage areas. (Sec. 211) Provides increased funding for the Scholarship Program and the Loan Repayment Program. (Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give priority in making scholarships to individuals from rural backgrounds who are likely, after their service, to serve in a rural health professional shortage area. (Sec. 221) Establishes in the Treasury the Rural Primary Health Care Funds for the purpose of making loans to assist individuals with the costs of attending professions schools if the individuals agree to provide primary health services in an underserved rural area. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 231) Requires a State, in order for the State to receive a grant for an Office of Rural Health, to undertake activities to recruit and train physicians to serve in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations for such Offices. (Sec. 232) Authorizes and increases appropriations through FY 1997 for area health education center programs. Title III: Provisions Relating to the Medicare Program - Amends the Social Security Act to: (1) eliminate the geographic adjustment factor, beginning in 1999, with respect to payment amounts for physicians' services; (2) exempt rural hospitals from anti-kickback penalties for certain incentives provided to a physician, if the incentives are contingent upon the physician practicing in the area; and (3) extend the incentive payment for physicians' services furnished in a shortage area to certain nonphysician providers. Title IV: Treatment of Student Loans for Health Professionals - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to defer certain student loan repayments for a borrower who is serving in an internship or residency program in a health facility located in a rural area.
Bill· HRH.R. 4376 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
Alcohol Tax Equalization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise taxes on wine and beer to the alcoholic equivalent of taxes on distilled spirits. Indexes such tax rates based on the cost-of-living adjustment for calendar year 1994. Establishes the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Benefits Trust Fund. Appropriates amounts received under this Act to such Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 4371 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-free sales of diesel fuel for use in diesel-powered motorboats. Exempts from penalty dyed fuel used in such motorboats for which a diesel fuel tax has been paid.