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United States · Bill · HR

H.R. 2990 (106th)

Patients' Bill of Rights Plus Act

passedUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

30 September 1999

Last action

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Status

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Sponsors

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Subjects

Discovery layer

Source updated

21 July 2025

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Summary

Quality Care for the Uninsured Act of 1999 - Title I: Tax-Related Health Care Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase-in a 100 percent deduction (for both itemizers and nonitemizers) for the health and long-term care insurance costs of individuals not participating in employer-subsidized health plans. (Sec. 102) Provides for the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. (Sec. 103) Revises medical savings accounts provisions to: (1) repeal the limitation on the number of accounts; (2) make all employers (currently limited to small employers) eligible to offer accounts; (3) increase contribution deduction amounts; (4) permit employer and employee contributions; (5) reduce high deductible health plan deductibles; and (6) permit accounts to be offered under cafeteria plans. (Sec. 104) Permits offering long-term care insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements. (Sec. 105) Permits a taxpayer an additional exemption for certain elderly family members who need long-term care and who reside with the taxpayer. (Sec. 106) Expands the time frame for human clinical trials qualifying for the orphan drug credit. (Sec. 107) Adds to the list of taxable vaccines any conjugate vaccine of streptococcus pneumoniae. (Sec. 108) Establishes a limited credit for "qualified medical innovation expenses." Defines such expenses as amounts paid by a taxpayer to any qualified academic institution for clinical testing research activities. Title II: Greater Access and Choice Through Association Health Plans - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish rules governing health plans sponsored by certain associations, including requirements for: (1) certification; (2) sponsors and boards of trustees, and treatment of franchised networks and collectively bargained plans; (3) participation and coverage of employers and individuals and of previously uninsured employees; (4) plan documents, contribution rates, and benefit options; (5) maintenance of reserves, excess-stop loss insurance, and solvency indemnification for plans providing health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage; (6) applications and related reporting; (7) notice for voluntary termination; (8) corrective actions and mandatory termination; and (9) church plans. (Sec. 201) Directs the Secretary of Labor to apply, to the appropriate Federal district court, to be appointed trustee of certain insolvent association health plans which provide health benefits in addition to health insurance coverage. Allows a State to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan that begins operations in such State after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the effect association health plans have had, if any, on reducing the number of uninsured individuals. (Sec. 202) Revises requirements for treatment of single employer arrangements. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 204) Sets forth enforcement requirements relating to association health plans. (Sec. 205) Sets forth State responsibilities, and requirements for cooperation between Federal and State authorities, with respect to association health plans. (Sec. 206) Prescribes special rules for certain existing health benefits programs. Title III: Greater Access and Choice Through Healthmarts - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new title on HealthMarts. Requires that HealthMarts: (1) be nonprofit entities composed of employers, employees health care providers, and entities that underwrite or administer health benefits coverage; and (2) make available health coverage to all employers and eligible employees at rates established by the insurance issuer on a policy or product specific basis. Deems HealthMarts group health plans for purposes of specified provisions ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. Requires that coverage made available to an eligible employee in a geographic area be offered to all eligible employees in the same area. Declares that the HealthMart: (1) provides coverage only through contracts with issuers and does not assume insurance risk; (2) provides administrative services for purchasers; and (3) collects and disseminates consumer information on all offered coverage options. Requires that HealthMart coverage provide full portability of creditable coverage for individuals who remain members of the same HealthMart notwithstanding that they change employers. Allows HealthMart coverage to include coverage through an HMO, a preferred provider or licensed provider-sponsored organization, an insurance company, a medical savings or flexible spending account, a point-of-service option, a community health organization, or any combination of those coverages. Requires a HealthMart to permit any employer to contract for coverage and prohibits varying eligibility conditions. Prohibits the purchaser from obtaining or sponsoring coverage other than through the HealthMart. Prohibits enrollment discrimination based on health. Requires HealthMarts to make at least two coverage options available. Supersedes certain related State laws. Provides for the application of: (1) certain existing ERISA and Public Health Service Act requirements; and (2) renewability requirements when the contract between a HealthMart and an issuer is terminated. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to administer this subtitle through a separate Health Care Marketplace Division. Title IV: Community Health Organizations - Permits the waiver of State licensure requirements for certain community health organizations.

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Documents

11 official files

Engrossed Amendment Senate (text)

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