Summary: Identity Protection Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit the use of Social Security account numbers on identification cards issued by the U.S. government in connection with benefits under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP). Declares the sense of Congress that private entities should not: (1) use Social Security account numbers as a method identifying individuals on documents made available to the public or on personal identification cards; or (2) include on any such document or card a magnetic strip, bar code, or other means of communication which conveys such number (or a derivative).

identity protection act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act ssa prohibit use social_security account numbers identification cards issued government connection benefits ssa titles xviii medicare xix medicaid chip known schip declares sense congress private entities use social_security account numbers method identifying individuals documents available public personal identification cards include document card magnetic strip bar code means communication conveys number derivative


Summary: Informed Consumer Choices in Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop standards for health insurance issuers in providing information to group health plans, for forms used in connection with group health insurance coverage, for quality assurance, for marketing of group health insurance coverage, and for the accuracy and clarity of coverage for out-of-network providers; (2) undertake activities to promote accountability of health insurance issuers in meeting federal health insurance requirements; (3) provide grants to Departments of Insurance in states to assist in enforcement of federal health insurance requirements governing health insurance issuers operating in such states; (4) undertake activities to promote transparency in costs, market practices, and other factors for health insurance coverage; and (5) establish within HHS an Office of Health Insurance Oversight to promote accountability and transparency in health insurance and provide for assistance to consumers in selecting health care coverage. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury to establish standards and accountability and transparency initiatives for group health plans comparable to the standards established by the HHS Secretary under this Act.

informed consumer choices health care act amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop standards health insurance issuers providing information group health plans forms connection group health insurance coverage quality assurance marketing group health insurance coverage accuracy clarity coverage network providers undertake activities promote accountability health insurance issuers meeting federal health insurance requirements provide grants states assist enforcement federal health insurance requirements governing health insurance issuers operating states undertake activities promote transparency costs market practices factors health insurance coverage establish hhs promote accountability transparency health insurance provide assistance consumers selecting health care coverage directs secretaries labor treasury establish standards accountability transparency initiatives group health plans comparable standards established hhs secretary act


Summary: Medicare Ambulance Access Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase to 6% permanently the rate of increase in the fee schedule for ground ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, in rural and urban areas. Makes permanent the increase in the base rate of the fee schedule the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to make for a trip in the case of ground ambulance services furnished on or after July 1, 2004, (and beyond January 1, 2010) for which the transportation originates in a qualified low population density rural area.

medicare ambulance access preservation act amends title xviii medicare social security act increase permanently rate increase fee schedule ground ambulance services furnished january rural urban areas makes permanent increase base rate fee schedule secretary health_and_human_services required trip case ground ambulance services furnished july january transportation originates qualified low population density rural area


Summary: Right to a Second Medical Opinion Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require a group health plan to provide coverage for a second opinion requested by a participant or beneficiary or a health care practitioner if certain conditions are met, including that the medical condition threatens loss of life, quality of life, loss of limb, loss of bodily function, loss of cognitive function, or substantial impairment of the mind or body. Directs that the financial responsibility of the participant or beneficiary for a second opinion shall be the same as that for comparable services furnished by a participating physician in connection with an initial opinion. Sets forth provisions governing a health plan: (1) limiting coverage of a second opinion to a participating physician; (2) requiring preapproval for a second opinion; and (3) denying coverage or denying preapproval for a second opinion. Allows a plan to condition payment for a second opinion on the physician providing a consultation report to the health care practitioner making the initial opinion. Requires plans to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) a timeline for providing reimbursement of claims for second opinions and for responding to requests for preapproval of second opinions. Applies the provisions of this Act to individual health insurance coverage.

right second medical opinion act amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act internal_revenue_code require group health plan provide coverage second opinion requested participant beneficiary health care practitioner certain conditions met including medical condition threatens loss life quality life loss limb loss bodily function loss cognitive function substantial impairment mind body directs financial responsibility participant beneficiary second opinion shall comparable services furnished participating physician connection initial opinion sets forth provisions governing health plan limiting coverage second opinion participating physician requiring preapproval second opinion denying coverage denying preapproval second opinion allows plan condition payment second opinion physician providing consultation report health care practitioner making initial opinion requires plans provide secretary health_and_human_services hhs timeline providing reimbursement claims second opinions responding requests preapproval second opinions applies provisions act individual health insurance coverage


Summary: Children's Health Insurance Accessibility Act of 2009 - Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to prohibit application under CHIP of coverage eligibility waiting periods to children: (1) who are under two years of age; (2) who lost group health insurance coverage; or (3) for whom private coverage is unaffordable.

amends title chip known schip social security act prohibit application chip coverage eligibility waiting periods children years age lost group health insurance coverage private coverage


Summary: Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to reasonable cost reimbursement contracts with qualified health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or competitive medical plans for Medicare reimbursement of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Extends until January 1, 2013, the period during which such reasonable cost reimbursement contracts can remain in the market. Revises conditions for approval of an application for a modification to a reasonable cost contract to expand the contract's service area. Applies to extended or renewed reasonable cost contracts certain requirements under Medicare part C (Medicare Advantage).

refinement act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa respect reasonable cost reimbursement contracts qualified health maintenance organizations competitive medical plans medicare reimbursement hospitals skilled nursing facilities snfs extends january period reasonable cost reimbursement contracts remain market revises conditions approval application modification reasonable cost contract expand contract service area applies extended renewed reasonable cost contracts certain requirements medicare medicare advantage


Summary: Medical FSA Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an increased exclusion from gross income through 2011 for distributions from a medical flexible spending arrangement; and (2) make self-employed individuals eligible for benefits under medical flexible spending arrangements and accident and health plans.

medical fsa improvement act amends internal revenue code allow increased exclusion gross income distributions medical flexible spending arrangement self employed individuals eligible benefits medical flexible spending arrangements accident health plans


Summary: Blueprint for Health Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create the Blueprint for Health program to provide a national infrastructure for disease prevention, health promotion, and education about, and better management of, chronic conditions. Sets forth elements to be included in the Blueprint, including: (1) a strategic plan for designing an integrated medical home model of care; (2) chronic management programs; (3) incentives for the prevention of chronic diseases, including investments in health and sustainable local and regional food systems; and (4) a plan for the assessment of current health information technology initiatives. Requires the Secretary to convene an executive committee to advise the Secretary on the creation and implementation of the Blueprint for Health. Requires the Blueprint for Health to promote the effective, efficient, national use of health care information technology initiatives. Directs the Secretary to commission an assessment that examines the implementation of the health information technology provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Requires the Secretary to recommend to Congress legislation to implement the Blueprint for Health, including the establishment of programs designed to enhance primary care, promote multidisciplinary care coordination, prevent disease, improve quality, contain costs, more effectively manage chronic illness, and promote good health and prevention initiatives.

health act requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs create program provide national infrastructure disease prevention health promotion education better management chronic conditions sets forth elements included including strategic plan designing integrated medical home model care chronic management programs incentives prevention chronic diseases including investments health sustainable local regional food systems plan assessment current health information technology initiatives requires secretary convene executive committee advise secretary creation implementation requires health promote effective efficient national use health care information technology initiatives directs secretary commission assessment examines implementation health information technology provisions american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act requires secretary recommend congress legislation implement including establishment programs designed enhance primary care promote multidisciplinary care coordination prevent disease improve quality contain costs effectively manage chronic illness promote good health prevention initiatives


Summary: Independence at Home Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize voluntary Independence at Home chronic care coordination pilot programs for high-cost Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions under the traditional Medicare fee-for-service program.

independence home act amends title xviii medicare social security act authorize voluntary independence home chronic care coordination pilot programs high cost medicare beneficiaries multiple chronic conditions traditional medicare fee service program


Summary: Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2009 - Title I: Nonadmitted Insurance - (Sec. 101) Prohibits any state other than the home state of an insured from requiring a premium tax payment for nonadmitted insurance. Authorizes states to establish procedures to allocate among themselves the premium taxes paid to an insured's home state. Declares that Congress intends that each state adopt nationwide uniform requirements, forms, and procedures, such as an interstate compact, that provide for the reporting, payment, collection, and allocation of premium taxes for nonadmitted insurance consistent with this Act. Allows an insured's home state to require surplus lines brokers and certain insureds to file annual tax allocation reports detailing the portion of the nonadmitted insurance premiums attributable to properties, risks, or exposures located in each state. (Sec. 102) Subjects nonadmitted insurance solely to the regulatory requirements of the insured's home state. Declares that only an insured's home state may require a surplus lines broker to be licensed to conduct nonadmitted insurance business with respect to such insured. Declares that state law, rule, or regulation that restricts the placement of workers' compensation insurance or excess insurance for self-funded workers' compensation plans with a nonadmitted insurer is not preempted. (Sec. 103) Prohibits a state from collecting fees relating to licensure of a surplus lines broker in the state unless it has a regulatory mechanism in effect for participation in the national insurance producer database of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), or any other equivalent uniform national database. (Sec. 104) Prohibits a state from establishing eligibility criteria for nonadmitted insurers domiciled in a U.S. jurisdiction except in conformance with the Non-Admitted Insurance Model Act, unless the state has adopted nationwide uniform requirements, forms, and procedures developed in accordance with this Act that include alternative nationwide uniform eligibility requirements. Prohibits a state from prohibiting a surplus lines broker from placing nonadmitted insurance with, or procuring nonadmitted insurance from, a nonadmitted insurer domiciled outside the United States and listed on the NAIC International Insurers Department Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers. (Sec. 105) Cites conditions with which a surplus lines broker seeking to procure or place nonadmitted insurance in a state for an exempt commercial purchaser must comply in order to win exemption from any state requirement to make a due diligence search to determine whether the full amount or type of insurance sought by such exempt commercial purchaser can be obtained from admitted insurers. (Sec. 106) Requires Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the nonadmitted insurance market in order to determine the effect of this title upon the size and market share of the nonadmitted insurance market for providing coverage typically provided by the admitted insurance market. Title II: Reinsurance - (Sec. 201) Prohibits a state from denying credit for reinsurance if the state of domicile of an insurer purchasing reinsurance (ceding insurer) recognizes credit for reinsurance for the insurer's ceded risk, and: (1) is either an NAIC-accredited state; or (2) has financial solvency requirements substantially similar to NAIC accreditation requirements. Preempts the extraterritorial application of the laws, regulations, or other actions of a non-domiciliary state of a ceding insurer (except those related to taxes and assessments on insurance companies or insurance income) to the extent that they: (1) restrict or eliminate the rights of the ceding insurer or the assuming insurer to resolve disputes through contractual arbitration not inconsistent with federal law; (2) require that a certain state's law shall govern the reinsurance contract, its requirements, or any disputes arising from it; (3) attempt to enforce a reinsurance contract on terms different from those set forth in it, if those terms are not inconsistent with this subtitle; or (4) otherwise apply the laws of the state to reinsurance agreements of ceding insurers not domiciled in that state. (Sec. 202) Reserves to a reinsurer's state of domicile the sole responsibility for regulating the reinsurer's financial solvency if such state is either NAIC-accredited, or has financial solvency requirements substantially similar to NAIC. Prohibits a state from requiring a reinsurer to provide financial information other than that required to be filed with its NAIC-compliant domiciliary state. Title III: Rule of Construction - (Sec. 301) Prohibits any construction of this Act to modify, impair, or supersede the application of the antitrust laws. States that any implied or actual conflict between this Act and any amendments to this Act and the antitrust laws shall be resolved in favor of the operation of the antitrust laws.

nonadmitted reinsurance reform act title nonadmitted insurance sec prohibits state home state insured requiring premium tax payment nonadmitted insurance authorizes states establish procedures allocate premium taxes paid insured home state declares congress intends state adopt nationwide uniform requirements forms procedures interstate compact provide reporting payment collection allocation premium taxes nonadmitted insurance consistent act allows insured home state require surplus lines brokers certain insureds file annual tax allocation reports detailing portion nonadmitted insurance premiums attributable properties risks exposures located state sec subjects nonadmitted insurance solely regulatory requirements insured home state declares insured home state require surplus lines broker licensed conduct nonadmitted insurance business respect insured declares state law rule regulation restricts placement workers compensation insurance excess insurance self funded workers compensation plans nonadmitted insurer preempted sec prohibits state collecting fees relating licensure surplus lines broker state regulatory mechanism effect participation national insurance producer database national_association_of_insurance_commissioners naic equivalent uniform national database sec prohibits state establishing eligibility criteria nonadmitted insurers domiciled jurisdiction conformance state adopted nationwide uniform requirements forms procedures developed accordance act include alternative nationwide uniform eligibility requirements prohibits state prohibiting surplus lines broker placing nonadmitted insurance procuring nonadmitted insurance nonadmitted insurer domiciled outside united_states listed alien insurers sec cites conditions surplus lines broker seeking procure place nonadmitted insurance state exempt commercial purchaser comply order win exemption state requirement diligence search determine type insurance sought exempt commercial purchaser obtained admitted insurers sec study report congress nonadmitted insurance market order determine effect title size market share nonadmitted insurance market providing coverage typically provided admitted insurance market title reinsurance sec prohibits state denying credit reinsurance state domicile insurer purchasing reinsurance ceding insurer recognizes credit reinsurance insurer ceded risk naic accredited state financial solvency requirements substantially similar naic accreditation requirements preempts extraterritorial application laws regulations actions non domiciliary state ceding insurer related taxes assessments insurance companies insurance income extent restrict eliminate rights ceding insurer assuming insurer resolve disputes contractual arbitration inconsistent federal law require certain state law shall govern reinsurance contract requirements disputes arising attempt enforce reinsurance contract terms different set forth terms inconsistent subtitle apply laws state reinsurance agreements ceding insurers domiciled state sec reserves reinsurer state domicile sole responsibility regulating reinsurer financial solvency state financial solvency requirements substantially similar naic prohibits state requiring reinsurer provide financial information required filed naic compliant domiciliary state title iii rule construction sec prohibits construction act modify impair supersede application antitrust laws states implied actual conflict act amendments act antitrust laws shall resolved favor operation antitrust laws


Summary: Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare coverage to medical nutrition therapy services for people with pre-diabetes and risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes.

preventing diabetes medicare_act amends title xviii medicare social security act extend medicare coverage medical nutrition therapy services people pre diabetes risk factors developing type-2 diabetes


Summary: Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations, and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Sets forth rules governing AHPs, including requirements relating to certification, sponsors and boards of trustees, participation and coverage, nondiscrimination, contribution rates, notice of voluntary termination, correction actions, and mandatory termination. Establishes the Association Health Plan Fund to be used by the Secretary of Labor to make payments to an insurer to maintain coverage for a plan if there is a reasonable expectation that, without such payments, claims would not be satisfied by reason of termination of coverage. Requires the Secretary to establish a Solvency Standards Working Group. Allows a state to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan that commenced operations in such state after the enactment of this Act. Preempts any state law that may preclude a health insurance issuer from: (1) offering health insurance coverage in connection with a certified AHP; or (2) offering health insurance coverage of the same policy type to other employers operating in the state that are eligible for coverage under such AHPs, whether or not such other employers are participating employers in such plan.

small_business_health_fairness_act amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans ahps group health plans sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements sets forth rules governing ahps including requirements relating certification sponsors boards trustees participation coverage nondiscrimination contribution rates notice voluntary termination correction actions mandatory termination establishes_the_association_health_plan_fund secretary labor payments insurer maintain coverage plan reasonable expectation payments claims satisfied reason termination coverage requires secretary establish allows state impose contribution tax association health plan commenced operations state enactment act preempts state law preclude health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage connection certified ahp offering health insurance coverage policy type employers operating state eligible coverage ahps employers participating employers plan


Summary: Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from an employee's gross income employer-provided accident and health plan benefits extended to a domestic partner or non-dependent, non-spouse beneficiary eligible to receive such benefits under an employer plan (i.e., "eligible beneficiary"); (2) exempt such benefits paid to eligible beneficiaries from applicable employment and unemployment taxes; (3) allow self-employed individuals a tax deduction for the health insurance costs of their eligible beneficiaries; (4) allow tax-exempt volutary employees' beneficiary associations to provide sick and accident benefits to the domestic partners and non-dependent, non-spouse beneficiaries of their members; and (5) allow reimbursement of the medical expenses of an eligible beneficiary from a health savings account (HSA). Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide guidance relating to reimbursements from a flexible spending arrangement and a health reimbursement arrangement attributable to an eligible beneficiary as defined by this Act.

tax equity health plan beneficiaries act amends internal revenue code exclude employee gross income employer provided accident health plan benefits extended domestic partner non dependent non spouse beneficiary eligible receive benefits employer plan eligible beneficiary exempt benefits paid eligible beneficiaries applicable employment unemployment taxes allow self employed individuals tax deduction health insurance costs eligible beneficiaries allow tax exempt employees beneficiary associations provide sick accident benefits domestic partners non dependent non spouse beneficiaries members allow reimbursement medical expenses eligible beneficiary health savings account hsa directs secretary treasury provide guidance relating reimbursements flexible spending arrangement health reimbursement arrangement attributable eligible beneficiary defined act


Summary: Coercion is Not Health Care Act - Prohibits requiring the purchase or maintenance of health insurance coverage as a condition for participation in, or access to, any federal program or for federal benefit eligibility. Prohibits any individual or agency of the federal government from requiring any individual to purchase health insurance coverage.

coercion health care act prohibits requiring purchase maintenance health insurance coverage condition participation access federal program federal benefit eligibility prohibits individual agency federal government requiring individual purchase health insurance coverage


Summary: Gender Equity in Health Premiums Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from requiring any individual to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than that for a similarly situated individual enrolled in the plan on the basis of the gender of such individual or such individual's dependent. Applies such prohibition to individual health insurance coverage. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate enforcement of group and individual health insurance market rules.

gender equity health premiums act amends public_health_service_act internal_revenue_code prohibit group health plan requiring individual pay premium contribution greater similarly situated individual enrolled plan basis gender individual individual dependent applies prohibition individual health insurance coverage directs comptroller general evaluate enforcement group individual health insurance market rules


Summary: Choice in Health Options Insures Care for Everyone (CHOICE) Act of 2009 - Establishes the American Trust Health Plan to offer eligible individuals health benefits coverage. Requires the Plan to comply with all requirements that are applicable with respect to other health benefit plans to be offered through a National Health Insurance Exchange. (The Exchange has not yet been established.) Exempts the Plan from state insurance regulations. Treats enrollment with the Plan as satisfying any requirement under federal law for the individual to demonstrate enrollment in health insurance or benefits coverage. Sets forth provisions regarding administration of the Plan. Requires the Plan to be financially self-sustaining insofar as funds to operate the Plan shall be derived from premiums of individuals enrolled under the Plan. Makes the Plan eligible to accept subsides to the same extent as other health benefit plans offered through an Exchange. Prohibits significant changes to the Plan without public notice. Conditions a health care provider's continued participation in the Medicare program on participation in the American Trust Health Plan. Sets payment for health care providers under the Plan at 105% of the payment rates under Medicare. Requires the Administrator of the Plan to set the benefit level and the premiums.

choice choice act establishes offer eligible individuals health benefits coverage requires plan comply requirements applicable respect health benefit plans offered exchange established exempts plan state insurance regulations treats enrollment plan satisfying requirement federal law individual demonstrate enrollment health insurance benefits coverage sets forth provisions administration plan requires plan financially self sustaining insofar funds operate plan shall derived premiums individuals enrolled plan makes plan eligible accept extent health benefit plans offered exchange prohibits significant changes plan public notice conditions health care provider continued participation medicare program participation sets payment health care providers plan payment rates medicare requires administrator plan set benefit level premiums


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and for certain contiguous areas.

amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare_advantage benchmark adjustment certain local areas department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers certain contiguous areas


Summary: CAH Designation Waiver Authority Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the Medicare rural hospital flexibility program a state may establish. Authorizes state designation of a Medicare critical access hospital (CAH), even if it does not comply with the requirement that it be located more than a 35-mile drive from another hospital, if it is certified by the state on or after enactment of this Act as being a necessary provider of health care services to residents in the area. (Thus restores state authority that existed before January 1, 2006, to waive the 35-mile rule.)

amends title xviii medicare social security act respect medicare rural hospital flexibility program state establish authorizes state designation medicare critical access hospital comply requirement located mile drive hospital certified state enactment act necessary provider health care services residents area restores state authority existed january waive mile rule


Summary: Health Care for Family Caregivers Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide medical care to a family member of a disabled veteran who provides caregiver services to the veteran for such disability. Prohibits the caregiver from being subject to deductibles, premiums, copayments, or other fees for such care.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs provide medical care family member disabled veteran provides caregiver services veteran disability prohibits caregiver subject deductibles premiums copayments fees care


Summary: Equal Rights for Health Care Act Title 42 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status against any person in the United States under any health care service or research program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

prohibits discrimination basis sex race color national origin sexual orientation gender identity disability status person united_states health care service research program activity receiving federal financial assistance


Summary: Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act of 2009 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through December 31, 2013, the authority to restrict enrollment for specialized Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for special needs individuals (SNPs). Extends such authority through December 31, 2015, in the case of a SNP designated as a Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan.. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate the MA and the health status risk adjustment payment mechanisms in order to resolve plan payment inequities relative to Medicare fee-for-service payments for high-risk, high cost beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary, using the results of the evaluation, to refine the risk adjustment payment mechanism for such beneficiaries. Requires the Secretary to provide bonus payments to account for added SNP costs associated with additional benefit, care management, reporting, and other requirements established by Congress and the Secretary in excess of other MA plans. Requires the Secretary to take into account specified factors, including dual eligibility (for both Medicare and SSA title XIX [Medicaid] benefits) and geographic cost differences, with respect to the bid structure for SNPs. Requires the Secretary to have in place a process under which the Secretary designates dual eligible SNPs as Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans for the purpose of advancing fully integrated Medicare and Medicaid benefits and services for dual eligible beneficiaries, including state-designated Dual subsets. Directs the Secretary to establish or designate an Office on Medicare/Medicaid Integration. Requires the Medicaid plan to provide that an individual who has attained age 65, and has been determined for 12 consecutive months to be a full-benefit dual eligible individual, to be presumed to remain eligible for benefits under the plan without any need for further redetermination or recertification.

amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa extend december authority restrict enrollment specialized medicare_advantage plans special needs individuals extends authority december case designated directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs evaluate health status risk adjustment payment mechanisms order resolve plan payment inequities relative medicare fee service payments high risk high cost beneficiaries directs secretary results evaluation refine risk adjustment payment mechanism beneficiaries requires secretary provide bonus payments account added costs associated additional benefit care management reporting requirements established congress secretary excess plans requires secretary account specified factors including dual eligibility medicare ssa title xix medicaid benefits geographic cost differences respect bid structure requires secretary place process secretary designates dual eligible fully integrated dual eligible special needs plans purpose advancing fully integrated medicare medicaid benefits services dual eligible beneficiaries including state designated dual directs secretary establish designate office requires medicaid plan provide individual attained age determined consecutive months benefit dual eligible individual presumed remain eligible benefits plan need redetermination recertification


Summary: Medicare Transitional Care Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of benefits for transitional care services for qualified individuals following discharge from a hospital or critical access hospital.

medicare transitional care act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage medicare supplementary_medical_insurance benefits transitional care services qualified individuals following discharge hospital critical access hospital


Summary: Patient Fairness and Indigent Care Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain medical care providers a tax deduction for uncompensated medical care provided to individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line.

patient fairness amends internal revenue code allow certain medical care providers tax deduction uncompensated medical care provided individuals income poverty line


Summary: Providing Access to Healthcare (PATH) for Veterans Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in furnishing hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to veterans of a certain priority (in which case the provision of such care and services is discretionary), to give priority to a veteran who has become unemployed during the 12-month period immediately preceding the date on which the veteran receives such care or services.

providing access healthcare path veterans act requires secretary veterans_affairs furnishing hospital care medical services nursing home care veterans certain priority case provision care services discretionary priority veteran unemployed month period immediately preceding date veteran receives care services


Summary: Prohibits any health insurance coverage from being offered through a health insurance exchange unless the coverage is demonstrated to have a medical loss ratio (a ratio of medical expenses paid to premiums received) of at least 90%. Defines "health insurance exchange" to mean a mechanism established or recognized under federal law that provides a coordinated, centralized mechanism for offering for purchase to individuals health insurance coverage from more than one health insurance issuer.

prohibits health insurance coverage offered health insurance exchange coverage demonstrated medical loss ratio ratio medical expenses paid premiums received defines health insurance exchange mean mechanism established recognized federal law provides coordinated centralized mechanism offering purchase individuals health insurance coverage health insurance issuer


Summary: Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and carry out a Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program to allow repayment of the student loans of individuals who agree to serve as a health care professionals for two years in a frontline care scarcity area.

amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish carry frontline providers loan repayment program allow repayment student loans individuals agree serve health care professionals years frontline care scarcity area


Summary: Communities Building Access Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of making health care coverage available, on a cost-sharing basis, to: (1) employees through employers that have not contributed to health care benefits for employees during the prior 12 months; and (2) self-employed individuals who have been without such coverage during the prior 12 months. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of forming and maintaining networks composed of health care specialists who volunteer health services to eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to make an award of a grant or contract for the establishment and operation of a clearinghouse for information on demonstration projects under this Act and similar projects that are community initiated. Allows the Secretary to carry out a program to encourage public and private entities that plan or operate such projects to submit information to the clearinghouse.

communities building access act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants public nonprofit private entities carry demonstration projects purpose making health care coverage available cost sharing basis employees employers contributed health care benefits employees prior months self employed individuals coverage prior months requires secretary matching grants public nonprofit private entities carry demonstration projects purpose forming maintaining networks composed health care specialists volunteer health services eligible individuals directs secretary award grant contract establishment operation clearinghouse information demonstration projects act similar projects community initiated allows secretary carry program encourage public private entities plan operate projects submit information clearinghouse


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that individual taxpayers who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) periodic health care or medical services shall not be disqualified from making tax deductible contributions to health savings accounts.

amends internal revenue code provide individual taxpayers receive department_of_veterans_affairs periodic health care medical services shall disqualified making tax deductible contributions health savings accounts


Summary: Fostering Independence Through Technology Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct pilot projects under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for the purpose of providing incentives to home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technology.

fostering independence technology act directs secretary health_and_human_services conduct pilot projects title xviii medicare social security act purpose providing incentives home health agencies utilize home monitoring communications technology


Summary: Strengthening the Health Care Safety Net Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a disproportionate share hospital (DSH) redistribution pool from unexpended Medicaid DSH allotments to fund an increase in allotments for low DSH states. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award demonstration grants to health access networks to improve access, quality, and continuity of care for uninsured individuals through better coordination of care by such networks.

strengthening amends title xix medicaid social security act establish disproportionate share hospital dsh redistribution pool unexpended medicaid dsh allotments fund increase allotments low dsh states directs secretary health_and_human_services award demonstration grants health access networks improve access quality continuity care uninsured individuals better coordination care networks


Summary: Health Insurance Company Advertising Deduction Denial Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for advertising and other expenses to promote the sale of any insurance which constitutes medical care (health insurance).

denial act amends internal revenue code deny tax deduction advertising expenses promote sale insurance constitutes medical care health insurance


Summary: Health Care Choice Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with the conditions of this Act. Exempts issuers from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the issuer in such state, subject to certain restrictions imposed by such state.Specifies the notice that an issuer must provide in any insurance coverage offered in a secondary state and at renewal of the policy. Requires each issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary states to submit to the insurance commissioners of such states: (1) a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study; (2) written notice of any change in its designation of its primary state and of its compliance with all the laws of the primary state; and (3) a quarterly financial statement. Prohibits an issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if the state insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all issuers.Gives sole jurisdiction to the primary state to enforce the primary state's covered laws in the primary state and any secondary state. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effect of this Act on specified health insurance issues.

health care choice act amends public_health_service_act provide laws state designated health insurance issuer primary state shall apply individual health insurance coverage offered issuer primary state state secondary state coverage issuer comply conditions act exempts issuers secondary state laws prohibit regulate operation issuer state subject certain restrictions imposed state specifies notice issuer provide insurance coverage offered secondary state renewal policy requires issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage primary secondary states submit insurance commissioners states copy plan operation feasibility study written notice change designation primary state compliance laws primary state quarterly financial statement prohibits issuer offering selling issuing individual health insurance coverage secondary state state insurance commissioner use risk based capital formula determination capital surplus requirements issuers gives sole jurisdiction primary state enforce primary state covered laws primary state secondary state requires comptroller general study report congress effect act specified health insurance issues


Summary: Improving Health Care for All Americans Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the amount paid by the taxpayer for qualified health insurance coverage, excluding any employer subsidized coverage, and for medical care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs) to make available health benefits coverage to all members of the IMA. Requires an IMA to be operated under the direction of an association which: (1) has been actively in existence for at least five years; (2) has been formed and maintained in good faith for purposes other than obtaining insurance; and (3) does not condition membership in the association on any health status-related factor relating to an individual. Prohibits an IMA from offering health benefits coverage to a member of an IMA unless the same coverage is offered to all members of the IMA. Sets forth requirements for health benefits coverage offered through an IMA, including that such coverage must be: (1) provided only through contracts with health insurance issuers with no risk assumed by the IMAs; and (2) underwritten by a health insurance issuer that is licensed and in compliance with state law. Supersedes specified state laws related to health benefits coverage made available through an IMA. Gives funds to states for a high-risk pool, a reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanism used for the purpose of subsidizing the purchase of health insurance coverage for the high-risk population.

internal revenue code allow tax credit paid taxpayer qualified health insurance coverage excluding employer subsidized coverage medical care amends public_health_service_act provide establishment governance individual membership associations imas available health benefits coverage members ima requires ima operated direction association actively existence years formed maintained good faith purposes obtaining insurance condition membership association health status related factor relating individual prohibits ima offering health benefits coverage member ima coverage offered members ima sets forth requirements health benefits coverage offered ima including coverage provided contracts health insurance issuers risk assumed imas underwritten health insurance issuer licensed compliance state law supersedes specified state laws related health benefits coverage available ima gives funds states high risk pool reinsurance pool risk adjustment mechanism purpose subsidizing purchase health insurance coverage high risk population


Summary: Medicare Patient Safeguards Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) efforts to make the Medicare program financially sustainable, including application of comparative effectiveness research, should not deprive patients of medically necessary care solely due to its cost or limit access to needed health care services due to a patient's age, gender, ethnicity, or disability status; and (2) Congress should protect patients' access to needed care by ensuring that the Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relies on adequate clinical expertise when the Administrator proposes to narrow coverage for a product or service under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes a process for the issuing of Medicare national coverage determinations by the Administrator. Enumerates prohibitions and conditions.

medicare patient safeguards act expresses sense congress efforts medicare program financially sustainable including application comparative effectiveness research patients medically necessary care solely cost limit access needed health care services patient age gender ethnicity disability status congress protect patients access needed care ensuring medicare medicaid_services cms relies adequate clinical expertise administrator proposes narrow coverage product service title xviii medicare social security act establishes process issuing medicare national coverage determinations administrator enumerates prohibitions conditions


Summary: Empowering Patients First Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified health insurance costs to residents of a state that implements a high-risk pool, a reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanism. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs) to make available health benefits coverage to IMA members and their dependents. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Directs that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this Act. Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require a state CHIP plan to specify how it will achieve coverage for 90% of targeted low-income children; and (2) prohibit CHIP payments for children with family income above 300% of the applicable poverty line. Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2009 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Permits a group health plan to vary premiums and cost-sharing by up to 50% of the benefits based on participation (or lack of participation) in a wellness program. Requires a health insurance issuer to provide claims information, on request, to a plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using comparative effectiveness research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. Authorizes a state to establish a Health Plan and Provider Portal website to standardize information on health insurance plans available in the state. Revises the formula for determining rates in the fee schedule for Medicare physician payments. Sets forth provisions regarding students loans and loan repayment for health care professionals. Establishes discretionary spending limits for FY2010-FY2019 for new budget authority in the nondefense category. Rescinds unobligated balances of certain discretionary appropriations made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Repeals other provisions of such Act, including provisions providing fiscal assistance to states and setting limits on executive compensation.

empowering patients act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit qualified health insurance costs residents state implements high risk pool reinsurance pool risk adjustment mechanism amends public_health_service_act provide establishment governance individual membership associations imas available health benefits coverage ima members dependents small_business_health_fairness_act amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans group health plans sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements directs laws state designated health insurance issuer primary state shall apply individual health insurance coverage offered issuer primary state state secondary state coverage issuer comply conditions act amends title chip known schip social security act ssa require state chip plan specify achieve coverage targeted low income children prohibit chip payments children family income applicable poverty line help efficient accessible low cost act sets conditions lawsuits arising health care liability claims health care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce establishes statute limitations limits noneconomic punitive damages permits group health plan vary premiums cost sharing benefits based participation lack participation wellness program requires health insurance issuer provide claims information request plan plan sponsor plan administrator prohibits secretary health_and_human_services hhs comparative effectiveness research deny coverage item service federal health care program authorizes state establish health plan provider portal website standardize information health insurance plans available state revises formula determining rates fee schedule medicare physician payments sets forth provisions students loans loan repayment health care professionals establishes discretionary spending limits fy2010 fy2019 new budget authority nondefense category rescinds unobligated balances certain discretionary appropriations available american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act repeals provisions act including provisions providing fiscal assistance states setting limits executive compensation


Summary: Access to Insurance for all Americans Act - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to administer a health insurance program for non-federal employees and to apply to such program the provisions governing the federal employee health insurance program to the greatest extent practicable. Requires OPM, for each calendar year, to enter into a contract with one or more carriers to make health benefits plans available to eligible individuals. Allows any individual to enroll in such a plan unless the individual: (1) is enrolled or eligible to enroll for coverage under a public health insurance program (including Medicaid or Medicare) or under the federal employee health insurance program; or (2) is a member of the uniformed services. Allows rates and premiums for such a plan to differ among geographic regions. Makes such premiums tax deductible. Provides that no government contribution shall be made for any individual enrolled in such a plan. Directs OPM to ensure that covered individuals are in a risk pool separate from that maintained for federal employees. Requires the Director of OPM to submit a comprehensive plan to Congress that provides for the orderly implementation of the amendments made by this Act, including a schedule of actions to be taken to provide for that implementation.

access insurance americans act directs administer health insurance program non federal employees apply program provisions governing federal employee health insurance program greatest extent practicable calendar year enter contract carriers health benefits plans available eligible individuals allows individual enroll plan individual enrolled eligible enroll coverage public health insurance program including medicaid medicare federal employee health insurance program member uniformed services allows rates premiums plan differ geographic regions makes premiums tax deductible provides government contribution shall individual enrolled plan directs opm ensure covered individuals risk pool separate maintained federal employees requires director opm submit comprehensive plan congress provides orderly implementation amendments act including schedule actions taken provide implementation


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow reimbursement for baby formula under a health flexible spending arrangement (FSA) where the mother has had a mastectomy and is medically unable to breastfeed.

amends internal revenue code allow reimbursement baby formula health flexible spending arrangement fsa mother mastectomy medically unable


Summary: Requires a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in the group market or health insurance coverage in the individual market, for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2010, to provide premium discounts for healthy behavior and improvements toward healthy behavior. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to conclude a rulemaking procedure to determine the appropriate premium discount applicable to each healthy behavior and each improvement toward healthy behavior. Describes "healthy behavior" (and improvements toward such behavior) as indicated by factors related to smoking, blood pressure, body mass index, lipoprotein levels, and hemoglobin A1c levels. Requires any healthy behavior or improvement toward healthy behavior to be supported by medical test result information which is certified by a licensed physician, and the individual to whom it relates, as being complete, accurate, and current. Imposes civil penalties for false certifications.

requires group health plan health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage group market health insurance coverage individual market plan years beginning january provide premium discounts healthy behavior improvements healthy behavior requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc conclude rulemaking procedure determine appropriate premium discount applicable healthy behavior improvement healthy behavior describes healthy behavior improvements behavior indicated factors related smoking blood pressure body mass index levels levels requires healthy behavior improvement healthy behavior supported medical test result information certified licensed physician individual relates complete accurate current imposes civil penalties false certifications


Summary: Patient-Controlled Healthcare Protection Act of 2009 - Establishes an Advantage HSA (health savings account) program to provide payments to individuals in lieu of benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments made to an Advantage HSA and premium payments for a high deductible health plan under an Advantage HSA. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for payment by debit card of HSA medical expenses. Establishes the HSA Healthcare Panel to review information relating to treatments, services, and products treatable as medical expenses under an HSA. Requires health care providers to disclose to patients the actual price to be charged for services or treatment and different payment rates applicable to other health care entities. Prohibits the issuance or renewal of an immigrant visa to an alien unless such alien presents evidence of coverage under a high deductible health plan and an HSA. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose criminal penalties on an alien who reenters the United States after receiving emergency medical assistance prior to removal.

establishes advantage hsa health savings account program provide payments individuals lieu benefits medicare medicaid known schip social security act amends internal revenue code exclude gross income payments premium payments high deductible health plan directs secretary treasury establish program payment debit card hsa medical expenses establishes review information relating treatments services products medical expenses hsa requires health care providers disclose patients actual price charged services treatment different payment rates applicable health care entities prohibits issuance renewal immigrant visa alien alien presents evidence coverage high deductible health plan hsa amends immigration_and_nationality_act impose criminal penalties alien reenters united_states receiving emergency medical assistance prior removal


Summary: Healthy Savings Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs) to allow: (1) spouses to make increased catch-up contributions to a single HSA; (2) Medicare Part A beneficiaries to establish and contribute to an HSA; (3) veterans eligible for service-connected disability benefits and individuals eligible for Indian health service assistance to establish an HSA; (4) HSAs to incorporate flexible spending and health reimbursement arrangements; (5) the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance; (6) payment of certain medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA; and (7) payments from an HSA for prescription and over-the-counter drugs that aid in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Allows Medicare beneficiaries participating in a Medicare Advantage medical savings account (MSA) to exclude from gross income payments made to their MSAs. Treats as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and physical fitness programs and certain nutritional and dietary supplements.

healthy savings act code provisions relating health savings accounts hsas allow spouses increased catch contributions single hsa medicare beneficiaries establish contribute hsa veterans eligible service connected disability benefits individuals eligible indian health service assistance establish hsa hsas incorporate flexible spending health reimbursement arrangements use hsas purchase health insurance payment certain medical expenses incurred establishment hsa payments hsa prescription counter drugs aid prevention management chronic diseases allows medicare beneficiaries participating medicare_advantage medical savings account msa exclude gross income payments msas treats medical care purposes tax deduction medical expenses certain exercise equipment physical fitness programs certain nutritional dietary supplements


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with the Inspector General of the Department of HHS, to establish a self-referral disclosure protocol (SRDP) to enable health care service providers and suppliers to disclose an actual or potential violation of the prohibition against certain physician referrals.

directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs cooperation establish self referral disclosure protocol enable health care service providers suppliers disclose actual potential violation prohibition certain physician referrals


Summary: Health Care Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an issuer of group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan that cancels or does not renew the coverage by reason of nonpayment of premiums to: (1) provide to the administrator of the plan and to each participant receiving coverage, during the 14-day period beginning on the date of such cancellation or non-renewal, written notice of the cancellation or non-renewal, the reason for such cancellation or non-renewal, and the right of reinstatement; and (2) reinstate the coverage as if it had not lapsed if the premiums due and such reasonable administrative fee as the state regulating such coverage may specify are paid to the issuer by not later than 60 days after the date the cancellation or non-renewal would otherwise have become effective. Applies such requirement in the same manner to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market. Requires the notice to be provided to an association or other organization responsible for paying premiums as well as the individuals whose coverage is affected.

amends public_health_service_act require issuer group health insurance coverage connection group health plan cancels renew coverage reason nonpayment premiums provide administrator plan participant receiving coverage day period beginning date cancellation non renewal written notice cancellation non renewal reason cancellation non renewal right reinstatement reinstate coverage lapsed premiums reasonable administrative fee state regulating coverage specify paid issuer later days date cancellation non renewal effective applies requirement manner health insurance coverage offered health insurance issuer individual market requires notice provided association organization responsible paying premiums individuals coverage affected


Summary: Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 - Declares that nothing in the McCarran-Ferguson Act shall be construed to permit health insurance issuers or issuers of medical malpractice insurance to engage in any form of price fixing, bid rigging, or market allocations in connection with providing health insurance coverage or coverage for medical malpractice claims or actions. Provides that this Act shall not apply to: (1) making a contract or engaging in a combination or conspiracy to collect, compile, or disseminate historical loss data, to determine a loss development factor applicable to historical loss data, or to perform actuarial services if such contract, combination, or conspiracy does not involve a restraint of trade; or (2) any information gathering and rate setting activities of any state commission of insurance or any other state regulatory entity with authority to set insurance rates.

declares mccarran ferguson act shall construed permit health insurance issuers issuers medical malpractice insurance engage form price fixing bid rigging market allocations connection providing health insurance coverage coverage medical malpractice claims actions provides act shall apply making contract engaging combination conspiracy collect compile disseminate historical loss data determine loss development factor applicable historical loss data perform actuarial services contract combination conspiracy involve restraint trade information gathering rate setting activities state commission insurance state regulatory entity authority set insurance rates


Summary: Health Savings and Affordability Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction from gross income for the cost of health insurance coverage for individual taxpayers, their spouses, and dependents; (2) permit holders of health savings accounts (HSAs) and their spouses who are age 55 or older to make additional (catch-up) contributions to a joint HSA; (3) increase the allowable amount of the tax deduction for contributions to HSAs; (4) combine individual and family deductibles under high deductible health insurance plans; (5) allow for increased rollovers from flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) into HSAs; (6) allow the payment of premiums from HSAs for high deductible health plans; and (7) treat as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and fees for physical fitness programs.

affordability act amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction gross income cost health insurance coverage individual taxpayers spouses dependents permit holders health savings accounts hsas spouses age older additional catch contributions joint hsa increase allowable tax deduction contributions hsas combine individual family deductibles high deductible health insurance plans allow increased rollovers flexible spending arrangements fsas health reimbursement arrangements hsas allow payment premiums hsas high deductible health plans treat medical care purposes tax deduction medical expenses certain exercise equipment fees physical fitness programs


Summary: Medicare Premium Fairness Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) premium for 2010. Makes such premium, and the related monthly actuarial rate, the same as those for 2009. Requires transfer from the Treasury general fund to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of an amount estimated to be equivalent to the aggregate reduction in part B premiums resulting from application of this Act. Revises the formula for funding the Medicare Improvement Fund (MIF) to reduce (offset) the amount available to the MIF for FY2014 by the transferred amount plus $567 million. Makes $567 million the amount available to the MIF for FY2015.

medicare premium fairness act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect supplementary medical insurance benefits aged disabled premium makes premium related monthly actuarial rate requires transfer treasury general fund federal_supplementary_medical_insurance_trust_fund estimated equivalent aggregate reduction premiums resulting application act revises formula funding medicare_improvement_fund reduce offset available fy2014 transferred plus million makes million available fy2015


Summary: Fairness in Health Insurance Act of 2009 - Prohibits a health insurance issuer from offering health insurance coverage unless the issuer demonstrates that such coverage has a medical loss ratio of at least 90%. Directs the Secretary: (1) to establish a uniform definition of "medical loss ratio" and methodology for calculating it, which shall take into account the circumstances of different plans and activities related to health services, such as chronic disease management and quality assurance; and (2) by December 31, 2010, to develop, publish, and implement the standardized data elements and definitions to be used by health insurance issuers in the reporting of data necessary to calculate such ratio. Requires each issuer: (1) beginning in plan year 2011, to provide the Secretary with data to enable the Secretary to determine whether the issuer is in compliance with this Act; and (2) to provide payment rebates to enrollees for any plan year in which the coverage has a medical loss ratio below 90%.

fairness health insurance act prohibits health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage issuer demonstrates coverage medical loss ratio directs secretary establish uniform definition medical loss ratio methodology calculating shall account circumstances different plans activities related health services chronic disease management quality assurance december develop publish implement standardized data elements definitions health insurance issuers reporting data necessary calculate ratio requires issuer beginning plan year provide secretary data enable secretary determine issuer compliance act provide payment rebates enrollees plan year coverage medical loss ratio


Summary: American Health Care Solutions Act of 2009 - Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize the federal government to ration health care for the American people. Requires each state to mitigate the cost of high risk individuals in the state through: (1) a state reinsurance program; or (2) a state high risk pool. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs), which are organizations that offer health benefits coverage to members through health insurance issuer contracts. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Directs that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a small employer a health benefits plan implementation credit; (2) a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) caregivers a tax credit for family members with long-term care needs. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using data from comparative effectiveness research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. Prohibits employers from being prevented from establishing premium discounts or rebates, or modifying copayments or deductibles, for employees who adhere to or participate in a health promotion or disease prevention (wellness) program that meets certain requirements. Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a CHIP plan to describe how it will provide for child health assistance with respect to targeted low-income children who have access to coverage under a group health plan. Requires alternative coverage options under CHIP. Applies such provisions to Medicaid. Requires verification of U.S. citizenship or nationality for Medicaid. Revises provisions related to health savings accounts (HSAs), including to permit the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance. Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Sets forth provisions related to Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. Rescinds unobligated balances of certain discretionary appropriations made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Repeals provisions of such Act providing fiscal assistance to states and setting limits on executive compensation.

declares act construed authorize federal government health care american people requires state mitigate cost high risk individuals state state reinsurance program state high risk pool amends public_health_service_act provide establishment governance individual membership associations imas organizations offer health benefits coverage members health insurance issuer contracts amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans ahps group health plans sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements directs laws state designated health insurance issuer primary state shall apply individual health insurance coverage offered issuer primary state state secondary state coverage issuer comply conditions act amends internal revenue code allow small employer health benefits plan implementation credit tax deduction long term care insurance premiums caregivers tax credit family members long term care needs prohibits secretary health_and_human_services hhs data comparative effectiveness research deny coverage item service federal health care program prohibits employers prevented establishing premium discounts rebates modifying copayments deductibles employees adhere participate health promotion disease prevention wellness program meets certain requirements amends title chip known schip social security act require chip plan describe provide child health assistance respect targeted low income children access coverage group health plan requires alternative coverage options chip applies provisions medicaid requires verification citizenship nationality medicaid revises provisions related health savings accounts hsas including permit use hsas purchase health insurance sets conditions lawsuits arising health care liability claims health care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce establishes statute limitations limits noneconomic punitive damages sets forth provisions related medicare medicaid fraud abuse rescinds unobligated balances certain discretionary appropriations available american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act repeals provisions act providing fiscal assistance states setting limits executive compensation


Summary: Assuring Coverage for Americans with Pre-existing Conditions Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide to each state an amount equal to 50% of the state's expenditures to provide for the use of a high-risk pool, reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanism to subsidize the purchase of private health insurance for the high-risk population (not to exceed 50 cents multiplied by the average number of state residents in a fiscal year).

assuring coverage americans pre existing conditions act requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide state equal state expenditures provide use high risk pool reinsurance pool risk adjustment mechanism subsidize purchase private health insurance high risk population exceed cents multiplied average number state residents fiscal year


Summary: Helping Make Health Insurance Affordable for Individuals and Small Businesses Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction from gross income for the health insurance costs of an individual taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents (available whether or not a taxpayer itemizes deductions).

small businesses act amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction gross income health insurance costs individual taxpayer taxpayer spouse dependents available taxpayer itemizes deductions


Summary: Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends provisions of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (popularly known as the Ryan White Care Act [RWCA]) to extend the RWCA (repeals the termination date) and revive any expired programs retroactively to September 30, 2009. Reauthorizes appropriations for RWCA provisions, including provisions concerning: (1) emergency relief grants for metropolitan areas to assist in delivering and enhancing HIV-related services; (2) grants to enable states to improve health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV/AIDS (Care grants); (3) early intervention grants to public and nonprofit private entities to provide early intervention services; (4) programs to provide coordinated services for women, infants, children, and youth with HIV/AIDS; (5) grants for HIV/AIDS education and training for health care personnel; (6) grants to dental schools and programs for oral health care to patients with HIV/AIDS; and (7) the Minority AIDS Initiative. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop a formula for awarding emergency relief grants and Care grants that ensures that funding is provided based on the distribution of populations disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS; and (2) synchronize the schedule of application submissions and funding availability of the Minority AIDS Initiative with other provisions of the RWCA. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate congressional committees on Minority AIDS Initiative activities across HHS. (Sec. 3) Extends from FY2009 to FY2012 the transition period for reporting living names-based non-AIDS cases of HIV for purposes of distribution of emergency relief grants for metropolitan areas and Care grants. (Sec. 4) Considers as a transitional area an eligible metropolitan area (EMA) that received an emergency relief grant for FY2010, but does not qualify for FY2011 as an EMA or as a transitional area. Allows continuation as a transitional area for an area with at least 1,400 (and fewer than 1,500) living cases of AIDS if not more than 5% of the total grants awarded to the area are unobligated at the end of the most recent fiscal year. Sets forth provisions regarding transfer to the state of funds for a metropolitan area that ceases to be a transitional area. (Sec. 5) Limits through FY2013 the maximum amount that a grant to an EMA or a state may decrease from the prior fiscal year. (Sec. 6) Requires the HIV health services planning council to: (1) determine the size and demographics of the estimated population of individuals with HIV/AIDS who are unaware of their HIV status; and (2) develop a strategy for identifying individuals with HIV/AIDS who do not know their HIV status, making such individuals aware of their status, and enabling such individuals to use HIV-related health and support services. Requires weighting as one-third of the criteria for distributing supplemental emergency relief grants the demonstrated success of an area in identifying individuals with HIV/AIDS who do not know their HIV status and making them aware of such status. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of emergency relief grants, Care grants, and supplemental grants, to deem the applicable number of living cases of HIV/AIDS in an area that were reported to and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be 3% higher than the actual number if: (1) such area was a transitional area for FY2007; (2) FY2007 was the first year in which the count of living non-AIDS cases of HIV in such area was based on a names-based reporting system; and (3) the amount of funding that such area received for FY2007 was less than 70% of the amount of funding that such area received in FY2006. (Sec. 8) Increases from 2% to 5% the percentage of unobligated balances permitted from the prior fiscal year for purposes of eligibility for supplemental grants and avoidance of a reduction in emergency relief and Care grants. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of unobligated balances for purposes of future grants under certain circumstances. Excludes the amount of unobligated balance waived by the Secretary from consideration in determining the amount of any reduction of future grant amounts. (Sec. 9) Requires state applications for Care grants to include a comprehensive plan related to: (1) identifying and making services available to individuals with HIV/AIDS who are not aware of their status; and (2) describing efforts to remove legal barriers to routine testing. (Sec. 10) Sets forth provisions regarding the rebates under the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), including provisions to: (1) allow the Secretary to exclude certain rebate amounts in determining the amount of unobligated balances at the end of the fiscal year; and (2) require ADAP rebates to be reallocated to the ADAP program or supplemental Care grants. (Sec. 11) States that nothing in the provisions for grants for coordinated services for women, infants, children, and youth with HIV/AIDS shall be construed as requiring grant funds to be used for primary care services when payments are available for such services from other sources (including Medicaid). (Sec. 12) Requires the Secretary to establish a national HIV/AIDS testing goal of 5 million tests for HIV/AIDS annually through federally supported HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care programs. Sets forth provisions regarding reporting requirements and review of such program. (Sec. 13) Requires the Secretary to complete the development of: (1) a list of potentially life-threatening infectious diseases to which emergency response employees may be exposed in responding to emergencies; (2) guidelines describing the circumstances in which such employees may be exposed to such diseases; and (3) guidelines describing the manner in which medical facilities should make determinations that an emergency employee has been exposed to an infectious disease by transporting a victim of an emergency. Directs the Secretary to include a specification of those infectious diseases that are routinely transmitted through airborne or aerosolized means. Sets forth required notifications in the event a victim of an emergency who is transported by emergency response employees has an airborne infectious disease. Establishes a process for an emergency employee who believes that he or she may have been exposed to an infectious disease by a victim of an emergency to receive notice of such an infectious disease. Gives the Secretary authority to commence a civil action for the purpose of obtaining an injunction for violations of these provisions.

ryan_white hiv aids treatment extension act sec amends provisions title xxvi public_health_service_act popularly known white care act extend repeals termination date revive expired programs retroactively september reauthorizes appropriations provisions including provisions concerning emergency relief grants metropolitan areas assist delivering enhancing hiv related services grants enable states improve health care support services individuals families hiv aids care grants early intervention grants public nonprofit private entities provide early intervention services programs provide coordinated services women infants children youth hiv aids grants hiv aids education training health care personnel grants dental schools programs oral health care patients hiv aids minority aids initiative requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop formula awarding emergency relief grants care grants ensures funding provided based distribution populations disproportionately impacted hiv aids schedule application submissions funding availability minority aids initiative provisions directs comptroller general report appropriate congressional committees minority aids initiative activities hhs sec extends fy2009 fy2012 transition period reporting living names based non aids cases hiv purposes distribution emergency relief grants metropolitan areas care grants sec considers transitional area eligible metropolitan area received emergency relief grant fy2010 qualify fy2011 transitional area allows continuation transitional area area fewer living cases aids total grants awarded area unobligated end recent fiscal year sets forth provisions transfer state funds metropolitan area ceases transitional area sec limits fy2013 maximum grant state decrease prior fiscal year sec requires hiv health services planning council determine size demographics estimated population individuals hiv aids hiv status develop strategy identifying individuals hiv aids know hiv status making individuals aware status enabling individuals use hiv related health support services requires criteria distributing supplemental emergency relief grants demonstrated success area identifying individuals hiv aids know hiv status making aware status sec requires secretary determining emergency relief grants care grants supplemental grants deem applicable number living cases hiv aids area reported confirmed centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc higher actual number area transitional area fy2007 fy2007 year count living non aids cases hiv area based names based reporting system funding area received fy2007 funding area received fy2006 sec increases percentage unobligated balances permitted prior fiscal year purposes eligibility supplemental grants avoidance reduction emergency relief care grants authorizes secretary permit use unobligated balances purposes future grants certain circumstances excludes unobligated balance waived secretary consideration determining reduction future grant amounts sec requires state applications care grants include comprehensive plan related identifying making services available individuals hiv aids aware status describing efforts remove legal barriers routine testing sec sets forth provisions rebates including provisions allow secretary exclude certain rebate amounts determining unobligated balances end fiscal year require rebates reallocated program supplemental care grants sec states provisions grants coordinated services women infants children youth hiv aids shall construed requiring grant funds primary care services payments available services sources including medicaid sec requires secretary establish national hiv aids testing goal million tests hiv aids annually federally supported hiv aids prevention treatment care programs sets forth provisions reporting requirements review program sec requires secretary complete development list potentially life threatening infectious diseases emergency response employees exposed responding emergencies guidelines describing circumstances employees exposed diseases guidelines describing manner medical facilities determinations emergency employee exposed infectious disease transporting victim emergency directs secretary include specification infectious diseases routinely transmitted airborne means sets forth required notifications event victim emergency transported emergency response employees airborne infectious disease establishes process emergency employee believes exposed infectious disease victim emergency receive notice infectious disease gives secretary authority commence civil action purpose obtaining injunction violations provisions


Summary: Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to prescription drug plans, to limit the required co-payment or coinsurance for any one prescription to $200, and for all prescriptions in any month to $500. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, to expand the formulary tier exception request process to allow Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a prescription drug plan to request an exception for a specialty prescription drug as a non-preferred prescription drug. Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to study and report to Congress on: (1) the prescription drug program under Medicare part D and the interaction of such program with Medicare beneficiary access to covered drugs under part B; and (2) cost-sharing for prescription drugs under Medicare parts B and D, including an analysis of the impact of eliminating cost-sharing for covered part D drugs for Medicare beneficiaries who incur annual out-of-pocket cost-sharing, after the initial coverage limit, that exceeds 5% of their income and who do not otherwise qualify for an income-related subsidy or other extra help or cost-sharing relief.

amends title xviii medicare social security act public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code respect prescription drug plans limit required payment coinsurance prescription prescriptions month requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs plan years beginning january expand formulary tier exception request process allow medicare beneficiaries enrolled prescription drug plan request exception specialty prescription drug non preferred prescription drug requires medicare_payment_advisory_commission study report congress prescription drug program medicare interaction program medicare beneficiary access covered drugs cost sharing prescription drugs medicare parts including analysis impact eliminating cost sharing covered drugs medicare beneficiaries incur annual pocket cost sharing initial coverage limit exceeds income qualify income related subsidy extra help cost sharing relief


Summary: Expanded Health Insurance Options Act of 2009 - Authorizes states to enter into arrangements to form interstate compacts under which health insurance issuers would offer coverage meeting the requirements of this Act under a unified regulatory structure governing the issuance, renewal, rating, mandated benefits, and similar items of coverage. Requires each compact to ensure that individuals who are insured in a participating state are able to access an independent external appeals process to review decisions made by health insurance issuers relating to coverage. Makes a participating state in which an insurance issuer is licensed responsible for the enforcement of applicable laws, regulations, agreements, and orders governing health insurance issuers and coverage. Authorizes a participating state in which a covered individual resides to require a health insurance issuer to pay premiums and taxes, submit to an examination of financial condition, and comply with state laws regarding fraud and abuse and unfair claims practices.

act authorizes states enter arrangements form interstate compacts health insurance issuers offer coverage meeting requirements act unified regulatory structure governing issuance renewal rating mandated benefits similar items coverage requires compact ensure individuals insured participating state able access independent external appeals process review decisions health insurance issuers relating coverage makes participating state insurance issuer licensed responsible enforcement applicable laws regulations agreements orders governing health insurance issuers coverage authorizes participating state covered individual resides require health insurance issuer pay premiums taxes submit examination financial condition comply state laws fraud abuse unfair claims practices


Summary: Health Insurance Access for Young Workers and College Students Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that treats an individual who is a dependent child of a plan participant or beneficiary as a plan beneficiary to continue to treat the individual as a dependent child through at least the end of the plan year in which the individual turns age 25.

college students act amends employee retirement income security act public_health_service_act internal revenue code require group health plan treats individual dependent child plan participant beneficiary plan beneficiary continue treat individual dependent child end plan year individual turns age


Summary: Osteoporosis Early Detection and Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan to include coverage for bone mass measurement for individuals who: (1) are at a clinical risk for osteoporosis, including estrogen-deficient women; (2) have vertebral abnormalities; (3) are receiving chemotherapy or long-term gluococorticoid (steroid) therapy; (4) have primary hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or excess thyroid replacement; or (5) are being monitored to assess the response to or efficacy of approved osteoporosis drug therapy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish standards regulating the frequency with which individuals are eligible to be provided this benefit. Prohibits specified actions by health care plans to discourage the use of this benefit. Applies these requirements to coverage offered in the individual market.

osteoporosis early detection prevention act amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa require group health plan include coverage bone mass measurement individuals clinical risk osteoporosis including deficient women abnormalities receiving chemotherapy long term steroid therapy primary excess thyroid replacement monitored assess response efficacy approved osteoporosis drug therapy requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish standards regulating frequency individuals eligible provided benefit prohibits specified actions health care plans discourage use benefit applies requirements coverage offered individual market


Summary: Medicare Nuclear Medicine Payment Group Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for treatment of certain costs for a nuclear medicine group in the prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department services. Declares that services classified within a nuclear medicine group shall not be treated as comparable with respect to the use of resources, and therefore shall be excluded from the group, if the highest median cost (or, at the Secretary's election, mean cost) of any associated diagnostic radiopharmaceutical included in the payment for the service within the group is more than two times greater than the lowest median cost (or mean cost, if so elected) for a service within the group.

amends title xviii medicare social security act revise requirements treatment certain costs nuclear medicine group prospective payment system pps hospital outpatient department services declares services classified nuclear medicine group shall treated comparable respect use resources shall excluded group highest median cost secretary election mean cost associated diagnostic included payment service group times greater lowest median cost mean cost elected service group