Summary: This bill amends the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 to make permanent the authority of the Department of the Interior to fund pilot projects to increase Colorado River System water in Lake Mead and the initial units of Colorado River Storage Project reservoirs to address the effects of historic drought conditions.

bill amends energy_and_water_development_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act permanent authority department_of_the_interior fund pilot projects increase water lake mead initial units colorado river storage project reservoirs address effects historic drought conditions


Summary:
Santa Ana River Wash Plan Land Exchange Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to: (1) quitclaim to the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District in California approximately 327 acres of identified federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, and (2) in exchange for such land accept from the Conservation District a conveyance of approximately 310 acres of its land.

river wash plan land exchange act bill directs department_of_the_interior quitclaim california approximately acres identified federal land administered bureau_of_land_management exchange land accept conveyance approximately acres land


Summary:
Assessing Coastal Areas to Assist States Act

This bill directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study to identify the risks and vulnerabilities of the coastal areas located within the geographic boundaries of the South Atlantic Division of the Corps of Engineers to increased hurricane and storm damage as a result of sea level rise.

In carrying out the study, the Corps of Engineers shall: (1) conduct necessary analyses, with special emphasis on regional sediment management as a method to sustainably maintain or enhance current levels of storm protection to produce a comprehensive understanding of coastal vulnerabilities in the affected areas and to identify initial measures to address such vulnerabilities; and (2) develop a long-term strategy for addressing such increased damage and for identifying opportunities to enhance resiliency, increase sustainability, and lower risks in population centers, areas of concentrated economic development, and areas with vulnerable environmental resources.

assessing coastal areas assist states act bill directs conduct study identify risks vulnerabilities coastal areas located geographic boundaries corps_of_engineers increased hurricane storm damage result sea level rise carrying study corps_of_engineers shall conduct necessary analyses special emphasis regional sediment management method maintain enhance current levels storm protection produce comprehensive understanding coastal vulnerabilities affected areas identify initial measures address vulnerabilities develop long term strategy addressing increased damage identifying opportunities enhance resiliency increase sustainability lower risks population centers areas concentrated economic development areas vulnerable environmental resources


Summary: National Health Insurance Act - Requires that medical services, hospital services, and other personal health services be made available to eligible individuals in all U.S. health-service areas as rapidly as possible. Sets forth minimum income requirements for eligibility. Allows health care professionals and hospitals to enter into agreements to furnish services to eligible individuals. Gives responsibility for administration of the benefits provided under this Act to local administrative committees or officers. Allows a state to assume responsibility for administration of the personal health benefits provided under this Act. Establishes: (1) the National Health Insurance Board in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (2) the National Advisory Medical Policy Council. Requires the Secretary of HHS to determine the eligibility of any individual for benefits under this Act. Limits benefits under this Act for an individual to only those services for which the individual is not eligible under Medicare. Requires the Board to: (1) determine the sums to be made available for the provision of personal health-service benefits; and (2) allot amounts to each state based on population, available professional services and facilities, and the cost of compensation. Allows the Board to make grants for the training of professionals providing benefits under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a value added tax of five percent on each sale of property, performance of services, and importation of property in the United States by a taxable person in a commercial-type transaction. Sets forth exceptions, including for food, housing, medical care, exports, interest, governmental entities, and certain tax-exempt organizations. Establishes the National Health Care Trust Fund and appropriates to it amounts equal to the revenue received by the Treasury from such tax. Requires the Secretary to study and report on the various methods to control the costs of providing personal health benefits under this Act.

medical services hospital services personal health services available eligible individuals health service areas rapidly possible sets forth minimum income requirements eligibility allows health care professionals hospitals enter agreements furnish services eligible individuals gives responsibility administration benefits provided act local administrative committees officers allows state assume responsibility administration personal health benefits provided act establishes department_of_health_and_human_services hhs requires secretary hhs determine eligibility individual benefits act limits benefits act individual services individual eligible medicare requires board determine sums available provision personal health service benefits allot amounts state based population available professional services facilities cost compensation allows board grants training professionals providing benefits act amends internal revenue code impose value added tax percent sale property performance services importation property united_states taxable person commercial type transaction sets forth exceptions including food housing medical care exports interest governmental entities certain tax exempt organizations establishes appropriates amounts equal revenue received treasury tax requires secretary study report methods control costs providing personal health benefits act


Summary: Health Care Incentive Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to allow any employer in interstate commerce that is required by federal or state law to pay a minimum wage rate higher than the current federal rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to include the value of creditable health care benefits in determining the required wage.

act directs secretary labor allow employer interstate commerce required federal state law pay minimum wage rate higher current federal rate fair labor standards act include value creditable health care benefits determining required wage


Summary: Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to require the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program): (1) reimbursement of institutional providers of health care services to be identical (currently, the same to the extent practicable) to reimbursement provided under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act); and (2) in contracting for the delivery of health care, to contract with at least one teaching hospital in each large urban area.

amends require department_of_defense managed health care program reimbursement institutional providers health care services identical currently extent practicable reimbursement provided medicare title xviii social security act contracting delivery health care contract teaching hospital large urban area


Summary: Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to provide that aliens and non-immigrants shall be eligible for state and local public assistance for primary and preventive care.

amends personal_responsibility_and_work_opportunity reconciliation act provide aliens non immigrants shall eligible state local public assistance primary preventive care


Summary: Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.

ending amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act ssa phase waiting period disabled individuals eligible benefits ssa title xviii medicare eliminate waiting period individuals life threatening conditions eligible benefits directs secretary health_and_human_services request institute_of_medicine_of_the_national_academy_of_sciences study range disability conditions delayed prevented individuals receive access health care services coverage condition reaches disability levels


Summary: Seniors' Health Care Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the affidavit requirement applicable to the use of private contracts with practitioners under Medicare. Declares that no persons otherwise eligible for old-age benefits under Social Security shall be denied such benefits because of their voluntary refusal to participate in any part of the Medicare program.

seniors health care freedom act amends title xviii medicare social security act remove affidavit requirement applicable use private contracts practitioners medicare declares persons eligible old age benefits social_security shall denied benefits voluntary refusal participate medicare program


Summary: Medicaid Newborn Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to waive the requirement for proof of citizenship during the first year of life for children born in the United States to a Medicaid-eligible mother.

medicaid newborn coverage act amends title xix medicaid social security act waive requirement proof citizenship year life children born united_states medicaid eligible mother


Summary: Health Care Tax Deduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax deduction from gross income for health insurance premiums and unreimbursed prescription drug expenses paid for the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse and dependents.

amends internal revenue code allow individuals tax deduction gross income health insurance premiums unreimbursed prescription drug expenses paid benefit taxpayer taxpayer spouse dependents


Summary: Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2007 - 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: Second Opinion Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan and an issuer offering group coverage to provide coverage for second opinions upon request under certain circumstances, including if: (1) the participant questions the reasonableness or necessity of recommended surgical procedures or of a diagnosis or plan of care for a condition that threatens loss or substantial impairment of life, limb, or bodily function; (2) the clinical indications are not clear or are complex or confusing, a diagnosis is in doubt due to conflicting test results, or the treating health care professional is unable to diagnose the condition; (3) the treatment plan in progress is not improving the medical condition of the participant; and (4) the participant has attempted to follow the plan of care or has consulted with the initial provider concerning serious concerns about the diagnosis or plan of care. Applies such requirements to coverage offered in the individual market.

second opinion coverage act amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code require group health plan issuer offering group coverage provide coverage second opinions request certain circumstances including participant questions reasonableness necessity recommended surgical procedures diagnosis plan care condition threatens loss substantial impairment life limb bodily function clinical indications clear complex diagnosis doubt conflicting test results treating health care professional unable diagnose condition treatment plan progress improving medical condition participant participant attempted follow plan care consulted initial provider concerning concerns diagnosis plan care applies requirements coverage offered individual market


Summary: Women's Obstetrician and Gynecologist Access Now Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group plan and an issuer offering group coverage to allow a participant or beneficiary the option to seek obstetrical and gynecological physician services directly from a participating provider without a referral. States that this Act does not prevent a plan or issuer from establishing: (1) reasonable requirements for a participating provider to communicate with the participant's or beneficiary's primary care physician and surgeon regarding the participant's or beneficiary's condition and treatment; or (2) reasonable provisions governing utilization protocols and the use of obstetricians and gynecologists, or family practice physicians and surgeons, participating in the plan or issuer network. Applies such requirements to coverage offered in the individual market.

women access act amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act internal revenue code require group plan issuer offering group coverage allow participant beneficiary option seek obstetrical physician services directly participating provider referral states act prevent plan issuer establishing reasonable requirements participating provider communicate participant beneficiary primary care physician surgeon participant beneficiary condition treatment reasonable provisions governing utilization protocols use family practice physicians surgeons participating plan issuer network applies requirements coverage offered individual market


Summary: Notch Baby Health Care Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for premiums paid by certain eligible individuals under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Defines an "eligible individual" as an individual born after 1916 and before 1927 -- so called "notch baby" -- who had wages or self-employment income credited for one or more years prior to 1979, who was not eligible for an old age or disability insurance benefit, and who did not die, prior to January 1979 (or such individual's spouse or surviving spouse).

notch baby health care relief act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit premiums paid certain eligible individuals title xviii medicare social security act defines eligible individual individual born called notch baby wages self employment income credited years prior eligible old age disability insurance benefit die prior january individual spouse surviving spouse


Summary: Veterans Outpatient Care Access Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide needed medical services from sources outside the Department of Veterans Affairs when veterans are informed that the waiting period for such services in a Department outpatient clinic will be six months or longer.

access act directs secretary veterans_affairs provide needed medical services sources outside department_of_veterans_affairs veterans informed waiting period services department outpatient clinic months longer


Summary: Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for premiums paid to enroll military retirees and their spouses and surviving spouses for supplementary medical insurance under part B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.

military retiree health care relief act amends internal revenue code allow refundable tax credit premiums paid enroll military retirees spouses surviving spouses supplementary medical insurance title xviii medicare social security act


Summary: Helping America Hear Act of 2007 - Requires each federal employee health benefits plan to provide coverage for at least two hearing aids every three years, except that such plan need not cover more than $2,500 for hearing aids for any individual in any three-year period. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan that provides hospital and surgical benefits to also provide such hearing aid coverage. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require health insurance offered in the individual market to provide such coverage.

helping america hear act requires federal employee health benefits plan provide coverage hearing aids years plan need cover hearing aids individual year period amends employee retirement income security act erisa require group health plan provides hospital surgical benefits provide hearing aid coverage amends public_health_service_act require health insurance offered individual market provide coverage


Summary: South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to determine, and notify Congress, whether the needs of veterans for acute inpatient hospital care in 24 counties comprising Far South Texas shall be met through: (1) a public-private venture to provide such services and long-term care to veterans in an existing facility in Far South Texas; (2) a project for construction of a new full-service, 50-bed hospital with a 125-bed nursing home in Far South Texas; or (3) a sharing agreement with a military treatment facility in Far South Texas. Requires the Secretary to take appropriate action depending on the option selected.

care act directs secretary veterans_affairs determine notify congress needs veterans acute inpatient hospital care counties comprising texas shall met public private venture provide services long term care veterans existing facility project construction new service bed hospital bed nursing home sharing agreement military treatment facility texas requires secretary appropriate action depending option selected


Summary: Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed health benefits obligation to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to civilian employees; and (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage beneficiaries, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for beneficiaries. Prohibits an increase after: (1) April 1, 2006, in a premium, deductible, copayment, or other charge prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for medical and dental health care coverage for military personnel; and (2) September 30, 2007, in the dollar amount of a cost-sharing requirement under the DOD pharmacy benefits program. Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) beginning on April 1, 2006, an increase in premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) for certain members of the Selected Reserve.

military retirees health care protection act expresses sense congress department_of_defense dod nation committed health benefits obligation retired military personnel exceeds obligation corporate employers civilian employees dod additional options constrain growth health care spending ways disadvantage beneficiaries pursue options seeking large fee increases beneficiaries prohibits increase april premium deductible copayment charge prescribed secretary defense medical dental health care coverage military personnel september dollar cost sharing requirement dod pharmacy benefits program prohibits charges dod inpatient care exceeding day beginning april increase premiums tricare dod managed health care program certain members selected_reserve


Summary: Amends the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 to remove the requirement that, in order to qualify for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program during the period beginning on October 7, 2001, and ending on November 30, 2005, the Secretary of the military department concerned must determine that the loss was a direct result of a traumatic injury incurred in the theater of operations for Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom (thus including traumatic injury incurred while performing other types of military service during such period under such coverage).

amends veterans housing opportunity benefits improvement act remove requirement order qualify retroactive benefits traumatic injury protection coverage program period beginning october ending november secretary military department concerned determine loss direct result traumatic injury incurred theater operations operations enduring freedom iraqi_freedom including traumatic injury incurred performing types military service period coverage


Summary: Amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 to permit Puerto Rico to qualify for federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens.

amends medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act permit puerto_rico qualify federal reimbursement emergency health services furnished undocumented aliens


Summary: Health Care Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax deduction for medical expenses without the gross income percentage limitation.

internal revenue code allow tax deduction medical expenses gross income percentage limitation


Summary: Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as added by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to add health insuring organizations operated by public entities established by Ventura and Merced Counties, California, to the number of county-organized health insuring organizations in California authorized to enroll Medicaid beneficiaries under title XIX of the Social Security Act.Increases from 14% to 16% the maximum percentage of California Medicaid beneficiaries which may be enrolled with such organizations.

amends consolidated_omnibus_budget reconciliation act added omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act amended medicare medicaid schip benefits improvement protection act add health insuring organizations operated public entities established ventura california number county organized health insuring organizations california authorized enroll medicaid beneficiaries title xix social security act increases maximum percentage beneficiaries enrolled organizations


Summary: United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act) - Establishes the United States National Health Insurance (USNHI) Program (the Program) to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care that includes all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services. Prohibits an institution from participating in the Program unless it is a public or nonprofit institution. Allows nonprofit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that actually deliver care in their own facilities to participate in the Program. Gives patients the freedom to choose from participating physicians and institutions. Prohibits a private health insurer from selling health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act. Allows such insurers to sell benefits that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery benefits. Sets forth methods to pay hospitals and health professionals for services. Prohibits financial incentives between HMOs and physicians based on utilization. Establishes the USNHI Trust Fund to finance the Program with amounts deposited: (1) from existing sources of Government revenues for health care; (2) by increasing personal income taxes on the top 5% income earners; (3) by instituting a progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employment income; and (4) by instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions. Requires the Program to give first priority in retraining and job placement and unemployment benefits to individuals whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration. Establishes a National Board of Universal Quality and Access to provide advice on quality, access, and affordability. Provides for the eventual integration of the Indian Health Service into the Program.

expanded establishes program program provide individuals residing united_states territories free health care includes medically necessary care primary care prevention prescription drugs emergency care mental health services prohibits institution participating program public nonprofit institution allows nonprofit health maintenance organizations actually deliver care facilities participate program gives patients freedom choose participating physicians institutions prohibits private health insurer selling health insurance coverage duplicates benefits provided act allows insurers sell benefits medically necessary cosmetic surgery benefits sets forth methods pay hospitals health professionals services prohibits financial incentives physicians based utilization establishes finance program amounts deposited existing sources government revenues health care increasing personal income taxes income earners instituting progressive excise tax payroll self employment income instituting small tax stock bond transactions requires program priority retraining job placement unemployment benefits individuals jobs eliminated reduced administration establishes access provide advice quality access affordability provides eventual integration indian_health_service program


Summary: Health Care Choices for Seniors Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivor's and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure under which an individual otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare) may waive such entitlement and be automatically enrolled in the Medicare Alternative Voucher Program (MAV Program).Directs the Secretary to establish the MAV Program, under which a voucher may be used as a contribution into a health savings account and for the payment of enrollment premiums under a high deductible health plan.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the itemized deduction for health savings accounts by the amount of the MAV that is contributed to an individual's health savings account. Suspends Medicare late enrollment penalties for an individual between ages 65 and 70 if the individual is enrolled in the MAV program.

title old age survivor disability insurance oasdi social security act ssa require secretary health_and_human_services establish procedure individual entitled benefits ssa title xviii medicare waive entitlement automatically enrolled secretary establish voucher contribution health savings account payment enrollment premiums high deductible health plan amends internal revenue code increase itemized deduction health savings accounts contributed individual health savings account suspends medicare late enrollment penalties individual ages individual enrolled program


Summary: Routine HIV/AIDS Screening Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage to provide coverage for routine HIV/AIDS screening under terms and conditions no less favorable than for other routine screenings. Prohibits such a plan or issuer from: (1) denying eligibility or continued eligibility to enroll or renew solely to avoid these requirements; (2) denying coverage for such screening because there are no known risk factors present or because the screening is not clinically indicated, medically necessary, or pursuant to a referral, consent, or recommendation by any health care provider; (3) providing monetary payments, rebates, or other benefits to encourage individuals to accept less than the minimum protections available under this Act; (4) penalizing or otherwise reducing or limiting the reimbursement of a provider because such provider provided care to a participant or beneficiary in accordance with this Act; (5) providing incentives to induce the provision of care in a manner inconsistent with this Act; or (6) denying a participant or beneficiary continued eligibility to enroll or renew solely because of the results of an HIV/AIDS test or screening procedure. Applies such requirements to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market and coverage offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.

amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code require group health plan health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage provide coverage routine hiv aids screening terms conditions favorable routine screenings prohibits plan issuer denying eligibility continued eligibility enroll renew solely avoid requirements denying coverage screening known risk factors present screening clinically indicated medically necessary pursuant referral consent recommendation health care provider providing monetary payments rebates benefits encourage individuals accept minimum protections available act penalizing reducing limiting reimbursement provider provider provided care participant beneficiary accordance act providing incentives induce provision care manner inconsistent act denying participant beneficiary continued eligibility enroll renew solely results hiv aids test screening procedure applies requirements health insurance coverage offered individual market coverage offered fehb program


Summary: Tax Equity and Affordability Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid for the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents; (2) require business taxpayers who receive payments for certain employee health insurance coverage to file informational returns; (3) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of health insurance tax credit amounts to health insurance providers; and (4) limit the tax exclusion for employer-provided health care coverage.

tax equity affordability act amends internal revenue code allow individual taxpayers refundable tax credit health insurance costs paid benefit taxpayer taxpayer spouse dependents require business taxpayers receive payments certain employee health insurance coverage file informational returns direct secretary treasury advance payments health insurance tax credit amounts health insurance providers limit tax exclusion employer provided health care coverage


Summary: Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Improvement Act of 2007 - Sets forth standards for group health plans, including: (1) requiring plans to conduct utilization review activities in accordance with this Act; (2) establishing internal and external appeals processes; (3) requiring a grievance system; (4) requiring the plans to offer out-of network coverage; (5) prohibiting plans from requiring prior authorization for emergency services; (6) prohibiting prior authorization requirements for access to obstetrical or gynecological care; (7) requiring plans to provide for continuity of care during a transition period; (8) requiring plans to provide exceptions to formulary limitations; (9) prohibiting plans from restricting a health care professional from advising patients about health status or medical care; and (10) requiring prompt payment of claims.Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health plans to comply with the patient protection requirements of this Act. Requires health insurance issuers offering individual health insurance coverage to comply with such requirements.Sets forth effective dates and provisions regarding application of this Act to collective bargaining agreements.Requires the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury to ensure coordination of the administration of this Act. Establishes the Health Care Panel to Devise a Uniform Explanation of Benefits to devise a single form for use by third-party health care payers for the remittance of claims to providers.

improvement act sets forth standards group health plans including requiring plans conduct utilization review activities accordance act establishing internal external appeals processes requiring grievance system requiring plans offer network coverage prohibiting plans requiring prior authorization emergency services prohibiting prior authorization requirements access obstetrical care requiring plans provide continuity care transition period requiring plans provide exceptions formulary limitations prohibiting plans restricting health care professional advising patients health status medical care requiring prompt payment claims amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code require group health plans comply patient protection requirements act requires health insurance issuers offering individual health insurance coverage comply requirements sets forth effective dates provisions application act collective bargaining agreements requires secretaries labor health_and_human_services treasury ensure coordination administration act establishes uniform explanation benefits devise single form use party health care payers remittance claims providers


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: Minority Diabetes Initiative Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private health care providers to provide treatment for diabetes in minority communities. Requires the Secretary to ensure that such grants cover a variety of diabetes-related health care services, including routine care for diabetic patients, public education on diabetes prevention and control, eye care, foot care, and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.

minority diabetes initiative act amends public_health_service_act allow secretary health_and_human_services grants public nonprofit private health care providers provide treatment diabetes minority communities requires secretary ensure grants cover variety diabetes related health care services including routine care diabetic patients public education diabetes prevention control eye care foot care treatment kidney disease complications diabetes


Summary: HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan or health insurance issuer offering group health coverage from denying benefits or coverage otherwise provided under the plan for the treatment of an injury solely because it resulted from participation in a legal mode of transportation or recreational activity.

hipaa recreational injury technical correction act amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act internal revenue code prohibit group health plan health insurance issuer offering group health coverage denying benefits coverage provided plan treatment injury solely resulted participation legal mode transportation recreational activity


Summary: Dietary Supplement and Healthy Meal Replacement Tax Parity Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify dietary supplements and meal replacement products that are authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make certain health claims as tax deductible medical expenses.

dietary supplement healthy meal replacement tax parity act amends internal revenue code qualify dietary supplements meal replacement products authorized food_and_drug_administration fda certain health claims tax deductible medical expenses


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) federal civilian and military retirees to pay Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis (i.e., exclude premiums from gross income); and (2) a tax deduction (available to itemizers and nonitemizers) for TRICARE supplemental premiums or enrollment fees. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the option of paying FEHBP and TRICARE supplemental premiums on a pretax basis is available to federal civilian and military retirees for the first open enrollment period beginning not less than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

amends internal revenue code permit federal civilian military retirees pay federal_employees_health_benefits_program fehbp tricare supplemental premiums basis exclude premiums gross income tax deduction available tricare supplemental premiums enrollment fees directs director secretary defense ensure option paying fehbp tricare supplemental premiums basis available federal civilian military retirees open enrollment period beginning days enactment act


Summary: Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member of the Armed Forces entitled to military retired or retainer pay; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member; and (5) a family member. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such eligible persons for pharmacy benefits received from a pharmacy that is not a TRICARE (Department of Defense managed health care plan) network pharmacy in the same manner as the Secretary would reimburse such person for such benefits received from a TRICARE network pharmacy. Requires such persons, in order to receive such reimbursement, to submit a certification from their physician stating that the person does not have access to a TRICARE network pharmacy due to physical or medical constraints.

promise america military retirees act directs secretary defense enter agreement office_of_personnel_management provide federal_employees_health benefits fehb coverage following eligible beneficiaries member member armed_forces entitled military retired retainer pay unremarried spouse married member years member performed years retirement creditable military service dependent deceased qualifying member member dependent living member member family member directs secretary reimburse eligible persons pharmacy benefits received pharmacy tricare department_of_defense managed health care plan network pharmacy manner secretary reimburse person benefits received tricare network pharmacy requires persons order receive reimbursement submit certification physician stating person access tricare network pharmacy physical medical constraints


Summary: Keeping Faith With the Greatest Generation Military Retirees Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the monthly part B premium (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) with respect to: (1) an individual who is entitled to military retired or retainer pay based upon service that began before December 7, 1956; and (2) the spouse, widow, or widower of such individuals.

keeping faith greatest generation military retirees act amends title xviii medicare social security act waive monthly premium supplementary_medical_insurance benefits aged disabled respect individual entitled military retired retainer pay based service began december spouse widow widower individuals


Summary: Legal Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to grant states the option of covering certain categories of eligible pregnant women and child resident aliens, including targeted low-income children, under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs.

legal immigrant children health improvement act amends titles xix medicaid schip social security act grant states option covering certain categories eligible pregnant women child resident aliens including targeted low income children medicaid schip programs


Summary: Relief and Elimination of the Medicare Enrollment Deadline Penalty (REMEDY) Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) postpone the Medicare part D late enrollment penalty until after 2007; and (2) eliminate such penalties for low-income subsidy-eligible individuals for periods after 2007. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a method for providing rebates of late enrollment penalties paid for months before the enactment of this Act.

relief elimination medicare enrollment deadline penalty remedy act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act postpone medicare late enrollment penalty eliminate penalties low income subsidy eligible individuals periods directs secretary health_and_human_services establish method providing rebates late enrollment penalties paid months enactment act


Summary: Emergency Retiree Health Benefits Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to add a program for emergency retiree health benefit protections. Prohibits group health plans from reducing retiree health benefits after the retirement of a plan beneficiary. Requires such plans to adopt provisions barring post-retirement reductions in retiree health benefits.Requires group health plan sponsors to grant retired plan participants the option of benefit restoration. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to waive or vary requirements for benefit restoration if compliance with such requirements would: (1) be adverse to the interests of plan participants in the aggregate; (2) not be administratively feasible; and (3) cause substantial business hardship to plan sponsors.Establishes the Emergency Retiree Health Loan Guarantee Program. Authorizes the Program to guarantee loans provided by private financial institutions to assist plan sponsors in meeting benefit restoration obligations under this Act. Terminates loan guarantee authority after 2013.Authorizes the Secretary to assess civil penalties for violations of this Act.

emergency retiree health benefits protection act amends employee retirement income security act erisa add program emergency retiree health benefit protections prohibits group health plans reducing retiree health benefits retirement plan beneficiary requires plans adopt provisions barring post retirement reductions retiree health benefits requires group health plan sponsors grant retired plan participants option benefit restoration authorizes secretary labor waive vary requirements benefit restoration compliance requirements adverse interests plan participants aggregate administratively feasible cause substantial business hardship plan sponsors establishes emergency retiree health loan guarantee program authorizes program guarantee loans provided private financial institutions assist plan sponsors meeting benefit restoration obligations act terminates loan guarantee authority secretary assess civil penalties violations act


Summary: Mandatory Funding for Veterans Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for each fiscal year the amount determined under a specified formula for veterans health care programs, functions, and activities of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

mandatory funding veterans act directs secretary treasury available secretary veterans_affairs fiscal year determined specified formula veterans health care programs functions activities


Summary: Richard Helm Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources Act - Allows a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual patient enrollment system to elect to receive covered health services through a non-VA facility. (Currently, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may contract for such services when VA facilities are not capable of furnishing economic hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or are not capable of furnishing the care or services required.) Directs the Secretary to authorize such services pursuant to a contract with such facility. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish to veterans through a VA health care facility drugs and medicines ordered on prescription of a duly licensed private physician under contract with the VA.

resources act allows veteran enrolled department_of_veterans_affairs annual patient enrollment system elect receive covered health services non-va facility currently secretary veterans_affairs contract services facilities capable furnishing economic hospital care medical services geographical inaccessibility capable furnishing care services required directs secretary authorize services pursuant contract facility authorizes secretary furnish veterans health care facility drugs medicines ordered prescription duly licensed private physician contract


Summary: Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to revise the classification criterion used to determine whether a hospital or hospital unit is an inpatient rehabilitation facility under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Eliminates the current schedule of applicable percentages. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, instead, to require in the classification criterion a compliance rate no greater than the 60% compliance rate that became effective for cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2006.Requires the Secretary, for cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2008, to include patients with comorbidity in the inpatient population that counts towards such 60% compliance rate. Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Medicare fiscal intermediaries, Medicare administrative contractors, recovery audit contractors, and other government agents to use and apply the criteria established in HCFA Ruling 85-2, as issued on July 31, 1985, as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of servivces provided by inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and units to Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees: (1) an examination of the impact of the 75% rule on the Medicare program, and specifically on Medicare beneficiaries; and (2) alternatives to the 75% rule policy for determining exclusion criteria for inpatient rehabilitation hospital and unit designation under the Medicare program.

amends deficit reduction act revise classification criterion determine hospital hospital unit inpatient rehabilitation facility title xviii medicare social security act eliminates current schedule applicable percentages directs secretary health_and_human_services instead require classification criterion compliance rate greater compliance rate effective cost reporting periods beginning july secretary cost reporting periods beginning july include patients inpatient population counts compliance rate requires centers medicare fiscal intermediaries medicare administrative contractors recovery audit contractors government agents use apply criteria established ruling issued july sole standard determining medical necessity provided inpatient rehabilitation hospitals units medicare beneficiaries directs secretary report specified congressional committees examination impact rule medicare program specifically medicare beneficiaries alternatives rule policy determining exclusion criteria inpatient rehabilitation hospital unit designation medicare program


Summary: Better Access to Chiropractors to Keep our Veterans Healthy ( BACK Veterans Health) Act - Includes chiropractic services and counseling, as well as periodic and preventative chiropractic examinations and services, among the medical, rehabilitative, and preventive health services available to veterans. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit eligible veterans to receive medical, rehabilitative, and preventative health services from a licensed doctor of chiropractic on a direct access basis at the election of the veteran, if such services are within the State scope of practice of such doctor. Prohibits the Secretary from discriminating among licensed health-care providers in the determination of needed services.

veterans healthy veterans health act includes chiropractic services counseling periodic preventative chiropractic examinations services medical rehabilitative preventive health services available veterans directs secretary veterans_affairs permit eligible veterans receive medical rehabilitative preventative health services licensed doctor chiropractic direct access basis election veteran services state scope practice doctor prohibits secretary discriminating licensed health care providers determination needed services


Summary: Medicare Laboratory Services Access Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to fee schedules for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests and the Medicare laboratory specimen collection fee. Sets such fee at $6.07 for 2008, and the same adjusted for inflation in subsequent years, to cover the appropriate cost of collecting the sample on which a clinical diagnostic laboratory test was performed and for which payment is made.

access act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect fee schedules clinical diagnostic laboratory tests medicare laboratory specimen collection fee sets fee adjusted inflation subsequent years cover appropriate cost collecting sample clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed payment


Summary: Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act - Title I: Wounded Warrior Matters - Subtitle A: Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of Servicemembers With Serious Injuries or Illnesses - (Sec. 111) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Secretaries) to: (1) jointly develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members of the Armed Forces (members) who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, are in medical hold or holdover status, or are otherwise on the temporary disability retired list for a serious injury or illness (recovering members); (2) jointly update the policy on a periodic basis (at least annually); and (3) jointly and separately review all policies and procedures of the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that apply to, or are covered by, the comprehensive policy. Requires such review to be completed within 90 days after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretaries, in developing the policy, to take into account specified findings, recommendations, and practices, including those of the Independent Review Group on Rehabilitative Care and Administrative Processes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center. Requires the policy developed to include: (1) mechanisms to ensure responsibility for recovering members in medical hold or holdover status or on the temporary disability retired list; (2) processes, procedures, and standards for medical evaluations and physical disability evaluations of recovering members; (3) standards for determinations of the return of recovering members to active duty; (4) standards for the transition of recovering members from care and treatment by DOD to care and treatment by the VA before, during, and after separation from service; (5) VA access to military health records of recovering members; and (6) surveys and other mechanisms to measure patient and family satisfaction with the DOD and VA provision of care and services. Requires a report from: (1) the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to the congressional defense committees on instances when a disability rating assigned to a member by an informal physical evaluation board of DOD was reduced upon appeal, and the reasons for such reduction; (2) the Secretaries to the defense and veterans committees on the policy developed, as well as on policy updates; and (3) the Comptroller General (CG) annually to the defense and veterans committees assessing DOD and VA progress in developing and implementing the policy. (Sec. 112) Requires the Secretaries, in developing and implementing the policy, to: (1) take into account and fully address any unique needs of women members and women veterans; and (2) include a description of such needs, and the manner in which they are addressed, in any reports required under the previous section. Subtitle B: Health Care - Part I: Enhanced Availability of Care for Servicemembers - (Sec. 121) Entitles any recovering member and any former member with a severe injury or illness to medical and dental care in any military medical facility or through any civilian health care provider authorized by the Secretary to provide health and mental health services, including services for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Authorizes such medical and dental care for three years beginning on the date: (1) of enactment of this Act, for those whose injury or illness was incurred on or after October 7, 2001, and before the enactment of this Act; and (2) on which the injury or illness is incurred, for those whose injury or illness occurs on or after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any limitation on the provision of such care if considered appropriate to assure the maximum feasible recovery and rehabilitation of the member or former member. Prohibits the Secretary from providing such medical and dental care after December 31, 2012, if the Secretary has not provided such care to such member or former member before that date. Entitles members with a severe injury or illness to rehabilitation and vocational benefits from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned (Secretary concerned) to reimburse recovering members and former members with a severe injury or illness for certain expenses incurred in connection with the receipt of required medical care. (Sec. 122) Requires the Secretary to provide reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses for follow-on specialty care and related services of a former member who incurred a disability while on active duty in a combat zone or in combat-related operations, is entitled to retired or retainer pay, and requires follow-up care, services, or supplies at a specific military treatment facility located more than 100 miles away from the member's residence. Part II: Care and Services for Dependents - (Sec. 126) Makes a family member of a recovering member eligible for medical care at a military treatment facility if the family member is: (1) on invitational orders while caring for the member; (2) a non-medical attendee caring for the member; or (3) receiving per-diem payments from DOD while caring for the member. Makes a family member who is eligible for medical care under (1), above, for more than 45 days during a one-year period also eligible for job placement services offered by DOD. Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the need for additional employment services and job protection for family members who are placed on leave or displaced from employment while caring for a recovering member. (Sec. 127) Provides extended benefits under TRICARE (a DOD managed care program) for the primary caregivers of members who incur a serious injury or illness while on active duty. Part III: Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - (Sec. 131) Directs the Secretary to submit to the defense committees one or more comprehensive plans for DOD programs and activities to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, and otherwise respond to TBI and PTSD in members. (Sec. 132) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a protocol for the predeployment assessment and documentation of the cognitive functioning of a member who is deployed outside the United States, in order to facilitate the assessment of the postdeployment cognitive functioning of such member; (2) conduct up to three pilot projects to evaluate various mechanisms for use in the protocol; (3) report to the defense and veterans committees on the pilot projects; and (4) after completion of the pilot projects, establish the appropriate mechanism for use in the protocol. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 133) Requires the Secretary to establish in DOD a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of: (1) TBI; and (2) PTSD. Requires reports from the Secretary to Congress on the establishment and operation of each center. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 134) Directs the Secretaries to jointly: (1) conduct a comprehensive review of the need for mental health treatment and services, and the adequacy of existing treatment and services, for female members and veterans; (2) report to the defense and veterans committees on the review; and (3) develop a comprehensive policy to address the treatment and care of female members and veterans who experience mental health problems and conditions, including PTSD. (Sec. 135) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for FY2008 for activities related to the improved diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of members with: (1) TBI; or (2) PTSD. (Sec. 136) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on progress in implementing requirements under the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 relating to: (1) a study on TBI incurred by members participating in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) enhanced mental health screening and services for members; and (3) early diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and other mental health conditions of members. Requires an annual report to such committees, during 2008 through 2013, on amounts expended by DOD for the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of members with TBI or PTSD. Part IV: Other Matters - (Sec. 141) Directs the Secretaries to: (1) develop and implement a joint electronic health record (joint record) for use by DOD and VA; and (2) accelerate the exchange of health care information between the two departments. Establishes the Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program Office for a Joint Electronic Health Record, with a Director and Deputy Director. Requires the Office to develop and prepare for deployment by September 30, 2010, a joint record which complies with applicable federal interoperability standards. Authorizes the Secretaries to carry out pilot projects of various technological approaches to the achievement of the joint record. Requires: (1) annual reports from the Office Director to the Secretaries and the defense and veterans committees on Office activities (to be made available to the public); and (2) semiannual reports, until joint record implementation, from the CG to the defense and veterans committees on DOD-VA progress in developing and implementing the joint record. Provides funding. (Sec. 142) Allows the Secretary to exercise any DOD authority for the appointment and pay of health care personnel in order to provide or enhance DOD capacity to provide care and treatment for members who are wounded or injured on active duty, and to support ongoing DOD patient care and medical readiness, education, and training requirements. Directs the military department Secretaries to: (1) develop a strategy of best practices for the recruitment of such medical and health professionals within their department; and (2) report on such strategy to the defense committees. (Sec. 143) Requires the Secretary to: (1) recommend to the defense committees legislative or administrative actions to address shortages in health care professionals within DOD; and (2) implement programs to recruit qualified individuals to serve as health care and mental health care personnel. Subtitle C: Disability Matters - Part I: Disability Evaluations - (Sec. 151) Authorizes the retirement or separation for disability of members on active duty for more than 30 days if the member has six months or more of active service and the disability was not noted at the time of the member's entrance into active duty, unless compelling medical evidence or judgment warrants a finding that the disability existed before the member's entrance into active duty. (Sec. 152) Requires the Secretary concerned, in making disability determinations, to: (1) utilize the schedule for rating disabilities in use by the VA; and (2) not deviate from such schedule. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to utilize criteria other than the VA schedule if the criteria will result in a determination of a greater percentage of disability than in the use of the schedule. (Sec. 153) Directs the Secretary to establish within DOD the Physical Disability Board of Review to review disability determinations made by DOD physical evaluation boards of members who, during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2009, are: (1) separated from the Armed Forces as unfit for duty due to a medical condition with a disability rating of 20% disabled or less; and (2) found to be ineligible for retirement. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to correct the military records of such individuals in light of any Board of Review findings. (Sec. 154) Directs the Secretary to carry out pilot programs on the revision and improvement of the disability evaluation system for members. Requires under one of the pilot programs that: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs assign a member a VA-schedule rating of disability, upon which the Secretary concerned shall make a disability determination of the member; (2) disability determinations are made utilizing joint DOD/VA-assigned disability ratings; and (3) the Secretary establishes and operates a single Internet website for the DOD disability evaluation system that enables participating members to utilize such system through the website. Outlines related pilot program purposes. Requires the Secretaries to jointly incorporate any findings and recommendations arising under the pilot programs when updating the comprehensive policy on the care and management of recovering members as required under section 111. Requires: (1) each pilot program to be completed within one year after its commencement; and (2) an interim and final report on the pilot programs from the Secretary to the defense and veterans committees. (Sec. 155) Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the defense committees, until March 1, 2009, on the implementation of DOD corrective measures with respect to the physical disability evaluation system in response to the report of: (1) the Inspector General of the Army on that system; (2) the Independent Review Group on Rehabilitation Care and Administrative Processes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center; and (3) the Department of Veterans Affairs Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes. Part II: Other Disability Matters - (Sec. 161) Increases from 12 to 19 the maximum number of years of service authorized to be used as a multiplier to determine military disability severance pay. Provides minimum years of service for purposes of such determination. Prohibits any deduction from disability severance pay due to payments received as veterans' disability compensation in the case of disability severance pay received by a member for a disability incurred in the line of duty in a combat zone or in combat-related operations as designated by the Secretary. (Sec. 162) Requires the Secretary to develop a form for member designation of a recipient of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance proceeds in cases where the member is medically incapacitated or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness. (Sec. 163) Directs the Secretaries to jointly develop and implement a mechanism to provide for the electronic transfer from DOD to VA of any DOD documents necessary to establish or support the eligibility of a member for benefits under laws administered by the VA at the time of the member's retirement, separation, or release from service. (Sec. 164) Requires the Secretary and the CG to report to the defense committees an assessment of the continuing utility of the temporary disability retired list in satisfying the purposes for which it was established. Subtitle D: Improvement of Facilities Housing Patients (Sec. 171) Directs the Secretary to establish standards for the accreditation of medical facilities with respect to DOD military medical treatment facilities, specialty medical care facilities, and military quarters or leased housing for patients. Requires that such standards be uniform and consistent across such facilities and across DOD and the military departments. Directs the Secretary to: (1) specify a deadline for standards compliance for each facility; and (2) report to the defense committees on actions taken to carry out this section. (Sec. 172) Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the defense committees, until March 1, 2009, on implementation of the action plan of the Army to correct deficiencies identified in the condition of facilities, and in the administration of outpatients in medical hold or holdover status, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other applicable Army installations. (Sec. 173) Directs the Secretary to: (1) assess the feasibility of accelerating the construction and completion of new facilities required to facilitate the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as directed under the 2005 round of defense base closures and realignments under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990; (2) develop and carry out a plan for the construction and completion of the replacement facilities; (3) submit such plan to the defense committees; and (4) make certain certifications to such committees with respect to the plan submitted. Subtitle E: Outreach and Related Information on Benefits - (Sec. 181) Requires the Secretary to develop, maintain, and update at least annually in handbook and electronic form a description of the compensation and other benefits available to a member (and his or her family members) upon the member's separation or retirement as a result of a serious injury or illness. Directs the Secretary concerned to furnish the handbook to a member (or, if incapacitated, their next of kin) as soon as practicable following such an injury or illness. Subtitle F: Other Matters - (Sec. 191) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for a study on the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of members and former members who deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom (and their families) as a result of such deployment. Requires the: (1) NAS to report to the Secretaries upon the completion of each of the two phases of such study; (2) the Secretaries to develop a preliminary and final DOD-VA plan to address the NAS report findings and recommendations; (3) Secretaries to report each plan to Congress; and (4) CG to submit to Congress an assessment of each plan. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Veterans Matters - (Sec. 201) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning VA efforts toward the rehabilitation and community reintegration of veterans with TBI. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary, for purposes of this title only), for each veteran or member who receives inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation care from the VA for a TBI, to: (1) develop an individualized plan for the rehabilitation of such individual and their reintegration into the community; and (2) provide such plan to such individual before their discharge from inpatient care, following transition from active duty to the VA for outpatient care, or as soon as practicable following diagnosis. Requires each developed plan to be based upon the physical, cognitive, vocational, and neuropsychological and social impairments of such individual, as well as their family education and support needs after discharge from inpatient care. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a case manager for each individual; (2) ensure that such case manager has appropriate skills; (3) involve each individual in the development of their rehabilitation and reintegration plan; (4) periodically review the effectiveness of each plan; and (5) conduct a plan review if requested by the individual. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary to use non-VA facilities to implement the TBI rehabilitation and reintegration plans described in the previous section when the Secretary: (1) is unable to provide the treatment or services at the frequency or for the duration prescribed in such plan; or (2) determines it to be the best option with respect to the recovery and rehabilitation of the individual. Requires the facilities used to maintain appropriate standards for the provision of such treatment or services. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of research, education, and clinical care to provide intensive neuro-rehabilitation to veterans with a severe TBI, including veterans in a minimally conscious state who would otherwise receive only long-term residential care. Authorizes appropriations. Requires a program report from the Secretary to Congress. (Sec. 205) Requires the Secretary, in collaboration with the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, to carry out a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted living services to veterans with TBI to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration. Requires: (1) at least one part of the pilot program to be carried out in a region of the Veterans Health Administration that contains a VA polytrauma center; (2) special consideration to be given to veterans in rural areas; and (3) the Secretary to report to the veterans committees on the pilot program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 206) Directs the Secretary, in carrying out specified VA research programs and activities, to ensure that such programs and activities include research on the sequelae (aftereffects) of mild to severe forms of TBI. (Sec. 207) Requires the Secretary to ensure that veterans' nursing home care is provided in an age-appropriate manner. (Sec. 208) Extends from two to five years after their release from service the period of eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care in the case of veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or in combat against a hostile force after November 11, 1998. (Sec. 209) Replaces the word "psychosis" with "mental illness" as it pertains to the presumption of service-connection for veterans' disability compensation purposes. Directs the Secretary, upon request of a veteran described in the previous section, to provide such veteran with a preliminary mental health evaluation as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days after the request. (Sec. 210) Authorizes outpatient dental services for veterans with a service-connected dental condition or disability as long as the veteran's certificate of discharge or release does not include a certification that such veteran was provided a complete dental examination within 180 (under current law, 90) days before such discharge or release. (Sec. 211) Requires the Secretary to carry out, in at least three locations, a demonstration program on preventing veterans at-risk of homelessness from becoming homeless. Terminates program authority at the end of FY2011. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 212) Includes recently released members of the National Guard or Reserves under a program of outreach services on the availability of VA readjustment and other benefits and services. Title III - Waives the scheduled FY2008 pay increases for members of the uniformed services and, instead, provides a higher increase, effective January 1, 2008, that will increase by 3.5% the rates of basic pay for members of the uniformed services.

dignified treatment wounded warriors act title wounded warrior matters subtitle policy care management illnesses sec directs secretaries defense veterans affairs secretaries jointly develop implement comprehensive policy care management members armed_forces members undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold holdover status temporary disability retired list injury illness recovering members jointly update policy periodic basis annually jointly separately review policies procedures department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs apply covered comprehensive policy requires review completed days enactment act directs secretaries developing policy account specified findings recommendations practices including requires policy developed include mechanisms ensure responsibility recovering members medical hold holdover status temporary disability retired list processes procedures standards medical evaluations physical disability evaluations recovering members standards determinations return recovering members active duty standards transition recovering members care treatment dod care treatment separation service access military health records recovering members surveys mechanisms measure patient family satisfaction dod provision care services requires report secretary defense secretary congressional defense committees instances disability rating assigned member informal physical evaluation board dod reduced appeal reasons reduction secretaries defense veterans committees policy developed policy updates comptroller general annually defense veterans committees assessing dod progress developing implementing policy sec requires secretaries developing implementing policy account fully address unique needs women members women veterans include description needs manner addressed reports required previous section subtitle health care enhanced availability care servicemembers sec entitles recovering member member severe injury illness medical dental care military medical facility civilian health care provider authorized secretary provide health mental health services including services traumatic brain injury tbi post traumatic stress disorder ptsd authorizes medical dental care years beginning date enactment act injury illness incurred october enactment act injury illness incurred injury illness occurs enactment act authorizes secretary waive limitation provision care considered appropriate assure maximum feasible recovery rehabilitation member member prohibits secretary providing medical dental care december secretary provided care member member date entitles members severe injury illness rehabilitation vocational benefits secretary veterans_affairs authorizes secretary military department concerned secretary concerned reimburse recovering members members severe injury illness certain expenses incurred connection receipt required medical care sec requires secretary provide reimbursement reasonable travel expenses follow specialty care related services member incurred disability active duty combat zone combat related operations entitled retired retainer pay requires follow care services supplies specific military treatment facility located miles away member residence care services dependents sec makes family member recovering member eligible medical care military treatment facility family member orders caring member non medical caring member receiving diem payments dod caring member makes family member eligible medical care days year period eligible job placement services offered dod requires report secretary defense committees need additional employment services job protection family members placed leave displaced employment caring recovering member sec provides extended benefits tricare dod managed care program primary caregivers members incur injury illness active duty iii traumatic brain injury stress disorder sec directs secretary submit defense committees comprehensive plans dod programs activities prevent diagnose mitigate treat respond tbi ptsd members sec directs secretary establish protocol assessment documentation cognitive functioning member deployed outside united_states order facilitate assessment cognitive functioning member conduct pilot projects evaluate mechanisms use protocol report defense veterans committees pilot projects completion pilot projects establish appropriate mechanism use protocol authorizes appropriations sec requires secretary establish dod center excellence prevention diagnosis mitigation treatment rehabilitation tbi ptsd requires reports secretary congress establishment operation center authorizes appropriations sec directs secretaries jointly conduct comprehensive review need mental health treatment services adequacy existing treatment services female members veterans report defense veterans committees review develop comprehensive policy address treatment care female members veterans experience mental health problems conditions including ptsd sec authorizes appropriations dod fy2008 activities related improved diagnosis treatment rehabilitation members tbi ptsd sec requires report secretary defense committees progress implementing requirements john_warner_national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year relating study tbi incurred members participating operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom enhanced mental health screening services members early diagnosis treatment ptsd mental health conditions members requires annual report committees amounts expended dod diagnosis treatment rehabilitation members tbi ptsd matters sec directs secretaries develop implement joint electronic health record joint record use dod accelerate exchange health care information departments joint electronic health record director deputy director requires office develop prepare deployment september joint record complies applicable federal interoperability standards authorizes secretaries carry pilot projects technological approaches achievement joint record requires annual reports office director secretaries defense veterans committees office activities available public semiannual reports joint record implementation defense veterans committees progress developing implementing joint record provides funding sec allows secretary exercise dod authority appointment pay health care personnel order provide enhance dod capacity provide care treatment members wounded injured active duty support ongoing dod patient care medical readiness education training requirements directs military department secretaries develop strategy best practices recruitment medical health professionals department report strategy defense committees sec requires secretary recommend defense committees legislative administrative actions address shortages health care professionals dod implement programs recruit qualified individuals serve health care mental health care personnel subtitle disability matters disability evaluations sec authorizes retirement separation disability members active duty days member months active service disability time member entrance active duty compelling medical evidence judgment warrants finding disability existed member entrance active duty sec requires secretary concerned making disability determinations utilize schedule rating disabilities use schedule authorizes secretary concerned utilize criteria schedule criteria result determination greater percentage disability use schedule sec directs secretary establish dod review disability determinations dod physical evaluation boards members period beginning september ending december separated armed_forces unfit duty medical condition disability rating disabled found ineligible retirement authorizes secretary concerned correct military records individuals light findings sec directs secretary carry pilot programs revision improvement disability evaluation system members requires pilot programs secretary veterans_affairs assign member schedule rating disability secretary concerned shall disability determination member disability determinations utilizing joint dod assigned disability ratings secretary establishes operates single internet website dod disability evaluation system enables participating members utilize system website outlines related pilot program purposes requires secretaries jointly incorporate findings recommendations arising pilot programs updating comprehensive policy care management recovering members required section requires pilot program completed year commencement interim final report pilot programs secretary defense veterans committees sec requires quarterly reports secretary defense committees march implementation dod corrective measures respect physical disability evaluation system response report inspector general army system returning global war terror heroes disability matters sec increases maximum number years service authorized determine military disability severance pay provides minimum years service purposes determination prohibits deduction disability severance pay payments received veterans disability compensation case disability severance pay received member disability incurred line duty combat zone combat related operations designated secretary sec requires secretary develop form member designation recipient proceeds cases member medically incapacitated experiencing extended loss consciousness sec directs secretaries jointly develop implement mechanism provide electronic transfer dod dod documents necessary establish support eligibility member benefits laws administered time member retirement separation release service sec requires secretary report defense committees assessment continuing utility temporary disability retired list satisfying purposes established subtitle improvement facilities housing patients sec directs secretary establish standards accreditation medical facilities respect dod military medical treatment facilities specialty medical care facilities military quarters leased housing patients requires standards uniform consistent facilities dod military departments directs secretary specify deadline standards compliance facility report defense committees actions taken carry section sec requires quarterly reports secretary defense committees march implementation action plan army correct deficiencies identified condition facilities administration medical hold holdover status applicable army installations sec directs secretary assess feasibility accelerating construction completion new facilities required facilitate closure directed round defense base closures realignments defense base closure realignment_act develop carry plan construction completion replacement facilities submit plan defense committees certain certifications committees respect plan submitted subtitle outreach related information benefits sec requires secretary develop maintain update annually handbook electronic form description compensation benefits available member family members member separation retirement result injury illness directs secretary concerned furnish handbook member incapacitated kin soon practicable following injury illness subtitle matters sec directs secretary enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences nas study physical mental health readjustment needs members members deployed operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom families result deployment requires nas report secretaries completion phases study secretaries develop preliminary final dod plan address nas report findings recommendations secretaries report plan congress submit congress assessment plan authorizes appropriations title veterans matters sec expresses sense congress concerning efforts rehabilitation community reintegration veterans tbi sec directs secretary veterans_affairs secretary purposes title veteran member receives inpatient outpatient rehabilitation care tbi develop individualized plan rehabilitation individual reintegration community provide plan individual discharge inpatient care following transition active duty outpatient care soon practicable following diagnosis requires developed plan based physical cognitive vocational social impairments individual family education support needs discharge inpatient care directs secretary designate case manager individual ensure case manager appropriate skills involve individual development rehabilitation reintegration plan periodically review effectiveness plan conduct plan review requested individual sec requires secretary use non facilities implement tbi rehabilitation reintegration plans described previous section secretary unable provide treatment services frequency duration prescribed plan determines best option respect recovery rehabilitation individual requires facilities maintain appropriate standards provision treatment services sec directs secretary establish program research education clinical care provide intensive rehabilitation veterans severe tbi including veterans minimally conscious state receive long term residential care authorizes appropriations requires program report secretary congress sec requires secretary collaboration defense veterans brain injury center carry year pilot program assess effectiveness providing assisted living services veterans tbi enhance rehabilitation quality life community integration requires pilot program carried region veterans_health_administration contains polytrauma center special consideration given veterans rural areas secretary report veterans committees pilot program authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary carrying specified research programs activities ensure programs activities include research severe forms tbi sec requires secretary ensure veterans nursing home care provided age appropriate manner sec extends years release service period eligibility hospital care medical services nursing home care case veterans served active duty theater combat operations period war persian_gulf_war combat hostile force november sec replaces word mental illness pertains presumption service connection veterans disability compensation purposes directs secretary request veteran described previous section provide veteran preliminary mental health evaluation soon practicable later days request sec authorizes outpatient dental services veterans service connected dental condition disability long veteran certificate discharge release include certification veteran provided complete dental examination current law days discharge release sec requires secretary carry locations demonstration program preventing veterans risk homelessness homeless terminates program authority end fy2011 authorizes appropriations sec includes recently released members national_guard_or_reserves program outreach services availability readjustment benefits services title iii waives scheduled fy2008 pay increases members uniformed services instead provides higher increase effective january increase rates basic pay members uniformed services


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Defense, upon request of a member of the Armed Forces receiving outpatient care at or through Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Maryland, to transfer such member to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the receipt of such care. Requires such Secretaries to jointly provide such members information on the nature and quality of outpatient care services available through the Department of Veterans Afffairs (VA). Directs that the VA-chosen care be provided at the VA facility closest to the permanent duty station or residence of such member. Terminates the transfer requirement after certification from the Secretary of Defense to the congressional defense committees with respect to DOD processing of status claims and facility quality and the staffing of case management and psychological counselor positions at Walter Reed.

requires secretary defense request member armed_forces receiving outpatient care maryland transfer member secretary veterans_affairs receipt care requires secretaries jointly provide members information nature quality outpatient care services available directs chosen care provided facility closest permanent duty station residence member terminates transfer requirement certification secretary defense congressional defense committees respect dod processing status claims facility quality staffing case management psychological counselor positions


Summary: Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than August 31, 2007, to complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits, as a permanent part of the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), for covered beneficiaries. Requires plan implementation by January 31, 2008.

beneficiaries act directs secretary defense later august complete development plan provide chiropractic health care services benefits permanent tricare program department_of_defense managed health care program covered beneficiaries requires plan implementation january


Summary: Wounded Warriors Joint Health Care Patient Tracking Act - Directs the surgeons general of the military departments to develop a joint soldier tracking system (System) for medical holdover patients. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to have access to the system to monitor trends and problems. Requires the system to allow each medical holdover patient, each family member of such patient, each commanding officer of a military installation retaining such patients, each patient navigator, and ombudsman office personnel, at all times, to be able to locate and understand exactly where a patient is in the medical holdover process. Requires that the system be updated daily.

wounded warriors joint health care patient tracking act directs surgeons general military departments develop joint soldier tracking system system medical holdover patients requires assistant secretary defense_for_health_affairs access system monitor trends problems requires system allow medical holdover patient family member patient commanding officer military installation retaining patients patient navigator ombudsman office personnel times able locate understand exactly patient medical holdover process requires system updated daily


Summary: Telehealth and Medically Underserved and Advancement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase the type of originating sites allowed to offer telehealth services, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and county or community health clinics; and (2) remove the requirement that such originating sites must be in rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a conference of state licensing boards, local telehealth projects, health care practitioners, and patient advocates to promote interstate licensure for telehealth projects. Authorizes the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth to award grants to: (1) demonstrate how telehealth technologies can be used to expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of health care services, and to improve and expand the training of health care providers, the quality of health information available, and efforts to eliminate health care disparities; and (2) provide oral health services to patients who reside in rural areas. Directs the Secretary to establish a Joint Working Group on Telehealth to: (1) identify, monitor, and coordinate federal telehealth projects, data sets, and programs; (2) analyze how telehealth systems are expanding access to health care services, education, and information; (3) analyze the quality of the telehealth services delivered; (4) analyze how telehealth systems can improve health care quality and eliminate disparities; and (5) make recommendations for coordinating federal and state efforts to increase access to health services, education, and information in rural and urban medically underserved areas.

advancement act amends title xviii medicare social security act increase type originating sites allowed offer telehealth services including skilled nursing facilities assisted living facilities county community health clinics remove requirement originating sites rural areas amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services convene conference state licensing boards local telehealth projects health care practitioners patient advocates promote interstate licensure telehealth projects authorizes director award grants demonstrate telehealth technologies expand access coordinate improve quality health care services improve expand training health care providers quality health information available efforts eliminate health care disparities provide oral health services patients reside rural areas directs secretary establish identify monitor coordinate federal telehealth projects data sets programs analyze telehealth systems expanding access health care services education information analyze quality telehealth services delivered analyze telehealth systems improve health care quality eliminate disparities recommendations coordinating federal state efforts increase access health services education information rural urban medically underserved areas