Summary: Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that residents of rural and frontier communities should have access to affordable, quality health care. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals, (2) extension of the temporary increase in payments to certain rural hospitals (Medicare hold harmless provision), (3) the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals, (4) Medicare wage index reclassifications for certain hospitals, (5) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospitals in certain rural areas, (6) elimination of the isolation test for the cost-based ambulance reimbursement for critical access hospitals, (7) the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas, (8) extension of the 1.00 floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment to payments for physician services, (9) Medicare home health care planning, (10) rural health clinics, (11) a temporary Medicare payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area, and (12) extension of increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to provide for the extension of the payment for the technical component of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to encourage and facilitate the adoption of provisions allowing for multi state practitioner practice across state lines. Extends Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage and payment, on a reasonable cost basis, to anesthesia services furnished by a physician anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals in the same manner as payment is made for anesthesia services furnished by a certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in such hospitals. Establishes the floor at 1.00 on the practice expense geographic index for services furnished during a specified period in certain rural areas outside of frontier states under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Revises the standard for designation of sole community hospitals. Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to states for operation of offices of rural health. Requires the proportion of members of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) who represent the interests of health care providers and Medicare beneficiaries located in rural areas to be no less than the proportion of the total number of Medicare beneficiaries who reside in rural areas.

provider equity act expresses sense senate residents rural frontier communities access affordable quality health care amends title xviii medicare social security act respect medicare disproportionate share hospital dsh adjustment rural hospitals extension temporary increase payments certain rural hospitals medicare hold harmless provision medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment low volume hospitals medicare wage index reclassifications certain hospitals medicare reasonable costs payments certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished hospitals certain rural areas elimination isolation test cost based ambulance reimbursement critical access hospitals medicare incentive payment program physician scarcity areas extension floor medicare work geographic adjustment payments physician services medicare home health care planning rural health clinics temporary medicare payment increase home health services furnished rural area extension increased medicare payments rural ground ambulance services amends medicare medicaid schip benefits improvement protection act provide extension payment technical component certain physician pathology services medicare directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs encourage facilitate adoption provisions allowing multi state practitioner practice state lines extends medicare coverage payment reasonable cost basis anesthesia services furnished physician anesthesiologist certain rural hospitals manner payment anesthesia services furnished certified registered nurse anesthetists hospitals establishes floor practice expense geographic index services furnished specified period certain rural areas outside frontier states medicare physician fee schedule revises standard designation sole community hospitals amends public_health_service_act extend authorization appropriations grants states operation offices rural health requires proportion members medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac represent interests health care providers medicare beneficiaries located rural areas proportion total number medicare beneficiaries reside rural areas


Summary: Insurance Fairness for Amputees Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits and also provides benefits for prosthetics and custom orthotics to offer such prosthetics and custom orthotics in the same manner as applicable to medical and surgical benefits. Prohibits separate financial requirements or more restrictive treatment limitations. Requires a health plan that does not provide coverage for benefits outside of a network to ensure that such provider network is adequate to ensure enrollee access to prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and related services provided by appropriately credentialed practitioners and accredited suppliers. Limits coverage for required benefits for prosthetics and custom orthotics to the most appropriate device or component that adequately meets the medical requirements of the patient. Requires benefits to include repair and replacement due to normal wear and tear, irreparable damage, a change in the condition of the patient, or as otherwise determined appropriate by the treating physician. Prohibits any annual or lifetime dollar limitation on benefits for prosthetics and custom orthotics unless such limitation applies in the aggregate to all benefits. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the effects of the implementation of this Act.

insurance fairness act amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act require group health plan provides medical surgical benefits provides benefits prosthetics custom orthotics offer prosthetics custom orthotics manner applicable medical surgical benefits prohibits separate financial requirements restrictive treatment limitations requires health plan provide coverage benefits outside network ensure provider network adequate ensure enrollee access prosthetic custom orthotic devices related services provided appropriately credentialed practitioners accredited suppliers limits coverage required benefits prosthetics custom orthotics appropriate device component adequately meets medical requirements patient requires benefits include repair replacement normal wear tear irreparable damage change condition patient determined appropriate treating physician prohibits annual lifetime dollar limitation benefits prosthetics custom orthotics limitation applies aggregate benefits directs comptroller_general gao study effects implementation act


Summary: Ensuring Quality Health Care for All Americans Act of 2012 - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and restores provisions of law amended by such Act or provisions. Repeals the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010 and restores provisions of law amended by such Act's health care provisions. Revises Public Health Service Act provisions concerning health insurance coverage to require each health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the group market (currently, individual or group market) in a state to accept every employer and every individual in a group (currently, every employer and every individual) in the state applying for such coverage. Prohibits a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage from imposing: (1) any preexisting condition exclusion with respect to such plan or coverage, or (2) lifetime or annual limits. Requires dependent coverage beyond age 18 until the first of either a dependent turning 26, marrying, or no longer residing at home. Requires plans to offer catastrophic coverage and sets forth coverage requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to States for planning for the establishment and implementation of health insurance risk adjustment mechanisms. Sets forth provisions limiting the liability of health care providers.

ensuring quality health care americans act repeals patient protection affordable care act restores provisions law amended act provisions repeals health care provisions health_care_and_education reconciliation act restores provisions law amended act health care provisions act provisions concerning health insurance coverage require health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage group market currently individual group market state accept employer individual group currently employer individual state applying coverage prohibits group health plan health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage imposing preexisting condition exclusion respect plan coverage lifetime annual limits requires dependent coverage age dependent turning longer residing home requires plans offer catastrophic coverage sets forth coverage requirements directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants states planning establishment implementation health insurance risk adjustment mechanisms sets forth provisions limiting liability health care providers


Summary: Veterans Co-Pay Fairness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in the case of a veteran entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or enrolled under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income), to reimburse such veteran for the Medicare deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance applied against such veteran with respect to emergency medical treatment items and services provided in non-VA facilities.

fairness act directs secretary veterans_affairs case veteran entitled benefits title xviii medicare social security act enrolled medicare supplemental security income reimburse veteran medicare deductibles copayments coinsurance applied veteran respect emergency medical treatment items services provided non-va facilities


Summary: VA Enrollment Act - Includes among veterans eligible to receive reimbursement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for emergency treatment services provided in a non-VA facility those who enroll in the VA health care system within 30 days after receiving such emergency treatment.

enrollment act includes veterans eligible receive reimbursement department_of_veterans_affairs emergency treatment services provided non-va facility enroll health care system days receiving emergency treatment


Summary: Rural Hospital and Provider Equity and 340B Improvement Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that residents of rural and frontier communities should have access to affordable, quality health care. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) the Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment for rural hospitals, (2) extension of the temporary increase in payments to certain rural hospitals (Medicare hold harmless provision), (3) the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals, (4) Medicare wage index reclassifications for certain hospitals, (5) Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospitals in certain rural areas, (6) elimination of the isolation test for the cost-based ambulance reimbursement for critical access hospitals, (7) the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas, (8) extension of the 1.00 floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment to payments for physician services, (9) Medicare home health care planning, (10) rural health clinics, (11) a temporary Medicare payment increase for home health services furnished in a rural area, and (12) extension of increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 to provide for the extension of the payment for the technical component of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to encourage and facilitate the adoption of provisions allowing for multi state practitioner practice across state lines. Extends Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage and payment, on a reasonable cost basis, to anesthesia services furnished by a physician anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals in the same manner as payment is made for anesthesia services furnished by a certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in such hospitals. Establishes the floor at 1.00 on the practice expense geographic index for services furnished during a specified period in certain rural areas outside of frontier states under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Revises the standard for designation of sole community hospitals. Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to states for operation of offices of rural health. Requires the proportion of members of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) who represent the interests of health care providers and Medicare beneficiaries located in rural areas to be no less than the proportion of the total number of Medicare beneficiaries who reside in rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to make revisions to the 340B drug discount program (a program limiting the cost of covered outpatient drugs to certain federal grantees). Includes drugs used in connection with an inpatient or outpatient service by enrolled hospitals as covered drugs under the program (currently, only outpatient drugs are covered under the program). Requires hospitals enrolled in the 340B program to provide to each state a credit on the estimated annual purchases by such hospitals of covered drugs provided to Medicaid recipients for inpatient use. Sets forth a formula for calculating the credit. Allows a hospital to avoid paying such credits under certain circumstances. Eliminates the requirement that hospitals enrolled in the 340B program report the National Drug Code numbers for drugs administered by a physician if the state is precluded from seeking a rebate on such drugs because they were purchased at a discount under the 340B program. Removes the exclusion that prohibited covered entities added to the 340B program under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from purchasing drugs for a rare disease or condition as covered outpatient drugs. Treats a facility or organization that is eligible for the 340B program as satisfying any geographic location requirements in relation to a hospital or a critical access hospital for purposes of determining provider-based status under Medicare.

340b improvement act expresses sense senate residents rural frontier communities access affordable quality health care amends title xviii medicare social security act respect medicare disproportionate share hospital dsh adjustment rural hospitals extension temporary increase payments certain rural hospitals medicare hold harmless provision medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment low volume hospitals medicare wage index reclassifications certain hospitals medicare reasonable costs payments certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished hospitals certain rural areas elimination isolation test cost based ambulance reimbursement critical access hospitals medicare incentive payment program physician scarcity areas extension floor medicare work geographic adjustment payments physician services medicare home health care planning rural health clinics temporary medicare payment increase home health services furnished rural area extension increased medicare payments rural ground ambulance services amends medicare medicaid schip benefits improvement protection act provide extension payment technical component certain physician pathology services medicare directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs encourage facilitate adoption provisions allowing multi state practitioner practice state lines extends medicare coverage payment reasonable cost basis anesthesia services furnished physician anesthesiologist certain rural hospitals manner payment anesthesia services furnished certified registered nurse anesthetists hospitals establishes floor practice expense geographic index services furnished specified period certain rural areas outside frontier states medicare physician fee schedule revises standard designation sole community hospitals amends public_health_service_act extend authorization appropriations grants states operation offices rural health requires proportion members medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac represent interests health care providers medicare beneficiaries located rural areas proportion total number medicare beneficiaries reside rural areas amends public_health_service_act revisions 340b drug discount program program limiting cost covered outpatient drugs certain federal grantees includes drugs connection inpatient outpatient service enrolled hospitals covered drugs program currently outpatient drugs covered program requires hospitals enrolled 340b program provide state credit estimated annual purchases hospitals covered drugs provided medicaid recipients inpatient use sets forth formula calculating credit allows hospital avoid paying credits certain circumstances eliminates requirement hospitals enrolled 340b program report national drug code numbers drugs administered physician state precluded seeking rebate drugs purchased discount 340b program removes exclusion prohibited covered entities added 340b program patient_protection affordable care act purchasing drugs rare disease condition covered outpatient drugs treats facility organization eligible 340b program satisfying geographic location requirements relation hospital critical access hospital purposes determining provider based status medicare


Summary: Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2012 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, that limit payments for medications from health savings accounts, Archer medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements and reimbursement arrangements to only prescription drugs or insulin (thus allowing distributions from such accounts for over-the-counter drugs).

restoring access medication act repeals provisions internal_revenue_code added patient_protection affordable care act limit payments medications health savings accounts archer medical savings accounts health flexible spending arrangements reimbursement arrangements prescription drugs insulin allowing distributions accounts counter drugs


Summary: Quality Improvement Organization Program Restoration Act - Amends the Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 to repeal its revisions to requirements for contracts with Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs). Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to specify expenditures or funding for: (1) 3-year QIO contracts for contract periods beginning on or after August 1, 2014, and ending on or before July 31, 2021, but with a certain reduction in aggregate funds payable after October 1, 2014; and (2) contracts with utilization and quality control peer review organizations for any contract period beginning on or after August 1, 2014.

repeal revisions requirements contracts amends title social security act specify expenditures funding year qio contracts contract periods beginning august ending july certain reduction aggregate funds payable october contracts utilization quality control peer review organizations contract period beginning august


Summary: Choice in Healthcare Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program under which Medicare and Medicaid eligible beneficiaries are given: (1) the option of purchasing qualifying health benefits coverage, and (2) access to a debit style card (Medi-Choice card) for purchasing such coverage under the program and for paying certain other out-of-pocket health care expenditures. Directs the Secretary to contract with a major credit card provider or financial institution for issuing Medi-Choice cards under the program. Limits the demonstration program to specified counties in California and to a period of ten years.

choice secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish demonstration program medicare medicaid eligible beneficiaries given option purchasing qualifying health benefits coverage access debit style card card purchasing coverage program paying certain pocket health care expenditures directs secretary contract major credit card provider financial institution issuing cards program limits demonstration program specified counties california period years


Summary: Early Treatment for HIV Act of 2012 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) give states the option to provide Medicaid coverage for low-income HIV-infected individuals, and (2) provide an enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to states taking this option. Amends SSA title XI to exempt medical assistance for optional low-income HIV-infected individuals from the funding limitation for territories.

early treatment hiv act amends title xix medicaid social security act ssa states option provide medicaid coverage low income hiv infected individuals provide enhanced federal medical assistance percentage fmap states taking option amends ssa title exempt medical assistance optional low income hiv infected individuals funding limitation territories


Summary: Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2012 or VETS Act of 2012 - Allows a health care professional who is authorized to provide health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and who is a licensed professional to practice at any location in any state, the District of Columbia, or U.S. commonwealth, territory, or possession, regardless of where the professional or patient is located, if the professional is using telemedicine to provide treatment. Allows such treatment regardless of whether such professional or patient is located in a facility owned by the federal government.

allows health care professional authorized provide health care department_of_veterans_affairs licensed professional practice location state district_of_columbia commonwealth territory possession regardless professional patient located professional telemedicine provide treatment allows treatment regardless professional patient located facility owned federal government


Summary: Medicare Better Health Rewards Program Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a three-year Better Health Rewards Program under which incentives are provided to Medicare beneficiaries who voluntarily agree to participate in the Program. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for measuring better health targets and points for achieving them for participating Medicare beneficiaries, including those for: (1) an annual wellness visit, (2) tobacco cessation, (3) Body Mass Index (BMI), (4) a diabetes screening test, (5) cardiovascular disease screening, (6) cholesterol level screening, and (7) screening tests and specified vaccinations. Requires the Secretary to make specified incentive payments to each participating Medicare beneficiary who achieves at least 20 points during a year. Authorizes Medicare Advantage Plans, "Section 1876" health maintenance organization and competitive medical cost plans, and programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) to make incentives to their enrollees to participate in a Better Health Rewards Program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any payment made under: (1) the Medicare Better Health Rewards Program; and (2) any other Better Health Rewards Program.

amends title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish year incentives provided medicare beneficiaries voluntarily agree participate program directs secretary establish standards measuring better health targets points achieving participating medicare beneficiaries including annual wellness visit tobacco cessation body mass index bmi diabetes screening test cardiovascular disease screening cholesterol level screening screening tests specified vaccinations requires secretary specified incentive payments participating medicare beneficiary achieves points year authorizes medicare advantage plans section health maintenance organization competitive medical cost plans programs inclusive care elderly pace incentives enrollees participate amends internal revenue code exclude gross income payment


Summary: Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to allow a state-authorized public entity benefits pool to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for pass-through funding with respect to health care benefits provided through the pool for coverage years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Requires the Secretary to approve such a pool if the pool will: (1) provide at least the essential health benefits; (2) provide coverage and cost-sharing protections against excessive out-of-pocket spending that are at least as affordable as the health insurance requirements of PPACA would provide; and (3) result in cost savings to the federal government because the cost of coverage through the pool is less than the cost of coverage through an exchange. Treats an individual covered under such a plan as having minimum essential coverage for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to provide for an alternative means by which an aggregate amount shall be paid to the pool annually based on the premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, and small business credits that would have been provided to an exchange plan. Gives the Secretary 180 days to make a determination on an application under this Act.

amends patient_protection affordable care act ppaca allow state authorized public entity benefits pool apply secretary health_and_human_services hhs pass funding respect health care benefits provided pool coverage years beginning january requires secretary approve pool pool provide essential health benefits provide coverage cost sharing protections excessive pocket spending affordable health insurance requirements ppaca provide result cost savings federal government cost coverage pool cost coverage exchange treats individual covered plan having minimum essential coverage purposes internal_revenue_code requires secretary provide alternative means aggregate shall paid pool annually based premium tax credits cost sharing reductions small business credits provided exchange plan gives secretary days determination application act


Summary: Start Healthy Act of 2012 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide: (1) mandatory coverage of qualified (uninsured) newborns, and (2) 100% federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for temporary coverage of such newborns.

start healthy act amends title xix medicaid social security act provide mandatory coverage qualified uninsured newborns federal medical assistance percentage fmap temporary coverage newborns


Summary: Guaranteed Access to Health Insurance Act of 2012 - Repeals the health insurance and health coverage expansion provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and related provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Restores provisions of law amended or repealed by them. Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the program to establish state high risk health insurance pools to include qualified reinsurance programs and other innovative methods implemented by a state to provide access to health insurance coverage for eligible individuals that will: (1) mitigate the cost of providing such coverage better than a qualified high risk pool; and (2) ensure that individuals receive consumer protections that are similar to those required for a qualified high risk pool. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to a state for its costs for creating and initially operating a qualified reinsurance program or an innovative method. Makes states that establish a qualified reinsurance program or an innovative method eligible for grants for losses incurred in connection with its operation. Revises requirements for a qualified high risk pool. Prohibits lifetime limits as well as premiums greater than 150% of the average premium in the individual market for health insurance coverage in the state. Eliminates bonus grants for supplemental consumer benefits for current or potential enrollees in qualified high risk pools. Requires the Secretary, in awarding competitive grants for federal funding for which only states are eligible, to give preference to any state that has received a grant to create and operate a qualified high risk pool in the year during which that grant is awarded. Requires the Secretary to establish a federal fallback high risk pool program to provide health insurance coverage for eligible individuals in a state that: (1) has not established a high risk pool, qualified reinsurance program, or innovative method at any point in the five-year period before October 1, 2015; or (2) has failed to operate such a pool, program, or method for two consecutive years after such date. Terminates the federal program if the state establishes such a pool, program, or method.

guaranteed repeals health insurance health coverage expansion provisions patient_protection affordable care act related provisions health_care_and_education reconciliation act restores provisions law amended repealed amends public_health_service_act expand program establish state high risk health insurance pools include qualified reinsurance programs innovative methods implemented state provide access health insurance coverage eligible individuals mitigate cost providing coverage better qualified high risk pool ensure individuals receive consumer protections similar required qualified high risk pool requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants state costs creating initially operating qualified reinsurance program innovative method makes states establish qualified reinsurance program innovative method eligible grants losses incurred connection operation revises requirements qualified high risk pool prohibits lifetime limits premiums greater average premium individual market health insurance coverage state eliminates bonus grants supplemental consumer benefits current potential enrollees qualified high risk pools requires secretary awarding competitive grants federal funding states eligible preference state received grant create operate qualified high risk pool year grant awarded requires secretary establish federal fallback high risk pool program provide health insurance coverage eligible individuals state established high risk pool qualified reinsurance program innovative method point year period october failed operate pool program method consecutive years date terminates federal program state establishes pool program method


Summary: Safeguarding Care Of Patients Everywhere Act or SCOPE Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to repeal the requirement that qualified health plans contract only with health care providers, including hospitals with more than 50 beds, that implement a specified patient safety evaluation system and health care quality mechanisms required by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

safeguarding care patients act patient protection affordable care act repeal requirement qualified health plans contract health care providers including hospitals beds implement specified patient safety evaluation system health care quality mechanisms required secretary health_and_human_services hhs


Summary: PCIP Improvement Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to immediate access to insurance under the Preexisting Condition Insurance Program (PCIP) for uninsured individuals with a preexisting condition. Revises the eligibility requirement for the temporary high risk health insurance pool under the PCIP that individuals be without creditable coverage for six months before applying for coverage through the high risk pool. Adds the condition that an individual has not had creditable coverage terminated in order to become eligible through such pool. Defines “creditable coverage” to exclude any coverage (commonly referred to as mini-med coverage) that limits the annual benefits payable to an amount less than $250,000.

improvement act amends public_health_service_act respect immediate access insurance uninsured individuals preexisting condition revises eligibility requirement temporary high risk health insurance pool individuals creditable coverage months applying coverage high risk pool adds condition individual creditable coverage terminated order eligible pool defines creditable coverage exclude coverage commonly referred coverage limits annual benefits payable


Summary: Veterans Health Access Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, when it is determined that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities are not capable of furnishing economic hospital care or medical services because of geographical inaccessibility or the care or services required, to determine whether or not to furnish such care or services to a veteran in a non-VA facility. Requires such determination to be made within 30 days following the request for such care or services. Amends the Wounded Warrior Act to authorize the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to allow any former member of the Armed Forces with a severe injury or illness to receive necessary medical and dental care in a non-VA facility when such care is determined by the member's physician to be in their best interest. Extends such authority through 2016.

veterans health access act directs secretary veterans_affairs determined department_of_veterans_affairs facilities capable furnishing economic hospital care medical services geographical inaccessibility care services required determine furnish care services veteran non-va facility requires determination days following request care services amends wounded warrior act authorize secretary defense dod allow member armed_forces severe injury illness receive necessary medical dental care non-va facility care determined member physician best interest extends authority


Summary: Medicare Secondary Payer and Late Enrollment Penalty Family Fairness Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to apply the eligibility requirements of Medicare special enrollment periods, secondary payer rules, and late enrollment penalties in a way to take into consideration the current employment status of all family members of an employee (currently, only the employment status of the employee or of the employee's spouse).

medicare_secondary_payer late enrollment penalty family fairness act amends title xviii medicare social security act apply eligibility requirements medicare special enrollment periods secondary payer rules late enrollment penalties way consideration current employment status family members employee currently employment status employee employee spouse


Summary: Medicaid Integrity Act of 2012 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to a state's option to use Medicaid managed care organizations and primary care case managers. Requires a state, acting through the state medical assistance agency or another state entity, in order to receive federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) payments for expenditures under a contract with a managed care entity, to contract with an independent auditor to conduct biannual financial and performance-compliance audits of the entity. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set uniform audit standards according to specified requirements. Requires the state to document for the Secretary its response to deficiencies reported in such audits. Requires contracts between the state and managed care entities to require the managed care entity to give the independent auditor access to all necessary information. Establishes sanctions for misrepresentation or falsification of information. Prescribes requirements a state must meet to be allowed to enter into an agreement with an actuary with respect to the state's administration of a contract with a managed care entity.

medicaid integrity act amends title xix medicaid social security act respect state option use medicaid managed care organizations primary care case managers requires state acting state medical assistance agency state entity order receive federal medical assistance percentage fmap payments expenditures contract managed care entity contract independent auditor conduct biannual financial performance compliance audits entity directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs set uniform audit standards according specified requirements requires state document secretary response deficiencies reported audits requires contracts state managed care entities require managed care entity independent auditor access necessary information establishes sanctions misrepresentation falsification information prescribes requirements state meet allowed enter agreement actuary respect state administration contract managed care entity


Summary: American Liberty Restoration Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that require individuals to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. Applies the Internal Revenue Code as if such provisions had never been enacted.

provisions patient_protection affordable care act require individuals maintain minimum essential health care coverage applies internal revenue code provisions enacted


Summary: State Leadership in Health Care Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to allow states to apply for a waiver of specified requirements under PPACA with respect to health insurance coverage within that state due to implementation of a state plan that provides comparable coverage for plan years beginning in 2014 (currently, 2017). Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Secretary of the Treasury to deny waivers only if: (1) the state plan does not meet requirements for granting a waiver, (2) the Secretary of HHS or Treasury notifies the state in writing of the requirements that the state plan did not meet and provides the state with information used in making such a determination, and (3) the state is given an opportunity to appeal. Requires the Secretary of HHS or Treasury to reconsider the determination in the event of an appeal and issue a written decision within 60 days.

state leadership health care act amends patient protection affordable care act ppaca allow states apply waiver specified requirements ppaca respect health insurance coverage state implementation state plan provides comparable coverage plan years beginning currently permits secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary treasury deny waivers state plan meet requirements granting waiver secretary hhs treasury notifies state writing requirements state plan meet provides state information making determination state given opportunity appeal requires secretary hhs treasury reconsider determination event appeal issue written decision days


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2012, the increased 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Makes TAA recipients who are in a break in training under a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period through June 30, 2012. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend through June 30, 2012, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance through June 30, 2012. Extends through June 30, 2012, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative. Expands for the two-year period beginning after the enactment of this Act the continuous tax levy on payments to vendors for goods and services leased to the federal government to include payments for all property sold or leased to the federal government.

amends internal revenue code extend june increased tax credit health insurance costs including advance payments trade adjustment assistance taa pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc pension recipients makes taa recipients break training training program receiving unemployment compensation eligible tax credit period june amends internal revenue code employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act phsa extend june taa pre certification period rule disregarding day lapse creditable health care coverage taa workers extends continued eligibility credit qualifying family members certain qualified taa eligible individuals pbgc pension recipients cobra premium assistance june extends june coverage employee benefit plan funded voluntary employees beneficiary association established pursuant order bankruptcy court agreement authorized representative expands year period beginning enactment act continuous tax levy payments vendors goods services leased federal government include payments property sold leased federal government


Summary: Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2011 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to increase the number of diseases and conditions for which beneficiaries may be targeted for medication therapy management (MTM) services. Requires a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) sponsor to establish a process, subject to approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for identifying individuals who are not targeted beneficiaries, are not otherwise offered MTM services, and whom a pharmacist or other qualified provider determines may benefit from MTM services. Requires any such individual to be treated as a targeted beneficiary. Requires any MTM program to offer both comprehensive and targeted medication reviews to individuals dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (under SSA title XIX), regardless of whether they are MTM-targeted beneficiaries. Requires a PDP sponsor to offer any willing pharmacy in its network and any other qualified health care provider the opportunity to provide MTM services. Requires the PDP sponsor to reimburse pharmacists and other qualified health care providers furnishing MTM services based on the resources used and the time required to provide such services. Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) establish measures and standards for data collection by PDP sponsors to evaluate performance of pharmacies and other entities in furnishing MTM services; and (2) support the continued development and refinement of performance measures. Provides pharmacies and other entities that furnish MTM services with additional incentive payments based on their performance in meeting quality measures established under this Act.

medication therapy management empowerment act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act ssa amended patient_protection affordable care act increase number diseases conditions beneficiaries targeted medication therapy management services requires prescription drug plan pdp sponsor establish process subject approval secretary health_and_human_services hhs identifying individuals targeted beneficiaries offered services pharmacist qualified provider determines benefit services requires individual treated targeted beneficiary requires program offer comprehensive targeted medication reviews individuals dually eligible medicare medicaid ssa title xix regardless targeted beneficiaries requires pdp sponsor offer willing pharmacy network qualified health care provider opportunity provide services requires pdp sponsor reimburse pharmacists qualified health care providers furnishing services based resources time required provide services directs secretary hhs establish measures standards data collection pdp sponsors evaluate performance pharmacies entities furnishing services support continued development refinement performance measures provides pharmacies entities furnish services additional incentive payments based performance meeting quality measures established act


Summary: Medical Foods Equity Act of 2011 - Amends titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to include coverage of: (1) medically necessary food and food modified to be low protein that is formulated to be consumed or administered under the supervision of a physician and the medical equipment and supplies necessary to administer such food; and (2) pharmacological doses of vitamins and amino acids used for the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism. Applies such coverage requirements to the TRICARE program (military health care). Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require health plans to provide coverage of such food, vitamins, and amino acids. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to determine the minimum yearly coverage for all health insurance plans based upon the expanded coverage provided by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish age-specific minimum levels of coverage. Declares that the minimum yearly coverage determined by the Secretary shall not preempt any state standards that require a higher minimum yearly coverage level for the same services and benefits.

amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid chip known schip social security act include coverage medically necessary food food modified low protein formulated consumed administered supervision physician medical equipment supplies necessary administer food pharmacological doses vitamins amino acids treatment inborn errors metabolism applies coverage requirements tricare program military health care amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act internal revenue code require health plans provide coverage food vitamins amino acids requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs determine minimum yearly coverage health insurance plans based expanded coverage provided act authorizes secretary establish age specific minimum levels coverage declares minimum yearly coverage determined secretary shall preempt state standards require higher minimum yearly coverage level services benefits


Summary: Equal Access to COBRA Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and Public Health Service Act to expand COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) to include an employee's domestic partner and any dependent child of the domestic partner.

amends internal revenue code employee retirement income security act erisa public health service act expand cobra coverage health insurance continuation benefits include employee domestic partner dependent child domestic partner


Summary: Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2011 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security, for purposes of determining cognitive, behavioral, and physical disability under titles II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to amend specified Listings of Impairments by providing medical and evaluation criteria for Huntington's Disease. Amends SSA title II to waive the 24-month waiting period for coverage under the Medicare program for individuals diagnosed with Hunington's Disease.

huntington disease parity act directs commissioner social_security purposes determining cognitive behavioral physical disability titles survivors disability_insurance oasdi xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act ssa amend specified listings impairments providing medical evaluation criteria huntington disease amends ssa title waive month waiting period coverage medicare program individuals diagnosed


Summary: Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Medicare should not be dismantled and turned into a voucher or premium-support program; (2) deficit reduction should not be achieved by simply passing on the costs of health care to Medicare beneficiaries; (3) guaranteed Medicare benefits should be preserved; (4) medical decisions should be made by seniors and their doctors, not insurance companies; and (5) deficit reduction should be achieved by lowering health care costs through delivery system reforms.

expresses sense senate medicare dismantled turned voucher premium support program deficit reduction achieved simply passing costs health care medicare beneficiaries guaranteed medicare benefits preserved medical decisions seniors doctors insurance companies deficit reduction achieved lowering health care costs delivery system reforms


Summary: Children's Access to Reconstructive Evaluation & Surgery (CARES) Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group or individual health plan that covers surgical benefits to also cover outpatient and inpatient diagnosis and treatment of a congenital or developmental deformity, disease, or injury of a minor child (defined as child under the age of 22). Requires that such coverage: (1) be subject to pre-authorization or pre-certification requirements of the plan or issuer, and (2) include any surgical treatment deemed by the treating physician to be medically necessary to approximate a normal appearance. Defines "treatment" to include reconstructive surgical procedures that are performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, burns, infection, tumors, or disease, including: (1) procedures that do not materially affect the function of the body part being treated, and (2) procedures for secondary conditions and follow-up treatment. Excludes cosmetic surgery performed to reshape normal structures of the body to improve appearance or self-esteem. Applies the provisions of this Act to grandfathered health plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

cares act amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code require group individual health plan covers surgical benefits cover outpatient inpatient diagnosis treatment congenital developmental disease injury minor child defined child age requires coverage subject pre authorization pre certification requirements plan issuer include surgical treatment deemed treating physician medically necessary approximate normal appearance defines treatment include reconstructive surgical procedures performed abnormal structures body caused congenital defects developmental abnormalities trauma burns infection tumors disease including procedures materially affect function body treated procedures secondary conditions follow treatment excludes cosmetic surgery performed normal structures body improve appearance self applies provisions act grandfathered health plans patient_protection affordable care act


Summary: Family and Retirement Health Investment Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to health savings accounts (HSAs), to allow: (1) both spouses to make increased catch-up contributions to the same HSA; (2) Medicare Part A beneficiaries to establish and contribute to an HSA; (3) veterans eligible for service-connected disability benefits and individuals eligible for Indian health service assistance to establish an HSA; (4) individuals eligible to receive benefits under certain TRICARE plans to establish an HSA; (5) a carryforward of unused benefits, up to $500, in a flexible spending arrangement; (6) payments from an HSA for prescription and over-the-counter medicine or drugs; (7) the use of HSAs to purchase certain health insurance coverage and long-term care insurance; and (8) payment of certain medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA. Amends the bankruptcy code to treat HSAs as tax-exempt individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for purposes of exempting them from creditor claims. Reauthorizes the use of Medicaid health opportunity accounts. Treats as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and physical fitness programs, nutritional and dietary supplements, and periodic fees paid to a primary physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that impose annual limitations on deductibles for health plans offered in the small group market.

amends internal revenue code respect health savings accounts hsas allow spouses increased catch contributions hsa medicare beneficiaries establish contribute hsa veterans eligible service connected disability benefits individuals eligible indian health service assistance establish hsa individuals eligible receive benefits certain tricare plans establish hsa unused benefits flexible spending arrangement payments hsa prescription counter medicine drugs use hsas purchase certain health insurance coverage long term care insurance payment certain medical expenses incurred establishment hsa amends bankruptcy code treat hsas tax exempt individual retirement accounts iras purposes exempting creditor claims reauthorizes use medicaid health opportunity accounts treats medical care purposes tax deduction medical expenses certain exercise equipment physical fitness programs nutritional dietary supplements periodic fees paid primary physician physician assistant nurse practitioner repeals provisions patient_protection affordable care act impose annual limitations deductibles health plans offered small group market


Summary: Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Allows the introduction of collateral source benefits and the amount paid to secure such benefits as evidence. Prohibits a provider of such benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Denies punitive damages in the case of products approved, cleared, or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or otherwise considered in compliance with FDA standards. Provides for periodic payments of future damages.

help efficient accessible low cost timely healthcare health act sets conditions lawsuits arising health care liability claims health care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce sets statute limitations years date manifestation injury year claimant discovers injury certain exceptions limits noneconomic damages makes party liable damages directly proportional party percentage responsibility allows court restrict payment attorney contingency fees limits fees decreasing percentage based increasing value awarded allows introduction collateral source benefits paid secure benefits evidence prohibits provider benefits recovering award health care lawsuit involving injury wrongful death authorizes award punitive damages proven clear convincing evidence person acted malicious intent injure claimant deliberately failed avoid unnecessary injury claimant substantially certain suffer compensatory damages awarded limits punitive damages greater times economic damages denies punitive damages case products approved cleared licensed food_and_drug_administration fda considered compliance fda standards provides periodic payments future damages


Summary: Provider Tax Administrative Simplification Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to approve a waiver of the uniform tax requirement (whether or not the tax is broad based), regardless of whether the state concerned satisfies certain requirements, for any state with a provider tax that does not apply to continuing care retirement communities or life care communities that: (1) have no beds certified to provide medical assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, or (2) do not provide services for which Medicaid payment may be made.

requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs approve waiver uniform tax requirement tax broad based regardless state concerned satisfies certain requirements state provider tax apply continuing care retirement communities life care communities beds certified provide medical assistance title xix medicaid social security act provide services medicaid payment


Summary: TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for the health insurance costs of trade adjustment assistance (TAA) workers, to: (1) increase the rate of such credit form 65% to 95% of health insurance costs; (2) allow a 100% tax credit and a full payment of TAA worker health insurance premiums for months prior to the issuance of a qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate; and (3) set forth new tax credit eligibility rules for TAA workers and their family members, including for TAA workers who are not enrolled in training programs. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to: (1) prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) recipients, (2) allow a permanent extension of COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) for certain TAA workers and PBGC recipients, and (3) align COBRA coverage periods under such Act with eligibility periods for TAA workers. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), jointly with the Secretary of the Treasury, to establish a program to offer TAA workers enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) and to conduct a study of the impact of such program on FEHBP. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to: (1) require a state or entity to use national emergency grant funds to provide TAA workers and their family members with health insurance coverage for periods prior to their first eligibility month, and (2) require the Secretary of Labor to report to Congress on failures to provide assistance to states in expediting applications for national emergency grants.

amends internal revenue code respect tax credit health insurance costs trade adjustment assistance taa workers increase rate credit form health insurance costs allow tax credit payment taa worker health insurance premiums months prior issuance qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate set forth new tax credit eligibility rules taa workers family members including taa workers enrolled training programs amends employee retirement income security act erisa prevent lapse health care coverage taa workers pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc recipients allow permanent extension cobra coverage health insurance continuation benefits certain taa workers pbgc recipients align cobra coverage periods act eligibility periods taa workers requires director jointly secretary treasury establish program offer taa workers enrollment fehbp conduct study impact program fehbp amends workforce investment act require state entity use national emergency grant funds provide taa workers family members health insurance coverage periods prior eligibility month require secretary labor report congress failures provide assistance states expediting applications national emergency grants


Summary: Social Security Number Protection Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and begin to implement procedures to eliminate the unnecessary collection, use, and display of Social Security account numbers of Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare identification cards and communications. Prohibits a Social Security card also from storing a Social Security account number electronically. Allows the display of a Social Security number on written or electronic communications only if the Secretary determines that its inclusion on such communications is essential for the operation of the Medicare program.

requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish begin implement procedures eliminate unnecessary collection use display social_security account numbers medicare beneficiaries medicare identification cards communications prohibits social_security card storing social_security account number electronically allows display social_security number written electronic communications secretary determines inclusion communications essential operation medicare program


Summary: Retirement Freedom Act - Allows any individual who is otherwise entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to elect to opt out of such entitlement. Allows an individual who has opted out of Medicare to opt back in without penalty. Prohibits any requirement to opt out of SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) as a condition for opting out of Medicare.

retirement freedom act allows individual entitled benefits title xviii medicare social security act ssa elect opt entitlement allows individual opted medicare opt penalty prohibits requirement opt ssa title survivors disability_insurance oasdi condition opting medicare


Summary: Savings Through Eligibility Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the definition of "modified adjusted gross income" for purposes of eligibility for the refundable tax credit for coverage under a qualified health plan to include in such income the portion of a taxpayer's social security and tier 1 railroad retirement benefits that are not included in gross income for income tax purposes.

fairness act amends internal revenue code modify definition modified adjusted gross income purposes eligibility refundable tax credit coverage qualified health plan include income portion taxpayer social security tier railroad retirement benefits included gross income income tax purposes


Summary: Medical FSA Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow amounts in a flexible spending arrangement (FSA) that are not spent for medical care to be distributed to the FSA participant as taxable income after the close of a plan year (currently, such unspent amounts are forfeited). Includes such FSAs in the definition of tax-exempt cafeteria plans.

medical fsa improvement act amends internal revenue code allow amounts flexible spending arrangement fsa spent medical care distributed fsa participant taxable income close plan year currently unspent amounts forfeited includes fsas definition tax exempt cafeteria plans


Summary: Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer, or other entity offering the plan or the purchaser or beneficiary (in the case of individual coverage) without penalty.  Declares that such plans are still considered to: (1) be providing the essential health benefits package or preventive health services, (2) be a qualified health plan, and (3) have fulfilled other requirements under PPACA. Declares that nothing in PPACA shall be construed to authorize a health plan to require a provider to provide, participate in, or refer for a specific item or service contrary to the provider's religious beliefs or moral convictions. Prohibits a health plan from being considered to have failed to provide timely or other access to items or services or to fulfill any other requirement under PPACA because it has respected the rights of conscience of such a provider. Prohibits an American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange) or other official or entity acting in a governmental capacity in the course of implementing PPACA from discriminating against a health plan, plan sponsor, health care provider, or other person because of an unwillingness to provide coverage of, participate in, or refer for, specific items or services. Creates a private cause of action for the protection of individual rights created under this Act. Authorizes any person or entity to assert a violation of this Act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints of discrimination based on this Act. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in PPACA.

amends patient protection affordable care act ppaca permit health plan decline coverage specific items services contrary religious beliefs sponsor issuer entity offering plan purchaser beneficiary case individual coverage penalty declares plans considered providing essential health benefits package preventive health services qualified health plan fulfilled requirements ppaca declares ppaca shall construed authorize health plan require provider provide participate refer specific item service contrary provider religious beliefs moral convictions prohibits health plan considered failed provide timely access items services fulfill requirement ppaca rights conscience provider prohibits american_health_benefit_exchange state health insurance exchange official entity acting governmental capacity course implementing ppaca discriminating health plan plan sponsor health care provider person unwillingness provide coverage participate refer specific items services creates private cause action protection individual rights created act authorizes person entity assert violation act claim defense judicial proceeding hhs receive investigate complaints discrimination based act makes act effective included ppaca


Summary: Medicare Cost Contract Extension Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through December 31, 2015, the indefinite extendability or renewability of Medicare reasonable cost reimbursement contracts.

amends title xviii medicare social security act extend december indefinite medicare reasonable cost reimbursement contracts


Summary: Ensure Children Have Health Care Act - Permits a health insurance issuer that is licensed to offer child-only health insurance coverage in one state to also offer such coverage to eligible residents of other states. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) provide for the application of a uniform annual enrollment period for such coverage; and (2) promulgate regulations that provide protections to enrollees, ensure the solvency of health insurance issuers that offer such coverage, and clarify the procedures that would apply when an enrollee has a complaint concerning his or her coverage.

ensure children health care act permits health insurance issuer licensed offer child health insurance coverage state offer coverage eligible residents states directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide application uniform annual enrollment period coverage promulgate regulations provide protections enrollees ensure solvency health insurance issuers offer coverage clarify procedures apply enrollee complaint concerning coverage


Summary: Strengthening Medicare And Repaying Taxpayers Act of 2011- Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment between a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan involving a payment made for items and services by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Declares that, in the case of a payment to the claimant by the Secretary, and beginning 120 days before the reasonably expected date of a settlement, judgment, award, or other payment, the claimant or applicable plan may at any time but only once: (1) notify the Secretary that a payment is reasonably expected, and (2) request a statement of the conditional payment reimbursement amount for any payments subject to the required reimbursement. Requires the Secretary to respond to such a request, within 65 days after receiving it, with a statement of reimbursement amount. Prescribes procedures for the claimant, an applicable plan, or specified related entities to follow if the Secretary fails to provide such a statement. Specifies circumstances: (1) in which the claimant, an applicable plan, or specified related entities are shielded from liability for certain payments; and (2) in which the Secretary shall be exempt from any obligation for a statement of reimbursement. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing a right of appeal and appeals process, with respect to any determination for a payment made under such title for an item or service under a primary plan, under which the applicable plan involved, or an attorney, agent, or third party administrator on behalf of such applicable play, may appeal such determination. Exempts a primary plan, and an entity receiving payment from a primary plan, from any obligation to reimburse the appropriate Trust Fund for a Medicare payment by the Secretary with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment by an applicable plan constituting a total payment obligation to a claimant of not more than the single threshold amount calculated by the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Requires the Chief Actuary to calculate and publish the single threshold amount annually. Makes discretionary rather than mandatory the current civil money penalty for an applicable plan's noncompliance with requirements to submit insurance information about a claimant. Requires the severity of each penalty to be based on the knowing, willful, and repeated nature of the violation. Prescribes requirements for the specification of practices for which sanctions will not be imposed on a plan (safe harbors). Directs the Secretary to modify insurance information reporting requirements so that a plan, in complying with them, is permitted but not required to access or report beneficiary Social Security account numbers or health identification claim numbers. Sets a three-year statute of limitations on a Medicare secondary payer claim by the Secretary for reimbursement against an applicable plan that becomes a Medicare primary payer pursuant to a settlement, judgment, award, or other judicial action.

strengthening medicare repaying taxpayers act amends title xviii medicare social security act respect settlement judgment award payment medicare claimant applicable plan involving payment items services secretary health_and_human_services hhs declares case payment claimant secretary beginning days reasonably expected date settlement judgment award payment claimant applicable plan time notify secretary payment reasonably expected request statement conditional payment reimbursement payments subject required reimbursement requires secretary respond request days receiving statement reimbursement prescribes procedures claimant applicable plan specified related entities follow secretary fails provide statement specifies circumstances claimant applicable plan specified related entities shielded liability certain payments secretary shall exempt obligation statement reimbursement directs secretary promulgate regulations establishing right appeal appeals process respect determination payment title item service primary plan applicable plan involved attorney agent party administrator behalf applicable play appeal determination exempts primary plan entity receiving payment primary plan obligation reimburse appropriate trust_fund medicare payment secretary respect settlement judgment award payment applicable plan constituting total payment obligation claimant single threshold calculated chief actuary centers cms requires chief actuary calculate publish single threshold annually makes discretionary mandatory current civil money penalty applicable plan noncompliance requirements submit insurance information claimant requires severity penalty based knowing willful repeated nature violation prescribes requirements specification practices sanctions imposed plan safe harbors directs secretary modify insurance information reporting requirements plan complying permitted required access report beneficiary social_security account numbers health identification claim numbers sets year statute limitations medicare secondary payer claim secretary reimbursement applicable plan medicare primary payer pursuant settlement judgment award judicial action


Summary: Health Care Bureaucrats Elimination Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board charged with developing and submitting to the President, for Congress to consider, detailed proposals to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitation on recapture of excess advance payments of the tax credit for health insurance premiums.

affordable care act eliminate independent_payment_advisory_board charged developing submitting president congress consider detailed proposals reduce capita rate growth medicare spending amends internal revenue code increase limitation recapture excess advance payments tax credit health insurance premiums


Summary: Congressional Health Care for Seniors Act of 2012 - Allows access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) beginning in 2014 for persons who would have been entitled to, or could have enrolled in part A (Hospital Insurance) Medicare benefits, or who could have enrolled in part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) Medicare. States that a covered individual who elects to enroll in such program shall enroll as an individual and not as self and family. Bases monthly premiums on adjusted gross income. Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish procedures to ensure that health benefits plans coordinate with state Medicaid programs regarding cost-sharing and other medical assistance for covered individuals enrolled in health benefit plans who are also eligible for medical assistance and enrolled in a state Medicaid program. Requires OPM, at the end of each contract year, to identify high risk individuals and pay to a carrier contracting to provide a health benefits plan to a high risk individual 90% of the benefits paid by the carrier for such individual. Defines "high risk individual" as an enrolled individual who, of all individuals enrolled in a health benefits plan for the contract year, is in the highest 5% in terms of benefits paid by a carrier for the contract year. Exempts health benefits plans from specified insurance requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Amends the Social Security Act to incrementally increase the Medicare qualifying age from 65 years to 70 years, by 2034, plus the number of months in a specified age increase factor. Sunsets Medicare, on January 1, 2014, with a transition to FEHBP coverage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make available to states recommendations with respect to specified requirements for health care entities and individuals under Medicare that will no longer apply but that should be considered on the state level.

allows access federal_employees_health_benefits_program fehbp beginning persons entitled enrolled medicare benefits enrolled medicare states covered individual elects enroll program shall enroll individual self family bases monthly premiums adjusted gross income requires establish procedures ensure health benefits plans coordinate state medicaid programs cost sharing medical assistance covered individuals enrolled health benefit plans eligible medical assistance enrolled state medicaid program end contract year identify high risk individuals pay carrier contracting provide health benefits plan high risk individual benefits paid carrier individual defines high risk individual enrolled individual individuals enrolled health benefits plan contract year highest terms benefits paid carrier contract year exempts health benefits plans specified insurance requirements patient_protection affordable care act amends social security act incrementally increase medicare qualifying age years years plus number months specified age increase factor january transition fehbp coverage directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs available states recommendations respect specified requirements health care entities individuals medicare longer apply considered state level


Summary: Medicare Better Health Rewards Program Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a three-year Better Health Rewards Program under which incentives are provided to Medicare beneficiaries who voluntarily agree to participate in the Program. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for measuring better health targets and points for achieving them for participating Medicare beneficiaries, including those for: (1) an annual wellness visit, (2) tobacco cessation, (3) Body Mass Index (BMI), (4) a diabetes screening test, (5) cardiovascular disease screening, (6) cholesterol level screening, and (7) screening tests and specified vaccinations. Requires the Secretary to make specified incentive payments to each participating Medicare beneficiary who achieves at least 20 points during a year. Authorizes Medicare Advantage Plans, "Section 1876" health maintenance organization and competitive medical cost plans, and programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) to make incentives to their enrollees to participate in a Better Health Rewards Program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any payment made under: (1) the Medicare Better Health Rewards Program; and (2) any other Better Health Rewards Program.

amends title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish year incentives provided medicare beneficiaries voluntarily agree participate program directs secretary establish standards measuring better health targets points achieving participating medicare beneficiaries including annual wellness visit tobacco cessation body mass index bmi diabetes screening test cardiovascular disease screening cholesterol level screening screening tests specified vaccinations requires secretary specified incentive payments participating medicare beneficiary achieves points year authorizes medicare advantage plans section health maintenance organization competitive medical cost plans programs inclusive care elderly pace incentives enrollees participate amends internal revenue code exclude gross income payment


Summary: Access to Independent Health Insurance Advisors Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to exclude remuneration paid for licensed independent insurance producers from administrative cost calculations for purposes of calculating the medical-loss ratio of a health insurance plan. Defines "independent insurance producer" to mean an insurance agent or broker, insurance consultant, benefit specialist, limited insurance representative, and any other person required to be licensed under the laws of the particular state to sell, solicit, negotiate, service, effect, procure, renew, or bind policies of insurance coverage or offer advice, counsel, opinions, or services related to insurance.

amends public_health_service_act exclude remuneration paid licensed independent insurance producers administrative cost calculations purposes calculating medical loss ratio health insurance plan defines independent insurance producer mean insurance agent broker insurance consultant benefit specialist limited insurance representative person required licensed laws particular state sell solicit negotiate service effect procure renew bind policies insurance coverage offer advice counsel opinions services related insurance


Summary: Diagnostic Imaging Services Access Protection Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to requirements for the fee schedule for diagnostic imaging services provided by a physician. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from applying a multiple procedure payment reduction policy to the professional component of imaging services: (1) furnished between 60 days after enactment of this Act and January 1, 2013; or (2) furnished in 2013 or subsequently unless the reduction is based on the analysis of an expert panel on diagnostic imaging services convened by the Institute of Medicine. Directs the Secretary to request the Institute of Medicine to convene such an expert panel to analyze the appropriateness of applying a multiple procedure payment reduction policy to the professional component of imaging services.

amends title xviii medicare social security act respect requirements fee schedule diagnostic imaging services provided physician prohibits secretary health_and_human_services hhs applying multiple procedure payment reduction policy professional component imaging services furnished days enactment act january furnished subsequently reduction based analysis expert panel diagnostic imaging services convened institute_of_medicine directs secretary request institute_of_medicine convene expert panel analyze appropriateness applying multiple procedure payment reduction policy professional component imaging services


Summary: Military Health Care Protection Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) career military personnel and their families endure unique and extraordinary demands and make extraordinary sacrifices over the course of a 20-30 year career, and (2) those decades of sacrifice constitute a significant pre-paid premium for health care during a career member's retirement that is over and above what the member pays with money. Prohibits any cost-sharing requirement under the Department of Defense (DOD) pharmacy benefits program, as well as deductibles under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), from being increased by a percentage greater than that year's percentage increase in retired pay. Prohibits CHAMPUS inpatient charges from exceeding 25% of their total cost or $708 per day. Prohibits, beginning with FY2013, the maximum annual limit on charges under CHAMPUS from being increased by a percentage greater than that year's percentage increase in retired pay. Prohibits former members of the Armed Forces who are entitled to retired pay, as well as dependents of members who died while on active duty or from an injury, illness, or disease incurred while on active duty, from being charged an enrollment fee for CHAMPUS coverage or from being subject to denial of claims for coverage based on failure to enroll.

military health care protection act expresses sense congress career military personnel families unique extraordinary demands extraordinary sacrifices course year career decades sacrifice constitute significant pre paid premium health care career member retirement member pays money prohibits cost sharing requirement department_of_defense dod pharmacy benefits program deductibles increased percentage greater year percentage increase retired pay prohibits inpatient charges exceeding total cost day prohibits beginning fy2013 maximum annual limit charges increased percentage greater year percentage increase retired pay prohibits members armed_forces entitled retired pay dependents members died active duty injury illness disease incurred active duty charged enrollment fee coverage subject denial claims coverage based failure enroll


Summary: Equal Access to Medicare Options Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of whether they have enrolled in Medicare part B, as well as Medicare Advantage and Medicaid enrollees with the right to guaranteed issue of a supplemental insurance (Medigap) policy. Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII to permit enrollment of individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in Medicare Advantage.

equal_access medicare options act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare beneficiaries regardless enrolled medicare medicare_advantage medicaid enrollees right guaranteed issue supplemental insurance medigap policy amends ssa title xviii permit enrollment individuals end stage renal disease esrd medicare_advantage


Summary: Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to provide that provisions of such Act imposing a penalty for failure to purchase minimum essential health care coverage shall not be construed as imposing any tax or as an exercise of any power of Congress under the Constitution to impose a tax. Makes the effective date of the amendment made by this Act retroactive to the enactment date of PPACA.

amends patient_protection affordable care act ppaca provide provisions act imposing penalty failure purchase minimum essential health care coverage shall construed imposing tax exercise power congress constitution impose tax makes effective date amendment act retroactive enactment date ppaca


Summary:
Military Health Care Affordability Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) so long as the United States sends men and women into battle, the United States will be faithful to care for them upon their return; (2) as the veteran answered the call of duty, so too, is the United States duty-bound to answer the call of the veteran; and (3) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have the tools and ingenuity to provide continued excellent health care without increasing TRICARE payments from the veteran before fiscal year 2014.

Extends through FY2015 (under current law, through FY2011) the prohibition on increases in certain health care costs and restrictions on health benefit adjustments for members of the Armed Forces, retirees, and their dependents, including charges and premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed care program) and cost-sharing requirements under the DOD pharmacy benefits program.

military health care affordability act expresses sense congress long united_states men women battle united_states faithful care return veteran duty united_states duty bound answer veteran department_of_defense dod department_of_veterans_affairs tools provide continued excellent health care increasing tricare payments veteran fiscal year extends fy2015 current law fy2011 prohibition increases certain health care costs restrictions health benefit adjustments members armed_forces retirees dependents including charges premiums tricare dod managed care program cost sharing requirements dod pharmacy benefits program


Summary: Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to extend to U.S. territories a program requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a temporary high risk health insurance pool program to provide health insurance coverage to eligible individuals with a preexisting condition.

amends patient_protection affordable care act extend territories program requiring secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish temporary high risk health insurance pool program provide health insurance coverage eligible individuals preexisting condition


Summary: Reclaiming Individual Liberty Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requiring individuals to purchase and maintain minimum essential health care coverage.

reclaiming individual liberty act amends internal revenue code repeal provisions added patient_protection affordable care act requiring individuals purchase maintain minimum essential health care coverage


Summary:
Medicaid Integrity Act of 2013 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to a state's option to use Medicaid managed care organizations and primary care case managers.

Requires a state, acting through the state medical assistance agency or another state entity, in order to receive federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) payments for expenditures under a contract with a managed care entity, to contract with an independent auditor to conduct biannual financial and performance-compliance audits of the entity.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set uniform audit standards according to specified requirements.

Requires the state to document for the Secretary its response to deficiencies reported in such audits.

Requires contracts between the state and managed care entities to require the managed care entity to give the independent auditor access to all necessary information.

Establishes sanctions for misrepresentation or falsification of information.

Prescribes requirements a state must meet to be allowed to enter into an agreement with an actuary with respect to the state's administration of a contract with a managed care entity.

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Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat membership in a tax-exempt health care sharing ministry as coverage under a high deductible health plan for purposes of the tax deduction for contributions to a health savings account.

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Summary:
Veterans Health Equity Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service VA hospital in the state, or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service VA hospitals through contract with other health providers in the state.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on compliance with such requirement, including its effect on improving the quality and standards of veterans' care.

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Summary:
Public Option Deficit Reduction Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care.

Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option, (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates, (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan, and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years.

Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option.

Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.

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Summary: CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act of 2013 - Increases from 23 to 26 the maximum age of eligibility for certain dependent children of veterans for medical care under CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]).

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Summary:
Stop Abortion Funding in Multi-state Exchange Plans Act or SAFE Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in entering into contracts with health insurance issuers, to ensure that no multi-state qualified health plan offered in a health benefit exchange provides coverage of abortion. Excepts from such limitation: (1) a pregnancy that results from rape or incest; or (2) a case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would place the her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.

Preempts any state law requiring coverage of or funding for abortions in multi-state health plans.

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Summary: Public Option Act or Medicare You Can Buy Into Act - Amends part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize an option for any citizen or permanent resident of the United States to buy into Medicare.

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