Summary: Children's Budget Act - Requires the President's annual budget to Congress to include a detailed, separate analysis for the prior fiscal year, the current fiscal year, the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted, and the ensuing fiscal year identifying the amounts of gross and net appropriations or obligational authority and outlays directed to children and children's programs within the United States and territories.

president annual budget congress include detailed separate analysis prior fiscal year current fiscal year fiscal year budget submitted ensuing fiscal year identifying amounts gross net appropriations obligational authority outlays directed children children programs united_states territories


Summary: Consumer Health Education and Transparency Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of Consumer Health Education and Information to provide consumers of health care services and health insurance with information concerning personal health and wellness and health insurance coverage. Requires the Secretary to: (1) require the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop standards for use by health insurance issuers in compiling and providing to enrollees a summary of benefits explanation that accurately represents the benefits and coverage provided by the issuer under the applicable health insurance plan; and (2) promulgate regulations to apply such standards.Directs health insurance issuers and federal health care programs to provide such a summary of benefits explanation to individuals prior to the effective date of coverage.Provides that such standards preempt related state standards that provide less information to consumers.Subjects entities that willfully fail to provide such information to fines.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, to establish and implement a consumer health education and outreach initiative.Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study of matters related to improved consumer education on end-of-life care decisions and spending; and (2) award grants to local education agencies to develop and implement a personal health and nutrition curriculum in elementary or secondary schools.

transparency_act requires secretary health_and_human_services establish department_of_health_and_human_services hhs provide consumers health care services health insurance information concerning personal health wellness health insurance coverage requires secretary require national_association_of_insurance_commissioners develop standards use health insurance issuers compiling providing enrollees summary benefits explanation accurately represents benefits coverage provided issuer applicable health insurance plan promulgate regulations apply standards directs health insurance issuers federal health care programs provide summary benefits explanation individuals prior effective date coverage provides standards preempt related state standards provide information consumers subjects entities willfully fail provide information fines requires secretary acting director office establish implement consumer health education outreach initiative directs secretary conduct comprehensive study matters related improved consumer education end life care decisions spending award grants local education agencies develop implement personal health nutrition curriculum elementary secondary schools


Summary: Connecting Education and Emerging Professions Act of 2008 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a Connecting Education and Emerging Professions Demonstration Grant program awarding competitive matching grants to states and local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with businesses, postsecondary institutions, workforce investment boards, labor organizations, or nonprofit community organizations. Requires such grants to be used to: (1) assess emerging industry pathways and the academic skills needed to succeed in such pathways; (2) develop school- and work-based curricula or programs to teach such skills; (3) implement the new curricula or programs in schools where at least 30% of the students are impoverished, that have graduation rates below their state's average, and whose community is experiencing significant or increased unemployment; and (4) evaluate best practices from such curricula or programs and disseminate them to other educational entities. Requires such curricula or programs to: (1) meet challenging state academic content standards; and (2) prepare students for both direct entry into careers with emerging industries in their communities and success in postsecondary education.

connecting education emerging professions act amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education establish program awarding competitive matching grants states local educational agencies leas partner businesses postsecondary institutions workforce investment boards labor organizations nonprofit community organizations requires grants assess emerging industry pathways academic skills needed succeed pathways develop work based curricula programs teach skills implement new curricula programs schools students impoverished graduation rates state average community experiencing significant increased unemployment evaluate best practices curricula programs disseminate educational entities requires curricula programs meet challenging state academic content standards prepare students direct entry careers emerging industries communities success postsecondary education


Summary: Resource Family Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the requirement that state foster care and adoption assistance plans require development of standards to ensure that children in foster care placements in public or private agencies receive quality services that protect their safety and health. Requires such standards to require each public and private placement agency, subject to renewal of its license or other state approval, to certify annually to the state that it provides foster parents with specified services and information. Numbers among such services and information: (1) notifications of scheduled meetings to allow foster parents the opportunity to participate actively in the case planning and decision-making regarding placement of a child in their home; (2) support services to assist with care of the child; (3) information about the child's medical history, educational history, general behaviors, life experiences, the placement circumstances of the child, and the relationship between the child and his or her parents; (4) timely and complete information about all permanency options available to the child; and (5) assistance with the coordination of services for dealing with family loss and separation when a child leaves the foster home. Amends SSA title IV part B (Child and Family Services) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible states for innovative programs to empower, provide leadership for, and improve the recruitment, support, training, and retention of foster care, kinship care, and adoptive parents.

retention act amends foster care adoption assistance title social security act ssa respect requirement state foster care adoption assistance plans require development standards ensure children foster care placements public private agencies receive quality services protect safety health requires standards require public private placement agency subject renewal license state approval certify annually state provides foster parents specified services information numbers services information notifications scheduled meetings allow foster parents opportunity participate actively case planning decision making placement child home support services assist care child information child medical history educational history general behaviors life experiences placement circumstances child relationship child parents timely complete information permanency options available child assistance coordination services dealing family loss separation child leaves foster home amends ssa title child family services direct secretary health_and_human_services award grants eligible states innovative programs empower provide leadership improve recruitment support training retention foster care kinship care adoptive parents


Summary: Prosthetics Parity Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical benefits and benefits for prosthetic devices and components to provide prosthetics coverage under terms and conditions that are no less favorable than those applicable to substantially all medical and surgical benefits provided under the plan. Prohibits the prosthetics benefit from being subject to separate or more restrictive financial requirements or more restrictive treatment limitations.Applies the requirements of this Act separately with respect to in-network and out-of-network benefits.Requires a group health plan to apply the same prior authorization requirements to the prosthetics benefit as apply for all similar benefits under the plan. Limits the required prosthetics benefit to the most appropriate device or component that adequately meets the medical requirements of the patient. Includes repair or replacement of prosthetic devices and components within such coverage. Prohibits a group health plan from imposing any annual or lifetime dollar limitation on benefits for prosthetic devices and components required to be covered under this Act that is not applied in the aggregate to all medical and surgical benefits provided under the plan. Requires the Secretary of Labor to: (1) assist enrollees with any questions or problems regarding compliance with the requirements of this Act; and (2) conduct random audits of group health plans to ensure compliance. Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate the effects of this Act, including on the cost of and access to heath insurance coverage.

prosthetics parity act amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act require group health plan provides medical surgical benefits benefits prosthetic devices components provide prosthetics coverage terms conditions favorable applicable substantially medical surgical benefits provided plan prohibits prosthetics benefit subject separate restrictive financial requirements restrictive treatment limitations applies requirements act separately respect network network benefits requires group health plan apply prior authorization requirements prosthetics benefit apply similar benefits plan limits required prosthetics benefit appropriate device component adequately meets medical requirements patient includes repair replacement prosthetic devices components coverage prohibits group health plan imposing annual lifetime dollar limitation benefits prosthetic devices components required covered act applied aggregate medical surgical benefits provided plan requires secretary labor assist enrollees questions problems compliance requirements act conduct random audits group health plans ensure compliance requires comptroller general evaluate effects act including cost access heath insurance coverage


Summary: Affordable Coverage for Small Employers Act of 2008 - Establishes the National Health Coverage Policy Board as an independent agency to oversee a program to provide health insurance coverage to small employers and their employees.Directs the Policy Board to: (1) determine a comprehensive, quality, and affordable standard benefit package similar to that provided under specified large federal employees health benefits (FEHB) plans; (2) apportion the United States into regions with no less than two states each; (3) establish a Regional Health Coverage Exchange for each region to serve as a central purchasing site for health coverage, to provide information about plans, to facilitate enrollment, and to ensure health plan compliance with requirements; and (4) establish the Regional Health Coverage Exchange Board.Requires the Regional Board to develop common rating guidelines relating to the health insurance market for small employers. Directs each state to enact laws necessary to regulate its small group insurance market in accordance with such guidelines. Authorizes states to permit sole proprietors and individuals to purchase coverage through the Exchange.Sets forth requirements for a health insurance issuer to offer health care coverage through an Exchange.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a refundable tax credit for taxpayer premiums for qualified health insurance purchased through an Exchange; (2) allow a refundable tax credit for small employer contributions toward the cost of such employee health insurance; and (3) provide for advance payment of such tax credits.

establishes independent agency oversee program provide health insurance coverage small employers employees directs determine comprehensive quality affordable standard benefit package similar provided specified large federal employees health benefits fehb plans apportion united_states regions states establish region serve central purchasing site health coverage provide information plans facilitate enrollment ensure health plan compliance requirements establish requires develop common rating guidelines relating health insurance market small employers directs state enact laws necessary regulate small group insurance market accordance guidelines authorizes states permit sole proprietors individuals purchase coverage exchange sets forth requirements health insurance issuer offer health care coverage exchange amends internal revenue code allow refundable tax credit taxpayer premiums qualified health insurance purchased exchange allow refundable tax credit small employer contributions cost employee health insurance provide advance payment tax credits


Summary: Continuing Coverage Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require a health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the individual market to ensure that an independent, third-party review is provided through an appropriate entity where the issuer seeks to discontinue the health insurance coverage of an enrollee. Requires the cost of such a review to be paid by the issuer.Sets forth notice requirements.Authorizes the insurance commissioner of the state involved to approve or overturn the determination or require an additional independent review.

continuing coverage act amends public_health_service_act require health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage individual market ensure independent party review provided appropriate entity issuer seeks discontinue health insurance coverage enrollee requires cost review paid issuer sets forth notice requirements authorizes insurance commissioner state involved approve overturn determination require additional independent review


Summary: Family and Retirement Health Investment Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs) to: (1) permit holders of HSAs and their spouses who are age 55 or older to make an additional (catch-up) contribution to a joint HSA; (2) allow Medicare beneficiaries to continue to contribute to HSA accounts after reaching age 65 and to make contributions to medical savings accounts; (3) permit veterans with service-connected disabilities and Native Americans to contribute to an HSA regardless of utilization of Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) medical services or Indian Health Service or tribal medical services; (4) allow increased rollovers from flexible spending arrangements or health reimbursement arrangements into HSAs; (5) permit the payment of Medicare premiums for a spouse on Medicare from an HSA even though the HSA account holder is not age 65; (6) allow the payment of medical expenses from an HSA as long as the HSA is established by the tax return due date in the following taxable year; (7) expand the definition of "preventive care" to include medications that prevent the worsening of a chronic condition; and (8) treat as medical care for tax deduction and HSA purposes payments for exercise and physical fitness programs and certain nutritional and dietary supplements, up to $1,000 per year, and the payment of fees paid in advance to a primary physician for the right to receive medical services on an as-needed basis.

amends internal revenue code provisions relating health savings accounts hsas permit holders hsas spouses age older additional catch contribution joint hsa allow medicare beneficiaries continue contribute hsa accounts reaching age contributions medical savings accounts permit veterans service connected disabilities native americans contribute hsa regardless utilization medical services indian_health_service tribal medical services allow increased rollovers flexible spending arrangements health reimbursement arrangements hsas permit payment medicare premiums spouse medicare hsa hsa account holder age allow payment medical expenses hsa long hsa established tax return date following taxable year expand definition preventive care include medications prevent chronic condition treat medical care tax deduction hsa purposes payments exercise physical fitness programs certain nutritional dietary supplements year payment fees paid advance primary physician right receive medical services needed basis


Summary: Preserving Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2008 - Declares that between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, specified regulations regarding the formula for determining the federal rate for inpatient hospital capital-related costs under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) shall apply without the mandatory phase out of the indirect medical education adjustment factor. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay for six months following enactment of this Act any implementation of the Medicaid outpatient hospital services regulation proposed on September 28, 2007. Prohibits the Secretary from phasing out or eliminating the Medicare hospice wage index budget neutrality adjustment factor before April 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and upon the request of the state of California, to extend approval, and full federal financial participation, of the state's Medicaid family planning demonstration project until June 30, 2009, under the eligibility requirements and processes that were in place before the project's first extension period. Directs the Secretary to delay until April 1, 2009, implementation of a proposed rule published on June 27, 2008 (or any similar rule), relating to: (1) decertification of rural health clinics under the Medicare program that are no longer in nonurbanized areas; and (2) changes in the Medicare payment methodology for rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with regard to mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems, to require states to incorporate compatible methodologies of the National Correct Coding Initiative for claims filed after October 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary to identify such methodologies. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund.

preserving access healthcare path act declares october march specified regulations formula determining federal rate inpatient hospital capital related costs medicare prospective payment system pps shall apply mandatory phase indirect medical education adjustment factor directs secretary health_and_human_services delay months following enactment act implementation medicaid outpatient hospital services regulation proposed september prohibits secretary phasing eliminating medicare hospice wage index budget neutrality adjustment factor april directs secretary acting administrator centers medicare medicaid_services request state california extend approval federal financial participation state medicaid family planning demonstration project june eligibility requirements processes place project extension period directs secretary delay april implementation proposed rule published june similar rule relating decertification rural health clinics medicare program longer nonurbanized areas changes medicare payment methodology rural health clinics federally qualified health centers amends title xix medicaid social security act regard mechanized claims processing information retrieval systems require states incorporate compatible methodologies claims filed october directs secretary identify methodologies amends title xviii medicare social security act increase funding medicare_improvement_fund


Summary: 21st Century Wellness Trust Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Wellness Trust within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be headed by the Trust Fund Board. Requires the Trustees to submit to Congress and make publicly available reports on: (1) a system for certification and recertification of prevention health workers to complement the health system; (2) payment methodologies and options for paying certified prevention health workers for clinical preventive care; and (3) the amount of money spent on prevention by public health, public and private health insurers, and applicable self-insured health plans during the most recent year for which such data is available.Requires the Trustees to: (1) establish a plan for delivering and financing prevention priorities and implement pilot programs; and (2) issue a ranked list of designated prevention priorities based on the potential of an activity to improve health and the activity's cost effectiveness.Directs the Trustees to establish, support, and sustain the infrastructure for an effective wellness system that includes: (1) an information clearinghouse on prevention priorities; (2) an electronic prevention record or registry; and (3) training for prevention health workers.Establishes in the Treasury a Wellness Trust Fund. Sets forth funding sources.Requires the Trust to enter into contracts to reimburse certified prevention health workers for the prevention services designated by the Trustees as prevention priorities. Directs the Trustees to: (1) develop targets for and determine payment methodologies for prevention priorities.

21st century wellness trust act amends public_health_service_act establish centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc headed requires trustees submit congress publicly available reports system certification recertification prevention health workers complement health system payment methodologies options paying certified prevention health workers clinical preventive care money spent prevention public health public private health insurers applicable self insured health plans recent year data available requires trustees establish plan delivering financing prevention priorities implement pilot programs issue ranked list designated prevention priorities based potential activity improve health activity cost effectiveness directs trustees establish support sustain infrastructure effective wellness system includes information clearinghouse prevention priorities electronic prevention record registry training prevention health workers establishes treasury sets forth funding sources requires trust enter contracts reimburse certified prevention health workers prevention services designated trustees prevention priorities directs trustees develop targets determine payment methodologies prevention priorities


Summary: Medicare Early Access Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add a new part E (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals 55 to 65 Years of Age). Provides access to Medicare benefits for individuals 55 to 64 years of age who do not have coverage under a federal health insurance program or under a group plan. Requires enrollees to pay a premium to receive Medicare coverage. Requires the Secretary to base the premium on the Secretary's estimate of the average, national annual per capita amount of the cost of providing services to the population. Allows early retirees with access to retiree coverage to enroll under this part while keeping their federal or state COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation coverage. Allows an employer that offers employment-based retiree health coverage to an individual who enrolls under this part to modify such coverage to provide for: (1) employer payment of items and services for which payment may not be made under Medicare; and (2) employer payment of 25% of the monthly premium applicable to the individual after enrollment. Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund to hold the premiums collected under this Act and to support the new program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow program enrollees to receive a 75% advance, refundable credit to offset Medicare early access premium costs (thus requiring program enrollees in the Medicare early access program to be responsible for 25% of the monthly premiums).

medicare early access act amends title xviii medicare social security act add new purchase medicare benefits years age provides access medicare benefits individuals years age coverage federal health insurance program group plan requires enrollees pay premium receive medicare coverage requires secretary base premium secretary estimate average national annual capita cost providing services population allows early retirees access retiree coverage enroll keeping federal state cobra consolidated_omnibus_budget reconciliation act continuation coverage allows employer offers employment based retiree health coverage individual enrolls modify coverage provide employer payment items services payment medicare employer payment monthly premium applicable individual enrollment creates treasury medicare hold premiums collected act support new program amends internal revenue code allow program enrollees receive advance refundable credit offset medicare early access premium costs requiring program enrollees medicare early access program responsible monthly premiums


Summary: National Health Insurance Act - Requires that medical services, hospital services, and other personal health services be made available to eligible individuals in all U.S. health-service areas as rapidly as possible. Sets forth minimum income requirements for eligibility. Allows health care professionals and hospitals to enter into agreements to furnish services to eligible individuals. Gives responsibility for administration of the benefits provided under this Act to local administrative committees or officers. Allows a state to assume responsibility for administration of the personal health benefits provided under this Act. Establishes: (1) the National Health Insurance Board in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and (2) the National Advisory Medical Policy Council. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine the eligibility of any individual for benefits under this Act. Limits benefits under this Act for an individual to only those services for which the individual is not eligible under Medicare. Requires the Board to: (1) determine the sums to be made available for the provision of personal health-service benefits; and (2) allot amounts to each state based on population, available professional services and facilities, and the cost of compensation. Allows the Board to make grants for the training of professionals providing benefits under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a value added tax of 5% on each sale of property, performance of services, and importation of property in the United States by a taxable person in a commercial-type transaction. Sets forth exceptions, including for food, housing, medical care, exports, interest, governmental entities, and certain tax-exempt organizations. Establishes the National Health Care Trust Fund and appropriates to it amounts equal to the revenue received by the Treasury from such tax. Requires the Secretary to study and report on the various methods to control the costs of providing personal health benefits under this Act.

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


Summary: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act - Makes the standard for access to care for a veteran seeking primary care from the Department of Veterans Affairs 30 days from the date the veteran contacts the Department. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe an appropriate standard for waiting times at Department health-care facilities as measured from the time a visit is scheduled until the time the veteran is seen. Directs the Secretary to periodically review the performance of Department health-care facilities in meeting such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for health care services in non-Department facilities in a case in which the Secretary is unable to meet access standards. Prohibits such contracting-out with respect to a Department geographic service area that has a compliance rate in meeting such standards of 90 percent or more. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees on the Department's experience with respect to waiting times.

veterans timely standard access care veteran seeking primary care department_of_veterans_affairs days date veteran contacts department directs secretary veterans_affairs prescribe appropriate standard waiting times department health care facilities measured time visit scheduled time veteran seen directs secretary periodically review performance department health care facilities meeting standards authorizes secretary contract health care services facilities case secretary unable meet access standards prohibits contracting respect department geographic service area compliance rate meeting standards percent requires quarterly reports secretary congressional veterans committees department experience respect waiting times


Summary: America's Affordable Health Care Act of 2009 - Authorizes a health insurance issuer to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify health insurance coverage policies offered in the individual market in any state as Health Benefit Plans. Allows certified plans to be offered to individuals in all states without regard to state and local laws respecting mandates for benefits. Requires such plans to cover inpatient hospital services and physicians' surgical and medical services. Requires the Secretary to review the impact of this Act on the availability and purchase of health insurance coverage. Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 for grants to states for the creation and operation of qualified high risk health insurance pools. Conditions eligibility for receiving an operating grant on a state submitting to the Secretary evidence-based information on the operation of such pool for purposes of creating best practice guidelines. Requires the Secretary to: (1) recommend and publicly post a list of best practices on the operation of qualified high risk pools; and (2) give a bonus grant to states that demonstrate that their pool was operated in accordance with such best practices.

america affordable health care act authorizes health insurance issuer apply secretary health_and_human_services certify health insurance coverage policies offered individual market state health benefit plans allows certified plans offered individuals states regard state local laws respecting mandates benefits requires plans cover inpatient hospital services physicians surgical medical services requires secretary review impact act availability purchase health insurance coverage amends public_health_service_act increase authorization appropriations fy2010 fy2014 grants states creation operation qualified high risk health insurance pools conditions eligibility receiving operating grant state submitting secretary evidence based information operation pool purposes creating best practice guidelines requires secretary recommend publicly post list best practices operation qualified high risk pools bonus grant states demonstrate pool operated accordance best practices


Summary: Seniors' Health Care Freedom Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the affidavit requirement applicable to the use of private contracts with practitioners under Medicare. Declares that no persons otherwise eligible for old-age benefits under Social Security shall be denied such benefits because of their voluntary refusal to participate in any part of the Medicare program.

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


Summary: AmeriCare Health Care Act of 2009 - Adds a new title XXII to the Social Security Act (SSA) entitled "AmeriCare Health Benefits." Makes all U.S. residents eligible for AmeriCare benefits, including prescription drugs and biologicals. Requires the development of an AmeriCare enrollment mechanism that includes automatic enrollment at birth and the issuance of AmeriCare cards for identification and claims processing purposes.Provides that an individual may elect not to be enrolled for benefits under AmeriCare if the individual has health benefits coverage under a group health plan at least equivalent to AmeriCare coverage.Provides the same benefits under AmeriCare as are provided under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of SSA title XVIII (Medicare).Provides additional AmeriCare coverage to children under age 24, pregnant women, and low-income individuals. Establishes the AmeriCare Trust Fund.Requires the modification of Medicaid (SSA title XIX), SCHIP (SSA title XXI [State Children's Health Insurance Program]), and other federal health programs to avoid their duplication of AmeriCare coverage. Provides for the regulation of AmeriCare supplemental policies.Establishes the general obligations for individuals and employers for the cost of health insurance coverage provided under this Act. Provides for additional premium subsidies.

adds new title xxii social security act ssa entitled health benefits makes residents eligible benefits including prescription drugs biologicals requires development enrollment mechanism includes automatic enrollment birth issuance cards identification claims processing purposes provides individual elect enrolled benefits individual health benefits coverage group health plan equivalent coverage provides benefits provided parts ssa title xviii additional coverage children age pregnant women low income individuals establishes requires modification medicaid ssa title xix schip ssa title federal health programs avoid duplication coverage provides regulation supplemental policies establishes general obligations individuals employers cost health insurance coverage provided act provides additional premium subsidies


Summary: Health Care Tax Deduction Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax deduction from gross income for health insurance premiums and unreimbursed prescription drug expenses paid for the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse and dependents.

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


Summary: Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for premiums paid to enroll military retirees and their spouses and surviving spouses for supplementary medical insurance under part B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.

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


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

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


Summary: Life Insurance Employee Notification Act - Requires an employer to notify an employee in writing upon the purchase of an employer-owned insurance policy on the life of such employee for a beneficiary other than the individual who is the subject of the policy.Declares that violation of this Act constitutes an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

life insurance employee notification act requires employer notify employee writing purchase employer owned insurance policy life employee beneficiary individual subject policy declares violation act constitutes unfair method competition unfair deceptive act practice federal_trade_commission_act


Summary: SCHIP Plus Act of 2009 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state child health plan to provide for the offering of any qualified alternative coverage that a qualified entity seeks to offer targeted low-income children through the plan. Revises requirements with respect to authority for payments to a state for the purchase of family coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan that includes coverage of targeted low-income children. Prohibits a state child health plan from requiring a targeted low-income child to enroll in such coverage in order to obtain child health assistance under this Act. (Thus requires enrollment to be voluntary.) Requires a state health plan to provide at least one opportunity per fiscal year for beneficiaries to switch SCHIP coverage from an employer-sponsored plan to the coverage otherwise available under SCHIP. Requires such plan also to permit beneficiaries to switch coverage under other circumstances, such as change in employment, birth of a child, or change in households, as the Secretary specifies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to require employers that maintain a group health plan in a state that provides child health assistance under SCHIP in the form of premium assistance to give each employee written notice of potential opportunities for such premium assistance for health coverage of the employee's dependents.

schip plus act amends title schip social security act require state child health plan provide offering qualified alternative coverage qualified entity seeks offer targeted low income children plan revises requirements respect authority payments state purchase family coverage employer sponsored group health plan includes coverage targeted low income children prohibits state child health plan requiring targeted low income child enroll coverage order obtain child health assistance act requires enrollment voluntary requires state health plan provide opportunity fiscal year beneficiaries switch schip coverage employer sponsored plan coverage available schip requires plan permit beneficiaries switch coverage circumstances change employment birth child change households secretary specifies amends internal revenue code employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act require employers maintain group health plan state provides child health assistance schip form premium assistance employee written notice potential opportunities premium assistance health coverage employee dependents


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code concerning the medical care tax deduction to: (1) include meals away from home within the deduction; and (2) eliminate the $50 per individual per night ceiling for medically-related meals and lodging.

amends internal revenue code concerning medical care tax deduction include meals away home deduction eliminate individual night ceiling medically related meals lodging


Summary: Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than August 31, 2009, to complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits, as a permanent part of the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), for covered beneficiaries. Requires plan implementation by January 31, 2010.

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


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

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


Summary: Healthy Kids One Stop Act - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to give states the option to rely on findings from a public Express Lane agency to conduct simplified eligibility determinations. Amends SSA title XIX to authorize a federal or state agency or private entity in possession of the sources of data directly relevant for Medicaid eligibility determination (including eligibility files maintained by an Express Lane agency) to convey such information to the state Medicaid agency, if such conveyance meets specified requirements. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for improper disclosure of such information.

stop act amends titles xix medicaid schip social security act states option rely findings public agency conduct simplified eligibility determinations amends ssa title xix authorize federal state agency private entity possession sources data directly relevant medicaid eligibility determination including eligibility files maintained agency convey information state medicaid agency conveyance meets specified requirements prescribes civil criminal penalties improper disclosure information


Summary: Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapies and Alternative Treatments and Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act to include coverage of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and alternative treatments for such therapy under Medicare (title XVIII of the Act). Includes alternative treatments for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms under Medicaid (title XIX of the Act). Requires coverage of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and alternative treatments for such therapy on the same basis as outpatient prescription drugs under: (1) the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) (group health plans and group and individual health insurance); (2) the Internal Revenue Code (group health plans); and (3) federal employee health benefit plans. Includes alternative treatments for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms under veterans' benefits.

therapies alternative treatments fairness act amends social security act include coverage replacement therapy symptoms alternative treatments therapy medicare title xviii act includes alternative treatments replacement therapy symptoms medicaid title xix act requires coverage replacement therapy symptoms alternative treatments therapy basis outpatient prescription drugs public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa group health plans group individual health insurance internal revenue code group health plans federal employee health benefit plans includes alternative treatments replacement therapy symptoms veterans benefits


Summary: Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal the exclusion from medical assistance under the Medicaid program of items and services for patients in an institution for mental diseases.

amends title xix medicaid social security act repeal exclusion medical assistance medicaid program items services patients institution mental diseases


Summary: Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and federal civil service law relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to cover qualified acupuncturist services.

federal acupuncture coverage act amends supplementary_medical_insurance title xviii medicare social security act federal civil service law relating federal_employees_health_benefits_program cover qualified acupuncturist services


Summary: Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2009 - Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to revise the medical criteria for evaluating disability caused by adult-onset and juvenile Huntington's Disease. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for individuals disabled by Huntington's Disease.

huntington disease parity act directs commissioner social_security revise medical criteria evaluating disability caused adult onset juvenile huntington disease amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act eliminate month waiting period medicare eligibility individuals disabled huntington disease


Summary: Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit local public agencies to act as Medicaid enrollment brokers.

amends title xix medicaid social security act ssa permit local public agencies act medicaid enrollment brokers


Summary: COBRA Coverage Extension Act of 2009 - Extends COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) that would currently end before the 12-month period following enactment of this Act because of the 18-month coverage limitation to the earlier of: (1) the end of the 12 calendar months following the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) 24 months after the date of the qualifying event.

cobra coverage extension act extends cobra coverage health insurance continuation benefits currently end month period following enactment act month coverage limitation earlier end calendar months following date enactment act months date qualifying event


Summary: Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and the Federal Credit Union Act (FCUA) to redefine the standard maximum deposit insurance amount and the standard maximum share insurance amount as being $250,000, respectively (thus making such increase permanent). Amends the FDIA to: (1) extend from five years to eight years the period during which the restoration plan for the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) must rebuild its statutory reserve ratio; (2) increase to $100 billion the borrowing authority of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); and (3) authorize the FDIC to impose special assessments upon depository institution holding companies to recover losses to the DIF. Amends the FCUA to: (1) increase to $6 billion the borrowing authority of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); and (2) require the NCUA Board to establish a Share Insurance Fund (SIF) restoration plan whenever the Board projects that the SIF equity ratio will fall below, or the SIF equity ratio actually does fall below, the required minimum amount. Sets forth restoration plan requirements.

amends federal_deposit_insurance_act fdia federal_credit_union_act fcua redefine standard maximum deposit insurance standard maximum share insurance respectively making increase permanent amends fdia extend years years period restoration plan rebuild statutory reserve ratio increase billion borrowing authority federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic authorize fdic impose special assessments depository institution holding companies recover losses dif amends fcua increase billion borrowing authority national_credit_union_administration ncua require ncua_board establish restoration plan board projects equity ratio fall equity ratio actually fall required minimum sets forth restoration plan requirements


Summary: TRICARE Mail-Order Pharmacy Pilot Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a two-year pilot program to: (1) educate beneficiaries about the mail-order pharmacy available under TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed care program); and (2) motivate such beneficiaries to increase their mail-order pharmacy use. Requires the program to include at least 2,000 eligible beneficiaries in each TRICARE region, of whom at least 1,000 in each region shall be enrolled in Medicare Part B.

secretary defense conduct year pilot program educate beneficiaries mail order pharmacy available tricare department_of_defense dod managed care program motivate beneficiaries increase mail order pharmacy use requires program include eligible beneficiaries tricare region region shall enrolled medicare


Summary: Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed health benefits obligation to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to civilian employees; and (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage beneficiaries, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for beneficiaries. Prohibits an increase after: (1) April 1, 2006, in a premium, deductible, copayment, or other charge prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for medical and dental health care coverage for military personnel; and (2) September 30, 2009, in the dollar amount of a cost-sharing requirement under the DOD pharmacy benefits program. Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) beginning on January 1, 2009, an increase in premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) for certain members of the Selected Reserve.

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


Summary: Medicare Medically Necessary Dental Care Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of medically necessary dental procedures.

amends title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage medically necessary dental procedures


Summary: Affordable Health Care Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid for the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents; (2) require business taxpayers who receive payments for certain employee health insurance coverage to file informational returns; and (3) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of health insurance tax credit amounts to health insurance providers.

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


Summary: Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction from gross income for long-term care insurance premiums; (2) include long-term care insurance in employee benefit cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; (3) allow a tax credit for certain long-term care costs; and (4) set forth certain consumer protections for long-term care insurance contracts.

security act amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction gross income long term care insurance premiums include long term care insurance employee benefit cafeteria plans flexible spending arrangements allow tax credit certain long term care costs set forth certain consumer protections long term care insurance contracts


Summary: Medicaid Prescription Drug Rebate Equalization Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending to such organizations the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid plans. Requires the state contract with a Medicaid managed care organization to require that payment for covered outpatient drugs dispensed to Medicaid-eligible individuals enrolled with the organization be subject to the same rebate as the state is subject to. Requires also that capitation rates paid to the organization be: (1) based on actual cost experience related to rebates; and (2) subject to the federal regulations requiring actuarially sound rates.

amends title xix medicaid social security act reduce costs prescription drugs enrollees medicaid managed care organizations extending organizations discounts offered fee service medicaid plans requires state contract medicaid managed care organization require payment covered outpatient drugs dispensed medicaid eligible individuals enrolled organization subject rebate state subject requires capitation rates paid organization based actual cost experience related rebates subject federal regulations requiring actuarially sound rates


Summary: Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow veterans a deduction from gross income for their travel expenses, including those of a family member, to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center for treatment related to a service-connected disability or for an examination related to a claim for disability compensation or a pension.

veterans_travel tax relief act amends internal revenue code allow veterans deduction gross income travel expenses including family member department_of_veterans_affairs medical center treatment related service connected disability examination related claim disability compensation pension


Summary: Veterans Health Care Full Funding Act - Requires: (1) that in the President's budget for each fiscal year, amounts shall be requested for veterans health care programs in accordance with the provisions of this Act and that amounts appropriated shall be available for a period of two consecutive fiscal years; and (2) the Veterans Health Care Funding Review Board (established in this Act) to determine the level of funding needed for each period. Outlines the health care needs required to be included under the Board's determination. Establishes the Board. Provides standards for access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care for veterans seeking: (1) primary care; and: (2) specialized care.

president budget fiscal year amounts shall requested veterans health care programs accordance provisions act amounts appropriated shall available period consecutive fiscal years established act determine level funding needed period outlines health care needs required included board determination establishes board provides standards access department_of_veterans_affairs care veterans seeking primary care specialized care


Summary: Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 - Directs the President to include in annual budget justification documents submitted to Congress information on estimates of appropriations for the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Support and Compliance; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires annually for such accounts, beginning with FY2011, discretionary new budget authority to: (1) be made available for that fiscal year; and (2) include, for each such account, advance discretionary new budget authority that first becomes available for the first fiscal year after the budget year. Directs the VA Secretary to report annually to Congress on the sufficiency of VA resources for the proceeding fiscal year with respect to the provision of medical care, including estimates of the workload and demand data for that fiscal year. Requires the Comptroller General to: (1) annually study the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures for that fiscal year; and (2) report study results, during 2011 through 2013, to the congressional veterans, appropriations, and budget committees.

transparency_act directs president include annual budget justification documents submitted congress information estimates appropriations fiscal year following fiscal year budget submitted following accounts department_of_veterans_affairs medical support compliance medical facilities requires annually accounts beginning fy2011 discretionary new budget authority available fiscal year include account advance discretionary new budget authority available fiscal year budget year directs secretary report annually congress sufficiency resources proceeding fiscal year respect provision medical care including estimates workload demand data fiscal year requires comptroller general annually study adequacy accuracy baseline model projections health care expenditures fiscal year report study results congressional veterans appropriations budget committees


Summary: Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act - Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require a program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides chiropractic care and services to veterans through Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and clinics to be carried out at: (1) no fewer than 75 medical centers by December 31, 2011; and (2) all medical centers by December 31, 2013. Includes chiropractic examinations and services within required VA medical, rehabilitative, and preventive health care services.

chiropractic_care_available veterans act amends department_of_veterans_affairs_health_care_programs_enhancement_act require program secretary veterans_affairs provides chiropractic care services veterans department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers clinics carried fewer medical centers december medical centers december includes chiropractic examinations services required medical rehabilitative preventive health care services


Summary: Health Insurance Coverage Protection Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan from imposing an aggregate lifetime benefit limit of less than: (1) $5 million for the first two plan years; (2) $10 million for the third and fourth plan years; and (3) adjusted amounts based on the consumer price index for subsequent plan years. Excludes from such prohibition a group health plan offered to employees of a small employer, except upon request of the employer for a consistent limit.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with the Institute of Medicine for a study to determine the number of individuals who have reached the lifetime limitations set forth in this Act.

act amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act prohibit group health plan imposing aggregate lifetime benefit limit million plan years million fourth plan years adjusted amounts based consumer price index subsequent plan years excludes prohibition group health plan offered employees small employer request employer consistent limit requires secretary health_and_human_services contract institute_of_medicine study determine number individuals reached lifetime limitations set forth act


Summary: No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan from imposing any preexisting conditions exclusion.Requires each health insurance issuer that offers health insurance coverage in the group market in a state to: (1) accept every employer in the state that applies for such coverage; (2) accept enrollment for every eligible individual who applies during the enrollment period; (3) charge the same premium price for the same coverage; and (4) openly disclose such premium price.Eliminates provisions allowing nonfederal governmental plans to opt out of certain group health plan requirements.Prohibits health insurance issuers that offer coverage in the individual market to individuals residing in an area from: (1) declining to offer such coverage to, or denying enrollment of, eligible individuals in the area who desire to enroll; or (2) imposing any preexisting conditions exclusion. Defines "eligible individual" to mean: (1) a U.S. citizen or national; (2) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; or (3) an alien who is otherwise lawfully residing in the United States. Requires such issuers to: (1) charge the same premium price for the same coverage, including coverage offered in the group market; and (2) openly disclose such premium price. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish rules to deter individuals from: (1) enrolling in individual health insurance coverage only after they develop an illness or injury; or (2) disenrolling for periods in which they are unlikely to require such coverage.

discrimination health insurance act amends employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code public_health_service_act prohibit group health plan imposing preexisting conditions exclusion requires health insurance issuer offers health insurance coverage group market state accept employer state applies coverage accept enrollment eligible individual applies enrollment period charge premium price coverage openly disclose premium price eliminates provisions allowing nonfederal governmental plans opt certain group health plan requirements prohibits health insurance issuers offer coverage individual market individuals residing area declining offer coverage denying enrollment eligible individuals area desire enroll imposing preexisting conditions exclusion defines eligible individual mean citizen national alien lawfully admitted united_states permanent residence alien lawfully residing united_states requires issuers charge premium price coverage including coverage offered group market openly disclose premium price authorizes secretary health_and_human_services establish rules deter individuals enrolling individual health insurance coverage develop illness injury periods unlikely require coverage


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

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


Summary: Health Insurance Restrictions and Limitations Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to exclude a group health plan from prohibitions against limitations or restrictions on the amount, level, extent, or nature of the benefits of coverage for similarly situated individuals enrolled in the plan so long as: (1) such limitations and restrictions are explicit and clear; (2) such limitations and restrictions have been disclosed to the plan sponsor in writing in advance of the point of sale; (3) the plan sponsor provides a description of such limitations and restrictions to participants and beneficiaries in a form that is easily understandable before enrollment; and (4) the plan sponsor and the issuer of the coverage provide such description to the participants and beneficiaries upon their enrollment under the plan at the earliest opportunity that other materials are provided.

limitations clarification act amends employee retirement income security act erisa public_health_service_act internal revenue code exclude group health plan prohibitions limitations restrictions level extent nature benefits coverage similarly situated individuals enrolled plan long limitations restrictions explicit clear limitations restrictions disclosed plan sponsor writing advance point sale plan sponsor provides description limitations restrictions participants beneficiaries form easily understandable enrollment plan sponsor issuer coverage provide description participants beneficiaries enrollment plan earliest opportunity materials provided


Summary: Social Security Fairness for the Terminally Ill Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting period for disability insurance benefits for terminally ill individuals.

terminally ill act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act eliminate waiting period disability insurance benefits terminally ill individuals


Summary: Healthy Americans Act - Requires each adult individual to have the opportunity to purchase a Healthy Americans Private Insurance Plan (HAPI), which is: (1) a plan offered by a state; or (2) an employer-sponsored health coverage plan. Makes individuals who are not enrolled in another specified health plan and who are not opposed to coverage for religious reasons responsible for enrolling themselves and their dependent children in a HAPI plan offered through their state of residence. Sets forth penalties for failure to enroll. Establishes standardized coverage and state options for HAPI plans. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate guidelines concerning the benefits, items, and services to be covered. Sets forth requirements for setting premiums. Requires the Secretary to establish the Healthy America Advisory Committee to provide recommendations concerning modifications to the benefits, items, and services required. Provides for the provision of health services through school-based health centers. Authorizes states to establish and operate a State Choices for Long-Term Care Program. Requires the Secretary to establish Chronic Care Education Centers.Requires states to establish or designate a state Health Help Agency to carry out the administration of HAPI plans and to promote prevention and wellness for residents.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers and individuals to each make shared responsibility payments for HAPI plan premiums.Sets forth requirements for health insurance issuers offering a HAPI plan. Establishes the Healthy Americans Public Health Trust Fund for the payment of premium subsidies. Terminates federal health benefits coverage, including coverage provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Provides for appointment of a Comparative Effectiveness Advisory Board. Establishes a Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund.

healthy americans act requires adult individual opportunity purchase healthy americans private insurance plan plan offered state employer sponsored health coverage plan makes individuals enrolled specified health plan opposed coverage religious reasons responsible enrolling dependent children plan offered state residence sets forth penalties failure enroll establishes standardized coverage state options plans requires secretary health_and_human_services promulgate guidelines concerning benefits items services covered sets forth requirements setting premiums requires secretary establish provide recommendations concerning modifications benefits items services required provides provision health services school based health centers authorizes states establish operate state choices requires secretary establish requires states establish designate state carry administration plans promote prevention wellness residents amends internal revenue code require employers individuals shared responsibility payments plan premiums sets forth requirements health insurance issuers offering plan establishes payment premium subsidies terminates federal health benefits coverage including coverage provided federal_employees_health_benefits_program provides appointment comparative effectiveness advisory board establishes


Summary: COLA Fairness Act of 2009 - Requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to establish: (1) a mapping of the United States comprising 14 specified regions; and (2) particular monthly consumer price indices for such regions for computation of cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) benefits.

cola fairness act requires bureau_of_labor_statistics department_of_labor establish mapping united_states comprising specified regions particular monthly consumer price indices regions computation cost living increases social_security medicare title xviii social security act benefits


Summary: Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the limiting charges under the Medicare program for non-participating physicians who provide the beneficiary with a specified notice of non-participation and non-acceptance of Medicare payment on an assignment-related basis. Preempts state laws limiting charges for physicians' services.

amends supplementary_medical_insurance title xviii medicare social security act remove limiting charges medicare program non participating physicians provide beneficiary specified notice non participation non acceptance medicare payment assignment related basis preempts state laws limiting charges physicians services


Summary: Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2009 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate part D cost-sharing for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals with income below 135% of the poverty line who: (1) reside in an assisted living facility, a resident care program facility, a board and care facility, or any other appropriate licenced or certified facility, including a community mental health center, a psychiatric health facility, a mental health rehabilitation center, and a mental retardation developmental disability facility; or (2) receive home and community-based services in a home setting under a home and community-based waiver.

medicare home community services copayment equity act amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act eliminate cost sharing certain non institutionalized benefit dual eligible individuals income poverty line reside assisted living facility resident care program facility board care facility appropriate certified facility including community mental health center psychiatric health facility mental health rehabilitation center mental retardation developmental disability facility receive home community based services home setting home community based waiver


Summary: Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, to give states the option to disregard certain income in providing continued Medicaid coverage for certain individuals with extremely high annual lifelong orphan drug costs.

opportunity act amends title xix medicaid social security act amended states option disregard certain income providing continued medicaid coverage certain individuals extremely high annual lifelong orphan drug costs


Summary: Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Fee Schedule Modernization Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop a proposed rule for a Medicare modernized clinical diagnostic laboratory fee schedule; (2) report to Congress on the fee schedule; and (3) promulgate final regulations to establish it if the committee reaches consensus. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to report to Congress its own recommendations according to whether or not the committee does reach consensus. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish as $6.04 for 2010 (and the preceding year's amount adjusted for inflation for subsequent years) the fee for collecting specimens for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under the Medicare program.

fee schedule modernization act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish negotiated rulemaking committee negotiate develop proposed rule medicare modernized clinical diagnostic laboratory fee schedule report congress fee schedule promulgate final regulations establish committee reaches consensus directs medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac report congress recommendations according committee reach consensus amends title xviii medicare social security act establish preceding year adjusted inflation subsequent years fee collecting specimens clinical diagnostic laboratory tests medicare program


Summary: Equity for Our Nation's Self-Employed Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs in computing the tax on self-employment income.

equity nation amends internal revenue code allow self employed individuals deduct health insurance costs computing tax self employment income


Summary: Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the tax credit for the health insurance costs of a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents to increase the amount of, and expand eligibility criteria for, such credit; (2) permit up to $500 of unused health benefits under a health flexible spending arrangement to be carried over to a succeeding plan year or paid directly to an employee as compensation; (3) revise the tax deduction for payments to a health savings account to eliminate the requirement for coverage under a high deductible health plan; and (4) repeal the 7.5% threshold limitation on the tax deduction of medical and dental expenses.

comprehensive health care reform act amends internal revenue code revise tax credit health insurance costs taxpayer taxpayer spouse dependents increase expand eligibility criteria credit permit unused health benefits health flexible spending arrangement carried succeeding plan year paid directly employee compensation revise tax deduction payments health savings account eliminate requirement coverage high deductible health plan repeal threshold limitation tax deduction medical dental expenses


Summary: Treat Physicians Fairly Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow medical care providers a tax credit and hospitals a tax deduction for all uncompensated emergency medical care which is not paid within six months after such care is provided.

treat physicians fairly act amends internal revenue code allow medical care providers tax credit hospitals tax deduction uncompensated emergency medical care paid months care provided


Summary: Fulfilling America's Promise to Our Veterans Act - Prohibits, in any case in which a veteran is furnished care or services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a service-connected disability, the United States from recovering or collecting for such care or services from any third party.

fulfilling america promise veterans act prohibits case veteran furnished care services department_of_veterans_affairs service connected disability united_states recovering collecting care services party


Summary: Veterans Healthcare Commitment Act of 2009 - Prohibits anything in current law provisions authorizing the recovery by the United States of the cost of certain medical care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities from allowing the United States to recover or collect any charges from any third party for care or services furnished to a veteran for a service-connected disability.

prohibits current law provisions authorizing recovery united_states cost certain medical care services provided department_of_veterans_affairs veterans non service connected disabilities allowing united_states recover collect charges party care services furnished veteran service connected disability


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the cost of private umbilical cord blood banking services as a medical care expense for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses.

amends internal revenue code treat cost private umbilical cord blood banking services medical care expense purposes tax deduction medical expenses


Summary: Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to extend from three years to five years the delay in application of: (1) the 25% patient threshold payment adjustment to freestanding and grandfathered long-term care hospitals (LTCHs); (2) any payment adjustment, in certain circumstances, to any applicable LTCH or satellite facility located in a rural area or co-located with an urban single or metropolitan statistical area (MSA) dominant hospital; (3) the very short-stay outlier policy; and (4) a specified one-time prospective adjustment to LTCH prospective payment rates. Extends from three years to five years the moratorium on: (1) the establishment and classification of a LTCH or satellite facility, other than an existing one; and (2) an increase of LTCH beds in existing LTCHs or satellite facilities. Establishes a formula for annual adjustment of the base prospective payment rate for LTCHs for rate years 2011 through 2015 in order to implement a budget neutrality offset of the costs of implementing this Act.

amends medicare medicaid schip extension act amended american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act extend years years delay application patient threshold payment adjustment freestanding grandfathered long term care hospitals ltchs payment adjustment certain circumstances applicable ltch satellite facility located rural area located urban single metropolitan statistical area msa dominant hospital short stay outlier policy specified time prospective adjustment ltch prospective payment rates extends years years moratorium establishment classification ltch satellite facility existing increase ltch beds existing ltchs satellite facilities establishes formula annual adjustment base prospective payment rate ltchs rate years order implement budget neutrality offset costs implementing act


Summary: Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to activate the coverage of short-term emergency health care services if the Secretary determines that there is a public health emergency. Sets forth factors for the Secretary to consider, including the degree to which the emergency is likely to overwhelm health care providers in the region. Requires the Secretary to establish a medical monitoring program for monitoring and reporting on the health care needs of the affected population over time. Limits eligibility for coverage of emergency health care services to: (1) uninsured or underinsured emergency victims who need health care services due to injuries or disease resulting from the public health emergency; or (2) uninsured individuals residing in the affected area whose ability to access care or medicine is disrupted as a result of the emergency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a streamlined process for determining eligibility for emergency health care services; (2) report to Congress on the number and adequacy of volunteers enrolled in the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) who will be available to each state in the event of a public health emergency; and (3) conduct an outreach and public education campaign to inform health care providers and the general public about the availability of emergency health care coverage during the period of the emergency.

public health emergency response act amends public_health_service_act allow secretary health_and_human_services activate coverage short term emergency health care services secretary determines public health emergency sets forth factors secretary consider including degree emergency likely health care providers region requires secretary establish medical monitoring program monitoring reporting health care needs affected population time limits eligibility coverage emergency health care services uninsured emergency victims need health care services injuries disease resulting public health emergency uninsured individuals residing affected area ability access care medicine disrupted result emergency directs secretary establish streamlined process determining eligibility emergency health care services report congress number adequacy volunteers enrolled emergency system advance registration volunteer health professionals available state event public health emergency conduct outreach public education campaign inform health care providers general public availability emergency health care coverage period emergency


Summary: Grieving Families Insurance Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the individual market from: (1) establishing or maintaining rules of eligibility of any individual to enroll under the terms of the coverage based on any individual's receipt of grief counseling at any time; or (2) reducing the benefits covered or offered for coverage on such basis.

families insurance protection act amends public_health_service_act prohibit health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage individual market establishing maintaining rules eligibility individual enroll terms coverage based individual receipt counseling time reducing benefits covered offered coverage basis


Summary: Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to provide that the state will establish and maintain laws to require disclosure of information on hospital charges, to make such information available to the public, and to provide individuals with information about estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care services. Directs the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to research and report to Congress on: (1) the types of information on the charges and out-of-pocket costs for health care services that individuals find useful in making decisions about where, when, and from whom to receive care; (2) how such types of information vary by whether they have health benefits coverage, and what kinds; and (3) ways in which such information may be available on a timely basis and in easy-to-understand form to individuals facing such decisions.

health care price transparency promotion act amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid plans provide state establish maintain laws require disclosure information hospital charges information available public provide individuals information estimated pocket costs health care services directs director agency healthcare_research quality research report congress types information charges pocket costs health care services individuals find useful making decisions receive care types information vary health benefits coverage kinds ways information available timely basis easy understand form individuals facing decisions


Summary: Reaching Elders with Assessment and Chronic Care Management and Coordination Act or RE-Aligning Care Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) coverage of geriatric assessments and chronic care management and coordination services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach activities to inform likely eligible individuals of such assessments and services. Authorizes Medicare coverage for telehealth services to furnish such assessments and services. Directs the Secretary to contract for a study and report to Congress and the Secretary on: (1) the effectiveness of such coverage in improving the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions; and (2) the impact of such assessments and services on reducing Medicare expenditures.

reaching elders assessment chronic care management coordination act aligning care act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare supplementary_medical_insurance coverage geriatric assessments chronic care management coordination services directs secretary health_and_human_services conduct outreach activities inform likely eligible individuals assessments services authorizes medicare coverage telehealth services furnish assessments services directs secretary contract study report congress secretary effectiveness coverage improving quality care provided medicare beneficiaries chronic conditions impact assessments services reducing medicare expenditures


Summary: Medicaid Birth Center Reimbursement Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize coverage under the Medicaid program for services at a non-hospital freestanding birth center where childbirth is planned to occur away from the pregnant woman's residence.

title xix medicaid social security act authorize coverage medicaid program services non hospital freestanding birth center childbirth planned occur away pregnant woman residence


Summary: Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2009 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements. Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program, provide referrals to applicable agencies for any grievance, complaint, or question, and assist in enrollment. Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan. Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study: (1) the rating requirements that apply to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements; and (2) the administrative procedures that apply to the program and to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in states. Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act.Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.

shop act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services designate office department_of_health_and_human_services hhs administer health insurance program small businesses self employed individuals purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements establishes monitor implementation program recommendations improvements requires administrator program enter contracts health insurance issuers provide health insurance coverage act enter agreements entities serve navigators provide information program provide referrals applicable agencies grievance complaint question assist enrollment requires participating employer ensure eligible employee opportunity enroll plan sets forth requirements health plans offered act requires administrator contract national_association_of_insurance_commissioners study rating requirements apply health insurance purchased small group markets states develop recommendations concerning rating requirements administrative procedures apply program health insurance purchased small group markets states sets forth premium setting rules plans act allows state prohibit participation program state offers alternative health benefit plans amends internal revenue code allow tax credit small employers qualified employee health insurance expenses act


Summary: American Health Benefits Program Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish under a new title XXII (American Health Benefits Program) a program to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to all Americans who are: (1) not covered under certain federal health insurance programs; and (2) not eligible for employer-provided insurance coverage. Requires provision of such coverage in a manner similar to that in which coverage has been provided to Members of Congress, federal government employees, retirees, and their dependents under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Requires federal government contributions towards the coverage of eligible individuals. Establishes in the Treasury an American Health Benefits Program Trust Fund. Directs the Administrator of Health Benefits to establish a schedule of cost-sharing subsidies for lower-income individuals. Establishes an independent Health Benefits Administration, headed by the Administrator. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a premium on individuals enrolled in a qualified health plan under SSA title XXII, which shall be reduced by the amount of government contribution; (2) allow a tax credit to covered individuals equal to the sum of the aggregate amount of premiums paid (other than government contributions) with respect to the individual's coverage, and the applicable premium subsidy; (3) impose on every employer an excise tax equal to the applicable percentage of the wages paid employees; (4) allow a tax credit against such excise tax for periods during which an employee is covered by qualified employer-provided coverage; and (5) impose a tax on hospital revenues. Makes related amendments to SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP). Directs the Administrator of Health Benefits to establish new guidelines that promote the proper use and understanding of health information technologies. Establishes the Health Benefits Commission in the legislative branch to examine and make recommendations regarding the major issues and cost drivers affecting the delivery of healthcare services as it pertains to the American Health Benefits Program.

amends social security act ssa establish new title xxii program provide comprehensive health insurance coverage americans covered certain federal health insurance programs eligible employer provided insurance coverage requires provision coverage manner similar coverage provided members congress federal government employees retirees dependents federal_employees_health_benefits_program requires federal government contributions coverage eligible individuals establishes treasury directs administrator health benefits establish schedule cost sharing subsidies lower income individuals establishes independent headed administrator amends internal revenue code impose premium individuals enrolled qualified health plan ssa title xxii shall reduced government contribution allow tax credit covered individuals equal sum aggregate premiums paid government contributions respect individual coverage applicable premium subsidy impose employer excise tax equal applicable percentage wages paid employees allow tax credit excise tax periods employee covered qualified employer provided coverage impose tax hospital revenues makes related amendments ssa titles xix medicaid xxi chip known schip directs administrator health benefits establish new guidelines promote proper use understanding health information technologies establishes legislative branch examine recommendations major issues cost drivers affecting delivery healthcare services pertains


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

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