Summary:
Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples Act of 2016 or the CREATES Act of 2016

This bill permits the developer of a drug or biological product to bring a civil action against the license holder of an approved medication alleging that the license holder: (1) declined to make available sufficient quantities of the approved medication for the developer's testing; or (2) failed to agree on, or refused to allow the developer to join, a single, shared system of elements to assure safe use (ETASU) of the medication. (Under current law, a generic version of a medication with ETASU must join the brand name medication's system of ETASU unless the developer of the generic has a waiver from the Food and Drug Administration.) The bill does not apply to medications for which there is a shortage, unless the shortage will not be promptly resolved.

In a civil action regarding the availability of sufficient quantities of a medication, it is an affirmative defense that the license holder: (1) is not manufacturing or marketing the medication and does not have access to a supply of the medication to make available, or (2) sells the medication without restrictions through other entities and the developer can purchase sufficient quantities of the medication from those entities.

creating creates act bill permits developer drug biological product bring civil action license holder approved medication alleging license holder declined available sufficient quantities approved medication developer testing failed agree refused allow developer join single shared system elements assure safe use medication current law generic version medication join brand medication system developer generic waiver food_and_drug_administration bill apply medications shortage shortage promptly resolved civil action availability sufficient quantities medication affirmative defense license holder manufacturing marketing medication access supply medication available sells medication restrictions entities developer purchase sufficient quantities medication entities


Summary:
Addiction Prevention and Responsible Opioid Practices Act

This bill addresses prescription opioid misuse.

 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must: (1) seek recommendations concerning opioid drugs from an FDA advisory committee relating to the approval of a new drug that is an opioid, and the labeling of opioid drugs for pediatric prescriptions; (2) develop recommendations for education programs for prescribers of opioids; and (3) issue guidance for labeling that deters opioid abuse.

The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by requiring manufacturers of opioid drugs to ensure that certain information about the risk factors associated with opioid drugs are included on the drug labels.

The bill amends the Controlled Substances Act by: (1) addressing annual narcotic manufacturing quotas with respect to fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone; and (2) directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to require medical practitioners to complete a training program on prescribing opioids for chronic pain before they are certified to prescribe controlled substances in schedule II, III, or IV.

The bill establishes requirements for prescription drug monitoring systems to prevent over-prescribing controlled substances.

The Department of Health and Human Services must: (1) submit a plan of action for addressing outliers in opioid prescribing practices and ensuring an adequate response to protect the public health, and (2) study the expansion of Medicare coverage for alternatives to opioid treatments.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on manufacturers or producers of opioid pain relievers. A portion of the amount generated from the tax must be used for substance abuse treatment programs.

DOJ must establish a take-back program for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of controlled substances.

addiction prevention responsible opioid practices act bill addresses prescription opioid misuse food_and_drug_administration fda seek recommendations concerning opioid drugs fda advisory committee relating approval new drug opioid labeling opioid drugs pediatric prescriptions develop recommendations education programs prescribers opioids issue guidance labeling opioid abuse bill amends cosmetic act requiring manufacturers opioid drugs ensure certain information risk factors associated opioid drugs included drug labels bill amends controlled substances act addressing annual narcotic manufacturing quotas respect fentanyl hydrocodone directing department_of_justice doj require medical practitioners complete training program prescribing opioids chronic pain certified prescribe controlled substances schedule iii bill establishes requirements prescription drug monitoring systems prevent prescribing controlled substances department_of_health_and_human_services submit plan action addressing opioid prescribing practices ensuring adequate response protect public health study expansion medicare coverage alternatives opioid treatments bill amends internal_revenue_code impose excise tax manufacturers producers opioid pain portion generated tax substance abuse treatment programs doj establish program safe environmentally responsible disposal controlled substances


Summary:
Price Relief, Innovation, and Competition for Essential Drugs Act or the PRICED Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to allow biosimilars to be marketed seven years after the reference brand name biological product is licensed. Currently, brand name biological products are provided a 12-year marketing exclusivity period.

This shortened marketing exclusivity period applies only to biological products licensed by the Food and Drug Administration after enactment of this bill.

price relief innovation competition essential drugs act priced act bill amends public_health_service_act allow marketed seven years reference brand biological product licensed currently brand biological products provided year marketing exclusivity period marketing exclusivity period applies biological products licensed food_and_drug_administration enactment bill


Summary:
Prescription Drug Monitoring Act of 2016

This bill requires a state that receives grant funds under the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) or the controlled substance monitoring program to comply with specified requirements. The Department of Justice (DOJ) or Department of Health and Human Services may withhold grant funds from a state that fails to comply.

Additionally, the bill requires a state to share its PDMP data with other states through a data-sharing hub established by DOJ.

prescription drug monitoring act bill requires state receives grant funds prescription drug monitoring program controlled substance monitoring program comply specified requirements department_of_justice doj department_of_health_and_human_services withhold grant funds state fails comply additionally bill requires state share data states data sharing hub established doj


Summary:
Carl's Law

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the label of a drug containing an opioid to prominently state that the drug contains an opioid and addiction to the drug is possible. (Opioids are drugs with effects similar to opium, such as certain pain medications.)

carl law bill amends cosmetic act require label drug containing opioid prominently state drug contains opioid addiction drug possible opioids drugs effects similar opium certain pain medications


Summary:
Fair Accountability and Innovative Research Drug Pricing Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require manufacturers of certain drugs and biological products to report to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) price increases that result in a 10% or more increase in the price of a drug over a 12-month period. Reports are required for prescription drugs and drugs commonly administered in hospitals, except vaccines, drugs for rare conditions, and drugs with annual sales for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees of less than $1.

Manufacturers that do not submit a required report are subject to a civil penalty. The Inspector General of HHS must review drug price information to determine compliance. Collected penalty funds must be used to carry out activities related to this reporting requirement and to improve consumer and provider information about drug value and drug price transparency.

HHS must publish manufacturer reports, a summary of those reports, and supporting analyses.

innovative research drug pricing act bill amends public_health_service_act require manufacturers certain drugs biological products report department_of_health_and_human_services hhs price increases result increase price drug month period reports required prescription drugs drugs commonly administered hospitals vaccines drugs rare conditions drugs annual sales medicare medicaid enrollees manufacturers submit required report subject civil penalty review drug price information determine compliance collected penalty funds carry activities related reporting requirement improve consumer provider information drug value drug price transparency hhs publish manufacturer reports summary reports supporting analyses


Summary:
Safely Advancing Valuable and Inexpensive New Generic Solutions Act or the SAVINGS Act

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize the review of certain generic drug applications and act on them within 150 days. This generic fast track review applies to applications for drugs: (1) that are not under patent or for which patents will expire soon, (2) for which there is no marketing exclusivity in effect, and (3) for which a generic has not recently been introduced to the market by more than one manufacturer.

The FDA must report on applications subject to generic fast track review and provide an annual accounting of how it has spent generic drug user fees.

safely advancing valuable inexpensive new generic solutions act savings act bill amends cosmetic act require food_and_drug_administration fda prioritize review certain generic drug applications act days generic fast track review applies applications drugs patent patents expire soon marketing exclusivity effect generic recently introduced market manufacturer fda report applications subject generic fast track review provide annual accounting spent generic drug user fees


Summary:
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to research and report on medication adherence with respect to federal health care programs. ("Medication adherence" refers to the extent to which patients take their medications as prescribed.)

In addition, the bill amends titles XI (General Provisions) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to:

 upon request by a prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsor, provide the plan with Medicare enrollee claims data to provide context for an enrollee's medication regimen; in calculating the minimum medical loss ratio with respect to PDPs, include medication management as an activity that improves health care quality; and through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, test a model for enhanced medication therapy management for PDPs under Medicare Advantage.

bill amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services research report medication adherence respect federal health care programs medication adherence refers extent patients medications prescribed addition bill amends titles general_provisions xviii medicare social security act require centers request prescription drug plan pdp sponsor provide plan medicare enrollee claims data provide context enrollee medication regimen calculating minimum medical loss ratio respect pdps include medication management activity improves health care quality center medicare medicaid_innovation test model enhanced medication therapy management pdps medicare_advantage


Summary:
Pharmaceutical Supply and Value Enhancement Act or the Pharmaceutical SAVE Act

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize importation of life-saving drugs for which there is, or is likely to be, a shortage. For a drug to be imported, the drug's manufacturer must intend to seek FDA approval of the drug as a generic drug. The FDA may deny importation of a drug for reasons related to safety or effectiveness.

Drugs in noncompetitive markets must be treated as being in a shortage for purposes of this bill and for purposes of expedited inspections and review. A drug is in a noncompetitive market if: (1) there are fewer than five holders of approved applications for commercially available brand name or generic versions of the drug, (2) the drug has been approved for at least 10 years, and (3) patents on the active ingredient of the drug have expired.

pharmaceutical supply value enhancement act bill amends cosmetic act require food_and_drug_administration fda authorize importation life saving drugs likely shortage drug imported drug manufacturer intend seek fda approval drug generic drug fda deny importation drug reasons related safety effectiveness drugs noncompetitive markets treated shortage purposes bill purposes expedited inspections review drug noncompetitive market fewer holders approved applications commercially available brand generic versions drug drug approved years patents active ingredient drug expired


Summary:
Accelerating New Pharmaceutical Competition Act

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit brand name drug applications to rely upon investigations conducted in certain foreign countries if the drug has been approved in the foreign country where the investigations were conducted. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has 90 days to act on these applications.

The bill revises a provision regarding the effective date of the approval of a generic drug that is subject to a patent infringement action.

The FDA must prioritize the review of, and act within 150 days on, generic drug applications or supplements to generic drug applications for drugs: (1) for which there is a shortage, or (2) that have not been recently introduced to the market by more than one manufacturer and for which tentative approval has not been granted to more than two applications.

accelerating new pharmaceutical competition act bill amends cosmetic act permit brand drug applications rely investigations conducted certain foreign countries drug approved foreign country investigations conducted food_and_drug_administration fda days act applications bill revises provision effective date approval generic drug subject patent infringement action fda prioritize review act days generic drug applications supplements generic drug applications drugs shortage recently introduced market manufacturer tentative approval granted applications


Summary: Disability Benefit Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate: (1) the five-month waiting period for an individual (including a disabled widow or widower) to be eligible for benefits based on disability; and (2) any intervening reconsideration from the review process governing decisions on benefit entitlement.

disability benefit fairness act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act ssa eliminate month waiting period individual including disabled widow widower eligible benefits based disability intervening reconsideration review process governing decisions benefit entitlement


Summary: Social Security and Medicare Improved Burn Injury Treatment Access Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to waive the application of the five-month Social Security disability waiting period in cases of individuals with disabling burn injuries. Eliminates the 24-month Medicare disability waiting period in cases of individuals with disabling burn injuries.

social_security medicare improved burn injury treatment access act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act direct commissioner social_security waive application month social_security disability waiting period cases individuals disabling burn injuries eliminates month medicare disability waiting period cases individuals disabling burn injuries


Summary: Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, medical care, and employment training.

disabilities act amends internal revenue code establish tax exempt financial security accounts individuals disabilities pay certain expenses individuals including expenses education medical care employment training


Summary: Danielle's Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to require staff working with persons with a developmental disability or traumatic brain injury to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation.

act_-_amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid plans require staff working persons developmental disability traumatic brain injury emergency services event life threatening situation


Summary: Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to require states, in order to receive allotments under provisions relating to state councils on developmental disabilities or provisions relating to the protection and advocacy of individual rights, to obtain the authorization of the individual with a developmental disability or the individual's legal representative before pursuing any legal or other remedy on behalf of the individual.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

amends developmental disabilities assistance bill rights act require states order receive allotments provisions relating state councils developmental disabilities provisions relating protection advocacy individual rights obtain authorization individual developmental disability individual legal representative pursuing legal remedy behalf individual


Summary: Claire Collier Social Security Disability Insurance Fairness Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the eligibility requirement for disability insurance benefits under which an individual must have 20 quarters of Social Security coverage in the 40 quarters preceding a disability shall not apply in the case of a disabled individual suffering from a covered terminal disease.

fairness act amends title old age survivors disability insurance social security act provide eligibility requirement disability insurance benefits individual quarters social_security coverage quarters preceding disability shall apply case disabled individual suffering covered terminal disease


Summary: ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to redefine the term "disability," including by defining "major life activities" and "being regarded as having such an impairment."Sets forth rules of construction regarding the definition of "disability," including that: (1) such term shall be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals under the Act; (2) an impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be a disability; (3) an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active; and (4) the determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made without regard to the ameliorative effects of specified mitigating measures.Defines the term "auxiliary aids and services."(Sec. 5) Prohibits employment discrimination against a qualified individual on the basis of disability. (Current law prohibits employment discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability.)Prohibits the use of qualification standards, employment tests, or other selection criteria based on an individual's uncorrected vision unless the standard, test, or other selection criteria, as used by the covered entity, is shown to be related to the position and is consistent with business necessity.(Sec. 6) Declares that nothing in the Act: (1) alters the standards for determining eligibility for benefits under state worker's compensation laws or under state and federal disability benefit programs; (2) alters the requirement to make reasonable modifications in policies or procedures, unless such modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations involved; or (3) provides the basis for a claim by a person without a disability that he or she was subject to discrimination because of the lack of disability.Declares that the authority of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations includes the authority to issue regulations implementing the definitions of this Act.(Sec. 7) Makes conforming amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

ada amendments act sec amends americans disabilities act ada redefine term disability including defining major life activities regarded having impairment forth rules construction definition disability including term shall construed favor broad coverage individuals act impairment substantially limits major life activity need limit major life activities order disability impairment remission disability substantially limit major life activity active determination impairment substantially limits major life activity shall regard ameliorative effects specified mitigating measures defines term auxiliary aids services prohibits employment discrimination qualified individual basis disability current law prohibits employment discrimination qualified individual disability use qualification standards employment tests selection criteria based individual vision standard test selection criteria covered entity shown related position consistent business declares act alters standards determining eligibility benefits state worker compensation laws state federal disability benefit programs alters requirement reasonable modifications policies procedures modifications fundamentally alter nature goods services facilities accommodations involved provides basis claim person disability subject discrimination lack disability declares authority equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc attorney general secretary transportation issue regulations includes authority issue regulations implementing definitions makes conforming amendments rehabilitation act


Summary: ADA Notification Act of 2007 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to deny jurisdiction to a court in a civil action for remedies for disability discrimination in public accommodations and certain services provided by private entities unless: (1) the plaintiff notified the defendant in writing of the alleged violations prior to filing the complaint; (2) the notice identified the specific facts that constitute the alleged violation; (3) 90 or more days has elapsed after the date on which the notice was provided; (4) the notice informed the defendant that the civil action could not be commenced for 90 days; and (5) the complaint states that the defendant has not corrected the alleged violation. Excludes civil actions seeking preliminary injunctive relief or temporary restraining orders from such notification requirements.

ada notification act amends americans disabilities act deny jurisdiction court civil action remedies disability discrimination public accommodations certain services provided private entities plaintiff notified defendant writing alleged violations prior filing complaint notice identified specific facts constitute alleged violation days elapsed date notice provided notice informed defendant civil action commenced days complaint states defendant corrected alleged violation excludes civil actions seeking preliminary injunctive relief temporary restraining orders notification requirements


Summary: Blind Persons Earnings Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to increase, by specified increments over five years, the level of earnings demonstrating the ability of a blind person to engage in substantial gainful activity for purposes of determining disability insurance benefit payments.

fairness act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act increase specified increments years level earnings demonstrating ability blind person engage substantial gainful activity purposes determining disability insurance benefit payments


Summary: Prohibits any entity that receives funds from the federal government from using them to file a class action lawsuit against an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded on behalf of any facility resident unless the resident (or the resident's legal representative), after receiving notice of the proposed class action lawsuit, has the opportunity to elect not to have the action apply to the resident.

prohibits entity receives funds federal government file class action lawsuit intermediate care facility mentally retarded behalf facility resident resident resident legal representative receiving notice proposed class action lawsuit opportunity elect action apply resident


Summary: Inclusive Home Design Act of 2007 - Requires, with exceptions, newly constructed, federally assisted single family houses and town houses to include at least one level that complies with the following accessibility features for persons with disabilities: (1) accessible entrance; (2) accessible interior doors; (3) accessible environmental controls; and (4) accessible habitable space and an accessible bathroom. Requires: (1) each applicant for federal financial assistance to submit compliance assurances to the relevant federal agency; and (2) each person who arranges for design or construction of a covered dwelling to submit architectural and construction plans for state or local approval. Prohibits federal financial assistance to a state or local government unit unless the recipient is taking certain enforcement actions with regard to covered dwellings. Permits: (1) private civil actions in a U.S. District Court or state court for violations under this Act; and (2) the Attorney General to commence civil actions or intervene in civil actions under this Act.

inclusive home design act requires exceptions newly constructed federally assisted single family houses town houses include level complies following accessibility features persons disabilities accessible entrance accessible interior doors accessible environmental controls accessible habitable space accessible bathroom requires applicant federal financial assistance submit compliance assurances relevant federal agency person arranges design construction covered dwelling submit architectural construction plans state local approval prohibits federal financial assistance state local government unit recipient taking certain enforcement actions regard covered dwellings permits private civil actions district_court state court violations act attorney general commence civil actions intervene civil actions act


Summary: Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to define "disability." Requires that equipment providing IP-enabled voice communication services via a built-in speaker provide an internal means for hearing aid use. Redefines "telecommunications relay services." Requires interconnected VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers and providers of voice communications using an IP-enabled service to contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund. Requires, unless it would be an undue burden (significant difficulty or expense), that equipment and services for IP-enabled communication be usable by individuals with disabilities. Requires, if such requirements are an undue burden, that the equipment or service be compatible with existing commonly used devices or specialized customer equipment, unless that requirement would be an undue burden. Establishes an accessible products and services clearinghouse. Declares that the transmission and receipt of text messages are telecommunications services for purposes of access by persons with disabilities. Adds telecommunications and IP-enabled communication services needed by individuals with disabilities to the services supported by Lifeline and Link Up programs and other federal universal service support mechanisms. Makes eligible for universal service support certified programs for the distribution of equipment to make telecommunications and IP-enabled communication service accessible by deaf-blind individuals. Requires seamless text communication among interconnected VoIP services, IP-enabled communication services, and telecommunications services. Requires a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) inquiry and report concerning: (1) closed captioning decoder and video description capability; (2) user interfaces; and (3) video programming guides and menus. Revises provisions concerning any apparatus designed to receive television pictures broadcast simultaneously with sound to require that any apparatus that receives or displays video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound be capable of decoding closed captioning, delivering video description, and conveying emergency information, including Emergency Alert System messages, accessibly to blind or visually-impaired individuals. Requires the FCC video description regulations contained in the Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, Report and Order to be considered to be in full force and effect and applicable to video programming published after enactment of this Act. Requires identification of methods to convey emergency information accessibly to blind or visually-impaired individuals. Requires that apparatus to receive or display video, including using IP-enabled communication services, allow control by individuals with disabilities and that on-screen menus be accompanied by audio output to enable control by blind or visually impaired individuals. Requires each provider or owner of video programming and each multichannel programming distributor to ensure that video programming information and selection provided by means of a navigational device, guide, or menu is accessible in real-time by individuals with disabilities who are unable to read the visual display.

video accessibility act amends communications act define disability requires equipment providing enabled voice communication services built speaker provide internal means hearing aid use redefines telecommunications relay services requires interconnected voip voice internet protocol providers providers voice communications enabled service contribute requires undue burden significant difficulty expense equipment services enabled communication usable individuals disabilities requires requirements undue burden equipment service compatible existing commonly devices specialized customer equipment requirement undue burden establishes accessible products services clearinghouse declares transmission receipt text messages telecommunications services purposes access persons disabilities adds telecommunications enabled communication services needed individuals disabilities services supported lifeline link programs federal universal service support mechanisms makes eligible universal service support certified programs distribution equipment telecommunications enabled communication service accessible deaf blind individuals requires seamless text communication interconnected voip services enabled communication services telecommunications services requires federal_communications_commission fcc inquiry report concerning closed captioning video description capability user interfaces video programming guides menus revises provisions concerning apparatus designed receive television pictures broadcast simultaneously sound require apparatus receives displays video programming transmitted simultaneously sound capable closed captioning delivering video description conveying emergency information including messages blind visually impaired individuals requires fcc video description regulations contained order considered force effect applicable video programming published enactment act requires identification methods convey emergency information blind visually impaired individuals requires apparatus receive display video including enabled communication services allow control individuals disabilities screen menus accompanied audio output enable control blind visually impaired individuals requires provider owner video programming multichannel programming distributor ensure video programming information selection provided means navigational device guide menu accessible real time individuals disabilities unable read visual display


Summary: Social Security Disability Insurance Demonstration Authority Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to reestablish the Social Security Administration's disability insurance demonstration project authority.

act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act reestablish social_security_administration disability insurance demonstration project authority


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the suspension of the taxable income limitation on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties.

amends internal revenue code permanent suspension taxable income limitation percentage depletion oil natural gas produced marginal properties


Summary: Veterans' Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces determined to have a total disability permanent in nature which was incurred or aggravated in the line of active duty, to furnish home improvements and structural alterations for the member for the disability while the member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient care, medical services, or treatment, if the Secretary determines that the member is likely to be discharged or released from the Armed Forces for such disability. Authorizes the provision of specially adapted housing assistance for: (1) disabled veterans whose disability is due to a severe burn injury; and (2) disabled members residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Makes veterans and members with a severe burn disability eligible for automobile and automotive adaptive equipment assistance.

enhancement act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs case member armed_forces determined total disability permanent nature incurred aggravated line active duty furnish home improvements structural alterations member disability member hospitalized receiving outpatient care medical services treatment secretary determines member likely discharged released armed_forces disability authorizes provision specially adapted housing assistance disabled veterans disability severe burn injury disabled members residing temporarily housing owned family member makes veterans members severe burn disability eligible automobile automotive adaptive equipment assistance


Summary: Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act of 2007 - Title I: Low-Vision Benefits Matters - (Sec. 101) Modifies the rate of service-connected total blindness in veterans required for the payment of veterans' disability compensation to a visual acuity of 20/200 (currently, 5/200) or less. (Sec. 102) Modifies the standard for awarding disability compensation to veterans for loss of vision to require payment of compensation for impairment of vision (under current law, blindness) involving both eyes due to a service-connected or non-service-connected disability. Defines such impairment as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less or of a peripheral field of vision of 20 degrees or less. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to furnish to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) information on veterans under the age of 65 for comparison with information on such individuals in the National Directory of New Hires to determine eligibility for certain veterans' health care, compensation, and retirement benefits. Requires the Secretary to notify such veterans that the information is being furnished for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate, deny, suspend, or reduce any benefit or service by reason of information obtained from the HHS Secretary only if the Secretary independently verifies the information received. Requires the Secretary to allow an adversely affected individual an opportunity to contest such findings. Terminates, on September 30, 2012, the authority to obtain comparison information from the HHS Secretary. Title II: Burial and Memorial Affairs Matters - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request, to furnish in lieu of a headstone or marker a medallion or other device to signify a deceased's status as a veteran to be affixed to a headstone or marker purchased at private expense. (Sec. 202) States that, as of October 1, 2006, a specified federal regulation requiring a state or other political entity to apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for reimbursement of a veteran's interment costs within two years after the permanent burial cremation of the body shall have no force and effect as it pertains to unclaimed remains of a deceased veteran. Allows grants to states for establishing, expanding, or improving veterans' cemeteries to also be used for operating and maintaining such cemeteries. Limits to $5 million the aggregate amount of grants awarded in a fiscal year for such purposes. (Sec. 203) Repeals the December 31, 2007, termination date of the authority of the Secretary to furnish a government headstone or marker for the grave of certain veterans buried in private cemeteries, notwithstanding that the grave is marked by a headstone or marker furnished at private expense.

paired title low vision benefits matters sec modifies rate service connected total blindness veterans required payment veterans disability compensation visual acuity currently sec modifies standard awarding disability compensation veterans loss vision require payment compensation impairment vision current law blindness involving eyes service connected non service connected disability defines impairment visual acuity peripheral field vision degrees sec requires secretary veterans_affairs secretary furnish secretary health_and_human_services hhs information veterans age comparison information individuals national_directory_of_new_hires determine eligibility certain veterans health care compensation retirement benefits requires secretary notify veterans information furnished purposes authorizes secretary terminate deny suspend reduce benefit service reason information obtained hhs secretary secretary independently verifies information received requires secretary allow adversely affected individual opportunity contest findings terminates september authority obtain comparison information hhs secretary title burial memorial affairs matters sec authorizes secretary request furnish lieu headstone marker medallion device signify deceased status veteran affixed headstone marker purchased private expense sec states october specified federal regulation requiring state political entity apply department_of_veterans_affairs reimbursement veteran interment costs years permanent burial body shall force effect pertains unclaimed remains deceased veteran allows grants states establishing expanding improving veterans cemeteries operating maintaining cemeteries limits million aggregate grants awarded fiscal year purposes sec repeals december termination date authority secretary furnish government headstone marker grave certain veterans buried private cemeteries notwithstanding grave marked headstone marker furnished private expense


Summary: Danielle's Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to require staff working with individuals with a developmental disability or traumatic brain injury to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation.

act_-_amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid plans require staff working individuals developmental disability traumatic brain injury emergency services event life threatening situation


Summary: Pathways to Independence Act of 2007 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to deem individuals with disabilities complying with a modified employability plan to be meeting work participation requirements. Gives states the option to disregard in determining work participation rates any SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) and Social Security disability insurance applicants or recipients.

pathways independence act amends temporary assistance needy families tanf title social security act deem individuals disabilities complying modified employability plan meeting work participation requirements gives states option disregard determining work participation rates ssa title xvi social_security disability insurance applicants recipients


Summary: Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to remove from the definition of "disability" a reference to substantially limiting one or more major life activities. Prohibits, in determining whether an individual has an impairment, considering whether the individual uses a mitigating measure, the impact of any mitigating measures, or whether the impairment is episodic, in remission, or latent. Defines the term "mitigating measure." Defines "physical" and "mental" (used regarding an impairment), "record of physical or mental impairment," and "regarded as having a physical or mental impairment." Declares that an adverse action taken because of an individual's use of a mitigating measure constitutes discrimination under the Act. Prohibits employment discrimination against an individual on the basis of disability (currently, against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability). Allows, as a defense to a charge of discrimination, that the individual alleging discrimination is not a qualified individual with a disability. Requires that the Act's provisions be broadly construed. Directs the Attorney General, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design. Entitles duly issued federal regulations and guidance to deference by administrative agencies or officers and courts.

americans disabilities act restoration act amends americans disabilities act remove definition disability reference substantially limiting major life activities prohibits determining individual impairment considering individual uses mitigating measure impact mitigating measures impairment remission defines term mitigating measure defines physical mental impairment record physical mental impairment regarded having physical mental impairment declares adverse action taken individual use mitigating measure constitutes discrimination act prohibits employment discrimination individual basis disability currently qualified individual disability disability allows defense charge discrimination individual alleging discrimination qualified individual disability requires act provisions broadly construed directs attorney general equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc secretary transportation issue regulations carry provisions act requires architectural_and_transportation_barriers_compliance_board issue guidelines supplement existing minimum guidelines requirements accessible design entitles duly issued federal regulations guidance deference administrative agencies officers courts


Summary: Blind Persons Earnings Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to increase, by specified increments over five years, the level of earnings demonstrating the ability of a blind person to engage in substantial gainful activity for purposes of determining disability insurance benefit payments.


Summary: Disability Savings Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax exemption for disability savings accounts that have a value of $250,000 or less and are established for beneficiaries under the age of 65 who are blind or disabled.Allows tax-free distributions from such accounts for certain services provided to account beneficiaries, including education services, respite care, clothing, therapy, nutritional management, and funeral and burial expenses.Allows tax credits for contributions of up to $2,000 made to a disability savings account and for certain entities that maintain disability savings accounts.Permits disability savings accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and certain other means-tested federal programs.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program for marketing, outreach, and education related to disability savings accounts.

disability savings act amends internal revenue code allow tax exemption disability savings accounts value established beneficiaries age blind disabled allows tax free distributions accounts certain services provided account beneficiaries including education services respite care clothing therapy nutritional management funeral burial expenses allows tax credits contributions disability savings account certain entities maintain disability savings accounts permits disability savings accounts disregarded determining eligibility medicaid benefits certain means tested federal programs requires secretary health_and_human_services establish program marketing outreach education related disability savings accounts


Summary: Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2008- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, medical care, and employment training.Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for cash contributions to such an account.Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit the disregard of financial security accounts for disabled individuals in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Permits the disregard of amounts in such accounts for purposes of determining eligibility for certain means-tested federal programs.

disabilities act amends_the_internal_revenue_code establish tax exempt financial security accounts individuals disabilities pay certain expenses individuals including expenses education medical care employment training allows individual taxpayers tax deduction year cash contributions account amends title xix medicaid social security act permit disregard financial security accounts disabled individuals determining eligibility medicaid benefits permits disregard amounts accounts purposes determining eligibility certain means tested federal programs


Summary: Veterans Disability Fairness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) quality assurance program with respect to the administration of veterans' disability compensation, to ensure the accuracy and consistency across VA offices of the treatment of claims for disability compensation, including disability rating determinations and whether a disability is service-connected. Requires the Secretary to conduct reviews and audits, at least annually, to identify and correct any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in disability ratings and the adjudication of disability compensation claims by VA regional offices and employees responsible for such ratings or adjudications.

veterans disability fairness act directs secretary veterans_affairs order carry department_of_veterans_affairs quality assurance program respect administration veterans disability compensation ensure accuracy consistency offices treatment claims disability compensation including disability rating determinations disability service connected requires secretary conduct reviews audits annually identify correct inaccuracies inconsistencies disability ratings adjudication disability compensation claims regional offices employees responsible ratings adjudications


Summary: Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2008 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to treat as a disability for OASDI and SSI disability payment purposes any service-connected disability rated and certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as total by reason of unemployability, and expected to last at least one year. Applies the same treatment to related child's insurance and widow's and widower's insurance benefits. Makes medical findings by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of total service-connected disability by reason of unemployability conclusive evidence of disability for OASDI and SSI purposes. Requires treatment of any determination of a veteran's disability by the Commissioner of Social Security for OASDI and SSI purposes as a disability or a combination of disabilities rated as 100% disabling by reason of individual unemployability for veterans' benefits purposes. Cautions, however, that such requirement shall not be construed to establish a service-connection or presumption of service-connection with respect to any disability of a veteran.

benefit rating acceleration veteran entitlements act amends titles survivors disability insurance oasdi xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act treat disability oasdi ssi disability payment purposes service connected disability rated certified secretary veterans_affairs total reason unemployability expected year applies treatment related child insurance widow widower insurance benefits makes medical findings secretary veterans_affairs total service connected disability reason unemployability conclusive evidence disability oasdi ssi purposes requires treatment determination veteran disability commissioner_of_social_security oasdi ssi purposes disability combination disabilities rated disabling reason individual unemployability veterans benefits purposes requirement shall construed establish service connection presumption service connection respect disability veteran


Summary: Javits-Wagner-O'Day and Randolph-Sheppard Modernization Act of 2008 - Establishes the Committee for the Advancement of Individuals with Disabilities. Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act - Reauthorizes the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act program providing for government procurement of goods and services from qualified nonprofit agencies for individuals who are blind or with significant disabilities. Directs the Committee to designate central nonprofit agencies to: (1) facilitate government procurement of such goods and services; (2) establish permanent Javits-Wagner-O'Day Endowment Funds; and (3) makes grants or enter contracts with nonprofit agencies to carry out demonstration projects for the employment of students with significant disabilities. Randolph-Sheppard Act - Reauthorizes the Randolph-Sheppard Act program providing self-support opportunities to licensed vendors with disabilities through the operation of vending machines in federal facilities. (Currently, only blind individuals are provided such opportunities.) Directs the Committee to: (1) identify new vending facility sites for licensed vendors; and (2) provide for the designation of state licensing agencies to issue licenses to such vendors. Exempts contracts for the operation of full food service dining at Department of Defense (DOD) facilities from Javits-Wagner-O'Day program requirements. Gives equal priority to the award of such contracts to: (1) a state licensing agency bidding for the contract under the Randolph-Sheppard Act program; and (2) a small business concern, a HUBZone entity, an Alaska Native Corporation, and other socially-disadvantaged groups. Transfers to the Committee specified functions of the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Education (relating to the Randolph-Sheppard Act program). Repeals former provisions of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act and the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

wagner establishes committee advancement individuals disabilities wagner act reauthorizes wagner act program providing government procurement goods services qualified nonprofit agencies individuals blind significant disabilities directs committee designate central nonprofit agencies facilitate government procurement goods services establish permanent makes grants enter contracts nonprofit agencies carry demonstration projects employment students significant disabilities program providing self support opportunities licensed vendors disabilities operation vending machines federal facilities currently blind individuals provided opportunities directs committee identify new vending facility sites licensed vendors provide designation state licensing agencies issue licenses vendors exempts contracts operation food service department_of_defense dod facilities program requirements gives equal priority award contracts state licensing agency bidding contract program small business concern hubzone entity alaska_native_corporation socially disadvantaged groups transfers committee specified functions commissioner relating program repeals provisions


Summary: Disability Benefit Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate: (1) the five-month waiting period for an individual (including a disabled widow or widower) to be eligible for benefits based on disability; and (2) any intervening reconsideration from the review process governing decisions on benefit entitlement.

disability benefit fairness act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act ssa eliminate month waiting period individual including disabled widow widower eligible benefits based disability intervening reconsideration review process governing decisions benefit entitlement


Summary: Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act  Title I: Paralysis Research - (Sec. 101) Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop mechanisms to coordinate NIH paralysis research and rehabilitation activities in order to further advance and avoid duplication of such activities. Authorizes the Director to make grants for the cost of planning, establishing, improving, and providing basic operating support for consortia in paralysis research. Requires the Director to designate each consortium funded as a Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Research Consortium. Authorizes such consortia to: (1) conduct basic, translational, and clinical paralysis research; (2) facilitate and enhance the dissemination of clinical and scientific findings; and (3) replicate the findings of consortia members or other researchers for scientific and translational purposes. Authorizes the Director to provide for a mechanism to educate and disseminate information on NIH paralysis programs and research activities, through which the Director can receive comments from the public. Title II: Paralysis Rehabilitation Research and Care - (Sec. 201) Requires the Director to award grants for multicenter networks of clinical sites that will collaborate to design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols and measures of outcomes on forms of paralysis that result from central nervous system trauma, disorders, and/or stroke. Authorizes a multicenter network of clinical sites to: (1) focus on areas of key scientific concern, including improving functional mobility; and (2) replicate the findings of network members or other researchers for scientific and translation purposes. Title III: Improving Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis and Other Physical Disabilities - (Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) study the unique health challenges associated with paralysis and other physical disabilities; and (2) carry out projects and interventions to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities, including developing a national paralysis and physical disability quality of life action plan and establishing a population-based database that may be used for longitudinal and other research on paralysis and other disabling conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to state and local health disability agencies to: (1) establish a population-based database that may be used for longitudinal and other research on paralysis and other disabling conditions; (2) develop comprehensive paralysis and other physical action plans and activities; (3) assist state-based programs in collaborating with people with paralysis and other physical disabilities and their constituent organizations; (4) coordinate paralysis and physical disability activities with existing state-based disability and health programs; (5) provide education and training opportunities and programs for health professionals and allied caregivers; and (6) develop, test, evaluate, and replicate effective intervention programs to maintain or improve health and quality of life. Allows the Secretary to award grants to private health and disability organizations to: (1) disseminate information to the public; (2) improve access to services for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities and their caregivers; (3) test model intervention programs to improve health and quality of life; and (4) coordinate existing services with state-based disability and health programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2013.

christopher title paralysis research sec requires director national_institutes_of_health nih develop mechanisms coordinate nih paralysis research rehabilitation activities order advance avoid duplication activities authorizes director grants cost planning establishing improving providing basic operating support consortia paralysis research requires director designate consortium funded christopher authorizes consortia conduct basic translational clinical paralysis research facilitate enhance dissemination clinical scientific findings replicate findings consortia members researchers scientific translational purposes authorizes director provide mechanism educate disseminate information nih paralysis programs research activities director receive comments public title paralysis rehabilitation research care sec requires director award grants networks clinical sites collaborate design clinical rehabilitation intervention protocols measures outcomes forms paralysis result central nervous system trauma disorders stroke authorizes network clinical sites focus areas key scientific concern including improving functional mobility replicate findings network members researchers scientific translation purposes title iii improving quality life persons paralysis physical disabilities sec authorizes secretary health_and_human_services study unique health challenges associated paralysis physical disabilities carry projects interventions improve quality life long term health status persons paralysis physical disabilities including developing national paralysis physical disability quality life action plan establishing population based database longitudinal research paralysis disabling conditions authorizes secretary award grants state local health disability agencies establish population based database longitudinal research paralysis disabling conditions develop comprehensive paralysis physical action plans activities assist state based programs collaborating people paralysis physical disabilities constituent organizations coordinate paralysis physical disability activities existing state based disability health programs provide education training opportunities programs health professionals allied caregivers develop test evaluate replicate effective intervention programs maintain improve health quality life allows secretary award grants private health disability organizations disseminate information public improve access services persons living paralysis physical disabilities caregivers test model intervention programs improve health quality life coordinate existing services state based disability health programs authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2013


Summary: Social Security and Medicare Improved Burn Injury Treatment Access Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to waive the application of the five-month Social Security disability waiting period in cases of individuals with disabling burn injuries. Eliminates the 24-month Medicare disability waiting period in cases of individuals with disabling burn injuries, except those with specified health care insurance coverage. Requires that, in determining when the entitlement or status of an individual with a disabling burn injury terminates, the status of the disability be reviewed at least once every three years.

social_security medicare improved burn injury treatment access act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act direct commissioner social_security waive application month social_security disability waiting period cases individuals disabling burn injuries eliminates month medicare disability waiting period cases individuals disabling burn injuries specified health care insurance coverage requires determining entitlement status individual disabling burn injury terminates status disability reviewed years


Summary: Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide for full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age or any previous reduction in OASDI benefits. Declares that there shall be no reduction in the widow's or widower's insurance benefit of an individual for any month in which such individual is under a disability.

amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act provide benefits disabled widows widowers regard age previous reduction oasdi benefits declares shall reduction widow widower insurance benefit individual month individual disability


Summary: Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization of 2009 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program through FY2016 and to revise program requirements to: (1) provide for competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in locating missing patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (2) expand such program to include locating other missing elderly individuals; (3) require the Attorney General to solicit grants for program applications in the Federal Register and on the Department of Justice (DOJ) website; and (4) establish a preference in awarding grants to national nonprofit organizations that have a direct link to patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their families (currently, grants may be awarded to only such organizations).

missing alzheimer disease patient alert program reauthorization amends violent_crime_control_and_law_enforcement_act reauthorize missing alzheimer disease patient alert program fy2016 revise program requirements provide competitive grants nonprofit organizations assist locating missing patients alzheimer disease related dementias expand program include locating missing elderly individuals require attorney general solicit grants program applications federal_register department_of_justice doj website establish preference awarding grants national nonprofit organizations direct link patients alzheimer disease related dementias families currently grants awarded organizations


Summary: Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009 or the ABLE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts for individuals with a disability to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, housing, transportation, employment support, medical care, and certain life necessities. Defines "individual with a disability" as an individual who is eligible to receive certain supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act.Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for contributions to an ABLE account. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the use of ABLE accounts and the effect of the tax deduction for contributions to such accounts.Requires ABLE accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and for purposes of determining eligibility for other means-tested federal programs.

achieving better life experience act able act amends internal revenue code establish tax exempt able accounts individuals disability pay certain expenses individuals including expenses education housing transportation employment support medical care certain life defines individual disability individual eligible receive certain supplemental security income benefits social security act allows individual taxpayers tax deduction year contributions able account requires secretary treasury study report congress use able accounts effect tax deduction contributions accounts requires able accounts disregarded determining eligibility medicaid benefits purposes determining eligibility means tested federal programs


Summary: Prohibits any entity that receives funds from the federal government from using them to file a class action lawsuit against an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded on behalf of any facility resident unless the resident (or the resident's legal representative), after receiving notice of the proposed class action lawsuit, has the opportunity to elect not to have the action apply to the resident.

prohibits entity receives funds federal government file class action lawsuit intermediate care facility mentally retarded behalf facility resident resident resident legal representative receiving notice proposed class action lawsuit opportunity elect action apply resident


Summary: Inclusive Home Design Act of 2009 - Requires, with exceptions, newly constructed, federally assisted single family houses and town houses to include at least one level that complies with the following accessibility features for persons with disabilities: (1) accessible entrance; (2) accessible interior doors; (3) accessible environmental controls; and (4) accessible habitable space and an accessible bathroom. Requires: (1) each applicant for federal financial assistance to submit compliance assurances to the relevant federal agency; and (2) each person who arranges for design or construction of a covered dwelling to submit architectural and construction plans for state or local approval. Prohibits federal financial assistance to a state or local government unit unless the recipient is taking certain enforcement actions with regard to covered dwellings. Permits: (1) private civil actions in a U.S. district court or state court for violations under this Act; and (2) the Attorney General to commence civil actions or intervene in civil actions under this Act.

inclusive home design act requires exceptions newly constructed federally assisted single family houses town houses include level complies following accessibility features persons disabilities accessible entrance accessible interior doors accessible environmental controls accessible habitable space accessible bathroom requires applicant federal financial assistance submit compliance assurances relevant federal agency person arranges design construction covered dwelling submit architectural construction plans state local approval prohibits federal financial assistance state local government unit recipient taking certain enforcement actions regard covered dwellings permits private civil actions district court state court violations act attorney general commence civil actions intervene civil actions act


Summary: Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act or the CLASS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program (CLASS program) under which: (1) all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment; (2) payroll deductions pay monthly premiums; and (3) two-tiered benefits are provided, based on the level of disability, to purchase nonmedical services and supports that the beneficiary needs to maintain independence. Establishes the Independence Fund within the Treasury. Requires the CLASS program to be treated for tax purposes in the same manner as a qualified long-term care insurance contract. Amends the Social Security Act to require each state to: (1) assess the extent to which personal care services providers are serving or able to serve as fiscal agents, employers, and providers of employment-related benefits for personal care attendant workers, who provide personal care services to individuals receiving benefits under this Act; (2) designate or create entities to serve such purposes; and (3) ensure that such entities will not negatively alter or impede existing programs, models, methods, or administration of service delivery that provide for consumer controlled or self-directed home and community services, impede the ability of individuals to direct and control their home and community services, or inhibit individuals from relying on family members for such services. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Personal Care Attendants Workforce Advisory Panel to examine and advise the Secretary and Congress on workforce issues related to personal care attendant workers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a deduction for premiums paid for the CLASS program; (2) a credit CLASS program enrollees with low income; and (3) a credit for employers for the cost incurred to automatically enroll employees and withhold monthly premiums.

community_living_assistance_services supports_act class act amends public_health_service_act create national voluntary disability insurance program class program employees automatically enrolled allowed waive enrollment payroll deductions pay monthly premiums tiered benefits provided based level disability purchase services supports beneficiary needs maintain independence establishes treasury requires class program treated tax purposes manner qualified long term care insurance contract amends social security act require state assess extent personal care services providers serving able serve fiscal agents employers providers employment related benefits personal care attendant workers provide personal care services individuals receiving benefits act designate create entities serve purposes ensure entities negatively alter impede existing programs models methods administration service delivery provide consumer controlled self directed home community services impede ability individuals direct control home community services inhibit individuals relying family members services requires secretary health_and_human_services establish personal care attendants workforce advisory panel examine advise secretary congress workforce issues related personal care attendant workers amends internal revenue code allow deduction premiums paid class program credit class program enrollees low income credit employers cost incurred automatically enroll employees withhold monthly premiums


Summary: Authorizes monthly annuity payments under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to a supplemental or special needs trust established for the sole benefit of a disabled dependent child who is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity.

authorizes monthly annuity payments survivor benefit plan sbp supplemental special needs trust established sole benefit disabled dependent child incapable self support mental physical incapacity


Summary: Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase the income eligibility level to 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for benefits under the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) for qualified Medicare beneficiaries. Expands the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program to provide for the eligibility of individuals with incomes below 200% of FPL. Establishes an asset standard for qualified Medicare beneficiary (QMB) eligibility for 2011 of $27,500 (or $55,000 in the case of the combined value of the individual's assets or resources and the assets or resources of the individual's spouse) with subsequent years standard increased by the annual percentage increase in the consumer price index. Exempts pension benefits and life insurance policies from resources under the MSP programs. Prohibits any medical assistance for some or all Medicare cost-sharing under the MSP programs from being considered income or resources in determining eligibility for, or the amount of assistance or benefits provided under, any other federal, state, or local public benefit program. Authorizes treatment of QMBs, SLMBs, and other dual eligibles as Medicare beneficiaries. Prohibits a state plan under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) from denying a claim from a provider or supplier with respect to Medicare cost-sharing for an eligible item or service on the basis that the provider or supplier does not have a Medicaid provider agreement in effect or does not otherwise serve all individuals entitled to Medicaid. Requires the state to create a mechanism through which providers or suppliers that do not otherwise have Medicaid provider agreements with the state can bill the state for Medicare cost-sharing for QMBs. Requires each state to: (1) identify those individuals who are Medicaid-eligible for Medicare cost-sharing and who are enrolled with a MedicareAdvantage (MA) plan; and (2) provide for Medicaid payment with respect to such individuals for the Medicare cost-sharing to which they are entitled. Requires the award of grants to: (1) states for outreach regarding Medicare enrollment assistance and benefit availability; and (2) Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Makes the date of the electronic transmission of low income subsidy (LIS) program data from the Commissioner of Social Security to the state Medicaid agency the date of filing of the application for MSP benefits Requires a state Medicaid plan to provide that the state enters into a modification of a Medicaid agreement with the Secretary to provide for enrollment in (buy-in to) the Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) program by QMBs who are uninsured elderly individuals not otherwise eligible for hospital insurance benefits. Requires states to: (1) make MSP applications available on the Internet; and (2) allow individuals to specify a preferred language other than English for subsequent communication. Requires a state Medicaid plan to provide that the state coordinates with the state agency that administers the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to ensure that individuals applying for Medicaid have the opportunity to apply for, establish eligibility for, and, if eligible, receive SNAP program benefits. Repeals payment limitations on Medicare cost-sharing.

amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa increase income eligibility level federal poverty level fpl benefits medicare_savings_program qualified medicare beneficiaries expands specified low income medicare beneficiary program provide eligibility individuals incomes fpl establishes asset standard qualified medicare beneficiary eligibility case combined value individual assets resources assets resources individual spouse subsequent years standard increased annual percentage increase consumer price index exempts pension benefits life insurance policies resources programs prohibits medical assistance medicare cost sharing programs considered income resources determining eligibility assistance benefits provided federal state local public benefit program authorizes treatment qmbs dual eligibles medicare beneficiaries prohibits state plan ssa title xix medicaid denying claim provider supplier respect medicare cost sharing eligible item service basis provider supplier medicaid provider agreement effect serve individuals entitled medicaid requires state create mechanism providers suppliers medicaid provider agreements state bill state medicare cost sharing qmbs requires state identify individuals medicaid eligible medicare cost sharing enrolled medicareadvantage plan provide medicaid payment respect individuals medicare cost sharing entitled requires award grants states outreach medicare enrollment assistance benefit availability aging makes date electronic transmission low income subsidy lis program data commissioner_of_social_security state medicaid agency date filing application benefits requires state medicaid plan provide state enters modification medicaid agreement secretary provide enrollment buy medicare program qmbs uninsured elderly individuals eligible hospital insurance benefits requires states applications available internet allow individuals specify preferred language english subsequent communication requires state medicaid plan provide state coordinates state agency administers supplemental nutrition assistance program snap benefits food_and_nutrition_act ensure individuals applying medicaid opportunity apply establish eligibility eligible receive snap program benefits repeals payment limitations medicare cost sharing