Summary:
Health Savings Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of health savings accounts (HSAs), to:

 rename high deductible health plans as HSA-qualified health plans; allow spouses who have both attained age 55 to make increased catch-up contributions to the same HSA; make Medicare Part A (hospital insurance benefits) beneficiaries eligible to participate in an HSA; allow individuals eligible for hospital care or medical services under a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization to participate in an HSA; allow individuals eligible to receive medical benefits under certain TRICARE plans to participate in an HSA; allow members of a health care sharing ministry to participate in an HSA; allow individuals who receive primary care services in exchange for a fixed periodic fee or payment, or who receive health care benefits from an onsite medical clinic of an employer, to participate in an HSA; include amounts paid for prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines or drugs as "qualified medical expenses" for which distributions from an HSA or an Archer Medical Savings Account may be used; and allow HSA distributions to be used to purchase health insurance coverage. The bill amends the federal bankruptcy code to exempt HSAs from creditor claims in bankruptcy.

The bill amends the Social Security Act to reauthorize the use of Medicaid health opportunity accounts.

The bill allows a medical care tax deduction for: (1) exercise equipment, physical fitness programs, and membership at a fitness facility; (2) nutritional and dietary supplements; and (3) periodic fees paid to a primary care physician and amounts paid for pre-paid primary care services.

health savings act bill amends internal_revenue_code respect taxation health savings accounts hsas rename high deductible health plans hsa qualified health plans allow spouses attained age increased catch contributions hsa medicare hospital insurance benefits beneficiaries eligible participate hsa allow individuals eligible hospital care medical services medical care program indian_health_service tribal organization participate hsa allow individuals eligible receive medical benefits certain tricare plans participate hsa allow members health care sharing ministry participate hsa allow individuals receive primary care services exchange fixed periodic fee payment receive health care benefits onsite medical clinic employer participate hsa include amounts paid prescriptions counter medicines drugs qualified medical expenses distributions hsa allow hsa distributions purchase health insurance coverage bill amends federal bankruptcy code exempt hsas creditor claims bankruptcy bill amends social security act reauthorize use medicaid health opportunity accounts bill allows medical care tax deduction exercise equipment physical fitness programs membership fitness facility nutritional dietary supplements periodic fees paid primary care physician amounts paid pre paid primary care services


Summary:
Know Before You Go Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to permit health insurers to include, for plan year accounting purposes, activities related to a transparency tool as activities that improve health care quality. (An insurer must provide a rebate to enrollees if the insurer spends less than a certain percentage of premium revenues on clinical services and activities that improve health care quality.) A transparency tool is a website and telephone support that provides quality of care and cost sharing comparisons among in-network providers.

Such accounting for a plan year is permitted only for insurers that have: (1) significantly increased the percentage of enrollees using a transparency tool compared to the previous year, (2) provided cost sharing estimates for episodes of care upon request, and (3) made available a list of high deductible health plans offered by the insurer to each individual seeking coverage from the insurer.

know act bill amends public_health_service_act permit health insurers include plan year accounting purposes activities related transparency tool activities improve health care quality insurer provide rebate enrollees insurer spends certain percentage premium revenues clinical services activities improve health care quality transparency tool website telephone support provides quality care cost sharing comparisons network providers accounting plan year permitted insurers significantly increased percentage enrollees transparency tool compared previous year provided cost sharing estimates care request available list high deductible health plans offered insurer individual seeking coverage insurer


Summary:
Excellence in Medicare Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare)of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid to disregard the application of certain percentage quality increases when calculating the maximum payment that may be made to a Medicare Advantage organization.

Medical Malpractice Reform Act of 2015

The bill sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce.Additionally, the bill sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one-year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions.

The bill revises other provisions related to health care lawsuits including: (1)limiting noneconomic damages, (2)mandating joint and several liability, (3)limiting attorney contingency fees, (4) limiting punitive damages, and (5)denying punitive damages in the case of products approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

excellence medicare_act bill amends title xviii social security act require centers disregard application certain percentage quality increases calculating maximum payment medicare_advantage organization medical malpractice reform act bill sets conditions lawsuits arising health care liability claims health care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce additionally bill sets statute limitations years date manifestation injury year claimant discovers injury certain exceptions bill revises provisions related health care lawsuits including noneconomic damages joint liability attorney contingency fees limiting punitive damages punitive damages case products approved food_and_drug_administration


Summary:
Timely Payment for Veterans' Emergency Care Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts with an eligible entity to serve as an administrative contractor with respect to the performance of any or all of the following functions relating to providing medical care and hospital services in non-VA facilities:

 determining and making the payments required to be made to a non-VA facility; providing education and outreach to individuals enrolled in the patient enrollment system; providing consultative services to institutions, agencies, and other persons to enable them to maintain necessary fiscal records; communicating to non-VA facilities any information or instructions furnished to the administrative contractor by the VA; and performing functions relating to non-VA facility education, training, and technical assistance. An administrative contractor that performs such payment-related functions shall implement a contractor-wide information security program.

The VA shall use claims payment error rates or similar methodology of administrative contractors in the processing or reviewing of claims in order to give such contractors an incentive to implement effective education and outreach programs for non-VA facilities.

timely payment veterans emergency care act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs enter contracts eligible entity serve administrative contractor respect performance following functions relating providing medical care hospital services non-va facilities determining making payments required non-va facility providing education outreach individuals enrolled patient enrollment system providing consultative services institutions agencies persons enable maintain necessary fiscal records communicating non-va facilities information instructions furnished administrative contractor performing functions relating non-va facility education training technical assistance administrative contractor performs payment related functions shall implement contractor wide information security program shall use claims payment error rates similar methodology administrative contractors processing reviewing claims order contractors incentive implement effective education outreach programs non-va facilities


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Protecting Taxpayers by Recovering Improper Obamacare Subsidy Overpayments Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the limitation on the increase in tax imposed upon certain low-income families for advance payments of the tax credit for health insurance premium assistance that exceed the allowable amount of such credit.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure protecting_taxpayers recovering improper obamacare subsidy overpayments act sec bill amends internal_revenue_code eliminate limitation increase tax imposed certain low income families advance payments tax credit health insurance premium assistance exceed allowable credit


Summary: This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay the burial transportation costs of certain deceased veterans to a state- or tribal-owned veterans' cemetery.

bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs pay burial transportation costs certain deceased veterans state- tribal owned veterans cemetery


Summary:
Health Savings Protection Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on excess benefit employer-sponsored health care plans any amounts contributed to an Archer medical savings plan, a tax-exempt health savings account, or a health flexible spending arrangement by an employee or an employer through salary reduction contributions.

bill amends internal_revenue_code exempt excise tax excess benefit employer sponsored health care plans amounts contributed archer medical savings plan tax exempt health savings account health flexible spending arrangement employee employer salary reduction contributions


Summary:
Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Improvement Act

The bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to request recommendations from stakeholders on information included in the Welcome to Medicare package and update the information included in the package accordingly.

bill requires centers request recommendations stakeholders information included welcome medicare package update information included package accordingly


Summary:
Health Coverage State Flexibility Act of 2016

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to revise the grace period that health insurers must provide to recipients of premium subsidies before discontinuing health coverage for nonpayment of premiums. The grace period is shortened from 3 months to 30 days unless state law includes an applicable grace period.

flexibility act bill amends patient_protection affordable care act revise grace period health insurers provide recipients premium subsidies discontinuing health coverage nonpayment premiums grace period months days state law includes applicable grace period


Summary:
Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and other laws to exempt qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) from certain requirements that apply to group health plans.

A qualified small employer HRA is offered by employers that have fewer than 50 full-time employees and do not offer group health plans to any of their employees. A qualified small employer HRA must:

 be provided on the same terms to all eligible employees of the employer; be funded solely by the employer without salary reduction contributions; provide, after an employee provides proof of coverage, for the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses of the employee and family members; and limit annual payments and reimbursements to specified dollar amounts. HRAs that meet these requirements are not considered group health plans and are exempt from various requirements that apply to group health plans, including coverage and cost-sharing requirements. (Under current law, employers that sponsor group health plans that do not meet specified requirements are subject to an excise tax.)

Coverage and payments under a qualified HRA are excluded from gross income, unless the employee does not have minimum essential coverage for the month in which the medical care was provided.

Employers offering a qualified HRA must notify employees in advance regarding permitted benefits and report benefit information on W-2 forms and to health exchanges.

The bill sets forth requirements for determining whether an employee covered under an HRA is also eligible for premium subsidies under PPACA.

relief act sec bill amends internal_revenue_code patient_protection affordable care act ppaca laws exempt qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements certain requirements apply group health plans qualified small employer offered employers fewer time employees offer group health plans employees qualified small employer provided terms eligible employees employer funded solely employer salary reduction contributions provide employee provides proof coverage payment reimbursement medical expenses employee family members limit annual payments reimbursements specified dollar amounts meet requirements considered group health plans exempt requirements apply group health plans including coverage cost sharing requirements current law employers sponsor group health plans meet specified requirements subject excise tax coverage payments qualified excluded gross income employee minimum essential coverage month medical care provided employers offering qualified notify employees advance permitted benefits report benefit information w-2 forms health exchanges bill sets forth requirements determining employee covered eligible premium subsidies ppaca


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on November 14, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016

 (Sec. 2) This bill allows, as of January 1, 2017, an individual who is eligible to be a covered beneficiary entitled to health care benefits under the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) and who is not serving on active duty in the uniformed services to: (1) elect to be ineligible to enroll in TRICARE, (2) make tax deductible contributions to a health savings account during the period such individual elects to be ineligible for TRICARE coverage, and (3) enroll in the TRICARE program at a later date during a special enrollment period.

 DOD shall submit to the Internal Revenue Service information on each TRICARE-eligible individual who makes such election for purposes of determining such individual's eligibility for a health savings account.

 DOD shall provide to each TRICARE-eligible individual who seeks to make such election information regarding: (1) health savings accounts, and (2) changing an election.

measure amended reported house november summary version repeated veterans tricare choice act sec bill allows january individual eligible covered beneficiary entitled health care benefits tricare program department_of_defense dod managed health care program serving active duty uniformed services elect ineligible enroll tricare tax deductible contributions health savings account period individual elects ineligible tricare coverage enroll tricare program later date special enrollment period dod shall submit internal_revenue_service information tricare eligible individual makes election purposes determining individual eligibility health savings account dod shall provide tricare eligible individual seeks election information health savings accounts changing election


Summary:
Access to Better Care Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a health plan with no deductible for medical management of a chronic disease to be treated as a high deductible health plan for purposes of health savings account eligibility requirements.

A chronic condition or disease must be expected to last for more than one year, limit what a person can do, and require ongoing medical monitoring. Medical management of a chronic disease is medical care which has the primary purpose of managing the condition or disease by preventing the onset, further deterioration, or complications associated with it.

access better care act bill amends internal_revenue_code permit health plan deductible medical management chronic disease treated high deductible health plan purposes health savings account eligibility requirements chronic condition disease expected year limit person require ongoing medical monitoring medical management chronic disease medical care primary purpose managing condition disease preventing onset deterioration complications associated


Summary:
Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification Act of 2016 or the BENES Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to:

 establish requirements for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to notify individuals of their potential eligibility for Medicare; require the Internal Revenue Service to disclose to CMS specified taxpayer information for the purpose of establishing individuals' potential Medicare eligibility; restructure Medicare enrollment periods; and expand Medicare beneficiaries' rights to appeal certain enrollment errors.

beneficiary enrollment notification eligibility simplification act act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act internal revenue code establish requirements cms notify individuals potential eligibility medicare require internal_revenue_service disclose cms specified taxpayer information purpose establishing individuals potential medicare eligibility restructure medicare enrollment periods expand medicare beneficiaries rights appeal certain enrollment errors


Summary:
Taxpayers Before Insurers Act

This bill rescinds specified departmental management funds from the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) unless HHS deposits into the Treasury specified funds derived from contributions collected under the Transitional Reinsurance Program.

The rescission is required unless HHS deposits into the Treasury: (1) $2 billion for each of calendar years 2014 and 2015 within 45 days of enactment of this bill, and (2) $1 billion for 2016 by March 1, 2017.

(The Transitional Reinsurance Program was created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA] to stabilize premiums in the individual health insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost enrollees. Health insurance issuers and certain group health plans make contributions to the program, and reinsurance payments are made to issuers for enrollees in certain individual market plans with claim costs within a specified level. Portions of the reinsurance contributions are allocated for the reinsurance payment pool, administrative expenses, and the Treasury.)

taxpayers insurers act bill rescinds specified departmental management funds office_of_the_secretary health_and_human_services hhs hhs deposits treasury specified funds derived contributions collected rescission required hhs deposits treasury billion calendar years days enactment bill billion march created patient_protection affordable care act ppaca stabilize premiums individual health insurance market partially reimbursing insurers high cost enrollees health insurance issuers certain group health plans contributions program reinsurance payments issuers enrollees certain individual market plans claim costs specified level portions reinsurance contributions allocated reinsurance payment pool administrative expenses treasury


Summary:
State Age Rating Flexibility Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the permissible variation based on age for health insurance premiums for coverage offered in the individual or small group market from a factor of three to a factor of five, or to a factor determined by the state. This applies to plan years starting on or after January 1, 2018.

state age rating flexibility act bill amends public_health_service_act increase permissible variation based age health insurance premiums coverage offered individual small group market factor factor factor determined state applies plan years starting january


Summary:
ACA Premium Payment Verification Act

This bill conditions any advance payment of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act upon certification that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has in place an adequate process to independently verify that an individual is enrolled under a qualified health plan (QHP) and has paid the plan premium. Such a process must satisfy specified requirements with respect to automation, effectiveness, and cooperation between CMS and the Department of the Treasury. Furthermore, such a process shall not be considered adequate to the extent that it includes any procedures that rely on assurances or attestations of the issuer of the QHP involved.

bill conditions advance payment premium tax credits cost sharing reductions patient_protection affordable care act certification cms place adequate process independently verify individual enrolled qualified health plan paid plan premium process satisfy specified requirements respect automation effectiveness cooperation cms department_of_the_treasury furthermore process shall considered adequate extent includes procedures rely assurances attestations issuer involved


Summary:
Territory Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2016

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to exclude premiums paid by residents of U.S. territories from a health insurer's net premiums when calculating the annual fee on the health insurer, thereby lowering the fee for health insurers that collect such premiums. These premiums are still included in total health premiums when calculating the annual fee on health insurers, thus the total amount collected annually from health insurers is reduced.

bill amends patient_protection affordable care act exclude premiums paid residents territories health insurer net premiums calculating annual fee health insurer lowering fee health insurers collect premiums premiums included total health premiums calculating annual fee health insurers total collected annually health insurers reduced


Summary:
Medicare Enrollment Protection Act

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) create a special Medicare enrollment period for individuals enrolled in, or transitioning out of, continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA); and (2) exempt such individuals from certain monthly premium increases associated with delaying Medicare coverage.

bill amends title xviii medicare social security act create special medicare enrollment period individuals enrolled transitioning continuation coverage consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act cobra exempt individuals certain monthly premium increases associated delaying medicare coverage


Summary:
Medigap Consumer Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) expand guaranteed issue rights with respect to Medigap policies (Medicare supplemental health insurance policies), (2) eliminate certain limitations on Medigap policies for newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and (3) modify other provisions related to Medigap policies. ("Guaranteed issue" rights require that a policy be offered to any eligible applicant without regard to health status.)

medigap consumer protection act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act expand guaranteed issue rights respect medigap policies medicare supplemental health insurance policies eliminate certain limitations medigap policies newly eligible medicare beneficiaries modify provisions related medigap policies guaranteed issue rights require policy offered eligible applicant regard health status


Summary: This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit increases to monthly premiums under Medicare for 2017. Specifically, an individual's monthly premium shall increase by no more than $4 over the individual's monthly premium for 2016.

bill amends title xviii medicare social security act limit increases monthly premiums medicare specifically individual monthly premium shall increase individual monthly premium


Summary:
This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to deposit monthly in the Treasury $1.50 for each individual enrolled in health insurance coverage though a federally operated health insurance exchange.

The user fee charged to health insurers by federally operated health insurance exchanges may not exceed a specified percentage of a plan's premiums.

bill amends patient_protection affordable care act require department_of_health_and_human_services deposit monthly treasury individual enrolled health insurance coverage federally operated health insurance exchange user fee charged health insurers federally operated health insurance exchanges exceed specified percentage plan premiums


Summary:
MACPAC Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify provisions related to the duties, membership, and conflict-of-interest policies of the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission.

improvement act bill amends title xix medicaid social security act modify provisions related duties membership conflict interest policies medicaid


Summary:
Obamacare Opt-Out Act of 2015

Exempts from the minimum essential coverage requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act individuals who request an exemption through a health care marketplace or on their federal income tax return.

obamacare opt act exempts minimum essential coverage requirements patient_protection affordable care act individuals request exemption health care marketplace federal income tax return


Summary:
Obamacare Taxpayer Bailout Prevention Act

Repeals the provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and administer a program of risk corridors for calendar years 2014, 2015, and 2016 under which a qualified health plan offered in the individual or small group market is required to participate in a payment adjustment system based on the ratio of the allowable costs of the plan to the plan's aggregate premiums.

obamacare taxpayer bailout prevention act repeals provision patient_protection affordable care act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish administer program risk corridors calendar years qualified health plan offered individual small group market required participate payment adjustment system based ratio allowable costs plan plan aggregate premiums


Summary:
Employee Health Care Protection Act of 2015

Permits a health insurance issuer that had in effect health insurance coverage in the group market on any date during 2013 to continue offering that coverage through 2018 outside of a health care exchange established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Treats that coverage as a grandfathered health plan for purposes of an individual meeting the requirement to maintain minimum essential health coverage.

employee health care protection act permits health insurance issuer effect health insurance coverage group market date continue offering coverage outside health care exchange established patient_protection affordable care act treats coverage grandfathered health plan purposes individual meeting requirement maintain minimum essential health coverage


Summary:
CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2015

Makes a child eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) eligible for such care until the child's 26th birthday, regardless of the child's marital status.

Makes such provision inapplicable before January 1, 2016, to a child who is eligible to enroll in an employer-sponsored health care plan.

makes child eligible medical care champva eligible care child 26th birthday regardless child marital status makes provision inapplicable january child eligible enroll employer sponsored health care plan


Summary:
Jobs and Premium Protection Act

This bill repeals a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that imposes an annual fee on a health insurance provider based on its net premium income.

jobs premium protection act bill repeals provision patient_protection affordable care act imposes annual fee health insurance provider based net premium income


Summary:
American Liberty Restoration Act

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

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


Summary:
Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use the Secretary's existing authority to furnish health care to veterans at non-VA facilities to provide health care at non-VA facilities to veterans who reside more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest VA medical facility providing the care they seek.

directs secretary veterans_affairs use secretary existing authority furnish health care veterans non-va facilities provide health care non-va facilities veterans reside miles driving distance closest medical facility providing care seek


Summary:
American Job Protection Act

Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, that: (1) impose fines on large employers (employers with 50 or more full-time employees) who fail to offer their full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential health insurance coverage, and (2) require large employers to file a report with the Department of the Treasury on health insurance coverage provided to their full-time employees. Applies the Internal Revenue Code as if those provisions had never been enacted.

repeals provisions internal_revenue_code added patient_protection affordable care act impose fines large employers employers time employees fail offer time employees opportunity enroll minimum essential health insurance coverage require large employers file report department_of_the_treasury health insurance coverage provided time employees applies internal revenue code provisions enacted


Summary:
Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act of 2015

 Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the ambulance fee schedule to: (1) increase the conversion factor for ground ambulance services in the formula for determining the appropriate fee, and (2) increase the mileage rate for such services.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study how the conversion factor should be modified, if at all, to take into account the cost of providing ambulance services in urban, rural, and super-rural areas.

Directs the Secretary to establish a process to determine, in advance of furnishing end stage renal disease ambulance services, whether payment for them may not be made because they are not covered or because they are excluded from coverage. Prohibits any payment unless the Secretary determines, pursuant to this process, that the service meets coverage requirements.

Directs the Secretary to develop a data collection system for ambulance providers to collect cost, revenue, utilization, and other appropriate information.

medicare fraud prevention reform_act amends supplementary medical insurance benefits title xviii medicare social security act respect ambulance fee schedule increase conversion factor ground ambulance services formula determining appropriate fee increase mileage rate services directs secretary health_and_human_services study conversion factor modified account cost providing ambulance services urban rural super rural areas directs secretary establish process determine advance furnishing end stage renal disease ambulance services payment covered excluded coverage prohibits payment secretary determines pursuant process service meets coverage requirements directs secretary develop data collection system ambulance providers collect cost revenue utilization appropriate information


Summary:
Small Business Tax Credit Accessibility Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the small employer health care insurance tax credit, to: (1) revise the definition of "eligible small employer" to mean an employer with not more than 50 (currently, 25) full-time employees; (2) modify the phaseout formula for such credit to base such phaseout on number of employees and average annual wages; (3) extend from two to three consecutive taxable years the period during which an employer may claim such credit; and (4) eliminate the requirement that employers contribute the same percentage of cost of each employee's health insurance and the cap limiting eligible employer contributions to average premiums paid to a state health insurance exchange.

accessibility act amends internal revenue code respect small employer health care insurance tax credit revise definition eligible small employer mean employer currently time employees modify phaseout formula credit base phaseout number employees average annual wages extend consecutive taxable years period employer claim credit eliminate requirement employers contribute percentage cost employee health insurance cap limiting eligible employer contributions average premiums paid state health insurance exchange


Summary:
Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act of 2015

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, 2016, and (2) all medical centers by December 31, 2018.

Includes chiropractic examinations and services within required VA medical, rehabilitative, and preventive health care services.

chiropractic_care_available veterans act amends department veterans affairs 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:
Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act of 2015

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require a state Medicaid plan to provide 12-month continuous enrollment for an eligible individual, regardless of age.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) identify methods that promote the retention of individuals who are enrolled under the state plan or under a waiver of such plan and remain eligible for medical assistance beyond the 12-month period, (2) actively promote the adoption of such enrollment retention methods by states, (3) publish the procedures that states are expected to use to provide annual enrollment and retention reports, and (4) publish annually enrollment and retention performance results for all states.

Amends SSAct title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP) to: (1) require a state CHIP plan also to provide 12-month continuous enrollment for an eligible individual, and (2) prohibit eligibility standards from applying a waiting period for a targeted low-income child (including a child provided dental-only supplemental coverage).

Amends SSAct title XIX to allow a state to qualify for performance bonuses for the enrollment and retention in Medicaid of certain low-income individuals.

Directs the Secretary to make bonus payments to eligible states adopting certain policies and demonstrating improvement in the continuity of enrollment.

chip coverage act amends title xix medicaid social security act ssact require state medicaid plan provide month continuous enrollment eligible individual regardless age directs secretary health_and_human_services identify methods promote retention individuals enrolled state plan waiver plan remain eligible medical assistance month period actively promote adoption enrollment retention methods states publish procedures states expected use provide annual enrollment retention reports publish annually enrollment retention performance results states amends ssact title chip require state chip plan provide month continuous enrollment eligible individual prohibit eligibility standards applying waiting period targeted low income child including child provided dental supplemental coverage amends ssact title xix allow state qualify performance bonuses enrollment retention medicaid certain low income individuals directs secretary bonus payments eligible states adopting certain policies demonstrating improvement continuity enrollment


Summary:
Veterans TRICARE Choice Act

 Allows an individual who is eligible to participate in the TRICARE program (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to: (1) elect to be ineligible to enroll in such program, (2) make tax deductible contributions to a health savings account during the period such individual elects to be ineligible for TRICARE coverage, and (3) enroll in the TRICARE program at a later date during a special enrollment period.

Requires DOD to: (1) submit to the Internal Revenue Service information on each TRICARE-eligible individual who makes such election for purposes of determining such individual's eligibility for a health savings account; and (2) report to Congress, annually, on elections by TRICARE-eligible individuals under this Act.

veterans tricare choice act allows individual eligible participate tricare program department_of_defense dod managed health care program elect ineligible enroll program tax deductible contributions health savings account period individual elects ineligible tricare coverage enroll tricare program later date special enrollment period requires dod submit internal_revenue_service information tricare eligible individual makes election purposes determining individual eligibility health savings account report congress annually elections tricare eligible individuals act


Summary:
Provider Tax Administrative Simplification Act of 2015

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

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


Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for health insurance coverage costs by extending the eligible coverage month in which a taxpayer and the taxpayer's family members are covered by qualified health insurance to any month beginning before January 1, 2020.

bill amends internal_revenue_code extend tax credit health insurance coverage costs extending eligible coverage month taxpayer taxpayer family members covered qualified health insurance month beginning january


Summary:
Protecting and Retaining Our Children's Health Insurance Program Act of 2015

This bill revises and extends through FY2019 at generally increased levels the program under title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSAct), and adjusts CHIP allotment requirements accordingly, including the rebasing and growth factor update rules for computing state allotments. Appropriations are made for certain allotments.

Appropriations are made to the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund for FY2015-FY2018 (and for each of the semi-annual allotment periods for FY2019) for payments to eligible states.

The aggregate cap to payments from the Fund is removed for such fiscal years and allotment periods.

Additional specified amounts, with fiscal year limitation, are made available for payments from the Fund.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services must make payments to shortfall states from the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund in such fiscal years and allotment periods.

Performance incentive payments are revised and extended through FY2019.

Specified enrollment and retention provisions for children are outlined for FY2015 and each succeeding fiscal year.

The option is extended through FY2019 of a qualifying state to be paid from the state's allotment for certain Medicaid expenditures related to low-income individuals under age 19.

Title XI of the SSAct is also amended to extend through FY2019: (1) the quality care for children demonstration project, (2) childhood obesity demonstration project, and (3) pediatric quality measures program.

Also extended through FY20019 are CHIP grants to improve outreach and enrollment and appropriations to award such grants.

SSAct XIX (Medicaid) is amended to: (1) extend express lane eligibility through FY2019, and (2) allow use of income determinations under SSAct part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV or the supplemental nutrition assistance program of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to determine eligibility under the state Medicaid program.

protecting retaining children health insurance program act bill revises extends fy2019 generally increased levels program title chip social security act ssact adjusts chip allotment requirements accordingly including rebasing growth factor update rules computing state allotments appropriations certain allotments appropriations fy2015 fy2018 semi annual allotment periods fy2019 payments eligible states aggregate cap payments fund removed fiscal years allotment periods additional specified amounts fiscal year limitation available payments fund secretary health_and_human_services payments shortfall states fiscal years allotment periods performance incentive payments revised extended fy2019 specified enrollment retention provisions children outlined fy2015 succeeding fiscal year option extended fy2019 qualifying state paid state allotment certain medicaid expenditures related low income individuals age title ssact amended extend fy2019 quality care children demonstration project childhood obesity demonstration project pediatric quality measures program extended chip grants improve outreach enrollment appropriations award grants ssact xix medicaid amended extend express lane eligibility fy2019 allow use income determinations ssact temporary assistance needy families tanf title supplemental nutrition assistance program food_and_nutrition_act determine eligibility state medicaid program


Summary:
Removing Limitations on Insurance Effectiveness and Flexibility Act of 2015 or the ReLIEF Act

This bill deems catastrophic health plans described in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to be qualified health plans that are eligible for premium assistance and fulfill an individual's requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage. Limitations on eligibility for enrollment in catastrophic plans are eliminated.

removing limitations insurance effectiveness flexibility act relief act bill deems catastrophic health plans described patient_protection affordable care act qualified health plans eligible premium assistance fulfill individual requirement maintain minimum essential coverage limitations eligibility enrollment catastrophic plans eliminated


Summary:
Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians Act or the HELLPP Act

 Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to include podiatrists as physicians in order to cover their services under the Medicaid program.

Amends SSAct title XVIII (Medicare) to revise requirements for coverage of therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes regarding the processes of: (1) documentation by a physician of, and certification of a comprehensive plan of care related to, the diabetic condition; (2) prescription by a podiatrist or other qualified physician upon a finding of the medical necessity for the therapeutic shoes, including findings communicated to a certifying doctor of medicine or osteopathy of certain related foot conditions; and (3) fitting and supplying the shoes.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject to the continuing levy upon property and property rights, for collection of unpaid taxes, any payments made to a Medicaid provider or supplier.

podiatric physicians act act amends title xix medicaid social security act ssact include podiatrists physicians order cover services medicaid program amends ssact title xviii medicare revise requirements coverage therapeutic shoes individuals diabetes processes documentation physician certification comprehensive plan care related diabetic condition prescription qualified physician finding medical necessity therapeutic shoes including findings communicated certifying doctor medicine osteopathy certain related foot conditions fitting supplying shoes amends internal revenue code subject continuing levy property property rights collection unpaid taxes payments medicaid provider supplier


Summary:
Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015

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

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


Summary:
Steve Gleason Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as durable medical equipment any eye tracking and gaze interaction accessories for speech generating devices furnished to individuals with a demonstrated medical need for them.

Payment for speech generating devices or accessories shall be made on a rental basis, or in a lump-sum amount for the purchase of the item, without a cap on the amount.

bill amends title xviii medicare social security act cover durable medical equipment eye tracking interaction accessories speech generating devices furnished individuals demonstrated medical need payment speech generating devices accessories shall rental basis lump sum purchase item cap


Summary:
Self-Insurance Protection Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the definition of "health insurance coverage" a stop-loss policy obtained by a self-insured health plan or a sponsor of a self-insured group health plan to reimburse the plan or sponsor for losses incurred in providing health benefits to plan participants in excess of a level set forth in the stop-loss policy.

bill amends public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code exclude definition health insurance coverage stop loss policy obtained self insured health plan sponsor self insured group health plan reimburse plan sponsor losses incurred providing health benefits plan participants excess level set forth stop loss policy


Summary:
Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2015

This bill amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make a targeted beneficiary under the medication therapy management program of a part D eligible individual who has a single chronic disease of cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes.

medication therapy management empowerment act bill amends voluntary prescription drug benefit program title xviii medicare social security act targeted beneficiary medication therapy management program eligible individual single chronic disease cardiovascular disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diabetes


Summary:
Medicare CGM Access Act of 2015 - This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices furnished to a CGM qualified individual.

The Department of Health and Human Services must establish a fee schedule and ensure that CGM qualified individuals are furnished with appropriate device components.

medicare access act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare coverage continuous glucose monitoring devices furnished qualified individual department_of_health_and_human_services establish fee schedule ensure qualified individuals furnished appropriate device components


Summary:
Family Health Care Flexibility Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that: (1) restrict payments from health savings accounts, Archer medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending and reimbursement arrangements for medications to prescription drugs and insulin only (thus allowing payments for over-the-counter medications); and (2) impose a $2,500 limitation on salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan.

family health care flexibility act bill amends internal_revenue_code repeal provisions added affordable care act restrict payments health savings accounts archer medical savings accounts health flexible spending reimbursement arrangements medications prescription drugs insulin allowing payments counter medications impose limitation salary reduction contributions health flexible spending arrangement cafeteria plan


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Steve Gleason Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as durable medical equipment any eye tracking and gaze interaction accessories for speech generating devices furnished to individuals with a demonstrated medical need for them.

(Sec. 3) Payment for speech generating devices or accessories shall be made on a rental basis, or in a lump-sum amount for the purchase of the item, without a cap on the amount in the case of devices furnished on or after October 1, 2015, and before October 1, 2018.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated sec bill amends title xviii medicare social security act cover durable medical equipment eye tracking interaction accessories speech generating devices furnished individuals demonstrated medical need sec payment speech generating devices accessories shall rental basis lump sum purchase item cap case devices furnished october october


Summary:
Health Coverage Tax Credit Extension Act of 2015

This bill extends the tax credit for health insurance costs of a taxpayer and qualifying family members through 2019. The tax credit for health insurance costs is a refundable tax credit equal to 72.5% of the cost of qualified health coverage paid by an eligible individual [defined as an individual who is receiving a trade adjustment allowance, is eligible for the alternative trade adjustment assistance program, or is over age 55 and receives pension benefits from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)].

The bill requires a taxpayer to make an election to have the tax credit apply for any eligible coverage month during a taxable year. An eligible coverage month is a month in which an eligible individual is covered by qualified health insurance, does not have other specified coverage, and is not imprisoned.

The bill also directs the Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor and the PBGC to conduct a public outreach, including on the Internet, to inform individuals eligible for the tax credit for health insurance costs on the extension of such credit and the availability of the election to claim such credit retroactively for coverage months beginning after December 31, 2013.

bill extends tax credit health insurance costs taxpayer qualifying family members tax credit health insurance costs refundable tax credit equal cost qualified health coverage paid eligible individual defined individual receiving trade adjustment allowance eligible alternative trade adjustment assistance program age receives pension benefits pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc bill requires taxpayer election tax credit apply eligible coverage month taxable year eligible coverage month month eligible individual covered qualified health insurance specified coverage imprisoned bill directs departments treasury health_and_human_services labor pbgc conduct public outreach including internet inform individuals eligible tax credit health insurance costs extension credit availability election claim credit retroactively coverage months beginning december


Summary:
Preserving Freedom and Choice in Health Care Act

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirements for individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage and for large employers to pay penalties if a full-time employee: (1) must wait longer than 60 days to enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan, or (2) receives a premium assistance tax credit or reduced cost-sharing. Coverage reporting requirements for providers and large employers are also repealed.

Individuals enrolled in a health plan purchased through the federal health insurance exchange at the time of enactment of this Act who are ineligible for a premium assistance tax credit solely as a result of a determination by the Supreme Court in King v. Burwell are eligible for the tax credit. This applies to coverage months beginning after December 2013 and before September 2017.

Group health coverage in which an individual was enrolled during any part of the period beginning on the date of enactment of PPACA (March 23, 2010) and ending on December 31, 2017, is a grandfathered health plan under PPACA and is exempt from some coverage requirements.

Essential health benefits are defined by states. This amendment takes effect as if included in PPACA.

preserving freedom choice health care act bill amends patient_protection affordable care act ppaca internal_revenue_code repeal requirements individuals maintain minimum essential coverage large employers pay penalties time employee wait longer days enroll employer sponsored health plan receives premium assistance tax credit reduced cost sharing coverage reporting requirements providers large employers repealed individuals enrolled health plan purchased federal health insurance exchange time enactment act ineligible premium assistance tax credit solely result determination supreme_court king eligible tax credit applies coverage months beginning december september group health coverage individual enrolled period beginning date enactment ppaca march ending december grandfathered health plan ppaca exempt coverage requirements essential health benefits defined states amendment takes effect included ppaca


Summary:
TRICARE Portability Act of 2015

This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that beneficiaries covered under a TRICARE health plan are able to access health care under such health plan in each TRICARE program region.

The Secretary shall:

 provide for the automatic electronic transfer of demographic, enrollment, and claims information between the contractors responsible for administering the TRICARE program in each TRICARE region when covered beneficiaries relocate between such regions, ensure these covered beneficiaries are able to obtain a new primary health care provider within ten days of undergoing such relocation, and develop a process for such covered beneficiaries to receive urgent care without preauthorization while undergoing such relocation.

tricare portability act bill directs secretary defense ensure beneficiaries covered tricare health plan able access health care health plan tricare program region secretary shall provide automatic electronic transfer demographic enrollment claims information contractors responsible administering tricare program tricare region covered beneficiaries relocate regions ensure covered beneficiaries able obtain new primary health care provider days undergoing relocation develop process covered beneficiaries receive urgent care undergoing relocation


Summary:
Small Business Stability Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the definition of "applicable large employer," for purposes of the mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to provide employees with minimum essential health care coverage, to mean an employer who employed an average of at least 101 (currently, 50) full-time employees during the preceding calendar year. Excludes from such definition a small employer that is eligible to purchase a qualified health plan in the small group health insurance market, as defined in PPACA.

small business stability act amends internal revenue code modify definition applicable large employer purposes mandate patient_protection affordable care act ppaca provide employees minimum essential health care coverage mean employer employed average currently time employees preceding calendar year excludes definition small employer eligible purchase qualified health plan small group health insurance market defined ppaca


Summary:
Veterans Emergency Health Care Safety Net Expansion Act of 2015

Eliminates the requirement limiting reimbursement for emergency treatment in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility to veterans who are active participants in the VA's health care system. Requires the veteran to be an enrollee in the VA's patient enrollment system.

Treats the VA as a participating provider for purposes of allowing the VA to recover the costs it incurs in providing care to a veteran for a non-service connected disability that is covered under the veteran's health plan contract.

eliminates requirement limiting reimbursement emergency treatment non-department_of_veterans_affairs facility veterans active participants health care system requires veteran enrollee patient enrollment system treats participating provider purposes allowing recover costs incurs providing care veteran non service connected disability covered veteran health plan contract


Summary:
Charity Care Expansion Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a physician a tax deduction equal to the amount such physician would have otherwise charged for charity medical care provided on a volunteer or pro bono basis through a pre-existing agreement between the physician and a health care clinic or other organization providing health care to underserved or low-income individuals. Imposes an overal limitation on such deduction equal to 10% of the physician's gross income derived from physicians' services (as defined by the Social Security Act) or $10,000 for physicians who do not have income derived from physicians' services.

Repeals the block grant program for preventive health and health services under the Public Health Service Act.

charity care expansion act amends internal revenue code allow physician tax deduction equal physician charged charity medical care provided volunteer pro bono basis pre existing agreement physician health care clinic organization providing health care underserved low income individuals imposes limitation deduction equal physician gross income derived physicians services defined social_security_act physicians income derived physicians services repeals block grant program preventive health health services public_health_service_act


Summary:
Patient Freedom Act of 2015

This bill provides states with three options regarding title I (provisions on health insurance reform, exchanges, and subsidies) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA): (1) continue implementing PPACA, (2) do not apply title I of PPACA except to prohibit lifetime or annual limits on health insurance benefits and require coverage of dependents up to 26 years old, or (3) the second option plus implementation of a health savings account (HSA) deposit system.

In states implementing an HSA deposit system, residents who are enrolled in health insurance coverage that meets state standards receive monthly deposits in their HSAs either from states administering federal funds or as a tax credit paid in advance. States that administer deposits are entitled to payments from the Department of Health and Human Services for population health initiatives.

States with an HSA deposit system must offer a health insurance plan that is continually available for enrollment and penalize residents who have a break in coverage.

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to disregard assets in an HSA for purposes of determining Medicaid eligibility and benefits except for long-term care services.

This bill amends SSAct title XVIII (Medicare) to require participating hospitals to limit costs to individuals for uncovered emergency medical care.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that an individual have a high deductible health plan to be eligible for the tax benefits of an HSA.

HSAs can be used to pay premiums for health insurance that meets specified requirements.

HSA tax benefits only apply to payments for health care for which the provider publishes the price.

patient freedom act bill provides states options title provisions health insurance reform exchanges subsidies patient_protection affordable care act ppaca continue implementing ppaca apply title ppaca prohibit lifetime annual limits health insurance benefits require coverage dependents years old second option plus implementation health savings account hsa deposit system states implementing hsa deposit system residents enrolled health insurance coverage meets state standards receive monthly deposits hsas states administering federal funds tax credit paid advance states administer deposits entitled payments department_of_health_and_human_services population health initiatives states hsa deposit system offer health insurance plan continually available enrollment penalize residents break coverage bill amends title xix medicaid social security act ssact disregard assets hsa purposes determining medicaid eligibility benefits long term care services bill amends ssact title xviii medicare require participating hospitals limit costs individuals uncovered emergency medical care bill amends internal_revenue_code eliminate requirement individual high deductible health plan eligible tax benefits hsa hsas pay premiums health insurance meets specified requirements hsa tax benefits apply payments health care provider publishes price


Summary:
Transition to Independence Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program over five fiscal years, beginning with FY2017, under which a Medicaid Buy-In State meeting certain criteria may receive bonus payments for:

 meeting specific measurable benchmarks in expanding individual integrated employment and reducing subminimum wage work, congregate setting work, or facility-based day habilitation placements for working-age individuals with a disability receiving Medicaid-funded home or community-based services; and taking other actions conducive to expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities within the state.

transition independence act bill directs secretary health_and_human_services establish demonstration program fiscal years beginning fy2017 medicaid buy state meeting certain criteria receive bonus payments meeting specific measurable benchmarks expanding individual integrated employment reducing wage work congregate setting work facility based day placements working age individuals disability receiving medicaid funded home community based services taking actions conducive expanding employment opportunities individuals disabilities state


Summary:
Vested Employee Pension Benefit Protection Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employees in the building and construction industry to make distributions from their tax-exempt employer pension plans at age 55 if they are not separated from service at the time of such distributions and were participants in such plan on or before April 30, 2013.

vested employee pension benefit protection act amends internal revenue code allow employees building construction industry distributions tax exempt employer pension plans age separated service time distributions participants plan april


Summary:
Access to Independent Health Insurance Advisors Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to exclude remuneration paid for licensed independent insurance producers from administrative costs for purposes of calculating the medical-loss ratio of a health insurance plan.

Defines "independent insurance producer" to mean an insurance agent or broker, insurance consultant, benefit specialist, limited insurance representative, and any other person required to be licensed under state law to sell, solicit, negotiate, service, effect, procure, renew, or bind policies of insurance coverage or offer advice, counsel, opinions, or services related to insurance.

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


Summary: Expands eligibility for reimbursement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for emergency medical treatment furnished in a non-VA facility to include veterans that were unable to receive care from the VA within the 24-month period preceding such treatment because of a waiting period imposed by the VA with respect to a new patient examination.

expands eligibility reimbursement department_of_veterans_affairs emergency medical treatment furnished non-va facility include veterans unable receive care month period preceding treatment waiting period imposed respect new patient examination


Summary:
Small Business Healthcare Relief Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow an employer with fewer than 50 employees that does not offer group health insurance coverage to establish a health reimbursement arrangement. Under the arrangement, funds contributed by an employer are excluded from the employer's taxable income and are used to pay or reimburse employees for medical care expenses, including premiums for individual health insurance coverage or Medicare supplemental insurance.

Such a reimbursement arrangement: (1) must not pay premiums for an employee covered by a family member's coverage, (2) must be offered to all eligible employees on the same terms and may only vary based on the number of individuals covered, and (3) is not required to provide continuation coverage.

Employer contributions to a reimbursement arrangement are not included in an employee's gross income if the employee was covered by the reimbursement arrangement for more than nine months of the year. Employees covered for less than nine months have a percentage of employer contributions included in their gross income, with exceptions.

An employee offered affordable individual health insurance coverage under a reimbursement arrangement is not eligible for a premium assistance tax credit.

Employers must report contributions to a reimbursement arrangement on their employees' W-2.

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to exempt reimbursement arrangements from requirements for health insurance coverage. Insurance offered under a reimbursement arrangement remains subject to the requirements.

relief act bill amends internal_revenue_code employee retirement income security act erisa allow employer fewer employees offer group health insurance coverage establish health reimbursement arrangement arrangement funds contributed employer excluded employer taxable income pay reimburse employees medical care expenses including premiums individual health insurance coverage medicare supplemental insurance reimbursement arrangement pay premiums employee covered family member coverage offered eligible employees terms vary based number individuals covered required provide continuation coverage employer contributions reimbursement arrangement included employee gross income employee covered reimbursement arrangement months year employees covered months percentage employer contributions included gross income exceptions employee offered affordable individual health insurance coverage reimbursement arrangement eligible premium assistance tax credit employers report contributions reimbursement arrangement employees w-2 bill amends public_health_service_act exempt reimbursement arrangements requirements health insurance coverage insurance offered reimbursement arrangement remains subject requirements


Summary:
Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality Act of 2015 or the STARS Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt seasonal employees from the definition of "full-time employee" for purposes of the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide employees with minimum essential health care coverage. Defines "seasonal employee" as an employee who is employed in a position for which the customary annual employment is not more than six months and which requires performing labor or services that are ordinarily performed at certain seasons or periods of the year.

stars act amends internal revenue code exempt seasonal employees definition time employee purposes employer mandate patient_protection affordable care act provide employees minimum essential health care coverage defines seasonal employee employee employed position customary annual employment months requires performing labor services ordinarily performed certain periods year


Summary:
Medicare Patient Empowerment Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow any Medicare beneficiary to enter into a contract with an eligible professional, regardless of whether the professional is a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner, for any item or service covered by Medicare. Such beneficiaries may submit a claim for Medicare payment in the amount that would otherwise apply, except that, where the professional is considered to be non-participating, payment shall be paid as if the professional were participating.

An "eligible professional" is  a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, physical or occupational therapist, qualified speech-language pathologist, or qualified audiologist.

A Medicare beneficiary must agree in writing in such a contract to: (1) pay the eligible professional for a Medicare-covered item or service; and (2) submit, in lieu of the eligible professional, a claim for Medicare payment. However, a beneficiary maynegotiate, as a term of the contract, for the eligible professional to file such claims on the beneficiary's behalf.

The bill preempts state laws from limiting the amount of charges for physician and practitioner services for which Medicare payment is made.

medicare patient empowerment act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act allow medicare beneficiary enter contract eligible professional regardless professional participating non participating physician practitioner item service covered medicare beneficiaries submit claim medicare payment apply professional considered non participating payment shall paid professional participating eligible professional physician physician assistant nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist certified registered nurse anesthetist certified nurse midwife clinical social worker clinical psychologist physical occupational therapist qualified speech language qualified audiologist medicare beneficiary agree writing contract pay eligible professional medicare covered item service submit lieu eligible professional claim medicare payment beneficiary term contract eligible professional file claims beneficiary behalf bill preempts state laws limiting charges physician practitioner services medicare payment


Summary:
Health Insurance for Former Foster Youth Act

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to make technical revisions indicating that medical assistance is available to former foster care children regardless of whether they move between states.

bill amends title xix medicaid social security act technical revisions indicating medical assistance available foster care children regardless states


Summary:
Helping Veterans Save for Health Care Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a veteran receiving hospital care or medical services for a service-connected disabililty is not disqualified from participating in or contributing to a tax-preferred health savings account.

amends internal revenue code provide veteran receiving hospital care medical services service connected disqualified participating contributing tax preferred health savings account


Summary:
Improving the Quality of Disability Decisions Act of 2015

This bill amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Social Security Administration (SSA) to conduct pre-effectuation and post-effectuation quality reviews of hearing dispositions with respect to decisions in connection with applications for OASDI or SSI benefits, in a sufficient number to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and other guidance.

SSA shall report annually Congress on: (1) the total number of cases selected for quality review, (2) the number in which a decision is remanded, and (3) the number in which a decision is modified or reversed.

improving quality disability decisions act bill amends titles old age survivors disability_insurance oasdi xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act direct social_security_administration ssa conduct pre post quality reviews hearing dispositions respect decisions connection applications oasdi ssi benefits sufficient number ensure compliance laws regulations guidance ssa shall report annually congress total number cases selected quality review number decision remanded number decision modified


Summary:
Permanent Department of Veterans Affairs Choice Card Act of 2015

This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Choice Program permanent. (The program allows the furnishing of hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through agreements with non-VA entities.)

Eligibility requirements under the program are revised.

bill amends accountability act department_of_veterans_affairs permanent program allows furnishing hospital care medical services eligible veterans agreements non-va entities eligibility requirements program revised


Summary:
Commonsense Reporting Act of 2015

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Internal Revenue Code to modify the requirements for employers to report health insurance coverage information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the end of the tax year.

The bill changes the information that is required and permits employers to voluntarily report the information prior to the beginning of open enrollment.

The Department of the Treasury must develop a prospective reporting system to permit:

 employers to voluntarily report specified health insurance coverage information before the annual open enrollment period; the exchanges, the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub, and the IRS to access the information to provide the Department of Health and Human Services with information related to eligibility for advance payment of premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies; the exchanges to communicate with employers and employees regarding eligibility for the tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies; and employers to provide updates to the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub regarding changes in coverage for employees. At the time of enrollment, exchanges must provide employers the names of employees and dependents that enroll in a qualified health plan for a year.

If a health insurance issuer or employer is unable to obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number of a dependent, Treasury may permit the individual's full name and date of birth to be used instead.

Employers participating in the reporting system established by this bill are exempt from the requirement to report health insurance coverage information to the IRS by the end of the tax year.

commonsense reporting act bill amends patient_protection affordable care act ppaca internal_revenue_code modify requirements employers report health insurance coverage information internal_revenue_service irs end tax year bill changes information required permits employers voluntarily report information prior beginning open enrollment department_of_the_treasury develop prospective reporting system permit employers voluntarily report specified health insurance coverage information annual open enrollment period exchanges irs access information provide department_of_health_and_human_services information related eligibility advance payment premium tax credits cost sharing subsidies exchanges communicate employers employees eligibility tax credits cost sharing subsidies employers provide updates hub changes coverage employees time enrollment exchanges provide employers names employees dependents enroll qualified health plan year health insurance issuer employer unable obtain taxpayer identification number dependent treasury permit individual date birth instead employers participating reporting system established bill exempt requirement report health insurance coverage information irs end tax year


Summary:
Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, beginning with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).

middle class health benefits tax repeal act amends internal revenue code repeal beginning taxable years beginning december excise tax employer sponsored health care coverage excess benefit high cost plans


Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs Billing Accountability Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive the requirement that a veteran make copayments for medications, hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services if:

 an error committed by the VA or a VA employee was the cause of delaying copayment notification to the veteran, and the veteran received such notification later than 120 days (18 months in the case of a non-VA facility) after the date on which the veteran received the care or services. In requiring a veteran to make a copayment for care or services provided at a VA or a non-VA medical facility the VA shall notify the veteran not later than 120 days (18 months in the case of a non-VA facility) after the date on which the veteran received the care or services. If the VA does not provide notification by such date it may not collect the payment, including through a third-party entity, unless the veteran is provided with:

 information about applying for a waiver and establishing a payment plan with the VA, and opportunity to make a waiver or establish a payment plan. The VA shall review and improve its copayment billing internal controls and notification procedures.

department_of_veterans_affairs billing accountability act bill authorizes department_of_veterans_affairs waive requirement veteran copayments medications hospital care nursing home care medical services error committed employee cause delaying copayment notification veteran veteran received notification later days months case non-va facility date veteran received care services requiring veteran copayment care services provided non medical facility shall notify veteran later days months case non-va facility date veteran received care services provide notification date collect payment including party entity veteran provided information applying waiver establishing payment plan opportunity waiver establish payment plan shall review improve copayment billing internal controls notification procedures


Summary:
American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).

The bill expresses the sense of the Senate that the revenue loss resulting from the repeal of such excise tax should be offset by corresponding revenue.

bill amends internal_revenue_code repeal taxable years beginning december excise tax employer sponsored health care coverage excess benefit high cost plans bill expresses sense senate revenue loss resulting repeal excise tax offset corresponding revenue


Summary:
Preserving Medicare Advantage for all Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) temporarily prohibit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid from terminating a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan contract solely because the MA plan fails to achieve a certain minimum quality rating, provided that the MA plan achieves a quality rating of at least two out of five stars; and (2) establish a demonstration project to provide funds to MA organizations for the development or expansion of programs or services to improve health care delivery and outcomes for enrollees of low socioeconomic status.

To qualify for demonstration project funding, an MA plan must meet specified requirements with respect to quality ratings and the percentage of plan enrollees either eligible for a low-income subsidy or dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. MA organizations receiving funds under the demonstration project must use those funds to target improvement by the MA plan with respect to certain quality rating measures.

preserving medicare advantage medicare beneficiaries act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act temporarily prohibit centers terminating medicare advantage plan contract solely plan fails achieve certain minimum quality rating provided plan achieves quality rating stars establish demonstration project provide funds organizations development expansion programs services improve health care delivery outcomes enrollees low socioeconomic status qualify demonstration project funding plan meet specified requirements respect quality ratings percentage plan enrollees eligible low income subsidy dually eligible medicare medicaid organizations receiving funds demonstration project use funds target improvement plan respect certain quality rating measures


Summary:
Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prevent 2016 increases to Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles for enrollees, and (2) authorize federal funding to offset the corresponding reduction in aggregate monthly premiums.

Under current law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must annually determine the monthly actuarial rate upon which Part B premiums and deductibles are based. The bill temporarily freezes that rate at the 2015 level for enrollees, effectively preventing increases to premiums and deductibles for those enrollees in 2016. (Current law already protects Part B enrollees whose benefits are deducted from their Social Security benefits from premium increases that would result in a smaller Social Security check.)

protecting medicare beneficiaries act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act prevent increases medicare premiums deductibles enrollees authorize federal funding offset corresponding reduction aggregate monthly premiums current law annually determine monthly actuarial rate premiums deductibles based bill temporarily freezes rate level enrollees effectively preventing increases premiums deductibles enrollees current law protects enrollees benefits deducted social_security benefits premium increases result smaller social_security check


Summary:
Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Rates Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that federal requirements that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review unreasonable premium increases in health care coverage do not prohibit a state from imposing additional rate requirements on health insurance issuers that are more protective of consumers. The review is expanded to include all rate increases, not only premium increases.

HHS or the relevant state insurance commissioner or state regulator must ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected before, or as soon as possible after, implementation, including through mechanisms such as denying rates, modifying rates, or requiring rebates to consumers. HHS may apply civil monetary penalties to health insurance issuers that fail to comply with a corrective action taken by HHS and may make the plan involved ineligible for classification as a qualified health plan.

HHS must determine whether HHS or the state insurance commissioner or regulator will undertake such corrective actions based on whether the state can adequately undertake the actions. This Act applies to health plans grandfathered under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

protecting_consumers unreasonable rates act bill amends public_health_service_act declare federal requirements department_of_health_and_human_services hhs review unreasonable premium increases health care coverage prohibit state imposing additional rate requirements health insurance issuers protective consumers review expanded include rate increases premium increases hhs relevant state insurance commissioner state regulator ensure excessive unjustified unfairly discriminatory rates corrected soon possible implementation including mechanisms denying rates modifying rates requiring rebates consumers hhs apply civil monetary penalties health insurance issuers fail comply corrective action taken hhs plan involved ineligible classification qualified health plan hhs determine hhs state insurance commissioner regulator undertake corrective actions based state adequately undertake actions act applies health plans grandfathered patient_protection affordable care act


Summary:
Veterans Scheduling Accountability Act

This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct random, periodic audits of the medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Integrated Service Networks to determine if they are in compliance with legal and VA standards requiring that veterans be provided timely access to VA health care.

veterans scheduling accountability act bill directs government_accountability_office conduct random periodic audits medical facilities department_of_veterans_affairs veterans_integrated_service_networks determine compliance legal standards requiring veterans provided timely access health care


Summary:
Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to report annually to specified congressional committees on Medicare Advantage enrollment data.

bill amends title xviii medicare social security act direct centers medicare medicaid report annually specified congressional committees medicare_advantage enrollment data


Summary:
Medicare Advantage Bill of Rights Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish limits on the removal of Medicare Advantage (MA) providers by MA organizations. Within 60 days before the first day of the annual coordinated election period for an MA plan, an MA organization may remove a provider from the plan only if the provider is: (1) medically negligent, (2) in violation of a legal or contractual requirement, or (3) otherwise unfit to furnish items and services as required.

An MA organization may remove a provider from an MA plan only after the completion of a fair notice and appeal process. Additionally, the MA organization must: (1) provide written notification of the removal to each enrollee receiving items or services from the provider, and (2) ensure that the removal satisfies certain continuity of care requirements.

The bill also establishes network adequacy requirements. Specifically, when establishing a plan network, an MA organization shall consider specified factors related to provider availability and the timely provision of care. Furthermore, an MA organization must annually certify to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that providers in each of its plan networks are able to provide services and meet enrollees' needs as required.

Sanctions for noncompliance with the bill's requirements apply.

bill amends title xviii medicare social security act establish limits removal medicare_advantage providers organizations days day annual coordinated election period plan organization remove provider plan provider medically negligent violation legal contractual requirement unfit furnish items services required organization remove provider plan completion fair notice appeal process additionally organization provide written notification removal enrollee receiving items services provider ensure removal satisfies certain continuity care requirements bill establishes network adequacy requirements specifically establishing plan network organization shall consider specified factors related provider availability timely provision care furthermore organization annually certify centers providers plan networks able provide services meet enrollees needs required sanctions noncompliance bill requirements apply


Summary: This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to extend hospital and medical services under the Veterans Choice Program to veterans who are 75 years or older.

bill amends accountability act extend hospital medical services veterans_choice_program veterans years older


Summary:
Health Savings Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of health savings accounts (HSAs), to:

 rename high deductible health plans as HSA-qualified health plans; allow spouses who have both attained age 55 to make increased catch-up contributions to the same HSA; make Medicare Part A (hospital insurance benefits) beneficiaries eligible to participate in an HSA; allow individuals eligible for hospital care or medical services under a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization to participate in an HSA; allow individuals eligible to receive medical benefits under certain TRICARE plans to participate in an HSA; allow members of a health care sharing ministry to participate in an HSA; allow individuals who receive primary care services in exchange for a fixed periodic fee or payment, or who receive health care benefits from an onsite medical clinic of an employer, to participate in an HSA; include amounts paid for prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines or drugs as "qualified medical expenses" for which distributions from an HSA or an Archer Medical Savings Account may be used; and allow HSA distributions to be used to purchase health insurance coverage. The bill amends the federal bankruptcy code to exempt HSAs from creditor claims in bankruptcy.

The bill amends the Social Security Act to reauthorize the use of Medicaid health opportunity accounts.

The bill allows a medical care tax deduction for: (1) exercise equipment, physical fitness programs, and membership at a fitness facility; (2) nutritional and dietary supplements; and (3) periodic fees paid to a primary care physician and amounts paid for pre-paid primary care services.

health savings act bill amends internal_revenue_code respect taxation health savings accounts hsas rename high deductible health plans hsa qualified health plans allow spouses attained age increased catch contributions hsa medicare hospital insurance benefits beneficiaries eligible participate hsa allow individuals eligible hospital care medical services medical care program indian_health_service tribal organization participate hsa allow individuals eligible receive medical benefits certain tricare plans participate hsa allow members health care sharing ministry participate hsa allow individuals receive primary care services exchange fixed periodic fee payment receive health care benefits onsite medical clinic employer participate hsa include amounts paid prescriptions counter medicines drugs qualified medical expenses distributions hsa allow hsa distributions purchase health insurance coverage bill amends federal bankruptcy code exempt hsas creditor claims bankruptcy bill amends social security act reauthorize use medicaid health opportunity accounts bill allows medical care tax deduction exercise equipment physical fitness programs membership fitness facility nutritional dietary supplements periodic fees paid primary care physician amounts paid pre paid primary care services


Summary:
Health Care Premium Reduction Act

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to states to support the purchase of private health insurance by consumers and to stabilize health insurance premiums. Priority is given to states with the highest health insurance premiums and such states may be provided bonus payments.

States must use grants to:

 reduce health insurance premiums through activities such as cost-sharing programs to reduce deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses; increase the number of individuals with health insurance; review premium rates to determine unreasonable premium increases and facilitate reduction of such rates; and address health insurance affordability, quality, and accessibility through a waiver of health coverage requirements.

bill amends patient_protection affordable care act require department_of_health_and_human_services award grants states support purchase private health insurance consumers stabilize health insurance premiums priority given states highest health insurance premiums states provided bonus payments states use grants reduce health insurance premiums activities cost sharing programs reduce deductibles pocket expenses increase number individuals health insurance review premium rates determine unreasonable premium increases facilitate reduction rates address health insurance affordability quality accessibility waiver health coverage requirements