Summary: Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 - Title I: Medicare - Subtitle A: Beneficiary Improvements - Part 1: Prevention, Mental Health, and Marketing - (Sec. 101) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to cover additional preventive services. Includes body mass index and end-of-life planning among initial preventive physical examinations. (Sec. 102) Specifies stages for gradual elimination by 2014 of copayment rates for Medicare psychiatric services. (Sec. 103) Prescribes prohibitions on certain sales and marketing activities under Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and prescription drug plans, including: (1) the provision of gifts or prizes as enrollment inducements; (2) unsolicited means of direct contact; (3) cross-selling (the sale of other non-health related products, such as annuities and life insurance, during any sales or marketing activity or presentation conducted with respect to an MA plan); or (4) the provision of meals to prospective plan enrollees. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish limitations under MA plans of certain other marketing activities, including co-branding. Requires the inclusion of the plan type in the plan name. Imposes requirements on MA organizations relating to the exclusive use of licensed agents and brokers and compliance with state information requests in order to enable states to collaborate with the Secretary to address fraudulent or inappropriate marketing practices. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to provide for implementation of the changes in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model law and regulations approved by NAIC in its Model #651 on March 11, 2007, as modified to reflect the changes made under this Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. Requires a Medigap policy issuer to make available to an eligible individual at least Medicare supplemental policies classified as "C" or "F." Part II: Low-Income Programs - (Sec. 111) Extends the qualifying individual (QI) program through December 2009. Extends the total amount available for allocation with respect to state coverage of Medicare cost-sharing for additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 112) Provides for application of a full low-income subsidy (LIS) assets test under the Medicare Savings Program. (Sec. 113) Requires Social Security Administration assistance with Medicare Savings Program and LIS program applications. Makes appropriations for Administration costs related to such assistance. (Sec. 114) Eliminates Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) late enrollment penalties payable by subsidy-eligible individuals. (Sec. 115) Eliminates estate recovery under Medicaid of state-paid medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing. (Sec. 116) Prohibits support and maintenance furnished in kind from being counted as income with respect to eligibility for low-income subsidies under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Excludes life insurance policies from being counted as a resource under the Supplemental Security Income program (thus precluding their use in determining resources under the Medicare part D program). (Sec. 117) Provides for judicial review of decisions of the Commissioner of Social Security under the Medicare part D program. (Sec. 118) Requires translation into 10 languages (other than English) of the model application form for medical assistance for Medicare cost-sharing. (Sec. 119) Directs the Secretary to make grants to states for state health insurance assistance programs, area agencies on aging, and aging and disability resource centers. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Aging, to make a grant to, or contract with, a qualified, experienced entity to: (1) maintain and update web-based decision support tools, and integrated, person-centered systems, designed to inform older individuals about the full range of benefits for which they may be eligible under federal and state programs; and (2) develop an information clearinghouse on best practices and the most cost-effective methods for finding and informing older individuals with greatest economic need about such programs. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Part A - (Sec. 121) Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to states for increasing the delivery of mental health services or other health care services to meet the needs of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom living in rural areas. Extends the authorization for FLEX (Medicare rural hospital flexibility program) grants through FY2010. Includes among FLEX grant purposes providing support for critical access hospitals for quality improvement, quality reporting, performance improvements, and benchmarking. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to eligible critical access hospitals to assist them to transition to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and assisted living facilities. (Sec. 122) Permits substitution of a specified rebased target amount for the amount ordinarily calculated in Medicare payments to sole community hospitals for inpatient hospital services. (Sec. 123) Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project for development and testing of new community health integration models in certain rural counties for the delivery of acute care, extended care, and other essential health services to Medicare beneficiaries. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2012. (Sec. 124) Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to extend through FY2009 the reclassification of certain hospitals. (Sec. 125) Amends SSA title XVIII to repeal the unique deeming authority under which an insitution accredited as a hospital by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals shall be deemed to be a hospital eligible for Medicare payments. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Part B - Part 1: Physicians' Services - (Sec. 131) Increases the update for physicians' payments for the second half of 2008 and for 2009. Modifies the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund to eliminate funding for FY2013 and, if a specified contingency occurs, FY2014. Revises requirements for and extends the quality reporting system for 2010 and subsequent years, including increased incentive payments. Includes qualified audiologists as eligible professionals who must report data of quality measures. Directs the Secretary to establish a Physician Feedback Program, under which the Secretary shall use claims data to make confidential reports to physicians that measure the resources involved in furnishing care to individuals. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the Physician Feedback Program. (Sec. 132) Provides for incentive payments for electronic prescribing of medicine. (Sec. 133) Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to authorize the Secretary to expand the duration and the scope of the Medicare Medical Home Demonstration Project if such expansion is expected to: (1) improve the quality of patient care without increasing spending under the Medicare program; and (2) reduce spending under the Medicare program without reducing the quality of patient care. Provides funding. (Sec. 134) Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to extend through calendar 2009 the 1.0 floor on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the Medicare physician fee schedule. (Sec. 135) Establishes an accreditation requirement for advanced diagnostic imaging services. Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project to assess the appropriate use of imaging services. (Sec. 136) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, and the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to extend through 2009 specified treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. (Sec. 137) Makes permanent the exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements between two physicians over a longer continuous period during all of which one of them is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces. (Sec. 138) Directs the Secretary to increase by 5% the fee schedule otherwise applicable for specified psychotherapy services during the period from July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009. (Sec. 139) Sets forth a special 100% fee schedule payment rule for teaching anesthesiologists. Directs the Secretary to make specified adjustments to payments to teaching certified registered nurse anesthetists. Part II: Other Payment and Coverage Improvements - (Sec. 141) Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to extend the exceptions process for Medicare physical therapy caps through December 31, 2009. (Sec. 142) Extends the payment rule for brachytherapy and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals through December 31, 2009. (Sec. 143) Defines covered outpatient speech-language pathology services. (Sec. 144) Provides for coverage of pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation items and services, including an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program. Repeals the requirement that ownership of oxygen equipment be transferred from the supplier to the individual user after the 36th continuous month of its use. Requires continuous: (1) furnishing of such equipment by the supplier after the 36th month for the remainder of the equipment's useful lifetime; and (2) Medicare payment for the rental of the equipment. (Sec. 145) Repeals the Medicare competitive bidding demonstration project for clinical laboratory services. Specifies a reduction in the clinical laboratory test fee schedule update adjustment for 2009 through 2013. (Sec. 146) Extends increased Medicare payments for ground ambulance services. Sets forth a special payment rule for air ambulance services under the ambulance fee schedule. (Sec. 147) Extends and expands the Medicare hold harmless provision under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department (HOPD) services for certain hospitals. (Sec. 148) Provides that clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished by a critical access hospital shall be treated as being furnished as part of outpatient critical access services without regard to whether the outpatient is physically present in the critical access hospital, or in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or a clinic (including a rural health clinic) operated by such a hospital, at the time the specimen is collected. (Sec. 149) Adds a hospital-based or critical access hospital-based renal dialysis center, a SNF, and a community mental health center as originating sites for purposes of payment for telehealth services. (Sec. 150) Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to study and report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Medicare Chronic Care Practice Research Network that would serve as a standing network of providers testing new models of care coordination and other care approaches for chronically ill beneficiaries. (Sec. 151) Directs the Secretary, in the case of services furnished by federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), to establish payment limits with respect to services furnished: (1) in 2010 at the limits otherwise established for such year increased by $5; and (2) in a subsequent year at the limits established for the previous year increased by the percentage increase in the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the effects and adequacy of the Medicare FQHC payment structure. (Sec. 152) Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to establish pilot projects to increase public and medical community awareness of and screening for chronic kidney disease, as well as enhance surveillance systems to better assess its prevalence and incidence. Authorizes appropriations. Extends Medicare coverage to kidney disease patient education services. (Sec. 153) Revises requirements for payments for renal dialysis services. Reduces the composite rate factor in the updates for renal dialysis services furnished during calendar 2009, and those furnished on or after January 1, 2010. Directs the Secretary, for dialysis services furnished on or after January 1, 2011, to implement a (bundled) payment system under which a single payment is made to a service provider or a renal dialysis facility for renal dialysis services in lieu of any other payment. Institutes a system of quality incentives for service providers and renal dialysis facilities in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) program. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on implementation of the ESRD bundling payment system and quality initiative. (Sec. 154) Delays generally until after 2011 full implementation of the Medicare competitive acquisition program for the purchase of durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). Revises requirements for such program, dividing its implementation into two rounds, and specifying covered item updates for 2009-2014. Prescribes requirements for application of accreditation in implementing quality standards. Requires suppliers to disclose subcontractors. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for a competitive acquisition ombudsman within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to respond to complaints and inquiries by suppliers and individuals. Specifies topics for the Comptroller General's required study and report to Congress on the impact of competitive acquisition of DME on suppliers, manufacturers, and patients. Sets forth a special rule for the competitive acquisition program for diabetic testing strips. Subtitle D: Provisions Relating to Part C - (Sec. 161) Provides for phase-out of indirect costs of medical education (IME) from capitation rates. (Sec. 162) Revises requirements for certain non-employer Medicare Advantage (MA) private fee-for-service plans, as well as MA plans for special needs individuals, including, respectively, among other changes, requirements to assure access to network coverage and care management requirements for all special needs plans. (Sec. 163) Requires MA private fee-for-service and Medicare Savings Account (MSA) plans to have a quality improvement program (Sec. 165) Places a limitation on out-of-pocket costs (cost-sharing) for dual eligibles and qualified Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals. (Sec. 166) Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to decrease the amount of funding available to the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization Fund during 2014. (Sec. 167) Extends through January 1, 2010, reasonable cost reimbursement contracts the Secretary may enter with organizations whose capacity to bear the risk of potential losses under a risk-sharing contract is in doubt. Modifies the requirement that at least two MA regional plans be offered in the service area for the prohibition against the extension or renewal of a reasonable cost contract on or after January 1, 2010, to apply. Requires that such plans not be offered by the same MA organization. Changes the minimum enrollment requirements applicable to such a plan. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the reasons, if any, why reasonable cost reimbursement contracts are unable to become MA plans under Medicare part C. (Sec. 168) Requires MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on how comparable measures of performance and patient experience (quality measures) can be collected and reported by 2011 for the MA program and the original Medicare fee-for-service program. (Sec. 169) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to Congress on the correlation between: (1) the costs that Medicare Advantage organizations incur in providing Medicare Advantage plan coverage for items and services covered under the original Medicare fee-for-service program, as reflected in plan bids; and (2) county-level spending under such original Medicare fee-for-service program on a per capita basis. Requires study of: (1) alternate approaches to payment with respect to a Medicare beneficiary enrolled in an MA plan other than through county-level payment area equivalents; (2) the accuracy and completeness of county-level estimates of per capita spending under the original Medicare fee-for-service program; and (3) ways to improve the accuracy and completeness of such county-level estimates. Subtitle E: Provisions Relating to Part D - Part I: Improving Pharmacy Access - (Sec. 171) Requires prompt payment of clean claims by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and MA-Prescription Drug plans under Medicare part D. Requires interest payments on late claims. (Sec. 172) Requires each PDP contract with a PDP sponsor to provide that the pharmacy located in, or having a contract with, a long-term care facility shall have between 30 and 90 days to submit claims to the sponsor for reimbursement. (Sec. 173) Requires each contract with a PDP sponsor using a pharmacy reimbursement prescription drug pricing standard to require a weekly update of the standard to reflect accurately the market price of acquiring the drug. Part II: Other Provisions - (Sec. 175) Includes barbiturates and benzodiazepines as covered part D drugs. (Sec. 176) Directs the Secretary to identify categories and classes of drugs for which: (1) restricted access would have major or life threatening clinical consequences for individuals who have a disease or disorder treated by them; and (2) there is significant clinical need for such individuals to have access to multiple drugs within a category or class because of unique chemical actions and pharmacological effects of such drugs, such as drugs used in the treatment of cancer. Requires PDP sponsors to include all covered part D drugs in a formulary in categories and classes identified by the Secretary, unless the Secretary establishes exceptions according to a specified process. Subtitle F: Other Provisions - (Sec. 181) Allows the use of information provided to the Secretary under contracts with PDP sponsors for the general purposes of Medicare part D, improving public health through research. Requires such information to be made available to congressional support agencies for congressional oversight of the part D program. (Sec. 182) Revises the definition of "medically accepted indication for drugs." (Sec. 183) Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with a consensus-based entity (e.g., the National Quality Forum) for certain activities relating to health care performance measurement; and (2) evaluate and report to Congress on approaches for the collection of data regarding health care disparities. Provides funding. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the performance and costs of such entity. (Sec. 184) Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative methods of payment for items and services provided under clinical trials and comparative effectiveness studies sponsored or supported by an agency supported by an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services to the extent such alternative methods are necessary to preserve the scientific validity of such trials or studies, such as in the case where masking the identity of interventions from patients and investigators is necessary to comply with the particular trial or study design. (Sec. 185) Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate approaches for the collection of data that allow for the ongoing, accurate, and timely collection and evaluation of data on disparities in health care services and performance on the basis of race, ethnicity, and gender; and (2) implement the most effective ones. (Sec. 186) Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project to determine the greatest needs and most effective methods of outreach to Medicare beneficiaries who were previously uninsured. (Sec. 187) Directs the Inspector General to prepare and publish a report on: (1) the extent to which Medicare providers and plans are complying with the Office for Civil Rights' Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons and the Office of Minority Health's Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards in health care; and (2) a description of the costs associated with or savings related to the provision of language services. (Sec. 188) Creates the Medicare Improvement Fund. Provides funding. (Sec. 189) Directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to participate in the Federal Payment Levy Program and ensure that all Medicare provider and supplier payments are processed through it, in specified graduated percentages, by the end of FY2011. Requires any disbursing official of the Department of Health and Human Services to apply administrative offsets with respect to Medicare provider or supplier payments. Title II: Medicaid - (Sec. 201) Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to extend through June 30, 2009, the transitional medical assistance (TMA), and the abstinence education program under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XVIII to extend the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotment for Tennessee and Hawaii. (Sec. 203) Delays until October 1, 2009, the application of the new payment limit for multiple source drugs under Medicaid. (Sec. 204) Amends SSA title XI to entitle states to receive reconsideration of a claim disallowance. (Sec. 205) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to exempt Medicaid health insuring organizations operated by public entities in Ventura and Merced Counties, California, from the requirement that they be Medicaid managed care organizations meeting certain criteria. Declares that such exemption shall not apply with respect to any period for which the number of Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled with such health insuring organizations exceeds 16% (currently 14%) of the number of such beneficiaries in California. Title III: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 301) Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to extend through FY2009 supplemental grants under SSA title IV part D (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF). (Sec. 302) Amends SSA title IV part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to set at 70% the federal matching rate for foster care and adoption assistance for the District of Columbia. (Sec. 303) Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through FY2011 special diabetes grant programs for Type I diabetes and for Indians. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies to identify, and report to the Secretary and Congress on, the methodological standards for conducting systematic reviews of clinical effectiveness research on health and health care in order to ensure that reviewing organizations have objective, scientifically valid, and consistent information on methods. Requires the Secretary to contract with the IOM, also, to study and report to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees on the best methods used in developing clinical practice guidelines in order to ensure that organizations developing such guidelines have objective, scientifically valid, and consistent information on approaches.

providers act title beneficiary improvements prevention mental health marketing sec amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa amended medicare medicaid schip extension act cover additional preventive services includes body mass index end life planning initial preventive physical examinations sec specifies stages gradual elimination copayment rates medicare psychiatric services sec prescribes prohibitions certain sales marketing activities medicare_advantage plans prescription drug plans including provision gifts prizes enrollment inducements unsolicited means direct contact cross selling sale non health related products annuities life insurance sales marketing activity presentation conducted respect plan provision meals prospective plan enrollees requires secretary health_and_human_services establish limitations plans certain marketing activities including branding requires inclusion plan type plan imposes requirements organizations relating exclusive use licensed agents brokers compliance state information requests order enable states collaborate secretary address fraudulent inappropriate marketing practices sec directs secretary provide implementation changes national_association_of_insurance_commissioners naic model law regulations approved naic model march modified reflect changes act requires medigap policy issuer available eligible individual medicare supplemental policies classified low income programs sec extends qualifying individual program december extends total available allocation respect state coverage medicare cost sharing additional low income medicare beneficiaries sec provides application low income subsidy lis assets test medicare_savings_program sec requires social_security_administration assistance medicare_savings_program lis program applications makes appropriations administration costs related assistance sec eliminates medicare voluntary prescription drug benefit program late enrollment penalties payable subsidy eligible individuals sec eliminates estate recovery medicaid state paid medical assistance medicare cost sharing sec prohibits support maintenance furnished kind counted income respect eligibility low income subsidies medicare voluntary prescription drug benefit program excludes life insurance policies counted resource supplemental security income program precluding use determining resources medicare program sec provides judicial review decisions commissioner_of_social_security medicare program sec requires translation languages english model application form medical assistance medicare cost sharing sec directs secretary grants states state health insurance assistance programs area agencies aging aging disability resource centers requires secretary acting assistant secretary aging grant contract qualified experienced entity maintain update web based decision support tools integrated person centered systems designed inform older individuals range benefits eligible federal state programs develop information clearinghouse best practices cost effective methods finding informing older individuals greatest economic need programs subtitle provisions relating sec authorizes secretary award grants states increasing delivery mental health services health care services meet needs veterans operation iraqi freedom operation enduring freedom living rural areas extends authorization flex medicare rural hospital flexibility program grants fy2010 includes flex grant purposes providing support critical access hospitals quality improvement quality reporting performance improvements authorizes secretary award grants eligible critical access hospitals assist transition skilled nursing facilities snfs assisted living facilities sec permits substitution specified target ordinarily calculated medicare payments sole community hospitals inpatient hospital services sec directs secretary establish demonstration project development testing new community health integration models certain rural counties delivery acute care extended care essential health services medicare beneficiaries authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2012 sec amends tax relief health care act amended medicare medicaid schip extension act extend fy2009 reclassification certain hospitals sec amends ssa title xviii repeal unique deeming authority accredited hospital shall deemed hospital eligible medicare payments subtitle provisions relating physicians services sec increases update physicians payments second half modifies quality initiative fund eliminate funding fy2013 specified contingency occurs fy2014 revises requirements extends quality reporting system subsequent years including increased incentive payments includes qualified audiologists eligible professionals report data quality measures directs secretary establish secretary shall use claims data confidential reports physicians measure resources involved furnishing care individuals directs comptroller general study report congress sec provides incentive payments electronic prescribing medicine sec amends tax relief health care act authorize secretary expand duration scope expansion expected improve quality patient care increasing spending medicare program reduce spending medicare program reducing quality patient care provides funding sec amends ssa title xviii amended medicare medicaid schip extension act extend calendar floor medicare work geographic adjustment medicare physician fee schedule sec establishes accreditation requirement advanced diagnostic imaging services directs secretary conduct demonstration project assess appropriate use imaging services sec amends medicare medicaid schip benefits improvement protection act amended medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act tax relief health care act medicare medicaid schip extension act extend specified treatment certain physician pathology services medicare sec makes permanent exception day limit medicare reciprocal billing arrangements physicians longer continuous period ordered active duty member reserve component armed forces sec directs secretary increase fee schedule applicable specified services period july december sec sets forth special fee schedule payment rule teaching directs secretary specified adjustments payments teaching certified registered nurse anesthetists payment coverage improvements sec amends ssa title xviii amended medicare medicaid schip extension act extend exceptions process medicare physical therapy caps december sec extends payment rule therapeutic december sec defines covered outpatient speech language pathology services sec provides coverage pulmonary cardiac rehabilitation items services including intensive cardiac rehabilitation program repeals requirement ownership oxygen equipment transferred supplier individual user continuous month use requires continuous furnishing equipment supplier month remainder equipment useful lifetime medicare payment rental equipment sec repeals medicare competitive bidding demonstration project clinical laboratory services specifies reduction clinical laboratory test fee schedule update adjustment sec extends increased medicare payments ground ambulance services sets forth special payment rule air ambulance services ambulance fee schedule sec extends expands medicare hold harmless provision prospective payment system hospital outpatient department services certain hospitals sec provides clinical diagnostic laboratory services furnished critical access hospital shall treated furnished outpatient critical access services regard outpatient physically present critical access hospital skilled nursing facility snf clinic including rural health clinic operated hospital time specimen collected sec adds hospital based critical access hospital based renal dialysis center snf community mental health center originating sites purposes payment telehealth services sec directs medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac study report congress feasibility advisability establishing medicare chronic care practice research network serve standing network providers testing new models care coordination care approaches chronically ill beneficiaries sec directs secretary case services furnished federally qualified health centers fqhcs establish payment limits respect services furnished limits established year increased subsequent year limits established previous year increased percentage increase medicare economic index requires comptroller general study report congress effects adequacy payment structure sec amends public_health_service_act direct secretary establish pilot projects increase public medical community awareness screening chronic kidney disease enhance surveillance systems better assess prevalence incidence authorizes appropriations extends medicare coverage kidney disease patient education services sec revises requirements payments renal dialysis services reduces composite rate factor updates renal dialysis services furnished calendar furnished january directs secretary dialysis services furnished january implement bundled payment system single payment service provider renal dialysis facility renal dialysis services lieu payment institutes system quality incentives service providers renal dialysis facilities end stage renal disease esrd program directs comptroller general report congress implementation esrd bundling payment system quality initiative sec delays generally implementation medicare competitive acquisition program purchase durable medical equipment dme prosthetics orthotics supplies dmepos revises requirements program dividing implementation rounds specifying covered item updates prescribes requirements application accreditation implementing quality standards requires suppliers disclose subcontractors directs secretary health_and_human_services provide competitive acquisition ombudsman respond complaints inquiries suppliers individuals specifies topics comptroller_general required study report congress impact competitive acquisition dme suppliers manufacturers patients sets forth special rule competitive acquisition program diabetic testing strips subtitle provisions relating sec provides phase indirect costs medical education ime capitation rates sec revises requirements certain non employer medicare_advantage private fee service plans plans special needs individuals including respectively changes requirements assure access network coverage care management requirements special needs plans sec requires private fee service msa plans quality improvement program sec places limitation pocket costs cost sharing dual eligibles qualified medicare beneficiaries enrolled specialized plan special needs individuals sec amends ssa title xviii amended medicare medicaid schip extension act decrease funding available sec extends january reasonable cost reimbursement contracts secretary enter organizations capacity bear risk potential losses risk sharing contract doubt modifies requirement regional plans offered service area prohibition extension renewal reasonable cost contract january apply requires plans offered organization changes minimum enrollment requirements applicable plan directs comptroller general study report congress reasons reasonable cost reimbursement contracts unable plans medicare sec requires medpac study report congress comparable measures performance patient experience quality measures collected reported program original medicare fee service program sec directs medpac study report congress correlation costs medicare_advantage organizations incur providing medicare_advantage plan coverage items services covered original medicare fee service program reflected plan bids county level spending original medicare fee service program capita basis requires study alternate approaches payment respect medicare beneficiary enrolled plan county level payment area equivalents accuracy completeness county level estimates capita spending original medicare fee service program ways improve accuracy completeness county level estimates subtitle provisions relating improving pharmacy access sec requires prompt payment clean claims prescription drug plans pdps ma-prescription_drug plans medicare interest payments late claims sec requires pdp contract pdp sponsor provide pharmacy located having contract long term care facility shall days submit claims sponsor reimbursement sec requires contract pdp sponsor pharmacy reimbursement prescription drug pricing standard require weekly update standard reflect accurately market price acquiring drug provisions sec includes benzodiazepines covered drugs sec directs secretary identify categories classes drugs restricted access major life threatening clinical consequences individuals disease disorder treated significant clinical need individuals access multiple drugs category class unique chemical actions pharmacological effects drugs drugs treatment cancer requires pdp sponsors include covered drugs formulary categories classes identified secretary secretary establishes exceptions according specified process subtitle provisions sec allows use information provided secretary contracts pdp sponsors general purposes medicare improving public health research requires information available congressional support agencies congressional oversight program sec revises definition medically accepted indication drugs sec directs secretary contract consensus based entity certain activities relating health care performance measurement evaluate report congress approaches collection data health care disparities provides funding requires comptroller general study report congress performance costs entity sec authorizes secretary develop alternative methods payment items services provided clinical trials comparative effectiveness studies sponsored supported agency supported agency department_of_health_and_human_services extent alternative methods necessary preserve scientific validity trials studies case identity interventions patients investigators necessary comply particular trial study design sec directs secretary evaluate approaches collection data allow ongoing accurate timely collection evaluation data disparities health care services performance basis race ethnicity gender implement effective ones sec directs secretary establish demonstration project determine greatest needs effective methods outreach medicare beneficiaries previously uninsured sec directs inspector general prepare publish report extent medicare providers plans complying office_of_minority_health culturally standards health care description costs associated savings related provision language services sec creates medicare_improvement_fund provides funding sec directs centers participate ensure medicare provider supplier payments processed specified graduated percentages end fy2011 requires disbursing official department_of_health_and_human_services apply administrative offsets respect medicare provider supplier payments title medicaid sec amends tax relief health care act extend june transitional medical assistance tma abstinence education program ssa title xix medicaid sec amends ssa title xviii extend medicaid disproportionate share hospital dsh allotment tennessee hawaii sec delays october application new payment limit multiple source drugs medicaid sec amends ssa title entitle states receive reconsideration claim disallowance sec amends consolidated_omnibus_budget reconciliation act exempt medicaid health insuring organizations operated public entities ventura california requirement medicaid managed care organizations meeting certain criteria declares exemption shall apply respect period number medicaid beneficiaries enrolled health insuring organizations exceeds currently number beneficiaries california title iii miscellaneous sec amends deficit reduction act extend fy2009 supplemental grants ssa title temporary assistance needy families tanf sec amends ssa title federal payments foster care adoption assistance set federal matching rate foster care adoption assistance district_of_columbia sec amends public_health_service_act extend fy2011 special diabetes grant programs type diabetes indians sec directs secretary contract national academies identify report secretary congress standards conducting systematic reviews clinical effectiveness research health health care order ensure reviewing organizations objective scientifically valid consistent information methods requires secretary contract study report secretary appropriate congressional committees best methods developing clinical practice guidelines order ensure organizations developing guidelines objective scientifically valid consistent information approaches


Summary: Medicare Beneficiary Protection Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and maintain a Medicare plan complaint system. Requires non-network Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans to disclose providers that refuse to accept certain enrollees in the plan. Prohibits certain marketing practices with respect to Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans, including provision for meals or other items of monetary value, telemarketing, cross-selling, and up-selling. Revises enrollment requirements under Medicare parts C (Medicare+Choice) and D (Voluntary Prescription Drugs). Allows an individual to discontinue an election of a Medicare+Choice plan if enrolled fewer than 60 days. Changes the beginning date of the annual, coordinated election period for such a plan from November 15 to October 1. Requires the Secretary, in establishing a process for the enrollment, disenrollment, termination, and change of enrollment of part D eligible individuals in prescription drug plans, to use rules similar to (and coordinated with) those under the Medicare+Choice program for a continuous open enrollment and disenrollment period for the first three months of the year in which an individual first becomes eligible.

amends title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services develop maintain medicare plan complaint system requires non network medicare_advantage private fee service plans disclose providers refuse accept certain enrollees plan prohibits certain marketing practices respect medicare_advantage plans prescription drug plans including provision meals items monetary value telemarketing cross selling selling revises enrollment requirements medicare parts voluntary prescription drugs allows individual discontinue election plan enrolled fewer days changes beginning date annual coordinated election period plan november october requires secretary establishing process enrollment disenrollment termination change enrollment eligible individuals prescription drug plans use rules similar coordinated program continuous open enrollment disenrollment period months year individual eligible


Summary: Medicare Special Needs Plans Extension and Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend the authority to restrict enrollment for specialized Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for special needs individuals. Redefines specialized MA plan for special needs individuals to require targeted enrollment of high-risk groups. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into agreements with states to coordinate the financing of specialized MA plans for special needs individuals for enrollees entitled to medical assistance under state Medicaid plans. Establishes additional requirements for dual special needs plans (SNPs) as well as for severe or disabling chronic condition SNPs. Directs the Secretary to evaluate for Congress the adequacy of the MA risk adjustment system for high-risk, high cost beneficiaries. Authorizes the Secretary to modify rules, policies, and procedures under SSA titles XVIII and XIX (Medicaid) to provide for alignment of Medicare and Medicaid requirements for dual eligibles, particularly in the oversight of SNPs serving such dual eligibles. Directs the Secretary to etablish or designate an Office on Medicare/Medicaid Integration to align Medicare and Medicaid policies and procedures and develop tools to support state integration efforts for dual eligible access to Medicare and Medicaid benefits and services.

medicare special needs plans extension amendments act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa extend authority restrict enrollment specialized medicare_advantage plans special needs individuals redefines plan special needs require targeted enrollment high risk groups directs secretary health_and_human_services enter agreements states coordinate financing specialized plans special needs individuals enrollees entitled medical assistance state medicaid plans establishes additional requirements dual special needs plans severe disabling chronic condition directs secretary evaluate congress adequacy risk adjustment system high risk high cost beneficiaries authorizes secretary modify rules policies procedures ssa titles xviii xix medicaid provide alignment medicare medicaid requirements dual eligibles particularly oversight serving dual eligibles directs secretary designate office align medicare medicaid policies procedures develop tools support state integration efforts dual eligible access medicare medicaid benefits services


Summary: Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small business owners with 50 or fewer employees a refundable tax credit for the payment of a portion of the health care expenses of their employees.

relief act amends internal revenue code allow certain small business owners fewer employees refundable tax credit payment portion health care expenses employees


Summary: Mental Health for Heroes' Families Act of 2008 - Removes the requirement that, in order for family members of a veteran being treated in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital for a non-service-connected disability to be eligible for counseling, training, and mental health services in connection with the veteran's treatment: (1) such services must have been initiated during the veteran's hospitalization; and (2) the continued provision of such services on an outpatient basis is essential to permit the veteran's discharge from the hospital.

mental health heroes families act removes requirement order family members veteran treated department_of_veterans_affairs hospital non service connected disability eligible counseling training mental health services connection veteran treatment services initiated veteran hospitalization continued provision services outpatient basis essential permit veteran discharge hospital


Summary: Encourage Initiative and Promote Self-Esteem Act of 2008 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to establish special rules for benefits based on waxing and waning medical conditions in qualified disabled individuals.

encourage initiative promote self act amends titles survivors disability insurance oasdi xvi supplemental security income social security act establish special rules benefits based medical conditions qualified disabled individuals


Summary: Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008 - Makes eligible for health care under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system veterans with incomes not exceeding 150% of the maximum for treatment as a low-income family. (Currently, only veterans with incomes not exceeding the maximum for treatment as a low-income family are so eligible.)

expanding availability health care act makes eligible health care department_of_veterans_affairs patient enrollment system veterans incomes exceeding maximum treatment low income family currently veterans incomes exceeding maximum treatment low income family eligible


Summary: Improving Children's Doctor Access Act of 2008 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require annual state SCHIP reports to include information on: (1) the HEDIS (Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set) measure relating to access to primary care practitioners by individuals eligible for child health assistance; and (2) efforts to avoid displacement of private health coverage. Expresses the sense of Congress that states with a state child health plan should utilize consumer satisfaction surveys developed by the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, specifically the Getting Needed Care and Getting Care Quickly question components of the CAHPS 4.0H Child Survey, to measure the extent to which individuals eligible for child health assistance under the state plan have access to physicians.

doctor access act amends title schip social security act require annual state schip reports include information measure relating access primary care practitioners individuals eligible child health assistance efforts avoid displacement private health coverage expresses sense congress states state child health plan utilize consumer satisfaction surveys developed administered agency healthcare_research quality specifically question components child survey measure extent individuals eligible child health assistance state plan access physicians


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

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


Summary: Reinstatement of Enrollment for Medicaid Eligibility of Disadvantaged Youth (REMEDY) Act - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state plan to provide for the reinstatement to enrollment for medical assistance and child health assistance upon release from a public institution of an individual youth who was enrolled for such assistance immediately before becoming an inmate of such institution.

reinstatement enrollment medicaid eligibility disadvantaged youth remedy act_-_amends titles xix medicaid schip social security act require state plan provide reinstatement enrollment medical assistance child health assistance release public institution individual youth enrolled assistance immediately inmate institution


Summary: Health Security for All Americans Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding: (1) the physician payment update; (2) geographic cost-of-practice indices (GPCI) floors; (3) annual physical examinations; (4) the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program; (5) the inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; and (6) proportional representation of rural area interests on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national public information campaign on initial preventive physical examinations for Medicare beneficiaries. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to rules governing enhanced marketplace pools for small business health plans. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XXX (Health Care Insurance Marketplace Modernization) under which the Secretary shall promulgate regulations establishing minimum standards for health insurance premium variations and model small group rating rules. Provides for affordable plans and the harmonization of health insurance standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the qualified health insurance costs of individuals. Amends veterans benefits law to allow an enrolled veteran to elect to receive covered health services through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility. Authorizes VA pharmacies to dispense medications to veterans on private practitioner prescriptions. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program of child care assistance for individuals pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to award grants to partnerships of accredited nursing schools and hospitals or health facilities to establish projects to enable a hospital or health facility to retain its staff of experienced nurses while having these individuals become, through an accelerated nursing education program, faculty members of an accredited nursing school. Directs the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education that offer: (1) a Registered Nurse (RN) nursing program at the baccalaureate or associate degree level to enable the program to expand its faculty and facilities to accommodate additional RN nursing program students; or (2) a graduate-level nursing program to accommodate advanced practice degrees for RNs or to accommodate students enrolled in a graduate-level nursing program to provide teachers of nursing students. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs to increase the number of nurses within the armed forces. Prescribes requirements for determination of the effective date of active duty for members of a reserve component of the armed forces.

health security americans act amends title xviii medicare social security act physician payment update geographic cost practice indices annual physical examinations medicare dependent hospital program inpatient hospital payment adjustment low volume hospitals proportional representation rural area interests medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac directs secretary health_and_human_services conduct national public information campaign initial preventive physical examinations medicare beneficiaries amends employee retirement income security act erisa respect rules governing enhanced marketplace pools small business health plans amends public_health_service_act add new title secretary shall promulgate regulations establishing minimum standards health insurance premium variations model small group rating rules provides affordable plans harmonization health insurance standards amends internal revenue code allow tax deduction qualified health insurance costs individuals amends veterans benefits law allow enrolled veteran elect receive covered health services non-department_of_veterans_affairs facility authorizes pharmacies dispense medications veterans private practitioner prescriptions authorizes secretary carry program child care assistance individuals pursuing advanced nursing degrees amends higher education act authorize secretary award grants partnerships accredited nursing schools hospitals health facilities establish projects enable hospital health facility retain staff experienced nurses having individuals accelerated nursing education program faculty members accredited nursing school directs secretary award grants institutions higher education offer registered nurse nursing program baccalaureate associate degree level enable program expand faculty facilities accommodate additional nursing program students graduate level nursing program accommodate advanced practice degrees accommodate students enrolled graduate level nursing program provide teachers nursing students authorizes secretary defense carry programs increase number nurses armed forces prescribes requirements determination effective date active duty members reserve component armed forces


Summary: Veterans Community Health Enhancement Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2009 for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the enhancement of services for veterans at community-based outpatient clinics.

requires secretary treasury transfer funds appropriated fy2009 national_endowment_for_the_humanities national_endowment_for_the_arts department_of_veterans_affairs enhancement services veterans community based outpatient clinics


Summary: America's Commitment to Veterans Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2009 for the Legal Services Corporation and for family planning programs under the Public Health Service Act to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans' medical services.

america commitment veterans act requires secretary treasury transfer funds appropriated fy2009 legal_services_corporation family planning programs public_health_service_act department_of_veterans_affairs veterans medical services


Summary: Citizenship Should Count for Something Act - Establishes the Citizens Congressional Health Benefits Program to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to federal elected officials and to all other citizens who are not covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). Requires such coverage to be provided in a manner similar to the manner in which coverage has been provided under FEHBP.Eliminates eligibility of the President, Vice-President, and members of Congress for FEHBP.Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to: (1) establish a process for eligible individuals to enroll in qualified health plans; (2) provide for the dissemination of information on such plans; and (3) enter into contracts with entities to offer such plans.Requires qualified health plans to: (1) provide for the same scope and type of comprehensive benefits that have been provided under FEHBP; and (2) meet consumer and patient protections. Prohibits qualified health plans from imposing preexisting condition exclusions or otherwise discriminating against an enrollee based on health status. Requires premiums established for a qualified health plan to be community-rated and not vary based on gender, health status, or other factors.Requires the Director to: (1) establish a process for the collection of premiums owed by enrollees; (2) monitor marketing practices to assure the accuracy of information disseminated and reasonable costs for such marketing; and (3) provide for an annual contribution towards the coverage provided under this Act for eligible individuals.Authorizes the Director to establish a contingency reserve and to impose a premium surcharge to provide financing for such reserve.

citizenship count act establishes provide comprehensive health insurance coverage federal elected officials citizens covered federal_employees_health_benefits_program fehbp requires coverage provided manner similar manner coverage provided eligibility president vice president members establish process eligible individuals enroll qualified health plans provide dissemination information plans enter contracts entities offer plans requires qualified health plans provide scope type comprehensive benefits provided fehbp meet consumer patient protections prohibits qualified health plans imposing preexisting condition exclusions discriminating enrollee based health status requires premiums established qualified health plan community rated vary based gender health status factors requires director establish process collection premiums owed enrollees monitor marketing practices assure accuracy information disseminated reasonable costs marketing provide annual contribution coverage provided act eligible individuals authorizes director establish contingency reserve impose premium surcharge provide financing reserve


Summary: Amends the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) to repeal provisions relating to: (1) the requirement for certain nonemployer Medicare Advantage (MA) private fee-for-service plans to use contracts with providers; (2) the moratorium on authority to designate other plans as specialized MA plans for special needs individuals; (3) the limitation on out-of-pocket costs for dual eligibles and qualified Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals; (4) access to Medicare reasonable cost reimbursement contract plans, especially the prohibition on extension of such a contract in certain circumstances; and (5) the requirement for a study and report to Congress by the Comptroller General of the reasons (if any) why reasonable cost contracts are unable to become MA plans. Restores the corresponding provisions of the Social Security Act as they were before the amendments made by MIPPA.

amends medicare_improvements_for_patients_and_providers_act repeal provisions relating requirement certain medicare_advantage private fee service plans use contracts providers moratorium authority designate plans specialized plans special needs individuals limitation pocket costs dual eligibles qualified medicare beneficiaries enrolled specialized plan special needs individuals access medicare reasonable cost reimbursement contract plans especially prohibition extension contract certain circumstances requirement study report congress comptroller_general reasons reasonable cost contracts unable plans restores corresponding provisions social security act amendments


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to extend through April 1, 2009, the approval of specified waivers under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for the MinnesotaCare Medicaid demonstration project.

directs secretary health_and_human_services extend april approval specified waivers title xix medicaid social security act demonstration project


Summary: Health Insurance Restrictions and Limitations Clarification Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to exclude a group health plan from prohibitions against limitations or restrictions on the amount, level, extent, or nature of the benefits of coverage for similarly situated individuals enrolled in the plan so long as: (1) such limitations and restrictions are explicit and clear; (2) such limitations and restrictions have been disclosed to the plan sponsor in writing in advance of the point of sale; (3) the plan sponsor provides a description of such limitations and restrictions to participants and beneficiaries in a form that is easily understandable before enrollment; and (4) the plan sponsor and the issuer of the coverage provide such description to the participants and beneficiaries upon their enrollment under the plan at the earliest opportunity that other materials are provided.

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


Summary: Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.

requires beginning fy2010 fiscal year budget authority following accounts department_of_veterans_affairs medical facilities requires comptroller general conduct study adequacy accuracy baseline model projections health care expenditures


Summary: RECOVER Act (Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans for Effective Recovery) - Provides that, if a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility that would otherwise provide covered medical services to veterans residing in an area for which a major disaster is declared is unable to provide such services for at least 180 days due to such disaster, then the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall contract with one or more non-VA facilities in that area to provide such services to veterans who reside within 150 miles of the VA facility that is unable to provide the services. Makes such requirement inapplicable to a VA facility that is closed, or that the Secretary intends to close, as part of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) process. Makes this Act applicable to any VA facility unable to provide covered services on or after August 29, 2005, by reason of a major disaster.

restoring essential care veterans effective recovery provides department_of_veterans_affairs medical facility provide covered medical services veterans residing area major disaster declared unable provide services days disaster secretary veterans_affairs shall contract non facilities area provide services veterans reside miles facility unable provide services makes requirement inapplicable facility closed secretary intends close cares process makes act applicable facility unable provide covered services august reason major disaster


Summary: SCHIP Plus Act of 2008 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state child health plan to provide for the offering of any qualified alternative coverage that a qualified entity seeks to offer targeted low-income children through the plan. Revises requirements with respect to authority for payments to a state for the purchase of family coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan that includes coverage of targeted low-income children. Prohibits a state child health plan from requiring a targeted low-income child to enroll in such coverage in order to obtain child health assistance under this Act. (Thus requires enrollment to be voluntary.) Requires a state health plan to provide at least one opportunity per fiscal year for beneficiaries to switch SCHIP coverage from an employer-sponsored plan to the coverage otherwise available under SCHIP. Requires such plan also to permit beneficiaries to switch coverage under other circumstances, such as change in employment, birth of a child, or change in households, as the Secretary specifies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers that maintain a group health plan in a state that provides child health assistance under SCHIP in the form of premium assistance to give each employee written notice of potential opportunities for such premium assistance for health coverage of the employee's dependents.

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


Summary: Safeguarding Our Hospitals' Futures Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2008, to continue to apply budget neutrality on a national basis in the calculation of the urban hospital wage floor for discharges occurring during FY2008 under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (through a uniform, national adjustment to the area wage index).

safeguarding hospitals futures act requires secretary health_and_human_services case discharges occurring october continue apply budget neutrality national basis calculation urban hospital wage floor discharges occurring fy2008 title xviii medicare social security act uniform national adjustment area wage index


Summary: Health Insurance Stability Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for amounts paid to continue health care coverage for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents under the applicable continuation provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Limits the amount of such credit and disqualifies taxpayers who, in any month, have employer-provided coverage, are covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act, or are imprisoned. Denies such credit to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents or who are dependents of a taxpayer. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for advancing payments of credit amounts to health insurance providers of the taxpayer.

amends internal revenue code allow individual taxpayers refundable tax credit amounts paid continue health care coverage taxpayer taxpayer spouse dependents applicable continuation provisions consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act cobra limits credit disqualifies taxpayers month employer provided coverage covered medicare medicaid social security act imprisoned denies credit individuals citizens permanent residents dependents taxpayer directs secretary treasury establish program advancing payments credit amounts health insurance providers taxpayer


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 7.5 to 2.5% the amount of adjusted gross income over which a taxpayer's medical expenses are fully deductible.

amends internal revenue code reduce adjusted gross income taxpayer medical expenses fully deductible


Summary: Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to continue to cover non-emergency transportation to medically necessary services.

amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid plans continue cover non emergency transportation medically necessary services


Summary: Medicare Beneficiary Freedom to Choose Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to revise requirements for the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries under which no Medicare claims shall be made. Requires any such contract to be in writing and signed by the Medicare beneficiary. Allows individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance), and makes them eligible for health savings accounts.

medicare beneficiary freedom choose act amends title xviii medicare revise requirements use private contracts medicare beneficiaries medicare claims shall requires contract writing signed medicare beneficiary allows individuals choose opt medicare makes eligible health savings accounts


Summary: American Health Care Access Improvement, Portability, and Cost Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow qualified primary care physicians or qualified nurse practitioners a tax credit of $1,000 for each month such providers provide services in a health professional shortage area.Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make changes to the conversion factor for FY2010 for physicians Medicare payments.Allows a refundable tax credit for qualified health insurance coverage. Provides for advance payment of such credit.Revises IRC provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs) to: (1) allow HSAs to incorporate flexible spending and health reimbursement arrangements; (2) increase the annual HSA contribution limitation; (3) permit the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance; (4) allow the payment of certain medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA; (5) allow veterans eligible for service-connected disability benefits to establish an HSA; and (6) allow spouses to make increased catch-up contributions to a single HSA.Requires the inclusion of education information about advance directives in the annual notice of Medicare benefits sent to eligible individuals.Revises provisions concerning Medicare+Choice private fee-for-service plans related to access standards under the plans and utilization.

portability cost reduction act amends internal revenue code irc allow qualified primary care physicians qualified nurse practitioners tax credit month providers provide services health professional shortage area amends title xviii medicare social security act changes conversion factor fy2010 physicians medicare payments allows refundable tax credit qualified health insurance coverage provides advance payment credit revises irc provisions relating health savings accounts hsas allow hsas incorporate flexible spending health reimbursement arrangements increase annual hsa contribution limitation permit use hsas purchase health insurance allow payment certain medical expenses incurred establishment hsa allow veterans eligible service connected disability benefits establish hsa allow spouses increased catch contributions single inclusion education information advance directives annual notice medicare benefits sent eligible individuals revises provisions concerning private fee service plans related access standards plans utilization


Summary: Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008 - Makes eligible for health care under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system veterans with incomes not exceeding 200% of the maximum for treatment as a low-income family. (Currently, only veterans with incomes not exceeding the maximum for treatment as a low-income family are so eligible.)

expanding availability health care act makes eligible health care department_of_veterans_affairs patient enrollment system veterans incomes exceeding maximum treatment low income family currently veterans incomes exceeding maximum treatment low income family eligible


Summary: James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC program) to provide: (1) medical monitoring and treatment benefits to eligible emergency responders and recovery and cleanup workers who responded to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; and (2) screening and treatment benefits to residents and other building occupants and area workers who were directly impacted and adversely affected by such attacks. Requires the WTC program administrator to: (1) implement a quality assurance program; (2) establish the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee; (3) establish the WTC Responders Steering Committee and the WTC Community Program Steering Committee; (4) provide for education and outreach on services under the WTC program; (5) provide for the uniform collection of data related to WTC-related health conditions; (6) conduct research on physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11 terrorist attacks; and (7) extend and expand arrangements with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide for the World Trade Center Health Registry. Authorizes the administrator to make grants to the Department to address mental health needs relating to the terrorist attacks.Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to: (1) make individuals eligible for compensation under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 for harm as a result of debris removal; and (2) extend the deadline for making a claim for compensation.Sets forth provisions governing the application of the economic substance doctrine to transactions.

amends public_health_service_act establish wtc program provide medical monitoring treatment benefits eligible emergency responders recovery cleanup workers responded world_trade_center terrorist attacks september screening treatment benefits residents building occupants area workers directly impacted adversely affected attacks requires wtc program administrator implement quality assurance program establish establish provide education outreach services wtc program provide uniform collection data related wtc related health conditions conduct research physical mental health conditions related september terrorist attacks extend expand arrangements provide authorizes administrator grants department address mental health needs relating terrorist attacks amends air_transportation_safety_and_system_stabilization_act individuals eligible compensation september victim compensation fund harm result debris removal extend deadline making claim compensation sets forth provisions governing application economic substance doctrine transactions


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit Medicare Advantage payment rate increases (except for Programs of All-inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE)) to 2% per year until parity is achieved with the Medicare fee-for-service capitation rate.

amends title xviii medicare social security act limit medicare_advantage payment rate increases programs inclusive care elderly pace year parity achieved medicare fee service capitation rate


Summary: Preserving Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2008 - Declares that between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, specified regulations regarding the formula for determining the federal rate for inpatient hospital capital-related costs under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) shall apply without the mandatory phase out of the indirect medical education adjustment factor. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay for six months following enactment of this Act any implementation of the Medicaid outpatient hospital services regulation proposed on September 28, 2007. Prohibits the Secretary from phasing out or eliminating the Medicare hospice wage index budget neutrality adjustment factor before April 1, 2009. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and upon the request of the state of California, to extend approval, and full federal financial participation, of the state's Medicaid family planning demonstration project until June 30, 2009, under the eligibility requirements and processes that were in place before the project's first extension period. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund.

preserving access healthcare path act declares october march specified regulations formula determining federal rate inpatient hospital capital related costs medicare prospective payment system pps shall apply mandatory phase indirect medical education adjustment factor directs secretary health_and_human_services delay months following enactment act implementation medicaid outpatient hospital services regulation proposed september prohibits secretary phasing eliminating medicare hospice wage index budget neutrality adjustment factor april directs secretary acting administrator centers medicare medicaid_services request state california extend approval federal financial participation state medicaid family planning demonstration project june eligibility requirements processes place project extension period amends title xviii medicare social security act increase funding medicare_improvement_fund


Summary: Affordability in the Individual Market Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the payment of insurance premiums for high deductible health plans from health savings accounts.

affordability individual market act amends internal revenue code allow payment insurance premiums high deductible health plans health savings accounts


Summary: Medicaid Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants Access Act of 2007 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the state option to include nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants as primary care case managers. Specifies as primary care case managers any nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant that provides primary care case management services under a primary care case management contract.Revises the coverage of certain nurse practitioner services under the Medicaid fee-for-service program to remove the specification of certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified family nurse practitioner in order to extend such coverage to services furnished by a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists in the mix of service providers which Medicaid managed care organizations are required to maintain.

medicaid_advanced_practice_nurses physician assistants access act amends title xix medicaid social security act eliminate state option include nurse practitioners certified nurse midwives physician assistants primary care case managers specifies primary care case managers nurse practitioner certified nurse midwife physician assistant provides primary care case management services primary care case management contract revises coverage certain nurse practitioner services medicaid fee service program remove specification certified pediatric nurse practitioner certified family nurse practitioner order extend coverage services furnished nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist includes nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists physician assistants certified nurse midwives certified registered nurse anesthetists mix service providers medicaid managed care organizations required maintain


Summary: Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) extend the period reasonable cost reimbursement contracts under Medicare can remain in the market, and the period during which they can be modified to expand their service area; and (2) apply to extended or renewed reasonable cost contracts certain requirements under Medicare part C (Medicare Advantage).

refinement act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa extend period reasonable cost reimbursement contracts medicare remain market period modified expand service area apply extended renewed reasonable cost contracts certain requirements medicare medicare advantage


Summary: Preserving Medicare for All Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the prohibition against interference by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors. Grants the Secretary authority to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs in order to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled under prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD plans) pay the lowest possible price. Allows the Medicare part D eligible individual an alternative to the current choice of coverage in at least two qualifying plans in the area in which the individual resides. Allows such an individual to choose enrollment in a nationwide prescription drug plan offered by the Secretary (to replace enrollment in a fallback prescription drug plan in any case in which such plans are not available). Directs the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to: (1) take necessary steps to qualify and serve as a prescription drug plan sponsor; and (2) offer a prescription drug plan that offers basic prescription drug coverage throughout the United States, with a $35 premium for 2008, adjusted annually thereafter. Requires such a plan to be in addition to, and not in lieu of, other prescription drug plans offered.Provides for full reimbursement to employers for the cost of qualified retiree drug coverage, and permits their costs to count towards senior's catastrophic limits.Abolishes the comparative cost adjustment program.Eliminates the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund.Repeals certain cost containment requirements. Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the removal of exclusion of benzodiazepines from required coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program.

preserving medicare act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa repeal prohibition interference secretary health_and_human_services negotiations drug manufacturers pharmacies prescription drug plan sponsors grants secretary authority negotiate contracts manufacturers covered drugs order ensure beneficiaries enrolled prescription drug plans ma-pd plans pay lowest possible price allows medicare eligible individual alternative current choice coverage qualifying plans area individual resides allows individual choose enrollment nationwide prescription drug plan offered secretary replace enrollment fallback prescription drug plan case plans available directs secretary administrator centers necessary steps qualify serve prescription drug plan sponsor offer prescription drug plan offers basic prescription drug coverage united_states premium adjusted annually requires plan addition lieu prescription drug plans offered provides reimbursement employers cost qualified retiree drug coverage permits costs count senior catastrophic limits abolishes comparative cost adjustment program eliminates regional plan stabilization fund repeals certain cost containment requirements amends ssa title xviii provide removal exclusion benzodiazepines required coverage medicare prescription drug program


Summary: Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006, to allow qualifying states to use all or any portion (currently, up to 20%) of their allotments under SCHIP for certain Medicaid (SSA title XIX) expenditures. Requires qualifying states to implement at least three of the following policies and procedures: (1) a simplified application process; (2) elimination of any asset test; (3) twelve-month continuous eligibility; and (4) easy access to enrollment staff.

amends title schip social security act ssa amended allow qualifying states use portion currently allotments schip certain medicaid ssa title xix expenditures requires qualifying states implement following policies procedures simplified application process elimination asset test month continuous eligibility easy access enrollment staff


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

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


Summary: Rural Physicians Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain primary health services providers (i.e., physicians and licensed mental health care practitioners) a tax credit of $1,000 for each month such providers provide medical care to rural patients in certain sparsely populated areas of the United States.

amends internal revenue code allow certain primary health services providers physicians licensed mental health care practitioners tax credit month providers provide medical care rural patients certain populated areas united_states


Summary: Provides that the preferred rate of release of water from Yellowtail Dam located in Big Horn County, Montana, shall be not less than 2,500 cubic feet of water per second, with a minimum rate of 1,500 cubic feet of water per second. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to waive that minimum rate in case of emergency or if water levels in Bighorn Lake imminently preclude power generation at Yellowtail Dam. Includes the maintenance of a healthy fishery on the portion of the Bighorn River located downstream from the Yellowtail Dam among the purposes for which the Yellowtail Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program is authorized. Directs the Secretary to ensure that any reclamation project carried out within the Bighorn River watershed is coordinated with other reclamation projects within the watershed.

provides preferred rate release water dam located montana shall cubic feet water second minimum rate cubic feet water second authorizes secretary interior acting commissioner reclamation waive minimum rate case emergency water levels imminently preclude power generation dam includes maintenance healthy fishery portion located downstream purposes pick sloan missouri authorized directs secretary ensure reclamation project carried watershed coordinated reclamation projects watershed


Summary: Extends from two years to five years following discharge or release the eligibility period for certain veterans who served in combat after the Persian Gulf War to receive hospital care, medical services, or nursing home care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, notwithstanding a lack of evidence to conclude that their condition is attributable to such service.

extends years years following discharge release eligibility period certain veterans served combat persian_gulf_war receive hospital care medical services nursing home care provided secretary veterans_affairs notwithstanding lack evidence conclude condition attributable service


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

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


Summary: Children's Health Equity Technical Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to permit qualifying states to use up to 20% of their SCHIP allotment for any fiscal year (currently, only for FY1998-FY2007) for certain Medicaid expenditures for individuals under age 19 whose family income exceeds 150% of the poverty line. Revises the eligibility requirements for such allowable expenditures to reduce the family income threshold from a minimum of 150% of the poverty line to a minimum of 125% of the poverty line.

amends title schip social security act permit qualifying states use schip allotment fiscal year currently fy2007 certain medicaid expenditures individuals age family income exceeds poverty line revises eligibility requirements allowable expenditures reduce family income threshold minimum poverty line minimum poverty line


Summary: Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for Medicare coverage of end-of-life planning and consultations as part of an initial preventive physical examination. Requires a service provider, Medicare Advantage organization, or prepaid or eligible organization to give effect to an advance directive executed outside the state in which it is presented, even one that does not appear to meet the formalities of execution, form, or language required by the state in which it is presented, to the same extent as such provider or organization would give effect to an advanced directive that meets such requirements. Permits a provider or organization to decline to honor such a directive if it can be reasonably demonstrated that it is not an authentic expression of the individual's wishes concerning his or her health care. Makes such advance directive requirements applicable under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, directly or through grants, to: (1) conduct a national education campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of planning for care near the end of life; and (2) provide for a national, toll-free information clearinghouse, as well as clearinghouses that the public may access to find out about state-specific information regarding advance directives and end-of-life decisions. Requires the General Accounting Office to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of a national registry for advanced directives.

advance directives improvement education act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa provide medicare coverage end life planning consultations initial preventive physical examination requires service provider medicare_advantage organization prepaid eligible organization effect advance directive executed outside state presented appear meet execution form language required state presented extent provider organization effect advanced directive meets requirements permits provider organization decline honor directive reasonably demonstrated authentic expression individual wishes concerning health care makes advance directive requirements applicable ssa title xix medicaid amends public_health_service_act direct secretary health_and_human_services directly grants conduct national education campaign raise public awareness importance planning care near end life provide national toll free information clearinghouse clearinghouses public access find state specific information advance directives end life decisions requires study report congress feasibility national registry advanced directives


Summary: Preserving Patient Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals Act of 2007 - Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to revise the classification criterion used to determine whether a hospital or hospital unit is an inpatient rehabilitation facility under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Eliminates the current schedule of applicable percentages. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, instead, to require in the classification criterion a compliance rate no greater than the 60% compliance rate that became effective for cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2005. Requires the Secretary, for cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2007, to include patients with comorbidity in the inpatient population that counts towards such 60% compliance rate. Requires the Secretary, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, fiscal intermediaries, Medicare administrative contractors, recovery audit contractors, and other government agents to use and apply the criteria established in HCFA Ruling 85-2, as issued on July 31, 1985, as the sole standard for determining the medical necessity of services provided by inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and units to beneficiaries under the Medicare program.

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


Summary: Withdraws the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) from the products of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Allows the extension of such treatment to the products of that country, subsequently, only in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 as in effect with respect to such products on the day before the effective date of PRC accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Deems the extension of waiver authority in effect before such date not to have expired, and to continue in effect until 90 days after enactment of this Act.

withdraws extension nondiscriminatory treatment normal trade relations products prc allows extension treatment products country subsequently accordance provisions trade act effect respect products day effective date prc accession world_trade_organization wto deems extension waiver authority effect date expired continue effect days enactment act