Summary: Healthier Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a single medical examination for members of the Armed Forces to be used by: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) medical evaluation boards and physical evaluation boards to determine the fitness of a member of the Armed Forces to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or rating; and (2) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the disability rating, compensation, and benefits programs for a member who is retired or separated because of physical disability. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide appropriate medical care to any veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom for post-traumatic stress disorder regardless of the length of time the veteran has been separated from active duty service. Provides extended benefits under TRICARE (a DOD managed care program) for the primary caregivers of members who incur a serious injury or illness while on active duty. Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid annual or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period.

healthier heroes act directs secretary defense secretary veterans_affairs develop single medical examination members armed_forces department_of_defense dod medical evaluation boards physical evaluation boards determine fitness member armed_forces perform duties member office grade rank rating department_of_veterans_affairs establish disability rating compensation benefits programs member retired separated physical disability directs secretary veterans_affairs provide appropriate medical care veteran operation iraqi freedom operation enduring freedom post traumatic stress disorder regardless length time veteran separated active duty service provides extended benefits tricare dod managed care program primary caregivers members incur injury illness active duty amends family medical leave act entitle eligible employee spouse son daughter parent kin covered servicemember total workweeks leave single month period care servicemember defines covered servicemember member including member national_guard_or_a_reserve undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold medical holdover status temporary disability retired list injury illness incurred line duty active duty render member medically unfit perform duties provides substitution accrued paid vacation personal family leave medical sick leave week period declares act shall construed limit availability leave month period amends federal civil service law entitle civilian federal employees leave allowance provides substitution accrued paid annual sick leave week period


Summary: Equity for Our Nation's Self Employed Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs in computing the tax on self-employment income.

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


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to permit the disabled surviving spouse of an individual to elect to retain a private group health plan as the primary payor of health insurance benefits under the Medicare program.

amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa permit disabled surviving spouse individual elect retain private group health plan primary payor health insurance benefits medicare program


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit up to $500 of unused health benefits in a plan or other arrangement that provides for a health flexible spending arrangement to be carried forward to the next year of such health flexible spending arrangement without affecting the status of such plan or arrangement as a tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plan. Terminates such carryforward after 2009.

amends internal revenue code permit unused health benefits plan arrangement provides health flexible spending arrangement carried forward year health flexible spending arrangement affecting status plan arrangement tax exempt employee benefit cafeteria plan terminates


Summary: Health Insurance Affordability Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a tax deduction for health insurance costs.

amends internal revenue code allow individual taxpayers tax deduction health insurance costs


Summary: Insurance Non-Discrimination for Survivors Act - Prohibits an insurer from denying or terminating an insurance policy or health benefit plan, restricting or excluding coverage for losses or denying a claim, or adding a premium differential to any policy or health benefit plan on the basis that the insured (or any employee or any person with whom the insured is known to have a relationship or association) is the subject of, or incurs a claim related to, domestic abuse. Prohibits: (1) an insurer from denying or limiting payment to an insured who is the subject of abuse if the claim for payment is a result of the abuse; (2) an insurer or health carrier from terminating health coverage for a subject of abuse because coverage was originally issued in the name of the abuser and the abuser has divorced, separated from, or lost custody of the subject or the abuser's coverage has terminated and the subject does not qualify for an extension of coverage; and (3) any person employed by or contracting with an insurer or health benefit plan to use, disclose, or transfer specified information (including regarding abuse status) without the subject's consent. Requires: (1) insurers to develop and adhere to written policies specifying procedures to be followed to protect the safety and privacy of a subject of abuse; and (2) an insurer that takes an action that adversely affects a subject of abuse to advise that applicant or insured in writing of the specific reasons for the action.

insurance insurer denying terminating insurance policy health benefit plan restricting excluding coverage losses denying claim adding premium differential policy health benefit plan basis insured employee person insured known relationship association subject incurs claim related domestic abuse prohibits insurer denying limiting payment insured subject abuse claim payment result abuse insurer health carrier terminating health coverage subject abuse coverage originally issued divorced separated lost custody subject coverage terminated subject qualify extension coverage person employed contracting insurer health benefit plan use disclose transfer specified information including abuse status subject consent requires insurers develop adhere written policies specifying procedures followed protect safety privacy subject abuse insurer takes action adversely affects subject abuse advise applicant insured writing specific reasons action


Summary: Improving Medication Access for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish certain prescribed drugs and medicines (i.e., only drugs and medicines included on the National Prescription Drug Formulary of the Department of Veterans Affairs) as specific therapy in the treatment of any illness or injury suffered by each veteran who is receiving additional compensation or allowance due to a service-connected disability, or an increased pension as a veteran of a period of war, by reason of being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Allows any Medicare-eligible veteran to elect to be furnished by the Secretary, on an outpatient basis, such drugs and medicines as specific therapy for any illness or injury suffered by the veteran. Requires such election to last for a calendar year and be irrevocable. Allows for election renewal. Requires appropriate information to be furnished to each veteran prior to making an election. Authorizes the Secretary to administer immunizations to veterans who voluntarily request such immunizations in connection with care for a disability in a Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility. Provides for appropriate copayments for the drugs and medicines received by veterans under this Act.

improving medication access veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs furnish certain prescribed drugs medicines drugs medicines included specific therapy treatment illness injury suffered veteran receiving additional compensation allowance service connected disability increased pension veteran period war reason permanently need regular aid attendance allows medicare eligible veteran elect furnished secretary outpatient basis drugs medicines specific therapy illness injury suffered veteran requires election calendar year irrevocable allows election renewal requires appropriate information furnished veteran prior making election authorizes secretary administer immunizations veterans voluntarily request immunizations connection care disability department_of_veterans_affairs health care facility provides appropriate copayments drugs medicines received veterans act


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a major medical facility project for the modernization of inpatient wards at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs carry major medical facility project modernization inpatient department_of_veterans_affairs_medical_center atlanta georgia


Summary: Requires the determination of whether a veteran can be transferred to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility after receiving emergency medical treatment in a non-Department facility to be based both on the condition of the veteran and on the availability of a bed in a Department facility that is not geographically inaccessible to the veteran.

requires determination veteran transferred department_of_veterans_affairs medical facility receiving emergency medical treatment facility based condition veteran availability bed department facility geographically inaccessible veteran


Summary: Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2007- Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the recognition of state- licensed or registered health care professionals who are certified diabetes educators as Medicare providers of diabetes outpatient self-management training services. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program. Directs the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.

medicare diabetes self management training act amends title xviii medicare social security act provide recognition state- licensed registered health care professionals certified diabetes educators medicare providers diabetes outpatient self management training services directs comptroller general study report congress barriers exist medicare beneficiaries diabetes accessing diabetes self management training services medicare program directs director develop series recommendations effective outreach methods educate primary care physicians public benefits diabetes self management training


Summary: Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to extend the continuation of group health care benefits as provided by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) to certain recipients of benefits paid by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) and to individuals eligible for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) benefits.

amends employee retirement income security act erisa internal revenue code public_health_service_act extend continuation group health care benefits provided consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act cobra certain recipients benefits paid pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc individuals eligible trade adjustment assistance taa benefits


Summary: Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct state Medicaid plans to require the state to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with satisfactory assurances that it has in effect laws requiring the state to make inquiries to third parties, including health insurers, self-insured plans, group health plans, or other parties operating in any state that are responsible for payment of a claim for a health care item or service. Requires third parties to: (1) provide, upon state request, information about Medicaid-eligible or -receiving individuals to determine during what period the individual (or the spouse or dependents) may be (or may have been) covered by a health insurer, as well as the nature of such coverage; (2) accept the state's right of recovery and the assignment to the state of any right of an individual or other entity to payment from the party for an item or service for which payment has been made under the state plan; and (3) agree not to deny a claim submitted by the state solely on the basis of its date of submission, the type or format of the claim form, or a failure to present proper documentation at the point-of-sale that is the basis of the claim, if the claim is submitted by the state within three years after the item or service was furnished, and any action by the state to enforce its rights is commenced within six years of its submission of the claim. Establishes a civil monetary penalty for a third party's failure to reply to inquiries required by this Act.

amends title xix medicaid social security act direct state medicaid plans require state provide secretary health_and_human_services satisfactory assurances effect laws requiring state inquiries parties including health insurers self insured plans group health plans parties operating state responsible payment claim health care item service requires parties provide state request information medicaid eligible individuals determine period individual spouse dependents covered health insurer nature coverage accept state right recovery assignment state right individual entity payment party item service payment state plan agree deny claim submitted state solely basis date submission type format claim form failure present proper documentation point sale basis claim claim submitted state years item service furnished action state enforce rights commenced years submission claim establishes civil monetary penalty party failure reply inquiries required act


Summary: Medicare Chronic Care Practice Research Network Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Medicare Chronic Care Practice Research Network to develop and evaluate evidence-based chronic care management for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple, chronic conditions, with a focus on beneficiaries under the Medicare fee-for-service program whose care is most costly.

medicare chronic care practice research network act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish medicare chronic care practice research network develop evaluate evidence based chronic care management medicare beneficiaries multiple chronic conditions focus beneficiaries medicare fee service program care costly


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services, during the year following enactment of this Act, from taking any action to restrict coverage or payment under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for rehabilitation services, or school-based administration, transportation, or medical services if such restrictions are more restrictive in any aspect than those applied to such coverage or payment as of July 1, 2007.

prohibits secretary health_and_human_services year following enactment act taking action restrict coverage payment title xix medicaid social security act rehabilitation services school based administration transportation medical services restrictions restrictive aspect applied coverage payment july


Summary: Health Care Choice Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with the conditions of this Act.Exempts issuers from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the issuer in such state, subject to certain restrictions imposed by such state.Specifies the notice that an issuer must provide in any insurance coverage offered in a secondary state and at renewal of the policy.Requires each issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary states to submit to: (1) the insurance commissioners of such states a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study and written notice of any change in its designation of its primary state and of its compliance with all the laws of the primary state; and (2) the insurance commission of each secondary state a copy of the issuer's quarterly financial statement that was submitted to the primary state.Prohibits an issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if the state insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all issuers.Gives sole jurisdiction to the primary state to enforce the primary state's covered laws in the primary state and any secondary state. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effect of this Act on specified health insurance issues.

health care choice act amends public_health_service_act provide laws state designated health insurance issuer primary state shall apply individual health insurance coverage offered issuer primary state state secondary state coverage issuer comply conditions act exempts issuers secondary state laws prohibit regulate operation issuer state subject certain restrictions imposed state specifies notice issuer provide insurance coverage offered secondary state renewal policy requires issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage primary secondary states submit insurance commissioners states copy plan operation feasibility study written notice change designation primary state compliance laws primary state insurance commission secondary state copy issuer quarterly financial statement submitted primary state prohibits issuer offering selling issuing individual health insurance coverage secondary state state insurance commissioner use risk based capital formula determination capital surplus requirements issuers gives sole jurisdiction primary state enforce primary state covered laws primary state secondary state requires comptroller general study report congress effect act specified health insurance issues


Summary: Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act - Amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, or certified registered nurse anesthetists as eligible providers of medical, surgical, and hospital services and supplies under such Act.

include physician assistants nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists certified nurse midwives certified registered nurse anesthetists eligible providers medical surgical hospital services supplies act


Summary: Veterans' Access to Local Options for Recovery Act of 2007 (VALOR Act) - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into a contract with a non-Department of Veterans Affairs facility located in an eligible metropolitan statistical area to provide hospital care and medical services to veterans.

valor act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs seek enter contract non-department_of_veterans_affairs facility located eligible metropolitan statistical area provide hospital care medical services veterans


Summary: Adds as health benefits plans that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may contract for or approve under the federal employee health benefits program one or more plans (other than a government-wide plan or an employee organization plan) that may be underwritten by carriers licensed in any number of states, offering one or more levels of benefits, under which payment is made: (1) by a carrier under contracts with physicians, hospitals, or other health services providers for benefits (of the types provided under a service or indemnity benefit plan) given to employees, annuitants, family members, former spouses, or persons having continued coverage; or (2) by a carrier to the employee, annuitant, family member, former spouse, or person having continued coverage.

adds health benefits plans contract approve federal employee health benefits program plans government wide plan employee organization plan underwritten carriers licensed number states offering levels benefits payment carrier contracts physicians hospitals health services providers benefits types provided service indemnity benefit plan given employees annuitants family members spouses persons having continued coverage carrier employee annuitant family member spouse person having continued coverage


Summary: Fairness in Autism Treatment Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical benefits to also provide coverage for pervasive developmental disorders, including coverage for therapeutic, respite, and rehabilitative care for participants or beneficiaries who have not attained 22 years of age. Applies the requirements of this Act separately with respect to benefits provided in-network and out-of-network.Prohibits a group health plan from: (1) imposing any annual or lifetime dollar limitation on benefits for pervasive developmental disorders unless such limitation applies to all medical and surgical benefits as well; (2) imposing a deductible, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing for such disorders that is greater than the cost-sharing imposed for medical and surgical benefits; or (3) denying eligibility, or continued eligibility, to enroll or renew coverage under the term of the plan solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this Act.Considers the requirements of this Act a material change for the purpose of notice requirements. Excludes from the requirements of this Act: (1) a group health plan of a small employer; or (2) a group health plan if the application of this Act results in an increase in the cost under the plan of at least 1%.Provides that this Act shall not be construed to preempt any state law that at least meets the requirements of this Act.

fairness autism treatment act amends employee retirement income security act erisa internal_revenue_code require group health plan provides medical surgical benefits provide coverage pervasive developmental disorders including coverage therapeutic respite rehabilitative care participants beneficiaries attained years age applies requirements act separately respect benefits provided network network prohibits group health plan imposing annual lifetime dollar limitation benefits pervasive developmental disorders limitation applies medical surgical benefits imposing deductible coinsurance cost sharing disorders greater cost sharing imposed medical surgical benefits denying eligibility continued eligibility enroll renew coverage term plan solely purpose avoiding requirements act considers requirements act material change purpose notice requirements excludes requirements act group health plan small employer group health plan application act results increase cost plan act shall construed preempt state law meets requirements act


Summary: Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and for certain contiguous areas.

amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare_advantage benchmark adjustment certain local areas department_of_veterans_affairs medical centers certain contiguous areas


Summary: Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to cite circumstances under which a medically distressed debtor may elect to exempt from the property of the estate in bankruptcy up to $250,000 of the debtor's aggregate interest in specified real or personal property that the debtor (or debtor's dependent) uses as a residence, in a cooperative, or in a burial plot for the debtor or a dependent. Revises requirements for dismissal or conversion of a Chapter 7 case to prohibit the court or specified parties in interest from filing a motion to dismiss or convert to Chapter 11 or 13 if the debtor is a medically distressed debtor or an economically distressed caregiver.

medical bankruptcy fairness act amends federal bankruptcy law cite circumstances medically distressed debtor elect exempt property estate bankruptcy debtor aggregate interest specified real personal property debtor debtor dependent uses residence cooperative burial plot debtor dependent revises requirements dismissal conversion chapter case prohibit court specified parties interest filing motion dismiss convert chapter debtor medically distressed debtor economically distressed caregiver


Summary: American Health Benefits Program Act of 2008 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish under a new title XXII (American Health Benefits Program) a program to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to all Americans who are: (1) not covered under certain federal health insurance programs; and (2) not eligible for employer-provided insurance coverage. Requires provision of such coverage in a manner similar to that in which coverage has been provided to Members of Congress, federal government employees, retirees, and their dependents under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Requires federal government contributions towards the coverage of eligible individuals. Establishes in the Treasury an American Health Benefits Program Trust Fund. Directs the Commissioner of Health Benefits to establish a schedule of cost-sharing subsidies for lower-income individuals. Establishes an independent Health Benefits Administration, headed by the Commissioner. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a premium on individuals enrolled in a qualified health plan under SSA title XXII, which shall be reduced by the amount of government contribution; (2) allow a tax credit to covered individuals equal to the sum of the aggregate amount of premiums paid (other than government contributions) with respect to the individual's coverage, and the applicable premium subsidy; (3) impose on every employer an excise tax equal to the applicable percentage of the wages paid employees; (4) allow a tax credit against such excise tax for periods during which an employee is covered by qualified employer-provided coverage; and (5) impose a tax on hospital revenues. Makes related amendments to SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (SCHIP). Directs the Commissioner of Health Benefits to establish new guidelines that promote the proper use and understanding of health information technologies. Establishes the Health Benefits Commission to examine and make recommendations regarding the major issues and cost drivers affecting the delivery of healthcare services as it pertains to the American Health Benefits Program.

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


Summary: No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan from imposing any preexisting conditions exclusion.Requires each health insurance issuer that offers health insurance coverage in the group market in a state to: (1) accept every employer in the state that applies for such coverage; (2) accept enrollment for every eligible individual who applies during the enrollment period; (3) charge the same premium price for the same coverage; and (4) openly disclose such premium price.Eliminates provisions allowing nonfederal governmental plans to opt out of certain group health plan requirements.Prohibits health insurance issuers that offer coverage in the individual market to individuals residing in an area from: (1) declining to offer such coverage to, or denying enrollment of, eligible individuals in the area who desire to enroll; or (2) imposing any preexisting conditions exclusion. Defines "eligible individual" to mean: (1) a U.S. citizen or national; (2) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; or (3) an alien who is otherwise lawfully residing in the United States. Requires such issuers to: (1) charge the same premium price for the same coverage, including coverage offered in the group market; and (2) openly disclose such premium price. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish rules to deter individuals from: (1) enrolling in individual health insurance coverage only after they develop an illness or injury; or (2) disenrolling for periods in which they are unlikely to require such coverage.

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


Summary: Patients and Public Health Partnership Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project under which up to 30 qualifying integrated health systems receive grants for the costs of their operations to expand access to primary and preventive services for the medically underserved.

amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services establish demonstration project qualifying integrated health systems receive grants costs operations expand access primary preventive services medically underserved


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

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


Summary: Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit physical therapy to be furnished under the Medicare program to individuals under the care of a dentist.

amends title xviii medicare social security act permit physical therapy furnished medicare program individuals care dentist


Summary: Provides transitional health care (medical and dental care and other military-related health benefits) for 180 days following separation for members of the Armed Forces separated from active duty who agree to become a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.

provides transitional health care medical dental care military related health benefits days following separation members armed_forces separated active duty agree member


Summary: Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Appropriations Act, 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on implementation of a proposed rule ("Medicaid Program; Cost Limit for Providers Operated by Units of Government and Provisions To Ensure the Integrity of Federal-State Financial Partnership") relating to the federal-state financial partnerships under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA). Extends until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on any action by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to restrict Medicaid payments for graduate medical education (GME).Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 to extend until April 1, 2009, the moratorium on certain restrictions relating to Medicaid coverage or payment for rehabilitation services or school-based administration and school-based transportation, including specified proposed regulations, if such restrictions are more restrictive in any aspect than those applied to such areas as of July 1, 2007.Establishes additional moratoria until April 1, 2009, on specified regulatory actions concerning Medicaid: (1) treatment of optional case management services; (2) outpatient hospital services; and (3) allowable provider taxes. (Sec. 3) Makes appropriations to the Secretary for the purpose of reducing fraud and abuse in the Medicaid program. Requires annual reports to specified congressional committees on activities funded by such appropriations. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the Medicaid regulations referred to in this Act and how they were designed to address specific problems. Directs the Secretary to contract with an independent organization to produce a comprehensive report for Congress on the prevalence of such problems: (1) identifying which claims for items and services under Medicaid are not processed through automated data systems; (2) examining the reasons why they are not so processed; and (3) recommending federal and state actions that can make claims for such items and services more accurate and completely consistent with Medicaid requirements. (Sec. 5) Amends SSA title XIX to require each state to implement an asset verification program for purposes of determining or redetermining the eligibility of an individual for state Medicaid assistance. Requires withholding of federal matching payments from states failing to implement such program. Amends the TMA, Abstinence Education, and QI Programs Extension Act of 2007 to repeal the requirement to extend to the Medicaid program the web-based asset demonstration project under SS title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI). (Sec. 6) Amends SSA title XVIII to make adjustments to funding available to the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative (PAQI) Fund. Reduces amounts available to the Fund for expenditure during 2013, but adds funds for 2014 expenditures (under the same limitations provided for those made with money available during 2013).

protecting sec amends katrina_recovery extend april moratorium implementation proposed rule cost limit providers operated relating federal state financial partnerships titles xix medicaid schip social security act ssa extends april moratorium action secretary health_and_human_services restrict medicaid payments graduate medical education medicare medicaid schip extension act extend april moratorium certain restrictions relating medicaid coverage payment rehabilitation services school based administration school based transportation including specified proposed regulations restrictions restrictive aspect applied areas july additional moratoria april specified regulatory actions concerning medicaid treatment optional case management services outpatient hospital services allowable provider taxes sec makes appropriations secretary purpose reducing fraud abuse medicaid program requires annual reports specified congressional committees activities funded appropriations sec directs secretary report congress medicaid regulations referred act designed address specific problems directs secretary contract independent organization produce comprehensive report congress prevalence problems identifying claims items services medicaid processed automated data systems examining reasons processed recommending federal state actions claims items services accurate completely consistent medicaid requirements sec amends ssa title xix require state implement asset verification program purposes determining redetermining eligibility individual state medicaid assistance requires withholding federal matching payments states failing implement program amends tma programs extension act repeal requirement extend medicaid program web based asset demonstration project title xvi supplemental security income ssi sec amends ssa title xviii adjustments funding available quality initiative fund reduces amounts available fund expenditure adds funds expenditures limitations provided money available


Summary: Group Health Plan Prosthetics Parity Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require a group health plan that provides both medical and surgical benefits and benefits for prosthetic devices and components to provide prosthetics coverage under terms and conditions that are no less favorable than those applicable to substantially all medical and surgical benefits provided under the plan.Prohibits the prosthetics benefit from being subject to separate or more restrictive financial requirements or more restrictive treatment limitations.Applies the requirements of this Act separately with respect to in-network and out-of-network benefits.Requires a group health plan to apply the same prior authorization requirements to the prosthetics benefit as apply for all similar benefits under the plan.Limits the required prosthetics benefit to the most appropriate model that adequately meets the medical requirements of the patient. Includes repair or replacement of prosthetic devices and components within such coverage.Prohibits a group health plan from imposing any annual or lifetime dollar limitation on the prosthetics benefit that is not applied in the aggregate to all medical and surgical benefits provided under the plan.Requires the Secretary of Labor to: (1) assist participants and beneficiaries with any questions or problems regarding compliance with the requirements of this Act; and (2) conduct random audits of group health plans to ensure compliance.Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate the effects of this Act, including on the cost of and access to heath insurance coverage.

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


Summary: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot program to ensure that, for each veteran seeking primary care from a participating medical facility, the standard for access to such care, determined from the date that the veteran contacts the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeking an appointment until a visit with a primary-care provider is completed, is 30 days. Directs the Secretary to periodically review the performance of VA health-care facilities in meeting such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for health care services in non-VA facilities when the Secretary is unable to meet access standards.

veterans timely secretary veterans_affairs conduct year pilot program ensure veteran seeking primary care participating medical facility standard access care determined date veteran contacts department_of_veterans_affairs seeking appointment visit primary care provider completed days directs secretary periodically review performance health care facilities meeting standards authorizes secretary contract health care services non-va facilities secretary unable meet access standards


Summary: Restoring the Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2008 - Amends titles XVI (Supplementary Security Income) (SSI), XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to allow benefits under such titles for persons in custody in a public institution pending disposition of charges.

restoring act amends titles xvi supplementary security income ssi xviii medicare xix medicaid schip allow benefits titles persons custody public institution pending disposition charges


Summary: Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida. (Current law requires the Secretary to provide such child such health care as the Secretary determines is needed by the child for the spina bifida or any disability that is associated with such condition.)

spina act requires secretary veterans_affairs provide comprehensive health care coverage department_of_veterans_affairs child vietnam veteran suffering spina bifida current law requires secretary provide child health care secretary determines needed child spina bifida disability associated condition


Summary: Affordable Health Care Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for health insurance costs paid for the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents; (2) require business taxpayers who receive payments for certain employee health insurance coverage to file informational returns; and (3) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of health insurance tax credit amounts to health insurance providers.

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


Summary: Military Healthcare for Dependents Act - Amends federal provisions concerning contracts for medical care for spouses and children of members of the Armed Forces (members) to: (1) eliminate the requirement that the dependent must reside with the member in order to be eligible for such care; (2) remove a duty order condition with respect to coverage for a dependent of a member who has relocated without the dependent from a remote location where the member and dependent resided together; and (3) remove the condition that, in order for dependents of certain reserve members to be eligible for such care, the residence must be located more than 50 miles, or more than one hour's drive, from the nearest adequate military medical treatment facility.

military healthcare dependents act amends federal provisions concerning contracts medical care spouses children members armed_forces members eliminate requirement dependent reside member order eligible care remove duty order condition respect coverage dependent member relocated dependent remote location member dependent resided remove condition order dependents certain reserve members eligible care residence located miles hour drive nearest adequate military medical treatment facility


Summary: Allows reimbursement to a veteran who receives emergency treatment in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs facility if, among other requirements, the veteran has no contractual or legal recourse against a third party that would, in whole (currently, in whole or part), extinguish the veteran's liability to the provider.

allows reimbursement veteran receives emergency treatment non-department_of_veterans_affairs facility requirements veteran contractual legal recourse party currently extinguish veteran liability provider


Summary: Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008 - Title I: Matters Relating to Modernizing the Disability Compensation System of Department of Veterans Affairs - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) an Office of Survivor Assistance to provide direct assistance to survivors and dependents of deceased veterans and members of the Armed Forces regarding all benefits and services delivered by the VA; and (2) report annually to Congress on Office activities. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study on adjusting the VA schedule for rating veterans' disabilities (rating schedule) to base such schedule on current standards, practices, and codes in common use by medical, mental health, and disability professions. Directs the Secretary, after the report, to submit to Congress a plan for the readjustment of such schedule, along with a proposed implementation timeline (not to exceed three years). Authorizes appropriations. Establishes in the VA the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation to advise the Secretary on the maintenance and periodic readjustment of the rating schedule. Requires an annual Committee report to the Secretary (to be forwarded to the congressional veterans' committees) on its programs and activities. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the VBA's work credit system used to measure the work production of VBA employees; (2) establish a new system; and (3) report to Congress on the study and on VA progress in implementing the new system. Prohibits the Secretary from awarding work credits to VBA employees until the new system is established. (Sec. 104) Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of, and report to Congress on, the VBA work management system, which is designed to improve accountability, quality, and accuracy of, and reduce the time for processing, veterans' benefit claims (claims) adjudicated by the VBA. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a certification examination for VBA employees and managers responsible for processing claims; (2) contract for an evaluation of training and performance assessment programs for employees responsible for matters relating to veterans' compensation or pension benefits; and (3) report to Congress on actions taken under (1) and (2). (Sec. 106) Requires the Secretary to: (1) contract for an independent annual assessment of the VBA's quality assurance program; and (2) report annually to Congress on the most recent assessment. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the expedited treatment by the appropriate VBA regional office of any fully developed claim to ensure that it is adjudicated no more than 90 days after its submission; (2) provide to claimants a checklist of information required to substantiate claims; and (3) submit the checklist to Congress. (Sec. 108) Requires the Secretary to: (1) evaluate the need of the VBA and VA to employ additional medical professionals to act as consultants to assist VBA employees to accurately assess medical evidence submitted in support of claims; and (2) report to Congress on the evaluation. (Sec. 109) Provides VA authority to provide partial disability ratings for severely (50% service-connected) and very severely (100% service-connected) disabled veterans who are 365 days or less from active-duty discharge and for whom gainful employment is not feasible or likely. Terminates such partial rating on the earlier of 365 days after discharge or the date on which the veteran receives a permanent rating. (Sec. 110) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review VBA use of information technology and develop a comprehensive plan for the use of such technology in processing claims; (2) review VA best practices and lessons learned and the use of the technology known as VistA by other government agencies and private organizations who employ information technology and automated decision support software; (3) develop a plan that would reduce the processing time for each claim processed by the VBA to the average amount of time required to process a claim as determined by the Secretary; and (4) report to Congress on the reviews and plan required under this section. (Sec. 111) Provides that if a veteran claimant dies while a claim or appeal is pending, the claim beneficiary shall be treated as the claimant for purposes of processing the claim to completion, except that such person may only submit new evidence in support of the claim during the one-year period following the veteran's death. Title II: Matters Relating to United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims - (Sec. 201) Requires the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court) to report annually to the veterans' committees summarizing the Court's workload. (Sec. 202) Empowers the Court to affirm, modify, reverse, remand, or vacate and remand a decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals after deciding all relevant assignments of error raised for each claim. Provides that, when the Court reverses a decision on the merits of a claim and orders an award of benefits, the Court need not decide any additional assignments of error with respect to that claim.

benefits claims modernization act title matters relating modernizing disability compensation system department veterans affairs sec directs secretary veterans_affairs establish veterans_benefits_administration vba department_of_veterans_affairs provide direct assistance survivors dependents deceased veterans members armed_forces benefits services delivered report annually activities sec requires secretary conduct report congress study adjusting schedule rating veterans disabilities rating schedule base schedule current standards practices codes common use medical mental health disability professions directs secretary report submit congress plan readjustment schedule proposed implementation timeline exceed years authorizes appropriations establishes advisory committee disability compensation advise secretary maintenance periodic readjustment rating schedule requires annual committee report secretary forwarded congressional veterans committees programs activities sec directs secretary conduct study vba work credit system measure work production vba employees establish new system report congress study progress implementing new system prohibits secretary awarding work credits vba employees new system established sec requires secretary conduct study report congress vba work management system designed improve accountability quality accuracy reduce time processing veterans benefit claims claims adjudicated vba sec directs secretary develop implement certification examination vba employees managers responsible processing claims contract evaluation training performance assessment programs employees responsible matters relating veterans compensation pension benefits report congress actions taken sec requires secretary contract independent annual assessment vba quality assurance program report annually congress recent assessment sec directs secretary provide expedited treatment appropriate vba regional office fully developed claim ensure adjudicated days submission provide claimants checklist information required substantiate claims submit checklist congress sec requires secretary evaluate need vba employ additional medical professionals act consultants assist vba employees accurately assess medical evidence submitted support claims report congress evaluation sec authority provide partial disability ratings severely service connected severely service connected disabled veterans days active duty discharge gainful employment feasible likely terminates partial rating earlier days discharge date veteran receives permanent rating sec directs secretary review vba use information technology develop comprehensive plan use technology processing claims review best practices lessons learned use technology known vista government agencies private organizations employ information technology automated decision support software develop plan reduce processing time claim processed vba average time required process claim determined secretary report congress reviews plan required section sec provides veteran claimant dies claim appeal pending claim beneficiary shall treated claimant purposes processing claim completion person submit new evidence support claim year period following veteran death title matters relating united_states_court_of_appeals veterans claims sec requires chief judge veterans claims court report annually veterans committees summarizing court workload sec affirm modify reverse remand vacate remand decision deciding relevant assignments error raised claim provides court reverses decision merits claim orders award benefits court need decide additional assignments error respect claim


Summary: Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements.Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program and assist in enrollment.Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan. Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study the rating requirements that apply to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements.Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act.Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.

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


Summary: Patients' Health Care Reform Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of : (1) HealthMarts, which are nonprofit organizations that offer health benefits coverage to employers, employees, and individuals through contracts with health insurance issuers; and (2) individual membership associations (IMAs), which are organizations that offer health benefits coverage to members through health insurance issuer contracts. Requires the Secretary of Heath and Human Services to pay 50% of a state's costs to provide health benefits coverage under a high-risk pool, a reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanisms used to subsidize the purchase of private health insurance.Small Business Access and Choice for Entrepreneurs Act of 2007 [sic]- Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide individuals with a tax credit for payments for qualified health insurance and allows the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of the credit to providers. Excludes from gross income any compensating coverage payment made by an employer to an employee who elects not to participate in the employer's subsidized health plan.Requires health insurance issuers offering coverage in connection with a group health plan to provide certain information to the administrator of the plan, including information regarding: (1) plan benefits and exclusions; (2) a participant's financial responsibilities; and (3) legal recourse options for participants and beneficiaries.

patients health care reform act amends public_health_service_act provide establishment governance nonprofit organizations offer health benefits coverage employers employees individuals contracts health insurance issuers individual membership associations imas organizations offer health benefits coverage members health insurance issuer contracts requires secretary pay state costs provide health benefits coverage high risk pool reinsurance pool risk adjustment mechanisms subsidize purchase private health insurance amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans group health plans sponsors trade industry professional chamber commerce similar business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements amends internal revenue code provide individuals tax credit payments qualified health insurance allows secretary treasury advance payments credit providers excludes gross income compensating coverage payment employer employee elects participate employer subsidized health plan requires health insurance issuers offering coverage connection group health plan provide certain information administrator plan including information plan benefits exclusions participant financial responsibilities legal recourse options participants beneficiaries


Summary: Medicaid and SCHIP Abuse Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to place a ceiling on an invidiual's eligibility for Medicaid and SCHIP benefits at a gross family income that is not more than 250% of the poverty level.

medicaid schip abuse prevention act amends titles xix medicaid schip social security act place ceiling eligibility medicaid schip benefits gross family income poverty level


Summary: Health Care Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an issuer of group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan that cancels or does not renew the coverage by reason of nonpayment of premiums to: (1) provide to the administrator of the plan and to each participant receiving coverage, during the 14-day period beginning on the date of such cancellation or non-renewal, written notice of the cancellation or non-renewal, the reason for such cancellation or non-renewal, and the right of reinstatement; and (2) reinstate the coverage as if it had not lapsed if the premiums due and such reasonable administrative fee as the state regulating such coverage may specify are paid to the issuer by not later than 60 days after the date the cancellation or non-renewal would otherwise have become effective.Applies such requirement in the same manner to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market. Requires the notice to be provided to an association or other organization responsible for paying premiums as well as the individuals whose coverage is affected.

amends public_health_service_act require issuer group health insurance coverage connection group health plan cancels renew coverage reason nonpayment premiums provide administrator plan participant receiving coverage day period beginning date cancellation non renewal written notice cancellation non renewal reason cancellation non renewal right reinstatement reinstate coverage lapsed premiums reasonable administrative fee state regulating coverage specify paid issuer later days date cancellation non renewal effective applies requirement manner health insurance coverage offered health insurance issuer individual market requires notice provided association organization responsible paying premiums individuals coverage affected


Summary: Save Medicare Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to: (1) increase the Medicare physician payment update for 2009; and (2) extend the physician quality reporting system, the incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas, the floor on the work geographic adjustment to the physician fee schedule, and the accommodation for physicians ordered to active duty in the armed services.Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the provisions of, and amendments made by, this Act should be deficit neutral over the five year period beginning on October 1, 2008; and (2) Congress should address the challenges facing the Medicare program in a fiscally responsible manner.Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Medicare program should provide payments to physicians and other health professionals that serve as positive incentives for participation in voluntary initiatives to improve health care quality; and (2) financing for such initiatives should be non-punitive and exempt from the Medicare physician fee schedule budget neutrality requirements.

save medicare act amends title xviii medicare social security act amended medicare medicaid schip extension act increase medicare physician payment update extend physician quality reporting system incentive payment program physician scarcity areas floor work geographic adjustment physician fee schedule accommodation physicians ordered active duty armed services expresses sense congress provisions amendments act deficit neutral year period beginning october congress address challenges facing medicare program fiscally responsible manner expresses sense congress medicare program provide payments physicians health professionals serve positive incentives participation voluntary initiatives improve health care quality financing initiatives non punitive exempt medicare physician fee schedule budget neutrality requirements


Summary: Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for health insurance coverage. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the laws of a health insurance issuer's primary state to individual health insurance coverage offered by the issuer in a secondary state. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to set forth rules governing association health plans. Establishes the Health Care Services Commission to enhance health care services and access to them, and the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Terminates the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2008 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe standards for independent health record trusts (IHRTs) in a nationwide health information technology network. Revises title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (2) require states to elect either a block grant for acute care services or implement a refundable tax credit for the Medicaid population for such services; (2) phase-out disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; and (3) establish a block grant to states for long-term care services. Abolishes SSA title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP), effective January 1, 2010. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to create a program for new beneficiaries beginning in 2019, increasing the Medicare eligibility age to 65, and making an income-related reduction in the part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) premium subsidy. Social Security Personal Savings Guarantee and Prosperity Act of 2008 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to establish a Personal Social Security Savings Program, under which participating individuals will have their Social Security contributions directed to personal Social Security savings accounts. Establishes a Self-Liquidating Social Security Transition Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain account investments from taxation. Provides for the creation of a Social Security Lockbox Budget. Revises part A benefits. Provides for phase-in of normal retirement age to 67 by 2021. Taxpayer Choice Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the alternative minimum tax on individual taxpayers after 2006; and (2) allow taxpayers to elect an alternative income tax system without tax credits. Makes permanent the capital gains and dividends rate reductions enacted by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Excludes from gross income net capital gains, qualified dividends, and interest.Repeals estate and gift taxes. Competitive American Business Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the corporate income tax; and (2) impose a tax on the sale of property in the United States, the performance of services in the United States, and the importing of property into the United States by a taxable person in a transaction engaged in by a corporation or any other person (other than a corporation) in connection with a business. Allows as a credit against such tax any tax paid by sellers to the taxpayer of property and services which the taxpayer uses in the business to which the transaction relates. Exempts certain organizations and transactions from such new tax. Budget Control Act of 2008 - Establishes a mechanism for issuance by the President and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of spending reduction orders. Exempts Social Security benefits and obligated balances from such orders. Provides for suspension of such mechanism in the event of war or low-growth. Authorizes the majority leader of either House of Congress to introduce a joint resolution to direct the President to modify a final spending reduction order or provide an alternative to eliminate the spending excess for a fiscal year. Amends the Congressional Budget Act to make it out of order for the House or Senate to consider any legislation that would cause: (1) an excess spending amount; or (2) aggregate federal revenue levels exceeding a specified percentage of revenue relative to the Gross Domestic Product, unless so determined by a vote of at least three-fifths of the Members voting, a quorum being present.

roadmap america future act amends internal revenue code allow refundable tax credit health insurance coverage amends public_health_service_act apply laws health insurance issuer primary state individual health insurance coverage offered issuer secondary state amends employee retirement income security act set forth rules governing association health plans establishes enhance health care services access terminates agency healthcare_research quality independent health record trust act directs federal_trade_commission prescribe standards independent health record trusts nationwide health information technology network revises title xix medicaid social security act ssa require states elect block grant acute care services implement refundable tax credit medicaid population services phase disproportionate share hospital dsh payments establish block grant states long term care services abolishes ssa title schip effective january amends ssa title xviii medicare create program new beneficiaries beginning increasing medicare eligibility age making income related reduction voluntary prescription drug benefit program premium subsidy prosperity act amends ssa title survivors disability insurance oasdi establish participating individuals social_security contributions directed personal social_security savings accounts establishes amends internal revenue code exempt certain account investments taxation provides creation revises benefits provides phase normal retirement age taxpayer choice act amends internal revenue code repeal alternative minimum tax individual taxpayers allow taxpayers elect alternative income tax system tax credits makes permanent capital gains dividends rate reductions enacted jobs_and_growth_tax_relief_reconciliation_act excludes gross income net capital gains qualified dividends interest repeals estate gift taxes repeal corporate income tax impose tax sale property united_states performance services united_states importing property united_states taxable person transaction engaged corporation person corporation connection business allows credit tax tax paid sellers taxpayer property services taxpayer uses business transaction relates exempts certain organizations transactions new tax budget control act establishes mechanism issuance president office_of_management_and_budget omb spending reduction orders benefits obligated balances orders provides suspension mechanism event war low growth authorizes majority leader house congress introduce joint resolution direct president modify final spending reduction order provide alternative eliminate spending excess fiscal year amends congressional_budget_act order house senate consider legislation cause excess spending aggregate federal revenue levels exceeding specified percentage revenue relative determined vote fifths members voting quorum present


Summary: Equality in Medicare Advantage Payment Act of 2008 - Amends part C (Medicare Advantage) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make budget-neutral adjustments in payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to reduce the variation in Medicare Advantage payment rates among counties in the same state within a very large metropolitan area.

equality medicare advantage payment act amends medicare advantage title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services budget neutral adjustments payments organizations reduce variation medicare_advantage payment rates counties state large metropolitan area


Summary: TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2008 - Makes a member of the Retired Reserve who is qualified for a non-regular (reserve) retirement at age 60, but is not yet 60, eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Standard (a Department of Defense (DOD) managed health care program for members of the reserves). Terminates such eligibility when the member becomes eligible for TRICARE Standard at age 60. Includes immediate family members under such coverage. Requires members to pay a premium for such coverage.

tricare continuity coverage national_guard_and_reserve families act makes member qualified non regular reserve retirement age eligible health benefits tricare_standard department_of_defense dod managed health care program members reserves terminates eligibility member eligible tricare standard age includes immediate family members coverage requires members pay premium coverage


Summary: Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prescribe special rules for Medicare coverage of individuals receiving a heart transplant.

amends title old age survivors disability insurance social security act prescribe special rules medicare coverage individuals receiving heart transplant


Summary: Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements.Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program and assist in enrollment.Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan. Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study the rating requirements, administrative procedures, and standards of external and internal review that apply to such plans and to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements.Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act.Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.

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


Summary: Medicare Efficiency and Development of Improvement of Care and Services Act (MEDICS Act) of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for coverage of additional preventive services.Provides for gradual elimination of copayment rates for Medicare psychiatric services.Places prohibitions and limitations on certain sales and marketing activities under Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and prescription drug plans.Requires offering of a range of Medicare supplemental policies.Extends the qualifying individual program. Provides for application of a full low-income subsidy assets test under the Medicare Savings Program.Eliminates Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) late enrollment penalties paid by subsidy-eligible individuals.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states for state health insurance assistance programs, area agencies on aging, and aging and disability resource centers. 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. Permits rebasing for sole community hospitals.Directs the Secretary to establish a demonstration project for development and testing of new community health integration models in certain rural counties.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.Increases physicians' payments. Revises requirements for and extends the quality reporting system, including incentive payments.Directs the Secretary to establish a Physician Feedback Program. Provides for: (1) incentives for electronic prescribing of medicine; (2) expanded access to primary care services; (3) extension of the floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment under the Medicare physician fee schedule; and (4) an accreditation requirement for advanced diagnostic imaging services.Revises requirements for Medicare anesthesia teaching programs. 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.Provides for coverage of pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation.Revises payment rules for power-driven wheelchairs.Extends increased Medicare payments for ground ambulance services. Amends the Public Health Services Act to direct the Secretary to establish pilot projects with respect to chronic kidney disease.Revises requirements for renal dialysis.Provides for phase-out of indirect costs of medical education from capitation rates.Revises requirements for MA private fee-for-service plans as well as MA plans for special needs individuals.Modifies requirements for quality improvement programs.Requires prompt payment of clean claims by prescription drug plans and MA-Prescription Drug plans under Medicare part D. Revises the definition of medically accepted indication for drugs.Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with a consensus-based entity 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.Creates the Medicare Improvement Fund. Extends the transitional medical assistance (TMA) and allotments for disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs) under SSA title XIX (Medicaid). Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to extend supplemental grants under SSA title IV part D (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF), as well as special diabetes grant programs. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an effective plan to increase the number of primary care physicians, particularly in locations classified as underserved or with a disproportionate number of Medicare beneficiaries.

medics act amends title xviii medicare social security act ssa provide coverage additional preventive services provides gradual elimination copayment rates medicare psychiatric services places prohibitions limitations certain sales marketing activities medicare_advantage plans prescription drug plans requires offering range medicare supplemental policies extends qualifying individual program provides application low income subsidy assets test medicare_savings_program voluntary prescription drug benefit program late enrollment penalties paid subsidy eligible individuals directs secretary health_and_human_services grants states state health insurance assistance programs area agencies aging aging disability resource centers 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 permits rebasing sole community hospitals directs secretary establish demonstration project development testing new community health integration models certain rural counties amends tax relief health care act amended medicare medicaid schip extension act extend fy2009 reclassification certain hospitals increases physicians payments revises requirements extends quality reporting system including incentive payments directs secretary establish provides incentives electronic prescribing medicine expanded access primary care services extension floor medicare work geographic adjustment medicare physician fee schedule accreditation requirement advanced diagnostic imaging services revises requirements medicare anesthesia teaching programs makes permanent exception day limit medicare reciprocal billing arrangements physicians longer continuous period ordered active duty member reserve component armed forces provides coverage pulmonary cardiac rehabilitation revises payment rules power driven wheelchairs extends increased medicare payments ground ambulance services amends public_health_services_act direct secretary establish pilot projects respect chronic kidney disease revises requirements renal dialysis provides phase indirect costs medical education capitation rates revises requirements private fee service plans plans special needs individuals modifies requirements quality improvement programs requires prompt payment clean claims prescription drug plans ma-prescription_drug plans medicare definition medically accepted indication drugs directs secretary contract consensus based entity certain activities relating health care performance measurement evaluate report congress approaches collection data health care disparities creates medicare_improvement_fund extends transitional medical assistance tma allotments disproportionate share hospitals ssa title xix medicaid amends deficit reduction act extend supplemental grants ssa title temporary assistance needy families tanf special diabetes grant programs directs secretary submit congress effective plan increase number primary care physicians particularly locations classified underserved disproportionate number medicare beneficiaries


Summary: America's Affordable Health Care Act of 2008 - Authorizes a health insurance issuer to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify health insurance coverage policies offered in the individual market in any state as Health Benefit Plans. Allows certified plans to be offered to individuals in all states without regard to state and local laws respecting mandates for benefits. Requires such plans to cover inpatient hospital services and physicians' surgical and medical services. Requires the Secretary to review the impact of this Act on the availability and purchase of health insurance coverage. Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for grants to states for the creation and operation of qualified high risk health insurance pools. Conditions eligibility for receiving an operating grant on a state submitting to the Secretary evidence-based information on the operation of such pool for purposes of creating best practice guidelines. Requires the Secretary to: (1) recommend and publicly post a list of best practices on the operation of qualified high risk pools; and (2) give a bonus grant to states that demonstrate that their pool was operated in accordance with such best practices.

america affordable health care act authorizes health insurance issuer apply secretary health_and_human_services certify health insurance coverage policies offered individual market state health benefit plans allows certified plans offered individuals states regard state local laws respecting mandates benefits requires plans cover inpatient hospital services physicians surgical medical services requires secretary review impact act availability purchase health insurance coverage amends public_health_service_act increase authorization appropriations fy2009 fy2013 grants states creation operation qualified high risk health insurance pools conditions eligibility receiving operating grant state submitting secretary evidence based information operation pool purposes creating best practice guidelines requires secretary recommend publicly post list best practices operation qualified high risk pools bonus grant states demonstrate pool operated accordance best practices