H.R.5907 Sponsored by Jim Gerlach
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To provide a Federal income tax credit for Eagle employers, and for other purposes.

4/24/2008--Introduced.

Eagle Employers Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer certified as an Eagle employer by the Secretary of the Treasury a tax credit for one percent of such employer's taxable income. Defines an " Eagle employer" as any taxpayer who: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States; (2) pays at least 60% of the health care premiums of its employees; (3) maintains or increases the number of its full-time workers in the United States relative to its full-time workers outside of the United States; (4) provides full differential salary and insurance benefits for all National Guard and Reserve employees called to active duty; and (5) provides its employees with a certain level of compensation and retirement benefits.

Latest Action: 05/14/2008 - Rule H. Res. 1190 passed House.

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 3/13/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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H.R.4986 Sponsored by Ike Skelton
Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, as previously enrolled, with certain modifications to address the foreign sovereign immunities provisions of title 28, United States Code, with respect to the attachment of property in certain judgements against Iraq, the lapse of statutory authorities for the payment of bonuses, special pays, and similar benefits for members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. 1/28/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on January 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for [...]

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S.2320 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14066-14067)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide continued entitlement to coverage for immunosuppressive drugs furnished to beneficiaries under the Medicare Program that have received a kidney transplant and whose entitlement to coverage would otherwise expire, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Introduced. Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to: (1) continue entitlement to prescription drugs used in immunosuppressive therapy furnished to an individual who receives a kidney transplant for which payment is made under Medicare; and (2) extend Medicare secondary payer requirements for end stage renal disease (ESRD) beneficiaries. Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of SSA to apply special rules to kidney transplant recipients receiving additional coverage for immunosuppressive drugs. Deems such individual to be enrolled under Medicare [...]

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S.2239 Sponsored by Jeff Bingaman
Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13452)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs in computing self-employment taxes.

10/25/2007--Introduced.

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.

H.R.3975 Sponsored by Steve Chabot
Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a 100 percent deduction for the health insurance costs of individuals.

10/25/2007--Introduced.

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

Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to impose requirements on coverage of children in higher income families under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

10/17/2007--Introduced.

Children Come First Act of 2007 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to prohibit SCHIP payments for children in families with income between 200% and 300% of the poverty line (higher income families) unless: (1) health insurance coverage for the family is demonstrably unattainable or unaffordable; and (2) the state SCHIP plan permits the family to receive child health assistance through specified optional premium assistance rather than through Medicaid or otherwise.

H.R.3812 Sponsored by Barbara Lee
Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to assist countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the effort to achieve internationally recognized goals in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other major diseases and the reduction of maternal and child mortality by improving human health care capacity and improving retention of medical health professionals in sub-Saharan Africa, and for other purposes.

10/10/2007--Introduced.

African Health Capacity Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through international or nongovernmental organizations, for programs to improve human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Directs the President to develop and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring assistance programs for human health care capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

S.2105 Sponsored by Chuck Hagel
Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the establishment of the Federal Health Care Board. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Federal Health Care Board Act of 2007 - Establishes the Federal Health Care Board as an independent agency in the executive branch.Requires the Board to: (1) ensure that Americans have access to health insurance and are provided certain basic facts about health care services prior to receiving care; (2) ensure that providers are delivering safe, evidence-based, high quality care and are transparent about pricing through disclosure of actual costs; (3) demand transparency for disclosure of actual costs and pricing from providers and payers through an information clearinghouse; (4) establish a national standard for a basic health insurance plan (including a basic minimum policy and the regional cost for such policy), a national protocol and standard for secure, universal, and individual electronic medical records, a national standard for public health services (including safety [...]

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Latest Action: 04/08/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-569.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to intensify programs with respect to research and related activities concerning falls among older adults. 9/27/2007--Introduced. Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) oversee and support national education campaigns focusing on reducing falls among older adults, on preventing repeat falls, and on educating health professionals about falls risk, assessment, and prevention; and (2) award grants for local and state education campaigns. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research to: (1) improve the identification of older adults who have a high risk of falling; (2) improve data collection and analysis to identify fall risk and protective factors; (3) design, implement, and evaluate the most effective fall prevention and medication management interventions; (4) tailor [...]

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Latest Action: 09/29/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA), the abstinence education program, and the qualifying individuals (QI) program, and for other purposes. 9/29/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) TMA, Abstinence Education, and QI Programs Extension Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, as amended, to extend transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through December 31, 2007. (Sec. 3) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through December 2007: (1) the qualifying individual (QI) program; and (2) a specified allocation of funds for state coverage of Medicare cost-sharing for additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human [...]

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H.R.3660 Sponsored by Ron Kind
Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals be allowed in determining self-employment tax.

9/25/2007--Introduced.

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.

Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To provide for a comprehensive national research effort on the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and their families.

9/20/2007--Introduced.

Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of members and former members of the Armed Forces who deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, and their families. Requires: (1) reports, from the Academy to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs and from the Secretary to Congress, on such study; (2) the public availability of the reports; (3) such Secretaries to develop a joint plan to address report findings; and (4) the public availability of the Secretaries' response.

H.R.3515 Sponsored by John M. McHugh
Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a refundable credit against income tax for the purchase of private health insurance.

9/10/2007--Introduced.

Health Insurance Tax Relief 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; and (3) direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of health insurance tax credit amounts to health insurance providers.

H.R.3516 Sponsored by John M. McHugh
Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a 100 percent deduction for the health insurance costs of individuals.

9/10/2007--Introduced.

Affordable Health Care for Americans Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction from gross income for the health insurance costs of an individual taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents (available whether or not a taxpayer itemizes deductions).

H.R.3517 Sponsored by John M. McHugh
Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that distributions from an individual retirement plan, a section 401(k) plan, or a section 403(b) contract shall not be includible in gross income to the extent used to pay long-term care insurance premiums.

9/10/2007--Introduced.

Long-Term Care Tax Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income distributions from an individual retirement account and other tax-exempt retirement plans used to pay long-term care insurance premiums.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To catalyze change in the care and treatment of diabetes in the United States. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish an outreach program to: (1) identify existing efforts to increase awareness of the diabetes and screening benefit among Medicare beneficiaries and providers; and (2) maximize economies of scale, cost-effectiveness, and resource allocation in increasing utilization of the Medicare diabetes screening program. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory group to examine and recommend best practices of chronic illness employee wellness incentivization and disease management programs. Directs the Secretary to prepare, biennially, a diabetes report card for the nation and for each state that: (1) is adaptable by state and local agencies in order to rate or report local diabetes care, costs, and prevalence; and (2) includes trend [...]

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H.R.3342 Sponsored by Ron Paul
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1730)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a credit against income tax for the cost of insurance against negative outcomes from surgery, including against malpractice of a physician.

8/2/2007--Introduced.

Freedom From Unnecessary Litigation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for insurance purchased to cover the costs of a negative outcome from surgery, including negative outcomes caused by physician malpractice; and (2) exclude from gross income medical malpractice awards granted in binding arbitration.

S.1945 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10794-10795)

Bill Text
A bill to provide a Federal income tax credit for Patriot employers, and for other purposes.

8/2/2007--Introduced.

Patriot Employers Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer certified as a Patriot employer by the Secretary of the Treasury a tax credit for one percent of such employer's taxable income. Defines a "Patriot employer" as any taxpayer who: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States; (2) pays at least 60% of the health care premiums of its employees; (3) observes a policy requiring neutrality in employee organizing drives; (4) maintains or increases the number of its full-time workers in the United States relative to its full-time workers outside of the United States; (5) provides full differential salary and insurance benefits for all National Guard and Reserve employees called to active duty; and (6) provides its employees with a certain level of compensation and retirement benefits.

H.R.3343 Sponsored by Ron Paul
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1726)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make health care coverage more accessible and affordable.

8/2/2007--Introduced.

Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the tax credit for the health insurance costs of a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents to increase the amount of, and expand eligibility criteria for, such credit; (2) permit up to $500 of unused health benefits under a health flexible spending arrangement to be carried over to a succeeding plan year or paid directly to an employee as compensation; (3) revise the tax deduction for payments to a health savings account to eliminate the requirement for coverage under a high deductible health plan; and (4) repeal the 7.5% threshold limitation on the tax deduction of medical and dental expenses.

Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow amounts in a health flexible spending arrangement that are unused during a plan year to be carried over to subsequent plan years or deposited into certain health or retirement plans.

8/1/2007--Introduced.

Flexible Health Savings Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow 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 plan year or be contributed to a health savings account or a qualified retirement plan, without affecting the status of such plan or arrangement as a tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plan.

H.R.3282 Sponsored by Dave Camp
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide continued entitlement to coverage for immunosuppressive drugs furnished to beneficiaries under the Medicare Program that have received a kidney transplant and whose entitlement to coverage would otherwise expire, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to: (1) continue entitlement to prescription drugs used in immunosuppressive therapy furnished to an individual who receives a kidney transplant for which payment is made under Medicare; and (2) extend Medicare secondary payer requirements for end stage renal disease (ESRD) beneficiaries. Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of SSA to apply special rules to kidney transplant recipients receiving additional coverage for immunosuppressive drugs. Deems such individual to be enrolled under Medicare part [...]

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H.R.3269 Sponsored by Heather Wilson
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (also known as SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA) through FY2012. Provides allotments for the 50 states and the District of Columbia.Revises funding for the territories under CHIP and Medicaid (SSA title XIX).Provides incentive bonuses for states. Phases out coverage for nonpregnant childless adults under CHIP and sets conditions for coverage of parents. Gives states the option to cover low-income pregnant women under CHIP through a state plan amendment.Establishes in the Treasury the CHIP Contingency Fund.Provides for the two-year availability of allotments. Provides for limitation on matching rate for states that [...]

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Latest Action: 09/04/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 338.

Bill Text
To amend titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the children's health insurance program, to improve beneficiary protections under the Medicare, Medicaid, and the CHIP program, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Reported to House amended, Part I.    (There are 2 other summaries) Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007 - Title I: Children's Health Insurance Program - (Sec. 100) States that it is the purpose of this title to provide dependable and stable funding for children's health insurance under titles XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) (also known as SCHIP) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) in order to enroll all six million uninsured children who are eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage today. Subtitle A: Funding - (Sec. 101) Prescribes formulae for new base CHIP allotments for states and territories beginning with FY2008. (Sec. [...]

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H.R.3163 Sponsored by Brian Baird
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage that will make Americans healthier and can never be taken away. 7/24/2007--Introduced. Healthy Americans Act - Requires each adult individual to have the opportunity to purchase a Healthy Americans Private Insurance Plan (HAPI). Makes individuals who are not enrolled in another specified health plan and who are not opposed to coverage for religious reasons responsible for enrolling themselves and their dependent children in a HAPI plan offered through their state of residence. Sets forth penalties for failure to enroll. Establishes standardized coverage and state options for HAPI plans. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate guidelines concerning the benefits, items, and services to be covered. Sets forth requirements for setting premiums. Requires the Secretary to establish the Healthy America Advisory Committee to provide annual recommendations concerning modifications to the benefits,[...]

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S.1827 Sponsored by Thad Cochran
Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9619)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment to pharmacies under part D, to restrict pharmacy co-branding on prescription drug cards issued under such part, and to provide guidelines for Medication Therapy Management Services programs offered by prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans under such part. 7/19/2007--Introduced. Pharmacist Access and Recognition in Medicare (PhARM) Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Prohibits a Medicare [...]

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H.R.3060 Sponsored by Dan Boren
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and title 5, United States Code, to require that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans and Federal employees health benefit plans provide coverage of colorectal cancer screening. 7/17/2007--Introduced. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection Coverage Age of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to provide coverage for colorectal screening for any participant or beneficiary who is 50 years of age or older or at high risk for colorectal cancer under terms and conditions that are no less favorable than those applicable to other screening benefits provided under the plan. Prohibits specified actions by group health plans to avoid the requirements of this Act, including denying enrollment, penalizing [...]

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H.R.3042 Sponsored by Mike Thompson
Latest Action: 07/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend for 6 months the eligibility period for the "Welcome to Medicare" physical examination and to eliminate coinsurance for screening mammography and colorectal cancer screening tests in order to promote the early detection of cancer.

7/12/2007--Introduced.

Medicare Early Detection of Cancer Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend the eligibility period for a "Welcome to Medicare" initial preventive physical examination from six months to one year; and (2) to eliminate the 20% coinsurance for screening mammography and colorectal cancer screening tests.

H.R.3025 Sponsored by Lloyd Doggett
Latest Action: 07/12/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide comprehensive improvements to the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, and for other purposes. 7/12/2007--Introduced. Medicare Prescription Drug Savings for Our Seniors (Medicare Prescription Drug SOS) Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) offer one or more Medicare operated prescription drug plans (PDPs) with a service area consisting of the entire United States; and (2) negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered part D drugs. Requires the monthly beneficiary premium for qualified prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices to be uniform nationally. Provides for auto-enrollment of subsidy eligible individuals in Medicare operated PDPs.Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for the use of 2005 [...]

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H.R.3000 Sponsored by Barbara Lee
Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To establish a United States Health Service to provide high quality comprehensive health care for all Americans and to overcome the deficiencies in the present system of health care delivery. 7/11/2007--Introduced. Josephine Butler United States Health Service Act - Establishes the United States Health Service as an independent executive branch entity to provide health care and supplemental health services to all individuals within the United States. Requires the President to appoint members to a National Health Board to exercise the authority of the Service. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General for Health Services. Requires the Service to ensure that every individual is given certain basic health rights, including the right to receive high quality care and supplemental services from any facility within the Service capable of providing such services without charge and without discrimination. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States to report data on Medicaid beneficiaries who are employed.

7/10/2007--Introduced.

Health Care Accountability Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the state Medicaid plan to provide for the annual reporting by the state, using data only from medical assistance applications by individuals, on each employer in the state with 50 or more employees who received Medicaid medical assistance at any time during the previous year.

Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide beneficiary protections against excessive cost-sharing under the Medicare Advantage Program.

6/28/2007--Introduced.

Medicare Advantage Truth in Advertising Act of 2007 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restrict cost-sharing under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program to a level no greater (and permissably less) than the cost-sharing that would otherwise be imposed under the original Medicare fee-for-service program option.

Declares that nothing regarding original Medicare fee-for-service program option benefits shall be construed as prohibiting an MA plan from using a flat copayment or per diem rate, under this Act, in lieu of the cost-sharing imposed under Medicare part A or part B.

S.1715 Sponsored by Olympia J. Snowe
Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8618)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate discriminatory copayment rates for outpatient psychiatric services under the Medicare program.

6/27/2007--Introduced.

Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide, by a gradual increase in the percentage of expenses considered incurred expenses, for a gradual reduction (from 50% to the standard 20%) of copayment rates for outpatient psychiatric services under the Medicare program.

Latest Action: 06/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow previously uninsured individuals a refundable credit for health insurance costs and to provide tax incentives to encourage small business health plans.

6/15/2007--Introduced.

Health Care Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a refundable tax credit up to $1,000 for the health insurance coverage costs of a previously uninsured taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents; and (2) certain small business employers a business tax credit for amounts paid under a new health plan for employee health insurance coverage.

H.R.2719 Sponsored by Dan Burton
Latest Action: 06/14/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that amounts paid for foods for special dietary use, dietary supplements, or medical foods shall be treated as medical expenses.

6/14/2007--Introduced.

Dietary Supplement Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat amounts paid for foods for special dietary use, dietary supplements, and medical foods as medical expenses for purposes of the medical expense tax deduction.

Latest Action: 06/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7641)

Bill Text
A bill to increase the number of well-educated nurses, and for other purposes. 6/13/2007--Introduced. Nursing Education and Quality of Health Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to, or enter into contracts with, schools of nursing, health care facilities, or partnerships of such schools and facilities to educate nurses to serve in rural areas and areas of nurse specialty shortage, including by developing distance learning education. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to such schools, facilities, or partnerships for the establishment of demonstration projects that will expand the number of nurse faculty within schools of nursing, including by developing recruitment programs and offering scholarships. Allows the Secretary, in the case of a nurse faculty shortage, to obligate more [...]

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H.R.2676 Sponsored by Deborah Pryce
Latest Action: 07/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide coverage for individuals participating in approved cancer clinical trials. 6/12/2007--Introduced. Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from: (1) denying an eligible participant or beneficiary participation in clinical trials related to the treatment of cancer that are federally funded or conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (2) denying (or limiting or imposing additional conditions on) the coverage of routine patient costs for items and services furnished in connection with such participation; or (3) discriminating against [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H9191)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the rules with respect to health savings accounts and medical savings accounts, and for other purposes. 6/11/2007--Introduced. Promoting Health for Future Generations Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax deduction for contributions to health savings accounts (HSAs); (2) allow Medicare and veterans health care beneficiaries to establish and contribute to HSAs; (3) allow individuals age 50 or older (currently, age 55 or older) to make additional HSA contributions and to increase the allowable amount of such contributions; (4) treat Medicare supplemental insurance premiums as a tax deductible medical expense; (5) allow a new tax deduction for high deductible health plan premiums; (6) allow individual contributions to a Medicare Advantage medical savings account (MSA); (7) allow adult children of holders of HSAs and MSAs to inherit such accounts; and (8) allow MSA funds to be used for wellness [...]

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H.R.2626 Sponsored by Tom Price
Latest Action: 06/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To provide for incentives to encourage health insurance coverage, and for other purposes. 6/7/2007--Introduced. Comprehensive Health Coverage and Reform Enhancement Act of 2007 or the Comprehensive HealthCARE Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit and a deduction for qualified health insurance. Imposes a tax on any employer who fails to contribute to any health insurance provider elected by an employee in lieu of the employer's group health coverage.Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to revise government contribution amounts such that the amount of contribution does not change based on the health benefits plan in which the individual is enrolled.Quality Health-Care Coalition Act of 2007 - Treats health care professionals negotiating with health plans as collective bargaining units for purposes of antitrust laws. Amends the Public Health Service Act to apply the covered laws of the primary state to individual [...]

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S.1564 Sponsored by Bernard Sanders
Latest Action: 07/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10304)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Social Security Act to provide health insurance converge for children and pregnant and post-partum women throughout the United States by combining the children and pregnant women health coverage under Medicaid and SCHIP into a new All Healthy Children Program, and for other purposes. 6/7/2007--Introduced. All Healthy Children Act of 2007 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish under a new title XXII (All Healthy Children Program) a state-operated program receiving federal financial assistance to provide comprehensive health coverage for children and pregnant and post-partum women in place of benefits previously provided for them under SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP).Establishes a Commission on Children's Health Coverage to: (1) evaluate annually for Congress the status of children's health coverage in the United States; and (2) report to Congress a legislative proposal that would assure [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6478-6479)

Bill Text
A bill to encourage the development of coordinated quality reforms to improve health care delivery and reduce the cost of care in the health care system. 5/22/2007--Introduced. Quality Reform Expansion and Savings Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award quality reform grants to eligible entities to enhance, encourage, and expedite implementation of quality reform plans in order to: (1) encourage the coordinated development of local health care quality reforms; (2) fund the development of practices beneficial to the health care system; (3) expand information technology, electronic health records, and interoperable data systems in the health care system; (4) develop reimbursement practices that align financial incentives with health and prevention reforms to identify and encourage best practices; (5) lower the costs of health care delivery; (6) encourage experimentation in different U.S. regions; and (7) reward cooperation among local entities [...]

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H.R.2412 Sponsored by Nita M. Lowey
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To require equitable coverage of prescription contraceptive drugs and devices and contraceptive services under health plans. 5/21/2007--Introduced. Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer providing group coverage, from: (1) excluding or restricting benefits for prescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and outpatient services if the plan provides benefits for other outpatient prescription drugs, devices, or outpatient services; (2) denying eligibility based on use or potential use of such items or services; (3) providing monetary payments or rebates to a covered individual to encourage acceptance of less than the minimum protections available; (4) penalizing, reducing, or limiting a professional's reimbursement because the professional prescribed such drugs or devices or provided [...]

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S.1423 Sponsored by Pat Roberts
Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - S.AMDT.1193 Referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to extend tax relief to the residents and businesses of an area with respect to which a major disaster has been declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (FEMA-1699-DR) by reason of severe storms and tornados beginning on May 4, 2007, and determined by the President to warrant individual or public assistance from the Federal Government under such Act. 5/17/2007--Introduced. Kansas Disaster Tax Relief Assistance Act - Extends to businesses and individuals in certain Kansas counties declared by the President as major disaster areas under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (FEMA-1699-DR) by reason of severe storms and tornados beginning on May 4, 2007 (qualifying area) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code allowing: (1) suspension of certain limitations on personal casualty losses; (2) an extension of the period for replacing damaged property without recognizing [...]

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Latest Action: 05/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1089)

Bill Text
To amend the Social Security Act to guarantee comprehensive health care coverage for all children born after 2008.

5/17/2007--Introduced.

MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (Medikids Program), which creates a program to guarantee comprehensive health care coverage, including prescription drugs for all children meeting specified age requirements.

Creates the MediKids Trust Fund.

Expands the membership of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to 19.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a MediKids premium for the taxable year, with an exemption for very low-income taxpayers; and (2) create a refundable tax credit providing a catastrophic limit on MediKids cost-sharing expenses.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to propose a gradual schedule of progressive tax changes to fund the Medikids program, as the number of enrollees grows in the out-years.

H.R.2359 Sponsored by Joe Sestak
Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.

Bill Text
To reauthorize programs to assist small business concerns, and for other purposes. 6/20/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007 - Title I: Revisions to Small Business Development Centers - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to make operational changes to the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s small business development centers (SBDCs) program, including: (1) requiring new SBDC award grantees that are universities to be accredited; (2) requiring award grantees to be equal partners in grant program and contract negotiations; (3) prohibiting SBA interference in hiring practices of SBDC grant recipients; (4) prohibiting the SBA from using program resources for administrative expenses of examining SBDC operations; (5) exempting [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To improve the lives of working families by providing family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and afterschool assistance, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of family-friendly workplaces. 5/17/2007--Introduced. Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2007, or Balancing Act of 2007 - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a state or local government to pay for the federal share of projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, especially those related to the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and federal civil service law to allow employees covered by FMLA and civil servants to take specified additional leave for: (1) parental involvement in their children's or grandchildren's [...]

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H.R.2351 Sponsored by Marcy Kaptur
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To expand the number of individuals and families with health insurance coverage, and for other purposes. 5/16/2007--Introduced. Health Coverage, Affordability, Responsibility, and Equity Act of 2007 or the HealthCARE Act of 2007 - Permits a state to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) for waivers of such provisions of law as may be necessary for the state to implement policies that make comprehensive, affordable health coverage available for all state residents. Requires the Secretary to establish a process for states to apply for a waiver to implement policies that emphasize the use of preventive services, care coordination by a personal physician, and health information technology. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow state plans for medical assistance to provide Medicaid coverage to individuals who have incomes of no more than 100% of the poverty line. Amends title XXI (State Children's [...]

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H.R.2302 Sponsored by Steve King
Latest Action: 05/14/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for premiums for high deductible health plans required with respect to health savings accounts.

5/14/2007--Introduced.

Health Insurance Affordability Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from gross income for premiums paid under a high deductible health plan by an individual eligible for a deduction for amounts paid into a health savings account, for months when such taxpayer is not covered under any other plan.

S.1348 Sponsored by Harry Reid
Latest Action: 06/07/2007 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S7271-7291, S7294-7296, S7298-7304, S7305-7308, S7309-7313, S7313-7322)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes. 5/9/2007--Introduced. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) border security initiatives, including biometric data enhancements and a biometric entry-exit system, document integrity, and mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry; (4) Central American gangs; (5) cooperation with Mexico; (6) National Guard support on the southern border; and (7) extension of the Western Hemisphere travel initiative. Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2007 - Authorizes a border relief grant program for a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency in a county: (1) no more than 100 miles from a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico; or (2) more than 100 miles from any such border but which [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a small business health benefits program. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Small Business Health Plans Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a small business health benefits program (SBHBP) under which small employers may offer health insurance coverage to employees and their dependents. Outlines program elements and coverage requirements, including that small employers are provided access to qualified health pooling arrangements under which their employees may elect coverage substantially similar to the federal employees benefit program (FEHB) coverage. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a program of premium assistance for small employers under SBHBP that provides a sliding scale of assistance based on the number of employees, the average wage level of such employees, and the employer profit margin; (2) provide for reinsurance coverage for an [...]

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H.R.2149 Sponsored by Phil English
Latest Action: 05/15/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive the late enrollment penalty under the Medicare part D benefit for certain months for individuals who are first eligible to enroll for such benefit for 2006 or 2007 and who enroll by the end of the first annual, coordinated election period following their initial enrollment period, to limit the amount of such penalty, and to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on such penalty. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Healthcare Eligibility for Late Participants (HELP) in Medicare Part D Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the late enrollment penalty under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) for certain months for individuals who: (1) are first eligible to enroll for such benefit for 2006 or 2007; and (2) enroll by the end of the first annual, coordinated election period following their initial enrollment period. Limits the amount of such [...]

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S.1271 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 05/02/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for a comprehensive national research effort on the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and their families.

5/2/2007--Introduced.

Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the physical and mental health and other readjustment needs of members and former members of the Armed Forces who deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, and their families. Requires: (1) reports, from the Academy to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs and from the Secretary to Congress, on such study; (2) the public availability of the reports; (3) such Secretaries to develop a joint plan to address report findings; and (4) the public availability of the Secretaries' response.

Latest Action: 07/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To remove the 18 or 36 month limitation on the period of COBRA continuation coverage.

4/26/2007--Introduced.

Health Insurance for Life Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and the Public Health Service Act to remove all limitations on Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage that establish a period by which such coverage must end, and instead provides no deadline for discontinuing such coverage. Sets forth a formula to determine the maximum allowable premium that certain qualified disabled beneficiaries and individuals receiving extended coverage provided pursuant to this Act may be charged based on the average monthly actuarial cost of such continuation coverage.

Applies such provisions to continuation coverage provided pursuant to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

H.R.2055 Sponsored by Kathy Castor