Summary: Offering Patients True Individualized Options Act of 2009 or the OPTION Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate restrictions on the tax deduction for medical expenses; (2) expand health care savings accounts (HSAs) and increase the maximum contribution level for such accounts; (3) allow physicians a tax credit for providing charity care; and (4) extend continuation coverage under COBRA (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985). Amends title II (Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a procedure to enroll a Medicare Part A beneficiary in the Medicare Reform Voucher Program to buy private health insurance. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow certified medical professionals to assess the nature and extent of an emergency room patient's illness or injury to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the sale and purchase of health insurance policies across state lines. Sets forth requirements for and restrictions on such policies. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are privately-sponsored group health plans that meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Establishes the Association Health Plan Fund to be used by the Secretary of Labor to make payments to an insurer to maintain coverage for a plan if there is a reasonable expectation that, without such payments, claims would not be satisfied by reason of termination of coverage. Allows a state to impose a contribution tax on an association health plan that commences operations in such state after the enactment of this Act.

offering patients true individualized options act option act amends_the_internal_revenue_code eliminate restrictions tax deduction medical expenses expand health_care savings_accounts hsas increase maximum contribution level accounts allow physicians tax credit providing charity care extend continuation coverage cobra health insurance continuation benefits consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act amends title federal old age survivors disability_insurance benefits social_security_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish procedure enroll medicare beneficiary medicare reform voucher program buy private health insurance amends title xviii medicare social_security_act allow certified medical professionals assess nature extent emergency room patient illness injury determine emergency medical condition exists amends public_health_service_act allow sale purchase health insurance policies state lines sets forth requirements restrictions policies small_business_health_fairness_act amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide establishment governance association health plans ahps privately sponsored group health plans meet certain erisa certification requirements establishes_the_association_health_plan_fund secretary labor payments insurer maintain coverage plan reasonable expectation payments claims satisfied reason termination coverage allows state impose contribution tax association health plan commences operations state enactment act


Summary: Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 - Title I: Health Provisions - (Sec. 101) Sets 2.2% as the update to the single conversion factor in the formula for determining physician payment rates for June 1, 2010, through November 30, 2010. (Sec. 102) Revises requirements for calculating payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services with respect to the three-day payment window regarding other services related to an admission which are performed during the three days before an admission. Includes among such services, in addition to diagnostic services (as under current law), all services that are not diagnostic services (other than ambulance and maintenance renal dialysis services) for which Medicare payment may be made that are provided to a patient by a hospital (or an entity wholly owned or operated by the hospital). Prohibits any administrative or judicial review of the determination of whether services provided during the three days before a patient's inpatient admission are related to the admission. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from reopening a claim, adjusting a claim, or making a payment pursuant to any request for Medicare payment (previously bundled claims) submitted by a hospital or an entity wholly owned or operated by the hospital for specified other services related to a patient's inpatient admission for purposes of treating, as unrelated to such admission, services provided during the three days (or in the case of a hospital that is not a subsection [d] hospital, during the one day) immediately preceding the date of the patient's inpatient admission. (Generally, a subsection [d] hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.) (Sec. 103) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose to HHS officers and employees tax return information regarding delinquent tax debt with respect to taxpayers who apply to enroll or reenroll as Medicare service providers or suppliers. Requires the HHS Secretary to take this information into account in determining whether to deny such an application or to apply enhanced oversight to a service provider or supplier who owes such a debt. Title II: Pension Funding Relief - Subtitle A: Single Employer Plans - (Sec. 201) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) with respect to the shortfall amortization charge in the formula for determining the minimum required contribution for any plan year of a single-employer defined benefit plan in which the value of plan assets is less than the plan's funding target for the plan year. (The shortfall amortization charge for a plan for any plan year is the aggregate total of the shortfall amortization installments in amortizing unfunded liabilities for such plan year with respect to the shortfall amortization bases for the plan year and each of the six preceding plan years. Shortfall amortization installments are the amounts necessary to amortize the shortfall amortization base of the plan for any plan year in level annual installments over the seven-plan-year period beginning with such plan year.) Allows a sponsor of a single-employer defined benefit pension plan to elect in any two plan years 2008-2011 extended amortization periods (of 9 or 15 years instead of the usual 7 years). Requires an increase in alternate required shortfall amortization installments by an installment acceleration amount, during a specified restriction period (beginning after December 31, 2009), in cases of excess compensation or extraordinary dividends or stock redemptions, as determined according to specified formulae. Defines installment acceleration amount as the sum of the aggregate amount of excess employee compensation (over $1 million) for a plan year after February 28, 2010, plus the aggregate amount of extraordinary dividends and stock redemptions for such plan year. (Sec. 202) Amends the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA 2006) to allow sponsors of certain eligible cooperative pension plans, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) settlement plans, and government contractor cooperative plans or eligible charity plans with delayed effective dates to elect, in certain plan years 2008-2011, to apply specified pre-PPA 2006 minimum funding rules with respect to unfunded new liabilities (under 90% funded) for either: (1) a two-year lookback for determining deficit reduction contributions for certain plans with 9-year extended amortization periods; or (2) a new applicable percentage in the determination of a 15-year extended amortization period. (Sec. 203) Revises the formula for determining the adjusted funding target attainment percentage of single-employer benefit plans for plan years between October 1, 2008, and October 1, 2010 (FY2009 and FY2010), to make a special FY2007 plan year lookback rule with respect to determining when an unpredictable contingent event benefit may not be paid. (Sec. 204) Revises requirements for the reduction of the minimum required contribution (by elected credits for a prefunding balance and a funding standard carryover balance) to a single-employer defined benefit pension plan maintained by a charity (charity benefit plan). Prescribes a special lookback for credit balance rule limiting such a reduction of the minimum required contribution for charity benefit plans that are less than 80% funded for plan years beginning after August 31, 2009, and before September 1, 2011. Subtitle B: Multiemployer Plans - (Sec. 211) Amends ERISA and IRC relating to minimum funding standards for multiemployer pension plans. Makes a special relief rule to allow such plans to elect alternative amortization plans and valuation methods for amortization of net investment losses incurred in either or both of the first two plan years ending after August 31, 2008, with a specified expanded smoothing period in asset valuation methods. Requires plan sponsors to give notice of such an election to participants and beneficiaries of the plan and the PBGC. Title III: Budgetary Provisions - (Sec. 301) Requires a determination of the budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

preservation access care medicare beneficiaries pension relief_act title health provisions sec sets update single conversion factor formula determining physician payment rates june november sec revises requirements calculating payments hospitals inpatient hospital services respect day payment window services related admission performed days admission includes services addition diagnostic services current law services diagnostic services ambulance maintenance renal dialysis services medicare payment provided patient hospital entity wholly owned operated hospital prohibits administrative judicial review determination services provided days patient inpatient admission related admission prohibits secretary health_and_human_services hhs reopening claim adjusting claim making payment pursuant request medicare payment previously bundled claims submitted hospital entity wholly owned operated hospital specified services related patient inpatient admission purposes treating unrelated admission services provided days case hospital subsection hospital day immediately preceding date patient inpatient admission generally subsection hospital acute care hospital particularly receives payments medicare inpatient prospective payment system ipps providing covered inpatient services eligible beneficiaries sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code authorize secretary treasury disclose hhs officers employees tax return information delinquent tax debt respect taxpayers apply enroll reenroll medicare service providers suppliers requires hhs secretary information account determining deny application apply enhanced oversight service provider supplier owes debt title pension funding relief subtitle single employer plans sec amends employee retirement income security act erisa internal_revenue_code irc respect shortfall amortization charge formula determining minimum required contribution plan year single employer defined benefit plan value plan assets plan funding target plan year shortfall amortization charge plan plan year aggregate total shortfall amortization installments amortizing unfunded liabilities plan year respect shortfall amortization bases plan year preceding plan years shortfall amortization installments amounts necessary amortize shortfall amortization base plan plan year level annual installments seven plan year period beginning plan year allows sponsor single employer defined benefit pension plan elect plan years extended amortization periods years instead usual years requires increase alternate required shortfall amortization installments installment acceleration specified restriction period beginning december cases excess compensation extraordinary dividends stock determined according specified formulae defines installment acceleration sum aggregate excess employee compensation million plan year february plus aggregate extraordinary dividends stock plan year sec amends pension_protection_act allow sponsors certain eligible cooperative pension plans pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc settlement plans government contractor cooperative plans eligible charity plans delayed effective dates elect certain plan years apply specified pre minimum funding rules respect unfunded new liabilities funded year determining deficit reduction contributions certain plans year extended amortization periods new applicable percentage determination year extended amortization period sec revises formula determining adjusted funding target attainment percentage single employer benefit plans plan years october october fy2009 fy2010 special fy2007 plan year rule respect determining contingent event benefit paid sec revises requirements reduction minimum required contribution elected credits prefunding balance funding standard carryover balance single employer defined benefit pension plan maintained charity charity benefit plan prescribes special credit balance rule limiting reduction minimum required contribution charity benefit plans funded plan years beginning august september subtitle multiemployer plans sec amends erisa irc relating minimum funding standards multiemployer pension plans makes special relief rule allow plans elect alternative amortization plans valuation methods amortization net investment losses incurred plan years ending august specified expanded period asset valuation methods requires plan sponsors notice election participants beneficiaries plan pbgc title iii budgetary provisions sec requires determination budgetary effects act purpose complying statutory pay act


Summary: Medical Rights and Reform Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to permit any federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over: (1) the practice of medicine, the practice of other health care professions, or the manner in which health care services are provided; (2) the provision by a physician or a health care practitioner of advice to a patient about the patient's health status or recommended treatment for a condition or disease; (3) the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer, employee, or contractor of any institution, business, nonfederal agency, or individual providing health care services; or (4) the administration or operation of any such institution, business, nonfederal agency, or individual with respect to the provision of health care services to a patient. Sets forth exceptions for the Veterans Health Administration, the Department of Defense (DOD), the United States Public Health Service, the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Prohibits federal funds from being used by any federal officer or employee to prohibit: (1) any individual from receiving health care services from any provider under terms and conditions mutually acceptable to the patient, the provider, and the patient's group health plan; or (2) any person from entering into a contract with any group health plan, health insurance issuer, or other business for the provision of, or payment to other parties for, health care services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs. Sets forth provisions to reform the health care liability system, including provisions relating to: (1) the speedy resolution of malpractice claims; (2) the award of compensatory and punitive damages; (3) attorney's fees; and (4) the periodic payment of future damages. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to publish a strategic plan for applying incentive payments and adjustments to encourage health care providers to adopt health information technology programs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study and report to Congress on federal security and confidentiality standards for health information. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding telehealth services (medical services furnished via a telecommunication system by a physician to Medicare patient). Authorizes payment to eligible telehealth providers or suppliers other than a physician or telemedicine practitioner. Declares that any telemedicine practitioner credentialed by a hospital in compliance with the Joint Commission Standards for Telemedicine shall be considered in compliance with Medicare requirements for participation and reimbursement. Directs the Secretary to treat telehealth services furnished by a home health agency as a home health visit for Medicare purposes. Authorizes coverage of remote patient management services, including home health remote patient management services, for certain chronic health conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish a fee schedule for such services. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should be encouraged to: (1) expand the types of medical conditions for which remote patient management services are reimbursed under Medicare; (2) provide for separate, non-bundled Medicare payment for such services; and (3) create, revise, and adjust codes for the accurate reporting and billing for such payment. Establishes the Telehealth Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary to take its recommendations into account when adding or deleting telehealth services and in establishing related CMS policies. Directs the Secretary to make grants to expand access via telehealth to health care services for individuals in medically underserved rural, frontier, and urban areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary to conduct site inspections for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics and for community mental health centers. Sets forth rules for the Secretary to conduct a background check on any individual or entity that applies for a Medicare provider number. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from participation in any federal health care program any billing agency or individual that knowingly submitted a false or fraudulent claim for Medicare reimbursement. Denies a discharge in bankruptcy for fraudulent activities by a health care provider or supplier, overpayments to service providers under Medicare, and past-due obligations arising from breach of a scholarship or loan contract. Imposes a criminal penalty for illegal distribution of a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary identification or provider number with intent to defraud. Authorizes any criminal investigator of the Office of Inspector General of HHS to: (1) obtain and execute any warrant or other process issued under federal authority; and (2) make warrantless arrests in specified circumstances. Requires all claims forms developed or used by the Secretary for Medicare reimbursement to accommodate the use of universal product numbers or bar codes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a tax credit for the cost of providing employees with a qualified prevention and wellness program. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to: (1) award grants to promote prevention and wellness programs to prevent chronic diseases; and (2) encourage states to work with insurance companies to encourage the participation of individuals and families in prevention and wellness programs. Requires states to implement programs to provide reinsurance for health insurance coverage or a high risk pool to mitigate the health care costs of high risk individuals in such states. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow for the interstate purchase of individual health insurance plans.

medical rights reform_act prohibits federal funds permit federal officer employee exercise supervision control practice medicine practice health_care professions manner health_care services provided provision physician health_care practitioner advice patient patient health status recommended treatment condition disease selection tenure compensation officer employee contractor institution business nonfederal agency individual providing health_care services administration operation institution business nonfederal agency individual respect provision health_care services patient sets forth exceptions veterans_health_administration department_of_defense dod united_states public_health_service indian_health_service national_institutes_of_health nih health_resources_and_services_administration prohibits federal funds federal officer employee prohibit individual receiving health_care services provider terms conditions mutually acceptable patient provider patient group health plan person entering contract group health plan health insurance issuer business provision payment parties health_care services amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow self employed individuals deduct health insurance costs sets forth provisions reform health_care liability system including provisions relating resolution malpractice claims award compensatory punitive damages attorney fees periodic payment future damages amends public_health_service_act require national coordinator health information technology publish strategic plan applying incentive payments adjustments encourage health_care providers adopt health information technology programs requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs study report congress federal security confidentiality standards health information amends title xviii medicare social_security_act telehealth services medical services furnished telecommunication system physician medicare patient authorizes payment eligible telehealth providers suppliers physician telemedicine practitioner declares telemedicine practitioner credentialed hospital compliance joint commission standards telemedicine shall considered compliance medicare requirements participation reimbursement directs secretary treat telehealth services furnished home health agency home health visit medicare purposes authorizes coverage remote patient management services including home health remote patient management services certain chronic health conditions directs secretary establish fee schedule services expresses sense congress administrator centers medicare medicaid_services cms encouraged expand types medical conditions remote patient management services reimbursed medicare provide separate non bundled medicare payment services create revise adjust codes accurate reporting billing payment establishes telehealth advisory_committee requires secretary recommendations account adding deleting telehealth services establishing related cms policies directs secretary grants expand access telehealth health_care services individuals medically underserved rural frontier urban areas amends public_health_service_act reauthorize telehealth network telehealth resource centers grant programs amends title xviii medicare social_security_act direct secretary conduct site inspections suppliers durable medical equipment prosthetics orthotics community mental health centers sets forth rules secretary conduct background check individual entity applies medicare provider number authorizes secretary exclude participation federal health_care program billing agency individual knowingly submitted false fraudulent claim medicare reimbursement denies discharge bankruptcy fraudulent activities health_care provider supplier overpayments service providers medicare past obligations arising breach scholarship loan contract imposes criminal penalty illegal distribution medicare medicaid beneficiary identification provider number intent defraud authorizes criminal investigator office_of_inspector_general hhs obtain execute warrant process issued federal authority warrantless arrests specified circumstances requires claims forms developed secretary medicare reimbursement accommodate use universal product numbers bar codes amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow employers tax credit cost providing employees qualified prevention wellness program amends public_health_service_act require secretary award grants promote prevention wellness programs prevent chronic diseases encourage states work insurance companies encourage participation individuals families prevention wellness programs requires states implement programs provide reinsurance health insurance coverage high risk pool mitigate health_care costs high risk individuals states amends public_health_service_act allow interstate purchase individual health insurance plans


Summary: Common Sense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act - Requires each state to mitigate the cost of high risk individuals in the state through: (1) a state reinsurance program; or (2) a state high risk pool. Prohibits a health insurance issuer from applying an annual or lifetime aggregate spending cap on any health insurance coverage or plan offered by such issuer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pay awards to states for reducing the premiums in the small group market or the individual market or reducing the percentage of uninsured, nonelderly residents in a state. 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 ERISA, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health plans that provide dependent coverage of children to continue to treat an individual as a dependent until at least 25 years of age. Prohibits a state from establishing a law that prevents an employer from instituting auto-enrollment for coverage under a group health plan, so long as the participant or beneficiary has the option of declining such coverage. Directs 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 conditions of this Act. Revises provisions related to health savings accounts (HSAs), including to allow the payment of premiums for high deductible health plans from HSA accounts. Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to interfere with the doctor-patient relationship or the practice of medicine. Repeals provisions establishing the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research. Permits a group health plan to vary premiums and cost-sharing by up to 50% of the benefits based on participation (or lack of participation) in a wellness program. Prohibits funds authorized or appropriated by federal law and funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law from being expended for any abortion. Allows a person to submit an application for licensure of a biological product based on its similarity to a licensed biological product (the reference product).

common sense health_care reform affordability act_-_requires state mitigate cost high risk individuals state state reinsurance program state high risk pool prohibits health insurance issuer applying annual lifetime aggregate spending cap health insurance coverage plan offered issuer requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs pay awards states reducing premiums small group market individual market reducing percentage uninsured residents state 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 erisa public_health_service_act internal_revenue_code require group health plans provide dependent coverage children continue treat individual dependent years age prohibits state establishing law prevents employer instituting auto enrollment coverage group health plan long participant beneficiary option declining coverage directs 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 revises provisions related health savings_accounts hsas including allow payment premiums high deductible health plans hsa accounts sets conditions lawsuits arising health_care liability claims health_care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce establishes statute limitations limits noneconomic punitive damages declares act shall construed interfere doctor patient relationship practice medicine repeals provisions establishing federal coordinating council comparative effectiveness research permits group health plan vary premiums cost sharing benefits based participation lack participation wellness program prohibits funds authorized appropriated federal law funds trust_fund funds authorized appropriated federal law expended abortion allows person submit application licensure biological product based similarity licensed biological product reference product


Summary: Personal Health Record Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, in developing a nationwide health information technology infrastructure, to allow individuals to access their individually identifiable health information. Requires the inclusion in the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan objectives, milestones, and metrics related to the interoperability of a personal health record with an electronic health record (EHR). Directs the National Coordinator to develop guidelines for making EHRs interoperable with personal health records for the purpose of improving health care quality, reducing medical errors, and advancing the delivery of patient-centered medical care and health management. Requires the National Coordinator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on: (1) personal health records, including the extent to which the use of personal health records improve communication between individuals and covered entities and improve patient health management; and (2) issues related to an individual's control of the personal health record. Requires the HIT Policy Committee to make recommendations for standards and implementation specifications for the interoperability of personal health records and EHRs. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish as an eligibility requirement for an incentive payment for the meaningful use of EHR technology that a health professional, hospital, or Medicaid provider must demonstrate the availability of certified EHR technology to and use of such technology by individuals furnished items and services by such professional, hospital, or provider in the form of electronic and personal health records.

personal health record act amends public_health_service_act require national coordinator health information technology developing nationwide health information technology infrastructure allow individuals access individually identifiable health information requires inclusion federal health strategic plan objectives milestones metrics related interoperability personal health record electronic health record ehr directs national coordinator develop guidelines making interoperable personal health records purpose improving health_care quality reducing medical errors advancing delivery patient centered medical care health management requires national coordinator report appropriate congressional committees personal health records including extent use personal health records improve communication individuals covered entities improve patient health management issues related individual control personal health record requires hit policy committee recommendations standards implementation specifications interoperability personal health records amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social_security_act establish eligibility requirement incentive payment meaningful use ehr technology health professional hospital medicaid provider demonstrate availability certified ehr technology use technology individuals furnished items services professional hospital provider form electronic personal health records


Summary: Health Care Reality Check Act - Makes a Member of Congress ineligible for any government-administered health care benefit until the first day of the first month following the date on which comprehensive health reform legislation is signed into law.

health_care check act makes member congress ineligible government administered health_care benefit day month following date comprehensive health reform legislation signed law


Summary: Medicaid DSH Integrity Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to indicate, in appropriate guidance, that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) do not intend to enforce any changes in policy related to calculating the limits on the adjustment in payment under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals (DSH) that were contained in the Medicaid DSH auditing and reporting regulations the CMS issued pursuant to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. Requires the Secretary to publish an interim final rule to revise such regulations as necessary to: (1) correct such policy changes; (2) provide appropriate guidance for otherwise implementing those auditing and reporting regulations; and (3) provide for specified regulatory changes to be included in the new interim rule. Requires the CMS, in defining the costs of furnishing services to individuals with no health insurance (or other source of third-party coverage), to permit inclusion of all costs related to services provided to patients with no insurance for the service rendered, even if the patient has insurance that covers other services. Declares that the receipt by a hospital of nominal payments related to a service shall not constitute health insurance or a source of third-party coverage.

medicaid dsh integrity act_-_directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs indicate appropriate guidance centers medicare medicaid_services cms intend enforce changes policy related calculating limits adjustment payment title xix medicaid social_security_act inpatient hospital services furnished disproportionate share hospitals dsh contained medicaid dsh auditing reporting regulations cms issued pursuant medicare_prescription_drug improvement modernization act requires secretary publish interim final rule revise regulations necessary correct policy changes provide appropriate guidance implementing auditing reporting regulations provide specified regulatory changes included new interim rule requires cms defining costs furnishing services individuals health insurance source party coverage permit inclusion costs related services provided patients insurance service rendered patient insurance covers services declares receipt hospital nominal payments related service shall constitute health insurance source party coverage


Summary: Safe Treatment, Avoiding Needless Deaths, and Abuse Reduction in the Detention System Act or the Strong STANDARDS Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) ensure that all individuals subject to detention under the Immigration and Nationality Act (detainees) are treated humanely and granted specified protections; and (2) comply with minimum requirements concerning detainees set forth in this Act. Sets forth requirements concerning a wide range of issues, including: (1) detainee medical care, examinations, and records; (2) detainee releases, transfers, and transportation; (3) detainee access to telephones, legal information and representation, translation services, and recreational activities; (4) protection of detainees from abuse, the unique needs of vulnerable detainees, and the segregation of children; (5) limitations on solitary confinement, shackling, and strip searches; (6) detainee visits with religious individuals and children; (7) detention facility personnel training; (8) detainee grievances; and (9) facility compliance. Sets forth specific requirements for short-term (72 hours or less) detention facilities, including concerning: (1) provision of basic needs, detainee access to consular officials and health care professionals, and the return of property; and (2) protections for children. Requires the Secretary to appoint and convene an Immigration Detention Commission to conduct independent investigations of detention facility and DHS compliance with requirements under this Act. Establishes reporting requirements concerning any individual who dies while in DHS custody.

safe treatment avoiding deaths abuse reduction detention system act strong standards act_-_directs secretary homeland_security dhs ensure individuals subject detention immigration_and_nationality_act detainees treated humanely granted specified protections comply minimum requirements concerning detainees set forth act sets forth requirements concerning wide range issues including detainee medical care examinations records detainee releases transfers transportation detainee access telephones legal information representation translation services recreational activities protection detainees abuse unique needs vulnerable detainees segregation children limitations solitary confinement strip searches detainee visits religious individuals children detention facility personnel training detainee grievances facility compliance sets forth specific requirements short term hours detention facilities including concerning provision basic needs detainee access consular officials health_care professionals return property protections children requires secretary appoint convene immigration detention commission conduct independent investigations detention facility dhs compliance requirements act establishes reporting requirements concerning individual dies dhs custody


Summary: Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a uniform process for the review of potentially unreasonable increases in rates for health insurance coverage, including premiums. Directs the Secretary to establish a Health Insurance Rate Authority to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary. Sets forth corrective actions for unreasonable increases in rates. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or other appropriate body will provide to the Secretary and the Authority a report on: (1) state authority to review rates and take corrective action; (2) rating requests received by a state and actions taken; (3) justifications by insurance issuers for rate requests; and (4) a recommended definition of unreasonable rate increase. Requires the Secretary to determine for which states: (1) the state insurance commissioner will review rate increases and take corrective action; and (2) the Secretary will undertake such actions based on the Secretary's determination that such states lack sufficient authority and capability. Directs the Secretary to develop a uniform data collection system for new and increased rate information. Requires the Authority to produce annually a single, aggregate report on insurance market behavior. Directs states, as a condition of receiving a grant under this Act, to provide the Secretary with information about trends in rate increases in health insurance coverage in premium rating areas in the state. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program to award grants to states to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enforce this Act if a state does not substantially enforce its provisions. Establishes civil penalties for violations.

health insurance rate authority act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish uniform process review potentially unreasonable increases rates health insurance coverage including premiums directs secretary establish health insurance rate authority advise recommendations secretary sets forth corrective actions unreasonable increases rates requires secretary ensure national_association_of_insurance_commissioners appropriate body provide secretary authority report state authority review rates corrective action rating requests received state actions taken justifications insurance issuers rate requests recommended definition unreasonable rate increase requires secretary determine states state insurance commissioner review rate increases corrective action secretary undertake actions based secretary determination states lack sufficient authority capability directs secretary develop uniform data collection system new increased rate information requires authority produce annually single aggregate report insurance market behavior directs states condition receiving grant act provide secretary information trends rate increases health insurance coverage premium rating areas state requires secretary carry program award grants states carry act authorizes secretary enforce act state substantially enforce provisions establishes civil penalties violations


Summary: Medicare Secondary Payer Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment between a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan involving a payment made for items and services by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Prescribes requirements for a voluntary calculation and direct reimbursement by a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund or the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, as appropriate, of a conditional payment of Medicare secondary payer claims for settlement purposes. Grants the Secretary the right to contest the amount of any such reimbursement, and the right of the claimant and plan to request a final recovery demand for reimbursement. Declares that requirements to reimburse the appropriate Trust Fund for any payment made by the Secretary with respect to an item or service shall not apply with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment by an applicable plan: (1) constituting a total payment obligation to a claimant of not more than $5,000; or (2) involving the ongoing responsibility for other medical payments of not more than $5,000. Changes from mandatory to discretionary the current civil money penalty for failure of an applicable plan to submit certain information to the Secretary with respect to any claimant. Prescribes requirements for the creation of safe harbors from such sanctions. Directs the Secretary to modify reporting requirements for liability insurance (including self-insurance), no fault insurance, and workers' compensation laws and plans so that entities responsible for reporting information are not required to access or report to the Secretary beneficiary Social Security numbers or health identification numbers. Sets a statute of limitations with respect to the recovery of payments by the United States. Establishes $30 user fees, adjusted annually for inflation, for requests submitted to the Secretary for direct conditional payment reimbursement and for final demand of a conditional payment.

medicare_secondary_payer enhancement_act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act respect settlement judgment award payment medicare claimant applicable plan involving payment items services secretary health_and_human_services hhs prescribes requirements voluntary calculation direct reimbursement medicare claimant applicable plan hospital insurance trust_fund supplementary_medical_insurance trust_fund appropriate conditional payment medicare_secondary_payer claims settlement purposes grants secretary right contest reimbursement right claimant plan request final recovery demand reimbursement declares requirements reimburse appropriate trust_fund payment secretary respect item service shall apply respect settlement judgment award payment applicable plan constituting total payment obligation claimant involving ongoing responsibility medical payments changes mandatory discretionary current civil money penalty failure applicable plan submit certain information secretary respect claimant prescribes requirements creation safe harbors sanctions directs secretary modify reporting requirements liability insurance including self insurance fault insurance workers compensation laws plans entities responsible reporting information required access report secretary beneficiary social_security numbers health identification numbers sets statute limitations respect recovery payments united_states establishes user fees adjusted annually inflation requests submitted secretary direct conditional payment reimbursement final demand conditional payment


Summary: Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, effective as of its enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act.

repeals patient_protection affordable care act effective enactment restores provisions law amended act


Summary: Prohibits any funds appropriated or otherwise made available to any federal department or agency from being used to implement or enforce any federal mandate to purchase health insurance.

prohibits funds appropriated available federal department agency implement enforce federal mandate purchase health insurance


Summary: Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), effective as of enactment of such Act. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act. Enacts the Empowering Patients First Act (H.R. 3400), as introduced in the House of Representatives on July 30, 2009.

repeals patient_protection affordable care act ppaca effective enactment act restores provisions law amended act enacts empowering patients act introduced house_of_representatives july


Summary: Removing Deals for Deficit Reduction Act - Repeals specified provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and restores or revives provisions amended or repealed by such provisions, related to: (1) an adjustment to the federal medical assistance percentage for qualifying disaster-recovery states; (2) special rules for Medicare Advantage plans in certain areas allowing the provision of supplemental health care benefits; (3) an adjustment to Medicaid payments for Hawaii for inpatient hospital services provided by a disproportionate share hospital; (4) Medicare coverage eligibility for certain individuals exposed to environmental health hazards; (5) the establishment of a floor on the area wage index for a frontier state for purposes of a geographic adjustment to Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient services; (6) the appropriation of funds for debt service on, or direct construction or renovation of, a health care facility that provides research, inpatient, tertiary care, or outpatient clinical service; and (7) exemptions for certain health insurers and certain types of insurance from the annual fee for health insurance providers.

removing deficit reduction act repeals specified provisions patient_protection affordable care act ppaca restores revives provisions amended repealed provisions related adjustment federal medical assistance percentage qualifying disaster recovery states special rules medicare_advantage plans certain areas allowing provision supplemental health_care benefits adjustment medicaid payments hawaii inpatient hospital services provided disproportionate share hospital medicare coverage eligibility certain individuals exposed environmental health hazards establishment floor area wage index frontier state purposes geographic adjustment medicare payments hospitals inpatient services appropriation funds debt service direct construction renovation health_care facility provides research inpatient tertiary care outpatient clinical service exemptions certain health insurers certain types insurance annual fee health insurance providers


Summary: Siding with America's Patients Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), effective as of its enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified health insurance costs to residents of a state that implements a high-risk pool, a reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanism. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs) to make available health benefits coverage to IMA members and their dependents. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - 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. Directs 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 conditions of this Act. Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require a state CHIP plan to specify how it will achieve coverage for 90% of targeted low-income children; and (2) prohibit CHIP payments for children with family income above 300% of the applicable poverty line. Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2009 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Permits a group health plan to vary premiums and cost-sharing by up to 50% of the benefits based on participation (or lack of participation) in a wellness program. Requires a health insurance issuer to provide claims information, on request, to a plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using comparative effectiveness research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. Authorizes a state to establish a Health Plan and Provider Portal website to standardize information on health insurance plans available in the state. Revises the formula for determining rates in the fee schedule for Medicare physician payments. Sets forth provisions regarding students loans and loan repayment for health care professionals. Establishes discretionary spending limits for FY2010-FY2019 for new budget authority in the nondefense category. Rescinds unobligated balances of certain discretionary appropriations made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Repeals other provisions of such Act, including provisions providing fiscal assistance to states and setting limits on executive compensation.

america patients act repeals patient_protection affordable care act ppaca effective enactment restores provisions law amended act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit qualified health insurance costs residents state implements high risk pool reinsurance pool risk adjustment mechanism amends public_health_service_act provide establishment governance individual membership associations imas available health benefits coverage ima members dependents small_business_health_fairness_act 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 directs 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 amends title xxi children health insurance chip known schip social_security_act ssa require state chip plan specify achieve coverage targeted low income children prohibit chip payments children family income applicable poverty line help efficient accessible low cost timely healthcare health act sets conditions lawsuits arising health_care liability claims health_care goods services medical product affecting interstate commerce establishes statute limitations limits noneconomic punitive damages permits group health plan vary premiums cost sharing benefits based participation lack participation wellness program requires health insurance issuer provide claims information request plan plan sponsor plan administrator prohibits secretary health_and_human_services hhs comparative effectiveness research deny coverage item service federal health_care program authorizes state establish health plan provider portal website standardize information health insurance plans available state revises formula determining rates fee schedule medicare physician payments sets forth provisions students loans loan repayment health_care professionals establishes discretionary spending limits fy2010 fy2019 new budget authority nondefense category rescinds unobligated balances certain discretionary appropriations available american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act repeals provisions act including provisions providing fiscal assistance states setting limits executive compensation


Summary: Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Acts. Enacts the Offering Patients True Individualized Options Act of 2009 (H.R. 3889), as introduced in the House of Representatives on October 21, 2009.

repeals patient_protection affordable care act ppaca health_care_and_education reconciliation act effective enactment restores provisions law amended acts enacts offering patients true individualized options act introduced house_of_representatives october


Summary: Reform Americans Can Afford Act of 2010 - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Acts. Enacts the Common Sense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act (H.R. 4038), as introduced in the House of Representatives on November 9, 2009.

reform americans afford act repeals patient_protection affordable care act health_care_and_education reconciliation act effective enactment restores provisions law amended acts enacts common sense health_care reform affordability act introduced house_of_representatives november


Summary: Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to extend until January 1, 2011, the temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA), for any state with a certain unemployment increase percentage during the recession adjustment period. Extends the entire recession adjustment period from December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2011. Declares that increases in the FMAP for a state shall apply to Medicaid payments attributable to expenditures for medical assistance provided to nonpregnant childless adults made eligible under a state plan who would have been eligible for child health assistance or other health benefits under eligibility standards in effect as of December 31, 2009, of a waiver of the state child health plan under SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP). Prohibits any additional federal payments to a state under this temporary FMAP increase for a calendar quarter occurring between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011, unless, within 45 days after enactment of this Act, the state's chief executive officer certifies that the state will request and use such additional federal funds.

amends american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act arra extend january temporary increase federal medical assistance percentage fmap title xix medicaid social_security_act ssa state certain unemployment increase percentage recession adjustment period extends entire recession adjustment period december december declares increases fmap state shall apply medicaid payments attributable expenditures medical assistance provided adults eligible state plan eligible child health assistance health benefits eligibility standards effect december waiver state child health plan ssa title xxi children health insurance program chip prohibits additional federal payments state temporary fmap increase calendar quarter occurring january june days enactment act state chief executive officer certifies state request use additional federal funds


Summary: Prohibits the authorization of appropriations to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the hiring of any agent, employee, or contractor to implement, enforce, or otherwise carry out any provision of, or amendment made by, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

prohibits authorization appropriations internal_revenue_service irs hiring agent employee contractor implement enforce carry provision amendment patient_protection affordable care act health_care_and_education reconciliation act


Summary: Declares that no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and any amendments made by either such Act.

declares funds authorized appropriated carry patient_protection affordable care act health_care_and_education reconciliation act amendments act


Summary: Medicare Beneficiary Choice Preservation Act of 2010 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with respect to disenrollment of MedicareAdvantage (MA) eligible individuals from an MA plan. Repeals the provision that an individual enrolled in an MA plan may during the first 45 days of a year (beginning with 2011): (1) change his or her plan election at any time, but only to elect to receive benefits under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; and (2) elect qualified prescription drug coverage under part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program). Restores as if the repealed provision had never been enacted the previous provision which allowed an MA eligible individual continuous open enrollment and disenrollment during first three months of any year after 2006.

medicare beneficiary choice preservation act amends patient_protection affordable care act respect disenrollment medicareadvantage eligible individuals plan repeals provision individual enrolled plan days year beginning change plan election time elect receive benefits original medicare fee service program parts title xviii medicare social_security_act elect qualified prescription drug coverage voluntary prescription drug benefit program restores repealed provision enacted previous provision allowed eligible individual continuous open enrollment disenrollment months year


Summary: Comprehensive Health Reform Act of 2009 - Calls for Congress to enact, and the President to sign, legislation to guarantee health coverage, improve health care quality and disease prevention, and reduce health care costs for all Americans and the health care system.

comprehensive health reform_act calls congress enact president sign legislation guarantee health coverage improve health_care quality disease prevention reduce health_care costs americans health_care system


Summary: Prevention First Act - Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for family planning services grants and contracts under the Public Health Service Act (PHSA). Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act of 2007 [sic]- Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and PHSA to prohibit a group health plan from 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. Applies such prohibitions to coverage offered in the individual market. Emergency Contraception Education Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate information on emergency contraception to the public and to health care providers. Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2009 - Requires hospitals, as a condition of receiving federal funds, to offer and to provide, upon request, emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. At-Risk Communities Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for teenage pregnancy prevention programs. Requires the Secretary to award grants for teenage pregnancy prevention research. Truth in Contraception Act of 2009 - Requires that any information concerning the use of a contraceptive provided through specified federally funded education programs be medically accurate and include health benefits and failure rates. Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to expand Medicaid's coverage of family planning services. Responsible Education About Life Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary to make grants to states for family life education, including education on abstinence and contraception, to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Prevention Through Affordable Access Act - Expands Medicaid rebates to manufacturers for the sale of covered outpatient drugs at nominal prices to include sales to student health care facilities and entities offering family planning services.

prevention act title family planning services act authorizes appropriations family planning services grants contracts public_health_service_act phsa equity prescription insurance contraceptive coverage act amends employee retirement income security act erisa phsa prohibit group health plan excluding restricting benefits prescription contraceptive drugs devices outpatient services plan provides benefits outpatient prescription drugs devices outpatient services applies prohibitions coverage offered individual market emergency contraception education act directs secretary health_and_human_services develop disseminate information emergency contraception public health_care providers compassionate assistance rape emergencies act requires hospitals condition receiving federal funds offer provide request emergency contraception victims sexual_assault risk communities teen pregnancy prevention act authorizes secretary award grants teenage pregnancy prevention programs requires secretary award grants teenage pregnancy prevention research truth contraception act requires information concerning use contraceptive provided specified federally funded education programs medically accurate include health benefits failure rates unintended pregnancy reduction act amends title xix medicaid social_security_act expand medicaid coverage family planning services responsible education life act requires secretary grants states family life education including education abstinence contraception prevent teenage pregnancy sexually transmitted diseases prevention affordable access act expands medicaid rebates manufacturers sale covered outpatient drugs nominal prices include sales student health_care facilities entities offering family planning services


Summary: Veterans Health Equity Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to each of the 48 contiguous states, to ensure that veterans eligible for hospital care and medical services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have access to: (1) at least one full-service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration in the state; or (2) hospital care and medical services comparable to that provided in full-service hospitals through contract with other health providers in the state.

veterans health equity act requires secretary veterans_affairs respect contiguous states ensure veterans eligible hospital care medical services department_of_veterans_affairs access service hospital veterans_health_administration state hospital care medical services comparable provided service hospitals contract health providers state


Summary: Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend Medicare flex grants; (2) revise requirements for the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program; (3) revise the Medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; (4) eliminate temporarily the disproportionate share hospital (DSH) adjustment cap; and (5) extend and revise the Medicare hold harmless provision under the prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital outpatient department (HOPD) services for certain hospitals. Revises requirements for the treatment of rural sole community hospitals and Medicare dependent, small rural hospitals under the PPS for HOPD services. Provides for recognition of equality of physician work in all geographic areas under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Revises the practice expense geographic adjustment under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Extends the treatment of certain physician pathology services, and increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set $92 as the maximum rate of payment per visit in 2010 for independent rural health clinics. Requires the Secretary to exempt from competitive acquisition requirements rural areas and small metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with a population of 600,000 or less. Permits physician assistants to order post-hospital extended care services. Recognizes attending physician assistants as attending physicians for the purpose of serving hospice patients.

medicare rural health access improvement act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act extend medicare flex grants revise requirements medicare dependent hospital program revise medicare inpatient hospital payment adjustment low volume hospitals eliminate temporarily disproportionate share hospital dsh adjustment cap extend revise medicare hold harmless provision prospective payment system pps hospital outpatient department services certain hospitals revises requirements treatment rural sole community hospitals medicare dependent small rural hospitals pps services provides recognition equality physician work geographic areas medicare physician fee schedule revises practice expense geographic adjustment medicare physician fee schedule extends treatment certain physician_pathology_services increased medicare payments rural ground ambulance services directs secretary health_and_human_services set maximum rate payment visit independent rural health clinics requires secretary exempt competitive acquisition requirements rural areas small metropolitan statistical areas msas population permits physician assistants order post hospital extended care services recognizes attending physician assistants attending physicians purpose serving hospice patients


Summary: MediFair Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for making adjustments to the amount of payment made to entities and individuals for items and services provided under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Requires such adjustments in order to make the state average per beneficiary amount equal to the national average per beneficiary amount. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to develop recommendations on policies and practices that would encourage: (1) healthy outcomes and quality care under the Medicare program in states with respect to which payments are reduced under such system; and (2) the efficient use of payments made under the Medicare program in such states.

act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa direct secretary health_and_human_services establish system making adjustments payment entities individuals items services provided original medicare fee service program parts hospital insurance supplementary_medical_insurance requires adjustments order state average beneficiary equal national average beneficiary directs medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac develop recommendations policies practices encourage healthy outcomes quality care medicare program states respect payments reduced system efficient use payments medicare program states


Summary: Healthy Americans Act - Requires each adult individual to have the opportunity to purchase a Healthy Americans Private Insurance Plan (HAPI), which is: (1) a plan offered by a state; or (2) an employer-sponsored health coverage plan. 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, items, and services required. Provides for school-based health centers.Authorizes states to establish and operate a State Choices for Long-Term Care Program. Requires the Secretary to establish Chronic Care Education Centers.Requires states to establish or designate a state Health Help Agency to carry out the administration of HAPI plans and to promote prevention and wellness for residents.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers and individuals to each make shared responsibility payments for HAPI plan premiums.Sets forth requirements for health insurance issuers offering a HAPI plan.Establishes the Healthy Americans Public Health Trust Fund for the payment of: (1) premium subsidies; and (2) bonuses to states for implementing medical malpractice reform.Terminates federal health benefits coverage, including coverage provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

healthy americans act_-_requires adult individual opportunity purchase healthy americans private insurance plan plan offered state employer sponsored health coverage plan makes individuals enrolled specified health plan opposed coverage religious reasons responsible enrolling dependent children plan offered state residence sets forth penalties failure enroll establishes standardized coverage state options plans requires secretary health_and_human_services promulgate guidelines concerning benefits items services covered sets forth requirements setting premiums requires secretary establish healthy america advisory_committee provide annual recommendations concerning modifications benefits items services required provides school based health centers authorizes states establish operate state choices long-term_care program requires secretary establish chronic care education centers requires states establish designate state health help agency carry administration plans promote prevention wellness residents amends_the_internal_revenue_code require employers individuals shared responsibility payments plan premiums sets forth requirements health insurance issuers offering plan establishes healthy americans public health trust_fund payment premium subsidies bonuses states implementing medical malpractice reform terminates federal health benefits coverage including coverage provided federal_employees_health_benefits_program state children health insurance program schip


Summary: Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 - Requires, beginning with FY2011, a two-fiscal-year new discretionary budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Support and Compliance; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures; and (2) report during 2011-2013 to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the congressional veterans, appropriations, and budget committees on the sufficiency of budget requests for VA health expenditures in relation to the baseline model projections.

veterans health_care budget reform transparency_act requires beginning fy2011 fiscal year new discretionary budget authority following accounts department_of_veterans_affairs medical services medical support compliance medical facilities requires comptroller_general conduct study adequacy accuracy baseline model projections health_care expenditures report secretary veterans_affairs congressional veterans appropriations budget committees sufficiency budget requests health expenditures relation baseline model projections


Summary: Quality Reform Expansion and Savings Act of 2009 - 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 reform initiatives in different U.S. regions; and (7) reward cooperation among local entities engaged in reforming the health care system.Requires the Secretary to establish the Quality Reform Committee, which shall: (1) approve the application of an eligible entity and recommend to the Secretary that a grant be awarded; (2) evaluate and exchange best practices related to activities carried out under the grant; (3) share research and expertise; and (4) study, identify, and report on market failures and anomalies that create economic incentives adverse to achievement of the goals of quality reform, cost reduction, health information technology expansion, and illness prevention.

quality reform expansion savings act requires secretary health_and_human_services award quality reform grants eligible entities enhance encourage expedite implementation quality reform plans order encourage coordinated development local health_care quality reforms fund development practices beneficial health_care system expand information technology electronic health records interoperable data systems health_care system develop reimbursement practices align financial incentives health prevention reforms identify encourage best practices lower costs health_care delivery encourage reform initiatives different regions reward cooperation local entities engaged reforming health_care system requires secretary establish quality reform committee shall approve application eligible entity recommend secretary grant awarded evaluate exchange best practices related activities carried grant share research expertise study identify report market failures create economic incentives adverse achievement goals quality reform cost reduction health information technology expansion illness prevention


Summary: Enhancing Safety in Medicine Utilizing Leading Advanced Simulation Technologies to Improve Outcomes Now Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to conduct and support research, evaluations, initiatives, and demonstration projects, and provide grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements, to enhance the deployment of medical simulation technologies and the incorporation of such technologies and equipment into medical, nursing, allied health, podiatric, osteopathic, and dental education and training protocols.Requires the Director to: (1) establish medical simulation centers of excellence; (2) promote innovation by conducting and supporting research on complex or challenging medical simulation and interdisciplinary simulation technologies and developing an electronic clearinghouse of such technologies; and (3) award grants for purchasing, incorporating, and deploying such technologies for training of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and qualified students. Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Federal Medical Simulation Coordinating Council. Requires the Director to establish an advisory panel to make recommendations on how to structure programs established by this Act.

enhancing safety medicine utilizing leading advanced simulation technologies improve outcomes act amends public_health_service_act require director agency healthcare_research_and_quality conduct support research evaluations initiatives demonstration projects provide grants enter contracts cooperative agreements enhance deployment medical simulation technologies incorporation technologies equipment medical nursing allied health podiatric osteopathic dental education training protocols requires director establish medical simulation centers_of_excellence promote innovation conducting supporting research complex challenging medical simulation interdisciplinary simulation technologies developing electronic clearinghouse technologies award grants purchasing incorporating deploying technologies training physicians nurses allied health professionals qualified students establishes department_of_health_and_human_services hhs federal medical simulation coordinating council requires director establish advisory_panel recommendations structure programs established act


Summary: Community Coalitions for Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to assist in developing integrated health care delivery systems to serve defined communities of individuals to: (1) improve efficiency and coordination among providers; (2) assist local communities in developing programs targeted toward preventing and managing chronic diseases; and (3) expand and enhance services provided. Authorizes the Secretary, in awarding grants, to accord priority to: (1) applicants that demonstrate the greatest unmet need for a more coordinated system of care; and (2) applicants that best promote the objectives of this Act. Authorizes a grantee to use amounts provided only for: (1) direct expenses associated with achieving greater integration of a health care delivery system to directly provide or ensure the provision of a broad range of culturally competent services; and (2) direct patient care and service expansions to fill identified or documented gaps within an integrated delivery system.

community coalitions access quality improvement act directs secretary health_and_human_services award grants assist developing integrated health_care delivery systems serve defined communities individuals improve efficiency coordination providers assist local communities developing programs targeted preventing managing chronic diseases expand enhance services provided authorizes secretary awarding grants accord priority applicants demonstrate greatest unmet need coordinated system care applicants best promote objectives act authorizes grantee use amounts provided direct expenses associated achieving greater integration health_care delivery system directly provide ensure provision broad range culturally competent services direct patient care service expansions fill identified documented gaps integrated delivery system


Summary: Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate of 41.5 cents per mile. (Under current law the rate is that provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; (4) establish a program to provide peer support, readjustment, and mental health services to veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (and related services to their family members); (5) assign an Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator for each of the ten VA facilities that serve communities with the greatest per capita number of Indian veterans; (6) report to Congress jointly with the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the advisability of the joint establishment and operation by the VA's Veterans Health Administration and the Indian Health Service of health clinics to serve populations of Indian reservations, including Indian veterans; and (7) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas.

rural veterans health_care improvement act authorizes secretary veterans_affairs pay travel expenses veterans receiving treatment department_of_veterans_affairs facilities rate cents mile current law rate provided federal employees connection performance official duties directs secretary establish operate centers_of_excellence rural health research education clinical activities establish grant program provide innovative transportation options veterans highly rural areas carry demonstration projects examine alternatives expanding care veterans rural areas establish program provide peer support readjustment mental health services veterans served operations iraqi_freedom enduring_freedom related services family members assign indian veterans health_care coordinator facilities serve communities greatest capita number indian veterans report congress jointly secretary health_and_human_services advisability joint establishment operation veterans_health_administration indian_health_service health clinics serve populations indian reservations including indian veterans report annually congress matters related care veterans residing rural areas


Summary: American Health Security Act of 2009 - Establishes the State-Based American Health Security Program to provide every U.S. resident who is a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful resident alien with health care services. Requires each participating state to establish a state health security program. Eliminates benefits under: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act; (2) the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; and (3) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Requires each state health security program to prohibit the sale of health insurance in that state that duplicates benefits provided under the program. Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to: (1) develop policies, procedures, guidelines and requirements to carry out this Act; (2) establish uniform reporting requirements; (3) provide for an American Health Security Advisory Council and an Advisory Committee on Health Professional Education; and (4) establish a national health security budget specifying the total federal and state expenditures to be made for covered health care services. Establishes the American Health Security Quality Council to: (1) review and evaluate practice guidelines, standards of quality, performance measures, and medical review criteria; and (2) develop minimum competence criteria. Establishes the Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund and appropriates to the Fund specified tax liabilities and current health program receipts.

american health security act establishes state based american health security program provide resident citizen national lawful resident alien health_care services requires participating state establish state health security program eliminates benefits titles xviii medicare xix medicaid xxi state children health insurance schip social_security_act federal_employees_health_benefits_program civilian health medical program uniformed_services requires state health security program prohibit sale health insurance state duplicates benefits provided program establishes american health security standards board develop policies procedures guidelines requirements carry act establish uniform reporting requirements provide american health security advisory_council advisory_committee health professional education establish national health security budget specifying total federal state expenditures covered health_care services establishes american health security quality council review evaluate practice guidelines standards quality performance measures medical review criteria develop minimum competence criteria establishes office primary care prevention research office_of_the_director national_institutes_of_health nih amends_the_internal_revenue_code create american health security trust_fund appropriates fund specified tax liabilities current health program receipts


Summary: Rural Medicare Equity Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the geographic physician work adjustment factor from the geographic indices used to adjust payments under the physician fee schedule. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration grants project designed to provide financial or other incentives to hospitals to attract educators and clinical practitioners so that hospitals that serve Medicare beneficiaries residing in underserved areas may host clinical rotations. Directs the Secretary to establish up to 10 demonstration projects to provide for improvements, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine, in the quality of health care provided to individuals residing in rural areas. Amends SSA title XVIII to require proportional representation of rural area interests on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Directs the Secretary to implement the recommendations contained in the March 2005 GAO report 05-119 entitled "Medicare Physician Fees: Geographic Adjustment Indices are Valid in Design, but Data and Methods Need Refinement."

rural medicare equity act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act ssa eliminate geographic physician work adjustment factor geographic indices adjust payments physician fee schedule directs secretary health_and_human_services establish demonstration grants project designed provide financial incentives hospitals attract educators clinical practitioners hospitals serve medicare beneficiaries residing underserved areas host clinical directs secretary establish demonstration projects provide improvements recommended institute_of_medicine quality health_care provided individuals residing rural areas amends ssa title xviii require proportional representation rural area interests medicare_payment_advisory_commission medpac directs secretary implement recommendations contained march gao report entitled medicare physician fees geographic adjustment indices valid design data methods need refinement


Summary: National Trauma Center Stabilization Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the trauma center grant program that provided for operating expenses for trauma centers incurring substantial uncompensated costs due to violence from illicit trafficking in drugs with a program to provide grants to public, nonprofit, Indian Health Service, Indian tribal, and urban Indian trauma centers to assist in defraying substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of such trauma centers, and provide emergency relief to trauma centers at risk of closing or centers operating in an area where a closing has occurred within their primary service area. Sets forth qualifications for grantees and provisions governing the amount of the grant award. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide funding to states for grants to eligible entities to: (1) improve the availability of trauma services in underserved areas; (2) address trauma center overcrowding; (3) enhance trauma surge capacity; (4) address shortages of trauma surgeons and certain other trauma-related physician subspecialties; and (5) improve trauma service coordination and the appropriate transport of trauma patients to trauma centers. Requires the Secretary to distribute amounts based on a state's population.

national trauma center stabilization act amends public_health_service_act replace trauma center grant program provided operating expenses trauma centers incurring substantial uncompensated costs violence illicit trafficking drugs program provide grants public nonprofit indian_health_service indian tribal urban indian trauma centers assist defraying substantial uncompensated care costs core mission trauma centers provide emergency relief trauma centers risk closing centers operating area closing occurred primary service area sets forth qualifications grantees provisions governing grant award directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide funding states grants eligible entities improve availability trauma services underserved areas address trauma center enhance trauma surge capacity address shortages trauma surgeons certain trauma related physician improve trauma service coordination appropriate transport trauma patients trauma centers requires secretary distribute amounts based state population


Summary: Improvement of the National Program of Cancer Registries Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise requirements for statewide cancer registries and require the inclusion in such registries of information on: (1) the highest level of education attained by adults with cancer; (2) sources of payment by individuals for the costs of cancer diagnosis and treatment; and (3) the history of alcohol and tobacco use by individuals with cancer. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop standards for collection of data elements for state cancer registries; (2) develop inter-operability and security standards for data exchange and integration between state cancer registries and any cancer registry and another federal registry for non-cancer diseases; and (3) provide a basic electronic collection tool to facilitate standardized data collection. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to facilitate coordination of the National Program of Cancer Registries with other federally-supported registry programs, including infectious disease registries, environmental disease registries, and other non-cancer, chronic disease registries.

improvement national program cancer registries act_-_amends public_health_service_act revise requirements statewide cancer registries require inclusion registries information highest level education attained adults cancer sources payment individuals costs cancer diagnosis treatment history alcohol tobacco use individuals cancer requires director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc develop standards collection data elements state cancer registries develop inter security standards data exchange integration state cancer registries cancer registry federal registry non cancer diseases provide basic electronic collection tool facilitate standardized data collection requires secretary health_and_human_services facilitate coordination national program cancer registries federally supported registry programs including infectious disease registries environmental disease registries non cancer chronic disease registries


Summary: States' Right To Innovate in Health Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title XXII (State Comprehensive Health Care and Cost Containment Demonstration Projects). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a state-based Universal Health Care Coverage Commission to participate in the review of state applications for planning and demonstration grants for the development of a cost-effective delivery system of universal, comprehensive health care with simplified administration. Authorizes such grants. Requires a state plan to provide: (1) coverage of all eligible state residents, without regard to employment status, income, health status or preexisting condition, or location of residency within the state; and (2) health benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to the standard Blue Cross/Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program. Allows one or more contiguous states in a geographic region to file a joint application for such grants. Authorizes Interstate Compacts of states to conduct joint health care programs under a grant.

states right innovate health_care act amends social_security_act add new title xxii state comprehensive health_care cost containment demonstration projects directs secretary health_and_human_services establish state based universal health_care coverage commission participate review state applications planning demonstration grants development cost effective delivery system universal comprehensive health_care simplified administration authorizes grants requires state plan provide coverage eligible state residents regard employment status income health status preexisting condition location residency state health benefits actuarially equivalent standard blue cross blue shield preferred provider option service benefit plan federal_employees_health benefit program allows contiguous states geographic region file joint application grants authorizes interstate compacts states conduct joint health_care programs grant


Summary: Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to activate the coverage of short-term emergency health care services if the Secretary determines that there is a public health emergency. Sets forth factors for the Secretary to consider, including the degree to which the emergency is likely to overwhelm health care providers in the region. Requires the Secretary to establish a medical monitoring program for monitoring and reporting on the health care needs of the affected population over time. Limits eligibility for coverage of emergency health care services to: (1) uninsured or underinsured emergency victims who need health care services due to injuries or disease resulting from the public health emergency; or (2) uninsured individuals residing in the affected area whose ability to access care or medicine is disrupted as a result of the emergency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a streamlined process for determining eligibility for emergency health care services; (2) report to Congress on the number and adequacy of volunteers enrolled in the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) who will be available to each state in the event of a public health emergency; and (3) conduct an outreach and public education campaign to inform health care providers and the general public about the availability of emergency health care coverage during the period of the emergency.

public health emergency response_act amends public_health_service_act allow secretary health_and_human_services activate coverage short term emergency health_care services secretary determines public health emergency sets forth factors secretary consider including degree emergency likely health_care providers region requires secretary establish medical monitoring program monitoring reporting health_care needs affected population time limits eligibility coverage emergency health_care services uninsured emergency victims need health_care services injuries disease resulting public health emergency uninsured individuals residing affected area ability access care medicine disrupted result emergency directs secretary establish streamlined process determining eligibility emergency health_care services report congress number adequacy volunteers enrolled emergency system advance registration volunteer health professionals available state event public health emergency conduct outreach public education campaign inform health_care providers general public availability emergency health_care coverage period emergency