hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
State-Based Health Care Reform Act

Bill: 111-s-698
Sponsor: Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Department of Health and Human Services
Executive agency funding and structure
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health programs administration and funding
Medicare
Performance measurement

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
State-Based Health Care Reform Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Health Care Coverage Task Force to: (1) approve state, local, or tribal applications for a health care coverage grant; (2) submit a legislative proposal concerning such approvals and recommendations on the level of funding required; and (3) establish minimum performance measures with respect to coverage, quality, and cost of state health care programs.

Prohibits the Task Force from approving an application that: (1) proposes to adopt more restrictive criteria for eligibility determinations for any federal, state, or local health care program; or (2) would result in making individuals enrolled in federal health programs ineligible.

Requires states seeking a matching grant to submit to the Task Force a state health care plan that: (1) designates the lead state entity that will be responsible for administering the program; (2) describes the benefits that will be provided to all covered individuals; (3) describes the number and percentage of currently uninsured individuals who will achieve coverage; (4) describes how the state will ensure that an increased number of individuals residing within the state will have expanded access to health care coverage; (5) includes provisions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of health care in the state; and (6) complies with premium and cost sharing limitations.

Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of legislative proposals and recommendations.

Authorizes appropriations for the grant program and specifies offsetting savings and fee provisions. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the reduction in the Medicare part B premium subsidy based on income.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3789-3791)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-699
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Government buildings, facilities, and property
Health facilities and institutions
Texas
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a major medical facility project in Far South Texas, consisting of a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, to meet the health care needs of veterans residing in such area.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-700
Sponsor: Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Disability and paralysis
Health care coverage and access
Health promotion and preventive care
Medical research
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) phase out the waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for benefits under SSA title XVIII (Medicare); and (2) eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions to become eligible for such benefits. 
 
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study the range of disability conditions that can be delayed or prevented if individuals receive access to health care services and coverage before a condition reaches disability levels.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3792)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3791-3792)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Medicare Patient IVIG Access Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-701
Sponsor: Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Cancer
Drug therapy
Government studies and investigations
Health information and medical records
Health technology, devices, supplies
Home and outpatient care
Immunology and vaccination
Medicare
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Medicare Patient IVIG Access Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data on the differences, if any, between: (1) payments to physicians for immune globulins using average sales price payment methodology; and (2) costs incurred by physicians for furnishing these products. Requires the Secretary also to review data on the access of eligible individuals to immune globulins.
 
Requires the Secretary, after completion of the review, to provide, if appropriate, an additional payment to such physicians for all items related to the furnishing of immune globulins as part of hospital outpatient services. 
 
Provides for Medicare coverage of and payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) administered in the home.
 
Allows the Secretary to contract for the collection of data on the practice of IVIG infusion. 
 
Directs the Secretary to review data collected under such a contract as well as data submitted by members of the medical community related to the current infusion payment codes under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of SSA title XVIII.
 
Requires the Secretary, upon completion of any data collection and review, to: (1) notify the appropriate Medicare administrative contractors regarding which existing infusion codes shall be used for purposes of part B IVIG reimbursement; or (2) report to Congress and the RBRUS Committee (RUC) on why an additional infusion payment code is necessary.
 
Extends the meaning of durable medical equipment to include disposable drug delivery systems, including elastomeric infusion pumps, for the treatment of colorectal cancer.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3792-3793)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Long-Term Care Affordability and Security Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-702
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Employee benefits and pensions
Health care costs and insurance
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Long-Term Care Affordability and Security Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include long-term care insurance as a benefit under tax-exempt employee benefit cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; and (2) extend certain consumer protections under the long-term care insurance model regulation promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to all contracts for long-term care insurance. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3793-3794)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3793)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
American Health Security Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-703
Sponsor: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Child health
Comprehensive health care
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Department of Health and Human Services
Education programs funding
Employee benefits and pensions
Employment taxes
Executive agency funding and structure
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government trust funds
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health facilities and institutions
Health information and medical records
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Intergovernmental relations
Medicaid
Medical education
Medical research
Medicare
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Performance measurement
Research administration and funding
State and local finance
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
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.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol personnel and resources to support homeland security missions, and for other purposes.

Bill: 111-s-704
Sponsor: Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Border security and unlawful immigration
Congressional oversight
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Emergency planning and evacuation
Government studies and investigations
Homeland security
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Military civil functions
Natural disasters
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to specified congressional committees on the functions and capabilities of the Civil Air Patrol to support the homeland security missions of state, local, and tribal governments and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 
 
Requires the Comptroller General to review the process by which the Civil Air Patrol may provide assistance to DHS, other federal agencies, and states to support homeland security missions, including by providing: (1) aerial reconnaissance or communications capabilities for border security; (2) capabilities for collective response to an act of terrorism, natural disaster, or other man-made event by assisting in damage assessment and situational awareness, conducting search and rescue operations, assisting in evacuations, or transporting time-sensitive medical or other materials; or (3) assistance in the exercise and training of departmental resources responsible for the interception of aviation threats to designated restricted areas.
 
Directs the Comptroller General's report to include assessments of: (1) the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using Civil Air Patrol assets; and (2) whether existing mechanisms for requesting support from the Civil Air Patrol are sufficient.
 
Requires the Secretary to analyze the study and submit a report, including any recommendations for action that could affect DHS's organization and administration.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Helping Housing, Awareness, and Navigation Demonstration Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-706
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Education programs funding
Employment and training programs
Health programs administration and funding
Housing and community development funding
Housing for the elderly and disabled
Neurological disorders

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Helping Housing, Awareness, and Navigation Demonstration Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Act of 2009 or the Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities to develop an autism navigator program to create a more efficient, effective, coordinated use of the health, housing, education, and social service systems for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.
 
Directs the Secretary to determine the functions of autism navigators, which may include: (1) case management and psychosocial assessment and care; (2) notifying individuals of autism clinical trials; (3) helping individuals overcome barriers in accessing and securing appropriate services in a timely manner; and (4) coordinating with relevant departments providing services to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and their families. 
 
Requires a navigator program to provide centralized access for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder to multiple federal and state activities and programs related to autism spectrum disorders.
 
Requires grantees to collect autism data and ensure confidentiality.
 
Directs the Secretary to: (1) disseminate a standard curriculum for training first responders in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities and their families during emergencies; and (2) award grants to states and local governments for such training.
 
Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide for a program for adults with autism spectrum disorder with the goal of providing individualized housing and services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians, to provide a process for the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian government and the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian government, and for other purposes.

Bill: 111-s-708
Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
Department of the Interior
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal-Indian relations
Gambling
Hawaii
Indian lands and resources rights
Indian social and development programs
Land use and conservation

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Affairs (Office) within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.
 
Requires the Attorney General to designate a Department of Justice official to assist the Office in the implementation and protection of the rights of Native Hawaiians and their political, legal, and trust relationship with the United States. 
Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Task Force to: (1) coordinate federal policies or actions that may significantly or uniquely affect Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; (2) assure that each federal agency develops a policy on consultation with Native Hawaiians; and (3) assure the participation of such agencies in the development of an annual report on the Task Force. 
Establishes a process for development of a membership roll for organizing a Native Hawaiian Interim Governing Council and for election of a Native Hawaiian government. Recognizes the right of the Native Hawaiian people to adopt organic governing documents. 
Extends federal recognition to the government as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people upon election of officers and certification by the Secretary. 
Permits the United States, upon federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian government, to enter into an agreement with the state of Hawaii and such government regarding the transfer of lands, resources, and assets dedicated to Native Hawaiian use. 
 Prohibits the Native Hawaiian government and Native Hawaiians from conducting gaming activities as a matter of claimed inherent authority or under the authority of any federal law.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3798-3801)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3797-3798)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Santa Susana Fair Compensation Act

Bill: 111-s-709
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Administrative remedies
California
Department of Energy
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Nuclear weapons
Public contracts and procurement
Radiation
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Santa Susana Fair Compensation Act - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include within the meaning of the term &#147;member of the Special Exposure Cohort&#148; a Department of Energy (DOE) employee, DOE contractor employee, or atomic weapons employee who was so employed for a number of work days aggregating at least 250 work days before January 1, 2009, at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California.
 
Provides that a claim that an individual qualifies for compensation or benefits under such Act shall be considered notwithstanding any denial of any other claim for compensation with respect to such individual.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3802)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3801-3802)
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Fair Gift Card Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-710
Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Retail and wholesale trades

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Fair Gift Card Act of 2009 - Declares it unlawful, with certain exceptions, for any person to impose a dormancy fee, inactivity charge or fee, or a service fee with respect to a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card.
 
Declares it unlawful, with certain exceptions, for any person to sell or issue a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card that is subject to an expiration date.
 
Requires any violation of this Act to be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-711
Sponsor: Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]
Introduced: 2009-03-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Mental health
Military medicine
Military operations and strategy
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: 
Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance for the provision of an in-person mental health screening for each member of the Armed Forces deployed in connection with a contingency operation, in order to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues for which additional care and treatment may be necessary. Excludes from such screenings members not subjected or exposed to combat stress during their deployment.
 
Requires the Secretary to share screening results with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in order to ensure continuity of mental health care and treatment for such members during their transition from health care and treatment provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) to health care and treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2009-03-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Rural Medicare Equity Act of 2009

Bill: 111-s-712
Sponsor: Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]
Introduced: 2009-03-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health facilities and institutions
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Medicare
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
Rural conditions and development

Summary:
action_date: 2009-03-26
text: 
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 &quot;Medicare Physician Fees: Geographic Adjustment Indices are Valid in Design, but Data and Methods Need Refinement.&quot;


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-03-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3899-3900)
action_date: 2009-03-26
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3899)
action_date: 2009-03-26
text: Introduced in Senate