jiayi-li23/proxann_data huggingface dataset:
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Social welfare
Date: 2008-06-05 00:00:00

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prescribe special rules for Medicare coverage of individuals receiving a heart transplant.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-06-09 00:00:00

Small Business Health Options Program Act of 2008 or the SHOP Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate an office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a health insurance program for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance coverage meeting certain requirements. Establishes a Small Business Health Board to monitor the implementation of the program and make recommendations for improvements.Requires the Administrator of the program to: (1) enter into contracts with health insurance issuers to provide health insurance coverage under this Act; and (2) enter into agreements with entities to serve as navigators to provide information about the program and assist in enrollment.Requires a participating employer to ensure that each eligible employee has an opportunity to enroll in a plan. Sets forth requirements for health plans offered under this Act. Requires the Administrator to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to study the rating requirements, administrative procedures, and standards of external and internal review that apply to such plans and to health insurance purchased in the small group markets in the states and to develop recommendations concerning rating requirements.Sets forth premium-setting rules for plans under this Act.Allows a state to prohibit participation in this program if the state offers alternative health benefit plans.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for small employers for qualified employee health insurance expenses under this Act.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-06-17 00:00:00

America's Affordable Health Care Act of 2008 - Authorizes a health insurance issuer to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify health insurance coverage policies offered in the individual market in any state as Health Benefit Plans. Allows certified plans to be offered to individuals in all states without regard to state and local laws respecting mandates for benefits. Requires such plans to cover inpatient hospital services and physicians' surgical and medical services. Requires the Secretary to review the impact of this Act on the availability and purchase of health insurance coverage. Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for grants to states for the creation and operation of qualified high risk health insurance pools. Conditions eligibility for receiving an operating grant on a state submitting to the Secretary evidence-based information on the operation of such pool for purposes of creating best practice guidelines. Requires the Secretary to: (1) recommend and publicly post a list of best practices on the operation of qualified high risk pools; and (2) give a bonus grant to states that demonstrate that their pool was operated in accordance with such best practices.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-06-24 00:00:00

Medicare Beneficiary Protection Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and maintain a Medicare plan complaint system. Requires non-network Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans to disclose providers that refuse to accept certain enrollees in the plan. Prohibits certain marketing practices with respect to Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans, including provision for meals or other items of monetary value, telemarketing, cross-selling, and up-selling. Revises enrollment requirements under Medicare parts C (Medicare+Choice) and D (Voluntary Prescription Drugs). Allows an individual to discontinue an election of a Medicare+Choice plan if enrolled fewer than 60 days. Changes the beginning date of the annual, coordinated election period for such a plan from November 15 to October 1. Requires the Secretary, in establishing a process for the enrollment, disenrollment, termination, and change of enrollment of part D eligible individuals in prescription drug plans, to use rules similar to (and coordinated with) those under the Medicare+Choice program for a continuous open enrollment and disenrollment period for the first three months of the year in which an individual first becomes eligible.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-06-25 00:00:00

Medicare Special Needs Plans Extension and Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend the authority to restrict enrollment for specialized Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for special needs individuals. Redefines specialized MA plan for special needs individuals to require targeted enrollment of high-risk groups. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into agreements with states to coordinate the financing of specialized MA plans for special needs individuals for enrollees entitled to medical assistance under state Medicaid plans. Establishes additional requirements for dual special needs plans (SNPs) as well as for severe or disabling chronic condition SNPs. Directs the Secretary to evaluate for Congress the adequacy of the MA risk adjustment system for high-risk, high cost beneficiaries. Authorizes the Secretary to modify rules, policies, and procedures under SSA titles XVIII and XIX (Medicaid) to provide for alignment of Medicare and Medicaid requirements for dual eligibles, particularly in the oversight of SNPs serving such dual eligibles. Directs the Secretary to etablish or designate an Office on Medicare/Medicaid Integration to align Medicare and Medicaid policies and procedures and develop tools to support state integration efforts for dual eligible access to Medicare and Medicaid benefits and services.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Taxation
Date: 2008-06-26 00:00:00

Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small business owners with 50 or fewer employees a refundable tax credit for the payment of a portion of the health care expenses of their employees.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-07-08 00:00:00

Mental Health for Heroes' Families Act of 2008 - Removes the requirement that, in order for family members of a veteran being treated in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital for a non-service-connected disability to be eligible for counseling, training, and mental health services in connection with the veteran's treatment: (1) such services must have been initiated during the veteran's hospitalization; and (2) the continued provision of such services on an outpatient basis is essential to permit the veteran's discharge from the hospital.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Social welfare
Date: 2008-07-10 00:00:00

Encourage Initiative and Promote Self-Esteem Act of 2008 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to establish special rules for benefits based on waxing and waning medical conditions in qualified disabled individuals.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-07-10 00:00:00

Expanding Availability of VA Health Care Act of 2008 - Makes eligible for health care under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system veterans with incomes not exceeding 150% of the maximum for treatment as a low-income family. (Currently, only veterans with incomes not exceeding the maximum for treatment as a low-income family are so eligible.)
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-07-16 00:00:00

Improving Children's Doctor Access Act of 2008 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require annual state SCHIP reports to include information on: (1) the HEDIS (Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set) measure relating to access to primary care practitioners by individuals eligible for child health assistance; and (2) efforts to avoid displacement of private health coverage. Expresses the sense of Congress that states with a state child health plan should utilize consumer satisfaction surveys developed by the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, specifically the Getting Needed Care and Getting Care Quickly question components of the CAHPS 4.0H Child Survey, to measure the extent to which individuals eligible for child health assistance under the state plan have access to physicians.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-07-17 00:00:00

Health Insurance Coverage Protection Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group health plan from imposing an aggregate lifetime benefit limit of less than: (1) $5 million for the first two plan years; (2) $10 million for the third and fourth plan years; and (3) adjusted amounts based on the consumer price index for subsequent plan years. Excludes from such prohibition a group health plan offered to employees of a small employer, except upon request of the employer for a consistent limit.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with the Institute of Medicine for a study to determine the number of individuals who have reached the lifetime limitations set forth in this Act.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-07-24 00:00:00

Reinstatement of Enrollment for Medicaid Eligibility of Disadvantaged Youth (REMEDY) Act - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state plan to provide for the reinstatement to enrollment for medical assistance and child health assistance upon release from a public institution of an individual youth who was enrolled for such assistance immediately before becoming an inmate of such institution.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-07-31 00:00:00

Health Security for All Americans Act of 2008 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act regarding: (1) the physician payment update; (2) geographic cost-of-practice indices (GPCI) floors; (3) annual physical examinations; (4) the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program; (5) the inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals; and (6) proportional representation of rural area interests on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national public information campaign on initial preventive physical examinations for Medicare beneficiaries. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to rules governing enhanced marketplace pools for small business health plans. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XXX (Health Care Insurance Marketplace Modernization) under which the Secretary shall promulgate regulations establishing minimum standards for health insurance premium variations and model small group rating rules. Provides for affordable plans and the harmonization of health insurance standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the qualified health insurance costs of individuals. Amends veterans benefits law to allow an enrolled veteran to elect to receive covered health services through a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility. Authorizes VA pharmacies to dispense medications to veterans on private practitioner prescriptions. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program of child care assistance for individuals pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to award grants to partnerships of accredited nursing schools and hospitals or health facilities to establish projects to enable a hospital or health facility to retain its staff of experienced nurses while having these individuals become, through an accelerated nursing education program, faculty members of an accredited nursing school. Directs the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education that offer: (1) a Registered Nurse (RN) nursing program at the baccalaureate or associate degree level to enable the program to expand its faculty and facilities to accommodate additional RN nursing program students; or (2) a graduate-level nursing program to accommodate advanced practice degrees for RNs or to accommodate students enrolled in a graduate-level nursing program to provide teachers of nursing students. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out programs to increase the number of nurses within the armed forces. Prescribes requirements for determination of the effective date of active duty for members of a reserve component of the armed forces.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-07-31 00:00:00

Veterans Community Health Enhancement Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2009 for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the enhancement of services for veterans at community-based outpatient clinics.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-07-31 00:00:00

America's Commitment to Veterans Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer funds appropriated for FY2009 for the Legal Services Corporation and for family planning programs under the Public Health Service Act to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans' medical services.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-08-01 00:00:00

Citizenship Should Count for Something Act - Establishes the Citizens Congressional Health Benefits Program to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to federal elected officials and to all other citizens who are not covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). Requires such coverage to be provided in a manner similar to the manner in which coverage has been provided under FEHBP.Eliminates eligibility of the President, Vice-President, and members of Congress for FEHBP.Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to: (1) establish a process for eligible individuals to enroll in qualified health plans; (2) provide for the dissemination of information on such plans; and (3) enter into contracts with entities to offer such plans.Requires qualified health plans to: (1) provide for the same scope and type of comprehensive benefits that have been provided under FEHBP; and (2) meet consumer and patient protections. Prohibits qualified health plans from imposing preexisting condition exclusions or otherwise discriminating against an enrollee based on health status. Requires premiums established for a qualified health plan to be community-rated and not vary based on gender, health status, or other factors.Requires the Director to: (1) establish a process for the collection of premiums owed by enrollees; (2) monitor marketing practices to assure the accuracy of information disseminated and reasonable costs for such marketing; and (3) provide for an annual contribution towards the coverage provided under this Act for eligible individuals.Authorizes the Director to establish a contingency reserve and to impose a premium surcharge to provide financing for such reserve.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-08-01 00:00:00

Amends the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) to repeal provisions relating to: (1) the requirement for certain nonemployer Medicare Advantage (MA) private fee-for-service plans to use contracts with providers; (2) the moratorium on authority to designate other plans as specialized MA plans for special needs individuals; (3) the limitation on out-of-pocket costs for dual eligibles and qualified Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals; (4) access to Medicare reasonable cost reimbursement contract plans, especially the prohibition on extension of such a contract in certain circumstances; and (5) the requirement for a study and report to Congress by the Comptroller General of the reasons (if any) why reasonable cost contracts are unable to become MA plans. Restores the corresponding provisions of the Social Security Act as they were before the amendments made by MIPPA.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-09-09 00:00:00

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to extend through April 1, 2009, the approval of specified waivers under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for the MinnesotaCare Medicaid demonstration project.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-09-16 00:00:00

Health Insurance Restrictions and Limitations Clarification Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to exclude a group health plan from prohibitions against limitations or restrictions on the amount, level, extent, or nature of the benefits of coverage for similarly situated individuals enrolled in the plan so long as: (1) such limitations and restrictions are explicit and clear; (2) such limitations and restrictions have been disclosed to the plan sponsor in writing in advance of the point of sale; (3) the plan sponsor provides a description of such limitations and restrictions to participants and beneficiaries in a form that is easily understandable before enrollment; and (4) the plan sponsor and the issuer of the coverage provide such description to the participants and beneficiaries upon their enrollment under the plan at the earliest opportunity that other materials are provided.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Date: 2008-09-18 00:00:00

Requires, beginning with FY2010, a two-fiscal-year budget authority for the following accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) Medical Services; (2) Medical Administration; and (3) Medical Facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the adequacy and accuracy of VA baseline model projections for health care expenditures.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Date: 2008-09-18 00:00:00

RECOVER Act (Restoring Essential Care for Our Veterans for Effective Recovery) - Provides that, if a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility that would otherwise provide covered medical services to veterans residing in an area for which a major disaster is declared is unable to provide such services for at least 180 days due to such disaster, then the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall contract with one or more non-VA facilities in that area to provide such services to veterans who reside within 150 miles of the VA facility that is unable to provide the services. Makes such requirement inapplicable to a VA facility that is closed, or that the Secretary intends to close, as part of the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) process. Makes this Act applicable to any VA facility unable to provide covered services on or after August 29, 2005, by reason of a major disaster.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-09-18 00:00:00

SCHIP Plus Act of 2008 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a state child health plan to provide for the offering of any qualified alternative coverage that a qualified entity seeks to offer targeted low-income children through the plan. Revises requirements with respect to authority for payments to a state for the purchase of family coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan that includes coverage of targeted low-income children. Prohibits a state child health plan from requiring a targeted low-income child to enroll in such coverage in order to obtain child health assistance under this Act. (Thus requires enrollment to be voluntary.) Requires a state health plan to provide at least one opportunity per fiscal year for beneficiaries to switch SCHIP coverage from an employer-sponsored plan to the coverage otherwise available under SCHIP. Requires such plan also to permit beneficiaries to switch coverage under other circumstances, such as change in employment, birth of a child, or change in households, as the Secretary specifies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers that maintain a group health plan in a state that provides child health assistance under SCHIP in the form of premium assistance to give each employee written notice of potential opportunities for such premium assistance for health coverage of the employee's dependents.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-09-18 00:00:00

Safeguarding Our Hospitals' Futures Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in the case of discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2008, to continue to apply budget neutrality on a national basis in the calculation of the urban hospital wage floor for discharges occurring during FY2008 under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (through a uniform, national adjustment to the area wage index).
Topic: Health — Insurance
Date: 2008-09-23 00:00:00

Health Insurance Stability Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a refundable tax credit for amounts paid to continue health care coverage for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and dependents under the applicable continuation provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Limits the amount of such credit and disqualifies taxpayers who, in any month, have employer-provided coverage, are covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act, or are imprisoned. Denies such credit to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents or who are dependents of a taxpayer. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for advancing payments of credit amounts to health insurance providers of the taxpayer.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Date: 2008-09-23 00:00:00

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 7.5 to 2.5% the amount of adjusted gross income over which a taxpayer's medical expenses are fully deductible.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Date: 2008-09-26 00:00:00

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to continue to cover non-emergency transportation to medically necessary services.
Topic: Health — Insurance
Subject: Health
Date: 2008-09-26 00:00:00

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