zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and administer a dental insurance plan for veterans enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment under federal veterans' benefits provisions and for veterans' survivors and dependents who are eligible for medical care under such provisions.

The VA shall contract with a dental insurer to administer the plan. Benefits shall include diagnostic services, preventative services, endodontics and other restorative services, surgical services, and emergency services.

Enrollment shall be voluntary. The VA shall: (1) prescribe the minimum enrollment period, and (2) prescribe and annually adjust the premiums necessary to cover costs associated with carrying out the plan. Each individual covered by the plan shall pay the entire premium and the full cost of any copayments.

The VA shall permit voluntary disenrollment within 30 days after initial enrollment and under other specified circumstances the VA shall prescribe to the extent that such disenrollment does not jeopardize the fiscal integrity of the plan.

This bill's provisions terminate on December 31, 2021.

Date: 2016-07-13
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a five-year, population-based payment demonstration project through which provider networks are prospectively paid monthly capitated payments for coordinated care furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.

To be eligible to participate in the project, a provider network must:

 be an integrated care system that provides Medicare services directly; include physicians in group practice arrangements, a federally qualified health center, and at least one hospital; enter into, and be responsible for making payments to providers under, appropriate contractual arrangements; be accountable for the quality, cost, and overall care of the network's participating beneficiaries; enter into a participation agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); and meet other specified requirements. CMS shall establish a process for prospectively assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to a participating provider network. This process must allow beneficiaries to opt out of such assignment.

The bill limits Medicare payment for out-of-network services furnished to a participating beneficiary.

To calculate payments to participating networks, CMS shall: (1) determine a base annual prospective population health budget, (2) adjust such budget to account for the number and characteristics of participating beneficiaries with respect to each network, and (3) annually update the budget to account for population changes and Medicare program growth.

The bill establishes certain limits on total program expenditures for the program's initial three years.

CMS may expand the project's duration and scope under specified circumstances.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act of 2016 or the Dialysis Patient Access to Integrated-care, Empowerment, Nephrologists, Treatment, and Services Demonstration Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program for the provision of integrated care to Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Under the voluntary program, eligible participating providers may form organizations to offer ESRD integrated care models and serve as medical homes for program-eligible beneficiaries. Such a model: (1) shall cover medical and hospital services, other than hospice care, under Medicare; (2) must include benefits for transition into palliative care; and (3) may cover prescription drug benefits. An organization must offer at least one open network model but may also offer one or more preferred network models.

An organization shall return savings achieved under the models to program-eligible beneficiaries.

A beneficiary shall have the opportunity to: (1) opt out of the program, (2) make an assignment change into an open network model offered by a different organization, or (3) elect a preferred network model.

The bill establishes requirements regarding: (1) benefits for program-eligible beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid benefits, (2) program quality and reporting, (2) ESRD integrated care strategy, (3) program operation and scope, (4) beneficiary notification, and (5) payment.

Date: 2016-09-07
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
The Consumer Healthcare Insurance Transparency Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to publish information on changes in group health plan and health insurance premiums for the next year for small employers and individuals. The information must be published by November 1 of each year.

Date: 2016-09-08
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Beneficiary Respiratory Equipment Access and Transparency to Home Ventilator Care Act of 2016 or the BREATH Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish policies and standards for determining the appropriate use of certain ventilators under the Medicare program.

Subject to budget neutrality requirements, the bill: (1) increases the Medicare payment rate for such ventilators for 2017; and (2) for subsequent years, establishes a new base payment rate based on the percentage change, between 2015 and 2017, in the total number of beneficiaries receiving such ventilators under Medicare.

Date: 2016-09-13
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2016 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit an individual to pay primary care service arrangement costs from a health savings account; and (2) allow an eligible taxpayer enrolled in a high-deductible health plan to take a tax deduction for cash paid into a health savings account, even if the taxpayer is simultaneously enrolled in a primary care service arrangement.

Under a "primary care service arrangement," an individual is provided coverage restricted to primary care services in exchange for a fixed periodic fee or payment for such services.

For the purposes of certain tax-deductible expenses for medical care, the bill expands the definition of "medical care" to include periodic provider fees, including: (1) periodic fees paid to a primary care physician for a defined set of medical services or the right to receive medical services on an as-needed basis; and (2) pre-paid primary care services designed to screen for, diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease and promote wellness.

Date: 2016-09-13
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Taxation
Adding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add Middle East respiratory syndrome to the list of tropical diseases under the priority review voucher program, which awards a voucher to the sponsor of a new drug or biological product that is approved to prevent or treat a tropical disease. (A voucher entitles the holder to have a future new drug or biological product application acted upon by the Food and Drug Administration within six months.)

Date: 2016-09-14
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Patient Navigation Assistance Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid programs to provide medical assistance for patient navigator services. ("Patient navigators" are individuals who are trained to facilitate the care of other individuals and who have direct knowledge of the communities they serve.)

Date: 2016-09-20
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2016

This bill amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to indefinitely extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients. Under current law, such coverage is limited to 36 months following a transplant.

Date: 2016-09-22
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. (The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.)

Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those provided by other ACO practitioners. Other ACO practitioners include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and registered dieticians or nutrition professionals.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
VA Provider Pay Modernization Act of 2016

This bill provides that market pay (one of the three salary components of Veterans Health Administration [VHA] physicians and dentists) shall be the same for each physician or dentist with the same specialty or assignment in the same Integrated Service Network (VISN).

The market pay of a physician or dentist may exceed the market pay generally available to a physician or dentist with the same specialty or assignment in the same VISN by up to 5%.

Such amount shall take into account the pay in the relevant health service area, as designated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Market pay in a health professional shortage area for a physician's or dentist's specialty may exceed by up to 25% the market pay for a physician or dentist in a health service area with a specialty or assignment not relevant to the health professional shortage area.

The VA shall: (1) evaluate the market pay of a physician or dentist every 12 months; and (2) in implementing a promotion system, create parity between the grades and annual rates of basic pay for VHA employees performing similar duties in the same facility, regardless of service time.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Improvement Act of 2015

 Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the Medicare durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive acquisition program.

Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from accepting a bid from an entity for an area unless it: (1) meets state licensure requirements for the area for all items in the submitted bid for a product category, and (2) has obtained a bid surety bond of between $50,000 and $100,000 for each such area.

Prescribes requirements for the treatment of losing bidders and successful bidders that do not accept a contract.

Date: 2015-01-12
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) This bill amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require physical therapists furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area to use specified locum tenens arrangements for payment purposes in the same manner as such arrangements are used to apply to physicians furnishing substitute physicians services for other physicians.

(Locum tenens [place holder], or substitute, physicians usually assume professional practices in the absence of a regular physician for reasons such as illness, pregnancy, vacation, or continuing medical education.)

Date: 2015-01-29
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover pharmacist services.

Date: 2015-01-29
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Date: 2015-02-12
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Veterans Hearing Aid Access and Assistance Act

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to appoint licensed hearing aid specialists in the Veterans Health Administration.

Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on: (1) the timely access of veterans to VA hearing health services, and (2) VA contracting policies regarding the provision of hearing health services to veterans in non-VA facilities.

Date: 2015-02-25
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Frontline Mental Health Provider Training Act

Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly commence a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of expanding use of physician assistants specializing in psychiatric medicine at DOD and VA medical facilities in order to meet the increasing demand for mental health care providers at such facilities through the completion of two 18-month psychiatry fellowship programs for physician assistants.

Directs DOD to carry out the pilot program at not less than one military medical treatment facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army, one under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy, and one under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force. Requires the VA to carry out the program at not less than three VA medical centers. Requires each Department to select at least 12 physician assistants to participate in each fellowship program. Sets forth qualifications for eligible physician assistants.

Requires each fellowship program to: (1) meet the training model for acuity, mixture, and volume established for psychiatric residency programs; and (2) provide to the selected individuals training equivalent to that received during a psychiatric residency, education leading to a clinical doctorate of science in psychiatry, and education that addresses the particular needs of rural and other under served populations of members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

Date: 2015-03-11
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Community Provider Readiness Recognition Act of 2015

Directs the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly develop a system by which a non-Department mental health care provider who provides health care to members of the Armed Forces or veterans shall receive a mental health provider readiness designation if such provider meets eligibility criteria relating to: (1) knowledge, comfort, and understanding with respect to the culture of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and family members and caregivers of such members and veterans; and (2) knowledge regarding evidence-based treatments that have been approved by such Departments for the treatment of mental health issues among such members and veterans.

Requires such Departments to: (1) jointly establish and update a registry, which shall be available to the public, of all non-Department mental health care providers that are currently so designated, and (2) update all lists maintained by such Departments of such non-Department providers by indicating the providers that are currently so designated.

Date: 2015-03-11
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women & Children Act

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require that the primary care services furnished in the two years after enactment of this Act by a physician with a primary specialty designation of family medicine, general internal medicine, or pediatric medicine be paid at a rate that is not less than 100% of the payment rate that applies under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), but only if the physician self-attests as being Board certified in those areas.

Extends this 100% of Medicare payment floor, subject to certain conditions, to the following providers: (1) physicians with a primary specialty designation of obstetrics and gynecology, and self-attesting they are Board certified; (2) advanced practice clinicians; (3) rural health clinics, federally-qualified health centers, or other specified health clinics; and (4) nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or certified nurse-midwives.

Excludes from coverage of primary care services any such services provided in an emergency department of a hospital.

Prescribes additional requirements for any contract between a state and a Medicaid managed care organization.

Directs the Government Accountability Office to examine the use of alternative payment models in state Medicaid programs and identify opportunities for disseminating successful payment models among them.

Amends SSAct title XI to: (1) extend funding for development of adult health quality measures; and (2) direct the Administrator for the Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to develop such measures specific to adult individuals with disabilities and include them in the Medicaid Quality Measurement Program.

Date: 2015-03-12
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2015

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall designate and approve independent accreditation organizations that apply quality standards for suppliers only if they are Boards for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification or essentially equivalent programs.

Special payment rules for certain prosthetics and custom-fabricated orthotics are extended to custom-fitted orthotics. Such rules do not apply, however, to off-the-shelf orthotics furnished on or after January 1, 2016, which are included in a competitive acquisition program.

Decisions about Medicare coverage of orthotics and prosthetics on or after January 1, 2016, must take into account the complexity of the item as well as supplier qualifications (which do not apply, however, to physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists state-licensed to provide such items).

Documentation created by an orthotist or prosthetist is considered part of the patient's medical record.

Requirements for suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics are separated from those for suppliers of durable medical equipment.

Orthotists and prosthetists must have a supplier number for Medicare payment to be made.

Patients are not liable for payment of furnished orthotics or prosthetics where payment may not be made or where payment is denied. Only the orthotists or prosthetists are liable in such circumstances.

Only the patient may make the minimal self-adjustment required to qualify off-the-shelf orthotics for Medicare coverage in a competitive acquisition program.

Date: 2015-03-23
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to air ambulance services furnished during 2017 or any subsequent year, to reduce the mandatory percentage increase (inflation adjustment) for payments under the fee schedule by 2.0% for any supplier or provider that fails to submit to the Secretary specified data.

The Secretary is required to select at least two quality measures with respect to which such providers and suppliers may voluntarily submit such data.

The Government Accountability Office is required to report to Congress on all such data, together with a recommendation on the adequate amount of Medicare reimbursement to providers and suppliers that would reflect their operational costs and preserve access to critical air medical services.

The Secretary is required, in the case of air ambulance services furnished during calendar 2017 through 2021 to make a percentage increase in the base rate of the fee schedule: (1) by 20% during 2017, and (2) by 5% during 2018-2020.

The Secretary must also, for 2017 through 2020, adjust such percentages, by either increasing or reducing them (but in no case below zero) to ensure that the increased expenditures under this Act are equal to the reduced expenditures.

Date: 2015-04-30
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Rural ACO Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.

Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those provided by other ACO practitioners, and those furnished in federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics. Other ACO practitioners include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and registered dieticians or nutrition professionals.

Date: 2015-05-22
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
HIV Clinical Services Improvement Act

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require payment under the Medicaid program for services furnished by recipients of Ryan White Part C grants, which support comprehensive primary care in outpatient settings for individuals living with HIV.

Providers must be paid an amount equivalent to the prior average costs of providing these services. However, a state plan may establish an alternative payment methodology that: (1) is agreed to by the state and the grantee, and (2) results in payment to the grantee that at least equals the amount otherwise required to be paid to the grantee under the bill.

As a condition of receiving payment under the bill, a grantee shall be subject to specified quality management and reporting requirements.

Date: 2015-09-29
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Ensuring Enhanced Access to Primary Care Act

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend the application of the Medicare payment rate floor to certain primary care services furnished under the Medicaid program, and (2) apply the same payment rate floor to primary care services furnished under the Medicaid program by certain other providers.

A payment rate floor reflects the minimum rate of payment for applicable services. Under current law, the Medicare payment rate floor for primary care services also applies under the Medicaid program to primary care services furnished in 2013 or 2014 by a physician with a primary specialty designation of family medicine, general internal medicine, or pediatric medicine. The bill establishes an additional two-year period in which the floor shall apply to services provided a physician with one of these primary specialty designations or with a primary specialty designation in psychiatry, neurology, or obstetrics and gynecology. However, the floor shall apply only if the physician self-attests to being Board certified in the applicable specialty.

Date: 2015-10-01
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Provider Payment Sunshine Act

This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to expand reporting requirements related to the transparency of physician ownership or investment interests.

Under current law, a manufacturer of drugs, devices, or medical supplies that are covered under Medicaid or Medicare must regularly report on any payment or transfer of value by the manufacturer to a “covered recipient,” defined as either a physician who is not an employee of the manufacturer or a teaching hospital. The bill expands the definition of “covered recipient” to also include any of the following practitioners who is not an employee of the manufacturer: (1) a physician assistant, (2) a nurse practitioner, (3) a clinical nurse specialist, (4) certified registered nurse anesthetist, or (5) a certified nurse-midwife.

Date: 2015-10-07
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. (The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.)

Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those provided by other ACO practitioners. Other ACO practitioners include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and registered dieticians or nutrition professionals.

Date: 2015-11-09
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide Medicare coverage for screening computed tomography colonography (CTC) as a colorectal cancer screening test, and (2) exclude screening CTC from a special Medicare payment rule applicable to certain imaging services.

Date: 2015-11-10
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Securing Fairness in Regulatory Timing Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend from 45 days to 60 days the annual notice period for the announcement of payment rates under Medicare Advantage (MA). MA organizations shall have at least 30 days to comment on proposed changes.

Date: 2015-12-03
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Ensuring Removal of Terminated Providers from Medicaid and CHIP Act

This bill amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP]) of the Social Security Act to prohibit federal payment under Medicaid for nonemergency services furnished by providers whose participation in Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP has been terminated.

Under current law, a state must exclude from Medicaid participation any provider that has been terminated under any state's Medicaid program or under Medicare. The bill maintains those requirements and further requires a state to exclude from Medicaid participation any provider that has been terminated under CHIP. Furthermore, a state must exclude from CHIP participation any provider that has been terminated under Medicaid or Medicare.

The bill also revises a state's reporting requirements with respect to terminating a provider under a state plan. A state shall require each Medicaid or CHIP provider, whether the provider participates on a fee-for-service (FFS) basis or within the network of a managed care organization (MCO), to enroll with the state by providing specified identifying information. When notifying the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that a provider has been terminated under a state plan, the state must submit this information as well as information regarding the termination date and reason. HHS shall review such termination notifications and, if appropriate, include them in a database or similar system, as specified by the bill.

The bill prohibits federal payment under a state's Medicaid or CHIP program for services provided by an MCO unless: (1) the state has a system for notifying MCOs when a provider is terminated under Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP; and (2) any contract between the state plan and an MCO provides that such providers be excluded from participation in the MCO provider network.

Date: 2016-03-10
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Medicaid Program Integrity Enhancement Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state Medicaid agency to establish a process by which a provider may appeal a decision by the agency to suspend payment to the provider on the basis of credible fraud allegations.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must revise specified regulations related to such suspensions in order to comply with due process requirements established by the bill.

Specifically, a state Medicaid agency may not suspend payment until the agency: (1) consults with the state's Medicaid fraud control unit or, if the state has no such unit, with the state's attorney general; (2) certifies that it has considered whether the suspension will jeopardize beneficiary access and whether there is good cause not to suspend payment; and (3) furnishes the provider with the agency's reasons for finding no such good cause.

Furthermore, the agency must periodically evaluate whether there is good cause to discontinue a suspension for which an investigation is pending. With specified exceptions, such good cause shall be deemed to exist if the investigation remains unresolved after a suspension has been in effect for 18 months.

CMS must also revise specified regulations to provide that an allegation of fraud shall be considered credible only if the allegation has indications of reliability and the state Medicaid agency: (1) has reviewed all allegations, facts, and evidence carefully; (2) acts judiciously on a case-by-case basis; and (3) has considered the potential impact a payment suspension may have on beneficiary access to care.

Date: 2016-03-17
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act or the NAS Healthy Babies Act

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which results from a newborn's exposure to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother's womb.

Specifically, the GAO shall report on:

 the prevalence of NAS, NAS treatment services for which coverage is available under state Medicaid programs, the settings and associated reimbursement methodologies for NAS treatment, the prevalence of utilization of various care settings under state Medicaid programs for NAS treatment, and any federal barriers to treating infants with NAS under state Medicaid programs. The GAO shall also report on its recommendations for improvements that will ensure access to NAS treatment under state Medicaid programs.

Date: 2016-04-28
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the process by which Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) issue and reconsider local coverage determinations (LCDs) that: (1) are new, (2) restrict or substantively revise existing LCDs, or (3) are otherwise specified in regulation. (MACs are private insurers that process Medicare claims within specified geographic areas.)

Before such an LCD may take effect, the MAC issuing the determination must, with respect to each geographic area to which the determination applies:

 publish online a proposed version of the determination and other specified, related information; convene one or more public meetings to review the draft determination, receive comments, and secure the advice of an expert panel; post online a record of the minutes from each such meeting; provide a period for submission of written public comments; and post online specified information related to the rationale for the final determination. Upon the filing of an applicable request by an interested party with regard to the reconsideration of a specified LCD, the MAC that issued the determination shall:

 provide specified information related to whether the determination failed to correctly apply qualifying relevant evidence, exceeds the scope of its intended purpose, fails to apply as intended, or is otherwise erroneous; preserve the determination, modify the determination, or rescind the determination in part; and make publicly available a written description of such action. An interested party may appeal a reconsideration decision to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS shall appoint a Medicare Reviews and Appeals Ombudsman to carry out specified duties with regard to LCDs.

Date: 2016-09-22
Topic: Health (Insurance Providers)
Subject: Health
National Computer Recycling Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), after submitting to Congress the results of a study of waste materials in used computers that may be hazardous to human health or the environment along with related management recommendations, to require assessment of a fee on the sale to an end-user of any computer, monitor, or other designated electronic devices. Exempts nonprofit organizations from the fee requirement. Authorizes the Administrator to create additional fee exemptions for sales that will likely result in maximum reuse of significant components and the disposal of remaining components in an environmentally sound and lawful manner. Requires fees collected to be used for administration of this Act and for making grants to eligible individuals or organizations for: (1) collecting or processing used computers, monitors, or other devices for recycling; (2) reusing or reselling such devices; and (3) extracting and using, or selling for reuse, raw materials from such devices. Requires reports to Congress on the status of computer recycling, which shall include descriptions of fee collection and use.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the taxpayer election to expense qualified film and television production costs in the current taxable year.

Date: 2007-08-03
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Taxation
Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages (water, mineral water, soda water, flavored water, sports drinks, juice, iced tea, wine coolers, beer, or carbonated nonalcoholic beverages) in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents.Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers; and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste); and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs distributors to pay to a state, annually, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities.Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling or reuse rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Date: 2007-11-15
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that grants for support of air pollution planning and control programs shall be given to states that have enacted laws requiring a deposit on consumer beverage containers before any such grants may be given to other states.

Date: 2008-04-22
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection
Packaging Reduction Act of 2008 - Establishes a national consumer product packaging reduction goal to reduce the total amount of packaging used on consumer products in the United States to an amount that is at least 30 percent below the amount used on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement a plan to meet the national packaging reduction goal within 10 years after enactment of this Act that includes methods of meeting the goal and methods of measuring the plan's effectiveness.

Date: 2008-06-19
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection
Economic Credit Opportunity for Businesses Acting Green Act of 2008 or the ECOBAG Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow retailers a tax credit for up to 15% of the amount paid to implement an at-store recycling program for one or more types of plastic carry-out bags, film plastic, and other types of plastic specified by Treasury regulations.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Taxation
Copper Theft Prevention Act of 2008 - Requires secondary copper recyclers (purchasers of copper that has served its original economic purpose) to keep records for at least two years of all purchases of copper property. Prohibits such recyclers from accepting cash in excess of $500 for the purchase of copper property. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations of this Act.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an 10% energy tax credit for the installation of a qualified green roof; and (2) a residential energy efficient tax credit for 30% of qualified green roof property expenditures up to $2,000. Defines a "qualified green roof" as any green roof which is at least 40% vegetated. Defines "green roof" as any roof which consists of vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane and its associated components.

Date: 2008-07-08
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Taxation
Secondary Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that government agencies should work with representatives of the secondary metal recycling industry to combat the theft and sale of stolen secondary metal. Defines "secondary metal" as: (1) wire or cable commonly used by communications and electrical utilities; and (2) copper, aluminum, or other metal (including when combined with other materials) that is valuable for recycling or reuse as raw metal.Makes it unlawful to sell certain secondary metal unless the seller documents ownership and maintains written or electronic records of each secondary metal purchase. Includes within the prohibition: (1) secondary metal that is marked with the name, logo, or initials of a railroad, a utility company, or a state or local government; (2) highway or street poles, fixtures, rails, or signs; (3) unused or undamaged building construction or utility material; (4) historical markers or grave markers; and (5) large bulk containers for beer. Prohibits cash purchases of secondary metal in excess of $75 or small multiple cash purchases within a 48-hour period. Requires purchasers of secondary metal in excess of $75 to pay by check.Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce this Act. Imposes a civil penalty for violations. Declares that this Act does not preempt any state or local law regulating the sale or purchase of secondary metal.

Date: 2009-02-11
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Tire Investment, Recovery and Extension Act of 2009 or the TIRE Act of 2009- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers who regularly use more than 100 vehicles a year in a trade or business (vehicle fleet operators) a tax credit for the purchase of new or retread tires made from recycled rubber.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Taxation
Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents. Defines "beverage" as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic, carbonated or uncarbonated liquid that is intended for human consumption. Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers by a deposit initiator; and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste); and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs each deposit initiator to pay to a state, quarterly, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from intentionally disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling, reuse, or recovery rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection
Economic Credit Opportunity for Businesses Acting Green Act of 2010 or the ECOBAG Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow retailers a tax credit for up to 15% of the amount paid to implement an at-store recycling program for one or more types of plastic carry-out bags, film plastic, and other types of plastic specified by Treasury regulations.

Date: 2010-07-01
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Taxation
Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of: (1) recycled water distribution systems in California in cooperation with the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District and the Ironhouse Sanitary District; and (2) recycled water system facilities in California in cooperation with the Dublin San Ramon Services District, the city of Petaluma, Redwood City, and the city of Palo Alto. Limits the federal share of each project to 25%. Prohibits the Secretary from providing funds for project operation and maintenance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into individual agreements with the San Francisco Bay Area Regional Water Recycling implementing agencies to fund specified projects under such Act through the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies; and (2) include in such agreements a provision for the reimbursement of construction costs. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the design, planning, and construction of: (1) recycled water system facilities in cooperation with the city of Antioch, California; and (2) recycled water treatment facilities in cooperation with the city of San Jose, California, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Water resources development
Amends Solid Waste Disposal Act provisions concerning federal procurement of recycled materials to provide that for a product containing at least 25% recovered material, a price of not more than 110% of the bid price of the highest ranked competing product containing zero or de minimis recovered materials shall not be considered to be unreasonable.

Date: 2010-07-22
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection
Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents. Defines "beverage" as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic, carbonated or uncarbonated liquid that is intended for human consumption. Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers by a deposit initiator, and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste), and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs each deposit initiator to pay to a state, quarterly, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from intentionally disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling, reuse, or recovery rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Date: 2012-09-21
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection
Drinking Water Supply Assistance Act of 2013 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that contains brass from certain prohibitions against the use of lead pipes, solder, and flux under the following conditions:

 a supplier of water owns the brass before enactment of this Act; the brass is used to prevent or mitigate a municipal budget deficit or an interruption in service of a public water system; and the supplier of water is otherwise in compliance with all laws and regulations, except monitoring requirements regarding lead in water. Makes the exemption inapplicable to a municipality if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines it would result in an unreasonable risk to public health.

Directs the Administrator to: (1) consult with and seek the advice of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council on potential changes to federal regulations pertaining to lead; and (2) request the Council to consider sources of lead throughout drinking water distribution systems, including through components used to reroute drinking water during distribution system repairs.

Date: 2013-12-13
Topic: Environment (Recycling)
Subject: Environmental protection