SENIOR CITIZENS

Amendments

Dept. of HHS: expand and intensify research programs concerning elder falls (S. 1217), S11508 [18NO]

Social Security: provide additional safeguards for certain beneficiaries with representative payees (H.R. 743), H443 [11FE]

———provide additional safeguards for certain beneficiaries with representative payees (H.R. 743), consideration of Senate amendment (H. Res. 520), H442 [11FE]

Analyses

Social Security COLA Protection Act (S. 2754), S8741 [22JY]

Appointments

Social Security Advisory Board, H9689 [16NO]

White House Conference on Aging Policy Committee, S1401 [12FE], S4850 [4MY], H1325 [22MR], H3259 [19MY]

Articles and editorials

Deliriously Dumbfounding Drug Discount Cards, E909 [19MY]

Discount Card Doubt, Complicated System—Choosing One of 73 Plans Is a Hassle, Seniors Say, E1015 [2JN]

Grief and an Evening Vigil in a Michigan Small Town, H7306 [21SE]

Medical Costs Eat at Social Security, S9158 [14SE]

Medicare ``Bug,'' Thousands Fail To Pay Premiums, H4741 [22JN]

Medicare Drug Discount Cards Explained—Sort of, H2779 [11MY]

Now Can We Talk About Health Care?, S4089-S4092 [19AP]

Seniors Blast Medicare Prescription Plan, S679 [6FE]

73 Options for Medicare Plan Fuel Chaos, Not Prescription, S5243, S5374 [12MY]

Bills and resolutions

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: provide direct congressional access to the Office of the Chief Actuary (see S. 2076), S1285 [12FE]

Children and youth: establish kinship navigator programs and establish kinship guardianship assistance payments for children (see S. 2706), S8548 [21JY]

Crime: support programs and activities to prevent perpetrators of fraud from victimizing senior citizens (see H. Res. 852), H9184 [9OC]

Death and dying: improve access to information about end of life care options and legal rights, promote advance care planning and decisionmaking, and engage health care providers in preparation of advance directives (see S. 2545), S6997 [17JN]

Dept. of Agriculture: Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program funding reform (see H.R. 4446), H3438 (see H.R. 4446), H3538 [20MY]

Diseases: fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention (see S. 2533), S6881 [16JN] (see H.R. 4595), H4286 [16JN]

———increase Alzheimer's disease research funding and promote public awareness and risk reduction relative to Alzheimer's disease with particular emphasis in Hispanic populations (see H.R. 5339), H9049 [8OC]

Health: address shortage of influenza vaccine (see S. 2968), S10846 [8OC] (see H.R. 5409), H10078 [19NO]

———improve access to health insurance and Medicare benefits for individuals aged 55 to 65 and allow tax credits for payment of such premiums (see H.R. 4357), H2918 [12MY]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures (see S. 2570), S7311 [23JN] (see H.R. 4325), H2815 [11MY]

———provide for emergency distributions of influenza vaccine (see H.R. 5243), H8856 [7OC]

Health care professionals: provide for education and training of allied health professionals in exchange for a service commitment at a facility with critical shortages of allied health professionals (see H.R. 4016), H1369 [23MR]

John Heinz Senate Fellowship Program: reauthorize (see S. Res. 428), S9287 [15SE]

Medicaid: ensure the provision of services under the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to frail elders living in rural areas (see S. 2369), S4692 [29AP]

———extend Federal-State cost-sharing program to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with health care costs (see S. 2618), S7750 [7JY] (see H.R. 5160), H7735 [28SE] (see H.R. 5189), H7944 [30SE]

Medicare: adjust the amount of payment under the physician fee schedule for cancer drug administration services (see S. 2587), S7435 [24JN]

———allow beneficiaries to purchase multiple prescription drug discount cards and to receive a refund of the enrollment fee if prices or the formulary used by the card sponsor changes (see S. 2530), S6881 [16JN]

———clarify payment for clinical laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals (see S. 2426), S5535 [17MY] (see H.R. 4257), H2491 [30AP]

———clarify right of beneficiaries to enter into private contracts with physicians and other health care professionals for services not payable under Medicare (see H.R. 4822), H5653 [13JY]

———condition the payment of employer prescription drug subsidies on the maintenance of current prescription drug benefits (see H.R. 4978), H6704 [22JY]

———contain costs of prescription drug program (see S. 2130), S1683 [26FE] (see H.R. 3854), H699 [26FE]

———coverage of clinical pharmacist practitioner services (see H.R. 4724), H5149 [25JN]

———coverage of respiratory therapists under home health service plans (see S. 2707), S8548 [21JY]

———coverage of screening pap smears and pelvic exams (see H.R. 5048), H6996 [9SE]

———coverage of screening ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysms (see S. 2553), S7104 [21JN]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (see S. 2257), S3366 [30MR] (see S. 2652), S8118 [14JY] (see H.R. 3767), H392 [4FE]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (H.R. 3767), consideration (see H. Res. 696), H4927 (see H. Res. 696), H5071 [24JN]

———eliminate coverage gap and HMO subsidies and repeal health savings accounts (see S. 2629), S7828 [8JY] (see S. 2725), S8687 [22JY]

———eliminate privatization and reduce excessive payments to health maintenance organizations and other private sector insurance plans (see S. 2300), S3919 [7AP]

———ensure that every beneficiary has access to a Medicare administered prescription drug plan option (see S. 2487), S6348 [2JN]

———ensure that prescription drug discount card sponsors pass along discounts to beneficiaries (see S. 2234), S3180 [25MR]

———establish a hospice demonstration and grant program for beneficiaries (see S. 2983), S11377 [16NO]

———establish demonstration program to offset costs of electronic prescribing systems of health care providers (see H.R. 4805), H5470 [9JY]

———expand the rural community hospital demonstration program to include outpatient services (see S. 2284), S3791 [6AP]

———extend increase in payment rates for home health services in rural areas (see S. 2659), S8228 [15JY] (see H.R. 4902), H6700 [22JY]

———extend minimum deadlines for filing claims relative to adjustments from secondary payor status to primary payor status (see S. 2929), S10703 [7OC] (see H.R. 5309), H9048 [8OC]

———freeze increases in monthly premiums (see H.R. 5095), H7233 [15SE]

———impose a moratorium on payments for inpatient hospital services in additional long-term care hospital beds (see H.R. 3790), H434 [10FE]

———impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (see H.R. 3722), H88 [21JA]

———improve accountability in the Medicare Advantage and prescription drug programs (see H.R. 4903), H6701 [22JY]

———improve coordination of prescription drug coverage under retiree plans and State pharmaceutical assistance programs with Medicare drug benefits (see S. 2339), S4300 [22AP] (see H.R. 4195), H2371 [22AP]

———improve the provision of items and services to beneficiaries in rural areas (see S. 2135), S1683 [26FE]

———increase Federal oversight of the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and revoke its unique ability to accredit hospitals (see S. 2698), S8474 [20JY] (see H.R. 4877), H6127 [20JY]

———modernize by ensuring that appropriate preventive services are covered (see S. 2535), S6997 [17JN] (see H.R. 4898), H6700 [22JY]

———permit negotiation of fair prices for, and allow the reimportation of, prescription drugs (see S. 2053), S689 [6FE]

———permit the Dept. of HHS to enter into direct negotiations to promote the best prices for beneficiaries (see H.R. 3707), H35 [20JA]

———preserve access to cancer care (see H.R. 5144), H7574 [23SE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Arkansas (see S. 2123), S1586 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in California (see S. 2116), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 3964), H1071 [11MR]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Connecticut (see S. 2119), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 3905), H871 [4MR]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Florida (see S. 2118), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 3876), H752 [2MR]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Hawaii (see S. 2122), S1586 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Massachusetts (see S. 2124), S1586 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Michigan (see S. 2113), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 3835), H632 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Nevada (see S. 2121), S1586 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in New Jersey (see S. 2117), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 3841), H632 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in New Mexico (see S. 2114), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 3844), H632 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in New York (see S. 2111), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 3842), H632 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in North Carolina (see S. 2126), S1586 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Oregon (see S. 2120), S1586 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Pennsylvania (see H.R. 3836), H632 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Rhode Island (see S. 2125), S1586 [25FE] (see H.R. 4672), H4893 [23JN]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in South Dakota (see S. 2115), S1586 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Texas (see H.R. 3861), H699 [26FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in the District of Columbia (see H.R. 4336), H2815 [11MY]

———provide additional beneficiary protections (see H.R. 3702), H35 [20JA]

———provide automatic enrollment and eligibility for certain low-income beneficiaries for subsidies under the Medicare transitional and permanent prescription drug programs (see H.R. 4437), H3438 (see H.R. 4437), H3538 [20MY]

———provide beneficiaries access to information on the quality of care provided by skilled nursing facilities and provide incentives for such facilities to improve the quality of care (see S. 2988), S11429 [17NO]

———provide beneficiaries with access to geriatric assessments and chronic care management (see S. 2593), S7435 [24JN] (see H.R. 4689), H4926 (see H.R. 4689), H5070 [24JN]

———provide coverage of screening ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysms (see H.R. 4626), H4646 [21JN]

———provide for fairness in the calculation of disportionate share hospital payments for hospitals in Puerto Rico (see S. 2260), S3367 [30MR]

———provide for negotiation of fair prices for prescription drugs (see S. 2714), S8548 [21JY]

———provide for the automatic enrollment of Medicaid beneficiaries for prescription drug benefits (see S. 2413), S5371 [12MY] (see S. 2694), S8474 [20JY]

———provide for the offering of a Federal national prescription drug discount card program (see H.R. 4919), H6701 [22JY]

———provide for the use of qualified family caregivers in the provision of home health aide services and amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (see H.R. 4095), H1790 [31MR]

———provide geographic equity in fee-for-service reimbursement for providers (see H.R. 3935), H1011 [10MR]

———provide incentives linking quality to payment for skilled nursing facilities and establish a Long-Term Care Financing Commission (see H.R. 5393), H10078 [19NO]

———provide payments to ambulance suppliers for the full cost of furnishing such services and to rural ambulance providers and suppliers for cost of serving areas with low population density (see S. 3011), S11639 [19NO] (see H.R. 5415), H10079 [19NO]

———reduce part B premium through elimination of certain overpayments to Medicare Advantage organizations (see S. 2906), S10568 [6OC]

———repeal reduction in payment for certain items of durable medical equipment (see H.R. 4491), H3719 [2JN] (see H.R. 5331), H9049 [8OC]

———require Medicare Advantage organizations to pay for critical access hospital services and rural health clinic services at a greater percentage than regular Medicare payment rates (see H.R. 4687), H4926 (see H.R. 4687), H5070 [24JN]

———require providers to disclose staffing and performance data (see H.R. 4374), H3093 [17MY]

———require the negotiation and disclosure of the lowest possible prices for prescription drugs (see H.R. 4321, 4321), H2733 [10MY]

———simplify prescription drug discount card program (see S. 2512), S6628 [8JN]

———stabilize amount of part B premium (see S. 2780), S8963 [8SE] (see H.R. 5175), H7863 [29SE]

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: eliminate overpayments to health maintenance organizations and other private plans (see H.R. 4304), H2727 [6MY]

———eliminate the comparative cost adjustment program (see H.R. 3711), H35 [20JA]

———improve (see S. 2343), S4300 [22AP]

———provide certain documents to the House of Representatives relative to cost estimates and analyses (see H. Res. 776), H7234 [15SE]

Medicare/Medicaid: require automatic fire sprinkler systems in all nursing facilities (see H.R. 4967), H6703 [22JY]

Members of Congress: ensure that prescription drug coverage for Members is not better than coverage for Medicare beneficiaries (see S. 2678), S8277 [16JY]

Mental health: provide mental health screening and treatment services, integration of mental health services and mental health treatment outreach teams (see S. 2572), S7434 [24JN] (see H.R. 4694), H4926 (see H.R. 4694), H5070 [24JN]

National Health Corps Loan Repayment Program: count fellowship training in geriatric medicine or psychiatry as obligated service (see S. 2075), S1285 [12FE]

National Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Week: support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 755), H6756 [7SE] (see H. Res. 772), H7137 [14SE]

Nursing homes: establish a loan repayment program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in underserved homes, and establish a mentoring program for training administrators (see H.R. 5322), H9048 [8OC]

Older Americans Act: amend to provide information and outreach for the prevention of osteoporosis (see H.R. 3803), H514 [11FE]

———assist States in preventing, detecting, treating, intervening in, and responding to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (see S. 2940), S10703 [7OC]

Older Americans Month: designate (see S. Res. 353), S4997 [6MY]

Pensions: limit availability of benefits under nonqualified deferred compensation plans subject to distress or termination resulting from bankruptcy reorganization or conversion to cash balance plan (see H.R. 5292), H9047 [8OC]

Protecting Older Americans From Fraud Month: designate (see S. Res. 424), S9221 [14SE]

Service for Seniors Month: designate (see S. Res. 403), S7938 [12JY] (see S. Res. 409), S8474 [20JY]

Social Security: allow waiver of old-age insurance benefits, provide tax deduction for waived benefits, and ensure that certain Trust Fund investments bear interest at prevailing private sector rate (see H.R. 3877), H752 [2MR]

———constitutional amendment relative to maintenance of a system of social insurance (see H.J. Res. 85), H35 [20JA]

———establish a consumer price index for elderly consumers to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits (see S. 2930), S10703 [7OC]

———establish regional consumer price indices to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits (see H.R. 4054), H1643 [29MR]

———promote smoking cessation under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Maternal and Child Health Program (see S. 2730), S8687 [22JY]

———protect cost-of-living adjustments (see S. 2754), S8688 [22JY] (see H.R. 4910), H6701 [22JY]

———provide additional safeguards for certain beneficiaries with representative payees (H.R. 743), consideration of Senate amendment (see H. Res. 520), H433 [10FE]

———provide modest adjustments necessary to restore the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program to long-term actuarial balance (see H.R. 5179), H7863 [29SE]

———reform by establishing a Personal Social Security Savings Program (see S. 2782), S9032 [9SE] (see H.R. 4851), H5982 [19JY]

———reject privatization proposals (see S. Res. 432), S9525 [22SE]

———repeal Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions (H.R. 594), consideration (see H. Res. 523), H515 [11FE]

———repeal the windfall elimination provision and protect the retirement of public servants (see S. 2455), S5949 [20MY] (see H.R. 4391), H3390 [19MY]

———restrict application of windfall elimination provisions to individuals whose benefits exceed certain levels (see H.R. 4234), H2482 [28AP]

Taxation: allow a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums, use of such insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements, and a credit for individuals with long-term care needs (see H.R. 4432), H3438 (see H.R. 4432), H3538 [20MY]

———allow a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums and a credit for individuals who care for those with long-term care needs (see H.R. 5110), H7328 [21SE]

———allow a nonrefundable tax credit for elder care expenses (see S. 2072, 2072), S1285 [12FE] (see H.R. 5215, 5215), H8167 [5OC]

———allow seniors with Social Security and pension income to file income tax form 1040S without regard to amount of interest or taxable income (see S. 2502), S6451 [3JN] (see H.R. 4109), H2018 [1AP]

———clarify treatment of self-employment for purposes of the limitation on State taxation of retirement income (see H.R. 5298), H9047 [8OC]

———exempt low-income senior citizens from the communications excise tax and other fees collected for costs associated with universal and toll service (see H.R. 5225), H8407 [6OC]

———impose an excise tax on the termination of retiree prescription drug coverage (see H.R. 4845), H5908 [15JY]

———provide for retirement savings accounts (see H.R. 4714), H5149 [25JN]

———provide retirement security and pension reform (see H.R. 5397, 5398), H10078 [19NO]

———provide that distributions from certain retirement plans are not included in gross income if used to pay long-term care insurance premiums (see S. 2918), S10702 [7OC] (see H.R. 4502), H3780 [3JN]

———repeal tax increase on Social Security benefits (see H.R. 3868), H752 [2MR]

———treatment of individual retirement accounts relative to charitable contributions (see H.R. 4488), H3719 [2JN]

Trust in the Lives of Older Women Program: tribute (see H. Res. 855), H9745 [16NO]

Declarations

International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action Principles and Objectives: Population Institute and Population 2005 (organization), E1053 [4JN]

Descriptions

Senior Elder Care Relief and Empowerment (SECURE) Act (S. 2072), S1291 [12FE]

Factsheets

Affordability in Medicare Premiums Act (S. 2906), S10580 [6OC]

Forms

IRS income tax simple form 1040S for senior citizens, H3650 [2JN]

Letters

Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act: Karen Orloff Kaplan, Last Acts Partnership (organization), S7018 [17JN]

Impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens: Catherine K. Douglas, PEACH, Inc., H3038 [17MY]

———Melinda K. Lewis, El Centro, Inc., E920 [19MY]

———Michael D. Maves, AMA, H3037 [17MY]

———Representative Barton, Committee on Energy and Commerce (House), E906 [19MY]

———Representative Thomas, Committee on Ways and Means (House), E906 [19MY]

———Ron Pollack, FamiliesUSA (organization), H3037 [17MY]

———several health organizations, H3037, H3039 [17MY]

Medicare Assurance of Rx Transitional Assistance Act: several Senators, S5374 [12MY]

Medicare Early Access Act: Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, E827 [12MY]

Medicare Preventive Services Coverage Act: Ben F. Massey, Jr., American Physical Therapy Association, S7001 [17JN]

———Emily R. Wilson, Emergency Department Practice Management Association, S7002 [17JN]

———George Isham, HealthPartners, Inc., S7002 [17JN]

———Georges C. Benjamin, American Public Health Association, S7001 [17JN]

———James C. Martin, American Academy of Family Physicians, S7001 [17JN]

———John M. Clymer, Partnership for Prevention (organization), S7002 [17JN]

———Matthew L. Myers, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (organization), S7002 [17JN]

———Michael M. Faenza, National Mental Health Association, S7003 [17JN]

———Mike Barry, American College of Preventive Medicine, S7001 [17JN]

———Ronald E. Smith, American Dietetic Association, S7001 [17JN]

———Ronald F. Pollack, Families USA (organization), S7001 [17JN]

———Stephen Bennett, United Cerebral Palsy (organization), S7003 [17JN]

———Susan Greco, Deafness Research Foundation, S7002 [17JN]

Senior citizens' participation in health savings accounts: David Bergstrom, Minnesota State Retirement System, H7205 [15SE], H7278 [21SE]

———Mary Most Vanek, Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota, H7205 [15SE], H7278 [21SE]

———Richard M. Nelson, Minneapolis Police Relief Association, H7205 [15SE], H7278 [21SE]

———Sue Mauren, Minnesota Teamsters Public & Law Enforcement Employees Union, H7206 [15SE], H7278 [21SE]

———Walter C. Schirmer, Minneapolis Firefighters' Relief Association, H7205 [15SE], H7278 [21SE]

Lists

Groups supporting the conference report on H.R. 1, Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, H4743 [22JN]

Nebraska critical access hospitals offering certain laboratory services, S5537 [17MY]

Senior Center directors in Rhode Island's First Congressional District, E867 [14MY]

Motions

Social Security: provide additional safeguards for certain beneficiaries with representative payees (H.R. 743), H456 [11FE]

Poems

``Attitude,'' Salem Shapiro, E578 [21AP]

Press releases

New Study Finds Increased Multivitamin Use by the Elderly Could Save Medicare $1.6 Billion: Lewin Group (consulting firm), S11619 [19NO]

Proclamations

Tribute to Leone Mantz: Representative Ney, E435 [24MR]

Remarks in House

Adgate, James R. (Dick): Experience Works, Inc., Ohio Outstanding Older Worker award recipient, E1879 [11OC]

Alajar, Gredia Grecia: Experience Works, Inc., Nevada Outstanding Older Worker award recipient, E1806 [6OC]

American Art Therapy Association: tribute to Creative Aging—Beyond Words exhibit, E1099 [14JN]

Belfast, ME: Tribute to Seniors Day observance, E1512 [22JY]

Brooklyn Chinese American Association: anniversary of Eighth Avenue Senior Center, E1784 [4OC]

Budget: combat waste, fraud, and abuse, H1205 [17MR], H2624 [5MY]

Bush, President: evaluation of administration, H6761 [8SE], H6906 [9SE], H6999 [13SE], H7079 [14SE], H7194 [15SE]

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: withhold implementation of 75 percent rule relative to hospital inpatient rehabilitation care pending independent assessment by medical experts, H6836, H6837 [8SE], H6977 [9SE]

Cleveland, OH: anniversary of La Providencia Family Center, E1603 [13SE]

Crime: promote elder justice (H.R. 2490), H7360 [22SE]

Dept. of HHS: investigation into allegation of firing threats relative to disclosure of cost of Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, H1219-H1225 [17MR], H1231, H1232, H1233 [18MR], H1613 [29MR], H2500, H2526 [4MY], H3588 [1JN], H5201 [7JY], H5541 [13JY], H5658 [14JY]

———Office of the Sec. funding, H6941, H6942 [9SE]

———senior citizen meal programs funding, H6833 [8SE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: prescription drug discounts for veterans, H3586, H3587 [1JN]

Diseases: fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention (H.R. 4595), E1143 [16JN], E1152 [18JN]

Downingtown, PA: anniversary of Downingtown Area Senior Center, E741 [5MY]

Drugs: discrepancy in prescription drug prices between U.S. and foreign countries, H1624-H1630 [29MR]

Economy: national objectives priority assignments, H17 [20JA], H3170 [18MY]

Forest Hill Manor (retirement home): anniversary, E2044 [18NO]

Guam: tribute to senior citizens, E963 [21MY]

Health: improve access to health insurance and Medicare benefits for individuals aged 55 to 65 and allow tax credits for payment of such premiums (H.R. 4357), E826 [12MY], E843 [14MY]

———medical savings accounts, H114 [27JA], H2894 [12MY]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures, H40, H65 [21JA], H2736, H2740, H2741, H2806-H2812 [11MY], H2819, H2820, H2893-H2898, H2900-H2907 [12MY], H2922 [13MY], H3168 [18MY], H3233, H3234 [19MY], H7079, H7187 [14SE], H8042, H8043, H8141, H8143, H8159 [5OC], H10091 [20NO], E864 [14MY], E1441 [21JY]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures (H.R. 1200), H853 [4MR]

International Conference on Population and Development: endorsement of Program of Action by the Population Institute and Population 2005 (organization), E1053 [4JN]

Ironbound Community Corp.: tribute, E2174 [7DE]

Jackson Laboratory (organization): tribute, E1169 [18JN]

Laguna Woods, CA: anniversary of Leisure World, E1606 [13SE], E2136 [24NO]

Lancaster, PA: tribute to Continuing Care Retirement Centers for signing a pledge to participate in ``Quality First'' campaign, E1622 [15SE]

Marshbanks, May: North Carolina Division of Aging George L. Maddox Award recipient, E582 [21AP]

Martig, Barbara: Boulder, CO, Chamber of Commerce Women Who Light Up the Community award recipient, E1994 [16NO]

Medicaid: extend Federal-State cost-sharing program to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with health care costs (S. 2618), H10053, H10054 [19NO]

———funding, H1456, H1457 [24MR]

Medicare: adjust the amount of payment under the physician fee schedule for cancer drug administration services, H7035 [13SE]

———advertising campaign designed to build public support for the new Medicare drug law, H1203, H1219-H1223 [17MR], H3587 [1JN]

———assess cost of antiobesity treatment programs before extending coverage to beneficiaries, H6855, H6856 [8SE]

———assure that enrollment in any prescription drug program is voluntary, H834 [4MR], H915, H916 [9MR]

———coverage of bone mass measurements for all individuals at clinical risk for osteoporosis (H.R. 2151), E1142 [16JN]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (H.R. 3767), H5540, H5541, H5545, H5546 [13JY]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (H.R. 3767), consideration (H. Res. 696), H5921 [19JY]

———establish a prescription drug discount card endorsement program, H834 [4MR], H915 [9MR], H1376 [24MR]

———extend increase in payment rates for home health services in rural areas (H.R. 4902), E2107 [20NO]

———funding, H1530-H1534 [25MR], H1763 [31MR]

———health savings accounts, H1487 [25MR]

———impose a moratorium on payments for inpatient hospital services in additional long-term care hospital beds (H.R. 3790), E135 [10FE]

———impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (H.R. 3722), H82-H87 [21JA], H2907-H2911 [12MY], H2998, H2999 [13MY], H3019, H3022, H3033-H3044, H3065-H3071 [17MY], H3097, H3098, H3099 [18MY], E889, E891, E894 [18MY], E906, E913, E917, E920 [19MY]

———improve coordination of prescription drug coverage under retiree plans and State pharmaceutical assistance programs with Medicare drug benefits (H.R. 4195), E636 [22AP]

———inclusion of health savings accounts, H992 [10MR], H1121 [17MR]

———increase Federal oversight of the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and revoke its unique ability to accredit hospitals (H.R. 4877), E1436 [21JY]

———increase in premiums, H6716, H6732 [7SE], H6760, H6763 [8SE], H6904, H6905, H6986 [9SE], H7038, H7041-H7044 [13SE], H7185, H7187 [14SE], H7219 [15SE], H7253, H7305 [21SE], H7332 [22SE], H7547 [23SE], H7718-H7724 [28SE]

———make standardized payment amounts equitable for urban and rural inpatient hospital services, H1374 [24MR]

———medical savings accounts, H368 [4FE], H1101 [16MR], H2735 [11MY], H2906 [12MY], H3405 [20MY]

———permit negotiation of fair prices for, and allow the reimportation of, prescription drugs, H485 [11FE], H534 [24FE], H3610 [2JN], H3945, H3946 [14JN]

———prescription drug discount card program implementation, H1745 [31MR], H2493, H2494, H2495, H2500, H2521, H2535-H2538 [4MY], H2554, H2636-H2642 [5MY], H2660, H2702 [6MY], H2779, H2780, H2781 [11MY], H2819, H2820, H2821 [12MY], H3098 [18MY], H3232, H3233, H3234, H3235, H3236 [19MY], H3543, H3544, H3568, H3573, H3574, H3575, H3577-H3589, H3597, H3599 [1JN], H3608, H3609, H3610 [2JN], H3723, H3724, H3725, H3754 [3JN], H5203 [7JY], H5990, H5991 [20JY], H6446 [21JY], H7419 [22SE], H8004-H8009 [4OC], E909 [19MY], E960 [21MY], E1015 [2JN]

———prohibit Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens, H6939-H6941 [9SE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in California (H.R. 3964), E359 [11MR]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Florida (H.R. 3876), E272 [2MR]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in New Mexico (H.R. 3844), E229 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in the District of Columbia (H.R. 4336), E811 [11MY]

———prohibit use of funds for administrative costs of premium collections relative to rate increases, H6944, H6945 [9SE]

———provide access to audiologists (H.R. 2821), H3236 [19MY]

———provide additional beneficiary protections (H.R. 3702), E31 [21JA]

———provide automatic enrollment and eligibility for certain low-income beneficiaries for subsidies under the Medicare transitional and permanent prescription drug programs (H.R. 4437), H3573 [1JN], H3754 [3JN]

———provide beneficiaries with access to geriatric assessments and chronic care management (H.R. 4689), E1245 [25JN]

———provide for negotiation of fair prices for prescription drugs, H484 [11FE], H2701 [6MY]

———provide prescription drugs to certain individuals through use of a lottery, H5074 [25JN]

———provide research funding on outcomes of health care items and services including the comparative clinical effectiveness of prescription drugs, H6838, H6839 [8SE]

———reform, H899 [9MR], H1066-H1069 [11MR]

———reform and provide prescription drug coverage (H.R. 1), conference report, H6 [20JA], H62 [21JA], H104, H120-H124 [27JA], H131, H226 [28JA], H252, H281, H283-H291 [3FE], H424-H431 [10FE], H482, H484 [11FE], H713 [2MR], H834 [4MR], H913-H919, H923, H924 [9MR], H1096, H1098, H1110-H1114 [16MR], H1121, H1203, H1219-H1225 [17MR], H1233 [18MR], H1330 [23MR], H1374, H1376 [24MR], H1487 [25MR], H1598, H1613, H1616 [29MR], H1648, H1650, H1714, H1715 [30MR], H1745, H1761, H1762 [31MR], H1794, H1795 [1AP], H2065 [2AP], H2175, H2192 [20AP], H2230, H2240 [21AP], H2298, H2300 [22AP], H2383 [27AP], H2493, H2494, H2495, H2535-H2540 [4MY], H2552, H2636-H2642 [5MY], H2660 [6MY], H2819, H2820, H2821, H2895 [12MY], H2991 [13MY], H3098 [18MY], H3236 [19MY], H3405 [20MY], H3567 [1JN], H3608, H3696 [2JN], H3725 [3JN], H4178 [16JN], H4738-H4745 [22JN], H5990, H5991 [20JY], H6734 [7SE], H7306 [21SE], H7547 [23SE], H7718-H7724 [28SE], H8004-H8009 [4OC], H8862 [8OC], H10899 [6DE], E34 [21JA], E295 [3MR], E960 [21MY], E1038 [4JN]

———repeal outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps, H916 [9MR]

———require the negotiation and disclosure of the lowest possible prices for prescription drugs, H5921 [19JY]

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: investigation into allegations of the withholding of information relative to disclosure of cost of implementation, H7822 [29SE]

Medicare/Medicaid: require automatic fire sprinkler systems in all nursing facilities (H.R. 4967), E1495 [22JY]

Montgomery County, PA: tribute to Foster Grandparent Program, E573 [21AP]

Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc.: anniversary, E1088 [9JN]

Nashville, TN: Donelson Senior Center winner of National Council on Aging Older Americans Month National Photography Contest, E690 [28AP]

National Assisted Living Week: observance, E1522 [8SE]

National Cover the Uninsured Week: observance, H2779, H2809-H2812 [11MY]

National Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Week: support goals and ideals (H. Res. 772), H7359 [22SE]

National Senior Center Week: observance, E866 [14MY]

NIH: provide for Alzheimer's disease research and demonstration grants, H3794, H3795 [8JN], H3868 [9JN]

Occupational Therapy Month: observance, E680 [28AP]

Older Americans Month: observance, E785 [7MY], E815 [11MY], E1169 [18JN]

OPM: prohibit use of funds to allow Federal employees to enroll in any high-deductible health plan that does not require at least 3 consecutive years of enrollment, H7277-H7279 [21SE]

———prohibit use of funds to allow the offering or administering health savings accounts or health reimbursement accounts as part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, H7203-H7207 [15SE]

Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month: observance, E960 [21MY]

Ostrom, Carl: Experience Works, Inc., Washington Outstanding Older Worker award recipient, E1783 [4OC]

Penfold, Nancy: Experience Works, Inc., Colorado Outstanding Older Worker award recipient, E1796 [4OC]

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.: prohibit funding enforcing ERISA provisions that avoid disclosing to workers and retirees the status of their pension plan, H6852-H6855 [8SE]

Pensions: limit availability of benefits under nonqualified deferred compensation plans subject to distress or termination resulting from bankruptcy reorganization or conversion to cash balance plan (H.R. 5292), E1892 [11OC]

Pharmaceuticals: reductions in prescription drug prices, H2540 [4MY]

Pottstown, PA: anniversary of Manatawny Manor senior citizen facility, E1322 [8JY]

Queens, NY: tribute to Sunnyside Community Service Center volunteers, E694 [28AP], E2026 [18NO]

Rhode Island: tribute to Senior Centers in the First Congressional District, E866 [14MY]

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: tribute to Faith in Action Program, E1070 [8JN]

San Jose, CA: anniversary of Yu-Ai-Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service, E1543 [8SE]

Schuylkill County, PA: anniversary of National Association of Retired Federal Employees chapter 0413, E1593 [10SE]

Social Security: benefits, H2717 [6MY], H3176-H3180 [18MY]

———budget treatment of trust funds, H864-H868 [4MR], H903 [9MR], H1079 [16MR], H1427 [24MR], H1733-H1737 [30MR], H2192-H2195 [20AP], H3876 [14JN], H5643-H5646 [13JY], H7307, H7308, H7310, H7311 [21SE], H9711 [16NO]

———evaluation of Bush administration proposals, H6732 [7SE]

———payroll taxes, H3589-H3593 [1JN]

———protect cost-of-living adjustments (H.R. 4910), H6689 [22JY]

———provide additional safeguards for certain beneficiaries with representative payees (H.R. 743), Senate amendment, H443-H465 [11FE]

———provide additional safeguards for certain beneficiaries with representative payees (H.R. 743), consideration of Senate amendment (H. Res. 520), H438-H443 [11FE]

———provide for personal retirement savings accounts, increase individual control over retirement income, protect surpluses, and reform certain benefits (H.R. 3055), H1736 [30MR], H2719 [6MY], H3176-H3180 [18MY], H3589-H3593 [1JN], H6885-H6889 [8SE]

———reform, H6540-H6544 [21JY]

———remedies to preserve benefits proposed by FRS, H635, H636, H687 [26FE]

———repeal Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions, H438-H443, H458-H464 [11FE]

———repeal Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions (H.R. 594), E737 [4MY]

———solvency, H670, H671 [26FE], H864-H868 [4MR], H1328 [23MR], H1375, H1458 [24MR], H1503 [25MR], H1733-H1737 [30MR], H1763 [31MR], H2194 [20AP], H2247-H2250, H2253 [21AP], H2471-H2475 [28AP], H2717 [6MY], H3176-H3180 [18MY], H6885-H6889 [8SE], H8143 [5OC], E230 [25FE]

Springfield, VA: anniversary of National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 893, E4 [20JA]

Stratford, CT: anniversary of Baldwin Senior Center, E1786 [4OC]

Taxation: allow a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums, use of such insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements, and a credit for individuals with long-term care needs (H.R. 4432), E959 [21MY]

———allow a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums and a credit for individuals who care for those with long-term care needs (H.R. 5110), E1670 [21SE]

———allow a refundable credit for the purchase of private health insurance and establish State health insurance safety-net programs (H.R. 583), H2897 [12MY]

———allow seniors with Social Security and pension income to file income tax form 1040S without regard to amount of interest or taxable income (H.R. 4109), H3648-H3654 [2JN]

———clarify treatment of self-employment for purposes of the limitation on State taxation of retirement income (H.R. 5298), E1933 [11OC]

———provide incentives to employers that offer retiree health benefits, H5989 [20JY]

———provide that distributions from certain retirement plans are not included in gross income if used to pay long-term care insurance premiums (H.R. 4502), E1029 [4JN]

———repeal tax increase on Social Security benefits (H.R. 434), H709 [2MR]

———treatment of income earned by individuals who are not citizens or U.S. nationals relative to coverage under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program, H463 [11FE]

Taylor-Huff, Dixie: American Health Care Association Joe Warner Patient Advocacy Award recipient, E279 [2MR]

Texas: collection of spousal and retirement benefits by individuals in the Texas Teacher Retirement System, E182 [12FE]

Tyrone, PA: anniversary of Epworth Manor (health care facility), E2180 [7DE]

Remarks in Senate

Atherton, Elsie: ElderServe, Inc., Champion for the Aging award recipient, S3917 [7AP]

Bush, President: evaluation of administration, S8643 [22JY], S8983 [9SE], S9120 [13SE]

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: provide direct congressional access to the Office of the Chief Actuary (S. 2076), S1292 [12FE]

Children and youth: establish kinship navigator programs and establish kinship guardianship assistance payments for children (S. 2706), S8557 [21JY]

Congress: accomplishments of the 108th Congress, S8822 [7SE], S11336 [16NO]

Crime: promote elder justice (S. 333), S11888-S11890 [7DE], S12047 [8DE]

Death and dying: improve access to information about end of life care options and legal rights, promote advance care planning and decisionmaking, and engage health care providers in preparation of advance directives (S. 2545), S7016 [17JN]

Dept. of HHS: develop uniform standards for the submission of electronic clinical data by long-term care facilities, S11889 [7DE]

———expand and intensify research programs concerning elder falls (S. 1217), S11508-S11510 [18NO]

———investigation into allegation of firing threats relative to disclosure of cost of Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, S3051, S3058-S3060 [24MR], S3319 [30MR], S4784 [4MY], S7118 [22JN]

Diseases: fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention (S. 2533), S6901, S6902 [16JN], S9380 [20SE]

Faith in Action (organization): tribute to volunteer workers, S7163 [22JN]

Family and domestic relations: Federal assistance for child care and elderly care, S6827 [16JN]

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: coverage of bone mass measurements (S. 417), S5074 [10MY]

Florida: FEMA funding to localities for debris removal as a result of hurricanes and tropical storms, S10397 [5OC]

Health: access to oral health care, S10431 [5OC]

———address shortage of influenza vaccine (S. 2968), S10864 [8OC]

———encourage use of multivitamins in prevention of chronic diseases, S11619 [19NO]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures, S105 [21JA], S519 [3FE], S761, S763 [10FE], S2833 [22MR], S3121 [25MR], S3524 [1AP], S4088 [19AP], S5056 [10MY], S5173-S5176 [11MY], S5244-S5250, S5364-S5366 [12MY], S5384, S5387-S5389 [13MY], S5488 [14MY], S5733 [19MY], S7506 [25JN], S8057-S8059 [14JY], S9120 [13SE], S9160-S9164 [14SE], S9273 [15SE], S9542, S9544 [23SE], S9692-S9696 [27SE], S10514-S10516, S10551-S10553 [6OC], S10769 [8OC], S11739 [20NO]

John Heinz Senate Fellowship Program: reauthorize (S. Res. 428), S9293 [15SE], S9653 [23SE]

Louisiana Assisted Living Association: observance of Assisted Living Day, S4018 [8AP]

Medicaid: extend Federal-State cost-sharing program to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with health care costs (S. 2618), S7754 [7JY], S11390 [16NO]

Medicare: adjust the amount of payment under the physician fee schedule for cancer drug administration services (S. 2587), S7417, S7445 [24JN]

———advertising campaign designed to build public support for the new Medicare drug law, S625-S627 [5FE], S3051, S3058-S3060 [24MR], S3524 [1AP], S4755 [3MY], S4780, S4786 [4MY], S5934 [20MY]

———allow beneficiaries to purchase multiple prescription drug discount cards and to receive a refund of the enrollment fee if prices or the formulary used by the card sponsor changes (S. 2530), S7037 [18JN]

———clarify payment for clinical laboratory tests furnished by critical access hospitals (S. 2426), S5536 [17MY]

———coverage of bone mass measurements for all individuals at clinical risk for osteoporosis (S. 419), S5074 [10MY]

———coverage of outpatient prescription drugs, S518 [3FE]

———deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices (S. 2652), S8119-S8122, S8140 [14JY], S8268 [15JY]

———eliminate coverage gap and HMO subsidies and repeal health savings accounts (S. 2629), S7867 [8JY], S7900 [9JY]

———eliminate coverage gap and HMO subsidies and repeal health savings accounts (S. 2725), S8707 [22JY]

———eliminate overpayments to regional preferred provider organizations and other Medicare advantage plans and use savings to reduce prescription drug coverage gap, S2682 [11MR]

———eliminate privatization and reduce excessive payments to health maintenance organizations and other private sector insurance plans (S. 2300), S3937 [7AP]

———ensure that prescription drug discount card sponsors pass along discounts to beneficiaries (S. 2234), S3185 [25MR], S3319 [30MR]

———establish a hospice demonstration and grant program for beneficiaries (S. 2983), S11381 [16NO]

———expand the rural community hospital demonstration program to include outpatient services (S. 2284), S3792 [6AP]

———extend increase in payment rates for home health services in rural areas (S. 2659), S8230, S8231 [15JY]

———improve coordination of prescription drug coverage under retiree plans and State pharmaceutical assistance programs with Medicare drug benefits (S. 2339), S4317 [22AP]

———improve the provision of items and services to beneficiaries in rural areas (S. 2135), S1692 [26FE]

———increase Federal oversight of the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and revoke its unique ability to accredit hospitals (S. 2698), S8482, S8483 [20JY]

———increase in premiums, S9158 [14SE], S9409-S9411 [21SE], S9541 [23SE]

———modernize by ensuring that appropriate preventive services are covered (S. 2535), S7000 [17JN]

———permit negotiation of fair prices for, and allow the reimportation of, prescription drugs, S6301 [2JN]

———permit negotiation of fair prices for, and allow the reimportation of, prescription drugs (S. 2053), S628 [5FE], S1276 [12FE]

———permit the Dept. of HHS to negotiate fair prescription drugs prices for beneficiaries, S2398 [9MR]

———prescription drug discount card program implementation, S4387-S4390 [27AP], S4680 [29AP], S4780, S4782, S4784-S4787 [4MY], S4859, S4860 [5MY], S5057 [10MY], S5243, S5246 [12MY], S6253 [1JN], S6301 [2JN], S7945 [13JY], S9487 [22SE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in California (S. 2116), S1591 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Hawaii (S. 2122), S1592 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Michigan (S. 2113), S1589 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Nevada (S. 2121), S1592 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in New Jersey (S. 2117), S1591 [25FE]

———prohibit operation of comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in New Mexico (S. 2114), S1589 [25FE]

———provide beneficiaries access to information on the quality of care provided by skilled nursing facilities and provide incentives for such facilities to improve the quality of care (S. 2988), S11430 [17NO]

———provide for fairness in the calculation of disportionate share hospital payments for hospitals in Puerto Rico (S. 2260), S3369 [30MR]

———provide for negotiation of fair prices for prescription drugs (S. 1994), S8191 [15JY]

———provide for negotiation of fair prices for prescription drugs (S. 1999), S105 [21JA]

———provide for negotiation of fair prices for prescription drugs (S. 2714), S8561, S8574 [21JY], S8792 [22JY]

———provide for the automatic enrollment of Medicaid beneficiaries for prescription drug benefits (S. 2413), S5373 [12MY]

———provide for the automatic enrollment of Medicaid beneficiaries for prescription drug benefits (S. 2694), S8479, S8490 [20JY], S8574 [21JY]

———reduce part B premium through elimination of certain overpayments to Medicare Advantage organizations (S. 2906), S10579-S10581 [6OC]

———reform and provide prescription drug coverage (H.R. 1), conference report, S75 [21JA], S341 [2FE], S675-S677, S679, S680 [6FE], S693, S698 [9FE], S763 [10FE], S1414 [12FE], S2761, S2762 [12MR], S3051, S3058-S3060 [24MR], S3319 [30MR], S3524, S3527 [1AP], S3624-S3627 [5AP], S3911, S3952-S3957 [7AP], S4340-S4342 [26AP], S4387-S4390 [27AP], S4631, S4680 [29AP], S4784-S4786 [4MY], S5056-S5058 [10MY], S5243, S5247 [12MY], S5488 [14MY], S8096 [14JY], S8825 [7SE], S9487 [22SE], S9541 [23SE], S10617-S10620 [7OC], S10764-S10767, S10769 [8OC], S10960-S10962, S10981-S10983 [9OC]

———simplify prescription drug discount card program (S. 2512), S6631 [8JN]

———stabilize amount of part B premium (S. 2780), S9161 [14SE], S9409-S9411 [21SE]

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: anniversary, S11770 [20NO]

———improve (S. 2343), S4329 [22AP]

———investigation into allegations of the withholding of information relative to disclosure of cost of implementation, S7118 [22JN], S9541 [23SE]

Members of Congress: ensure that prescription drug coverage for Members is not better than coverage for Medicare beneficiaries (S. 2678), S8400 [16JY], S8427 [19JY]

Mental health: provide mental health screening and treatment services, integration of mental health services and mental health treatment outreach teams (S. 2572), S7437-S7441 [24JN]

National Assisted Living Week: observance, S9028 [9SE]

National Health Corps Loan Repayment Program: count fellowship training in geriatric medicine or psychiatry as obligated service (S. 2075), S1291 [12FE]

NIH: provide for Alzheimer's disease research and demonstration grants, S6599-S6615 [8JN], S6666, S6668 [9JN]

Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency: anniversary, S10835 [8OC]

Older Americans Month: designate (S. Res. 353), S5004 [6MY], S6045 [20MY]

———observance, S5794 [19MY]

Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month: observance, S5074 [10MY]

Pfizer, Inc.: tribute to initiative to provide discounts on prescription drugs for the uninsured, S7745 [7JY]

Pharmaceuticals: reductions in prescription drug prices, S5053 [10MY]

Political campaigns: comparison of President Bush and Senator Kerry relative to health care reform, S10514-S10516, S10551-S10553 [6OC]

Protecting Older Americans From Fraud Month: designate (S. Res. 424), S10460 [5OC]

Schuyler, Virginia: Experience Works, Inc., South Dakota Outstanding Older Worker award recipient, S1582 [25FE]

Service for Seniors Month: designate (S. Res. 409), S8805 [22JY]

Social Security: budget treatment of trust funds, S1223 [12FE]

———promote smoking cessation under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Maternal and Child Health Program (S. 2730), S8709 [22JY]

———protect cost-of-living adjustments (S. 2754), S8739-S8743 [22JY]

———reject privatization proposals (S. Res. 432), S9534 [22SE]

———solvency, S1873-S1877 [27FE], S2269 [8MR], S3051 [24MR]

Taxation: allow a nonrefundable tax credit for elder care expenses (S. 2072), S1290 [12FE]

———allow seniors with Social Security and pension income to file income tax form 1040S without regard to amount of interest or taxable income (S. 2502), S6456 [3JN]

———improve portability of retirement savings and expand pension coverage and savings opportunities (S. 1912), S298 [28JA]

———provide that distributions from certain retirement plans are not included in gross income if used to pay long-term care insurance premiums (S. 2918), S10713 [7OC]

———treatment of continuing care retirement communities, S5890, S5891 [19MY]

Reports

Democracy on Drugs: Common Cause (organization), E1038-E1040 [4JN]

What Happens When Traditional Medicare Has To Bid Against Private Plans? An Example of How the House Bill Would Privatize Medicare: Families USA (organization), S1590 [25FE]

Reports filed

Act for Elder Justice: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (Senate) (S. 2940) (S. Rept. 108-391), S10702 [7OC]

Allow Federal Civilian and Military Retirees To Pay Health Insurance Premiums on a Pretax Basis and Allow a Tax Deduction for TRICARE Supplemental Premiums: Committee on Government Reform (House) (H.R. 1231) (H. Rept. 108-585), H5330 [7JY]

Consideration of Senate Amendment to H.R. 743, Social Security Protection Act: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 520) (H. Rept. 108-417), H433 [10FE]

Developments in Aging: Committee on Aging (Senate, Special) (S. Rept. 108-265), S5499 [14MY]

Elder Fall Prevention Act: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (Senate) (S. 1217) (S. Rept. 108-395), S10845 [8OC]

Elder Justice Act: Committee on Finance (Senate) (S. 333), S9812 [28SE]

Investigation of Certain Allegations Related to Voting on the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (House) (H. Rept. 108-722), H8037 [4OC]

Protecting Older Americans From Fraud Month: Committee on the Judiciary (Senate) (S. Res. 424), S10059 [30SE]

Provide Documents to the House of Representatives Relative to Cost Estimates and Analyses of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H. Res. 776) (H. Rept. 108-754), H9047 [8OC]

———Committee on Ways and Means (House) (H. Res. 776) (H. Rept. 108-754), H8856 [7OC]

Statements

Elder Justice Act: Mark Shalloway, S11889 [7DE]

———Nick Cox, S11889 [7DE]

Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card Program Implementation: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, E1105 [14JN]

Summaries

Medicare Early Access Act (H.R. 4357), E827 [12MY]

Texts of

H. Res. 520, consideration of Senate amendment to H.R. 743, Social Security Protection Act, H438 [11FE]

H. Res. 772, support goals and ideals of National Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Week, H7359 [22SE]

H.R. 743, Social Security Protection Act, H443-H456 [11FE]

H.R. 3722, impose conditions on Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens, H3033 [17MY]

H.R. 4109, Simple Tax for Seniors Act, H3649 [2JN]

S. 1217, Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act, S11508-S11510 [18NO]

S. 2072, Senior Elder Care Relief and Empowerment (SECURE) Act, S1290 [12FE]

S. 2075, Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act, S1291 [12FE]

S. 2076, Congressional Access to the CMS Chief Actuary Act, S1292 [12FE]

S. 2114, prohibit operation of Medicare comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in New Mexico, S1590 [25FE]

S. 2115, prohibit operation of Medicare comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in South Dakota, S1591 [25FE]

S. 2121, prohibit operation of Medicare comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Nevada, S1592 [25FE]

S. 2122, prohibit operation of Medicare comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in Hawaii, S1593 [25FE]

S. 2260, Medicare DSH Payments for Puerto Rico Hospitals Fairness Act, S3370 [30MR]

S. 2413, Medicare Assurance of Rx Transitional Assistance Act, S5375 [12MY]

S. 2455, Public Servant Retirement Protection Act, S5954 [20MY]

S. 2502, Simple Tax for Seniors Act, S6456 [3JN]

S. 2545, Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act, S7017 [17JN]

S. 2587, Ensuring Quality and Access to Cancer Care Act, S7446 [24JN]

S. 2618, extend Federal-State cost-sharing program to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with health care costs, S11391 [16NO], H10053 [19NO]

S. 2694, Medicare Assurance of Rx Transitional Assistance Act, S8481 [20JY]

S. 2714, Medicare Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act, S8561 [21JY]

S. 2754, Social Security COLA Protection Act, S8740 [22JY]

S. 2906, Affordability in Medicare Premiums Act, S10580 [6OC]

S. 2968, Emergency Flu Response Act, S10861-S10863 [8OC]

S. Res. 353, Older Americans Month, S5003 [6MY], S6045 [20MY]

S. Res. 403, Service for Seniors Month, S7940 [12JY]

S. Res. 409, Service for Seniors Month, S8484 [20JY], S8805 [22JY]

S. Res. 424, Protecting Older Americans From Fraud Month, S9231 [14SE], S10460 [5OC]

S. Res. 428, John Heinz Senate Fellowship Program reauthorization, S9293 [15SE], S9653 [23SE]

S. Res. 432, reject Social Security privatization proposals, S9534 [22SE]