INSURANCE

Amendments

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans (S. 1315), S3263, S3264, S3265, S3266 [22AP], S3288, S3297, S3309, S3310, S3322 [23AP], S3353, S3410 [24AP]

FEMA: restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), S3820, S3821, S3823, S3833, S3835 [6MY], S3850, S3854, S3855, S3862, S3866, S3879, S3882, S3908, S3909, S3910, S3911, S3919, S3927, S3928 [7MY], S3947, S3950, S3951, S3961, S3962, S3981, S3982, S3983 [8MY], S4056 [13MY]

Health: prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), S3311 [23AP], H2961 [1MY]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), consideration of Senate amendment (H. Res. 1156), H2960 [1MY]

———provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage (S. 334), S3410 [24AP]

Medicare/Medicaid: extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (S. 3101), S5634, S5635 [12JN]

Mental health: require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), S10234, S10295, S10340, S10386, S10388 [1OC], H10712 [3OC]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), consideration (H. Res. 1014), H1271 [5MR]

Appointments

Conferees: H.R. 3121, Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act, H6378 [10JY]

Articles and editorials

Barack Obama, Listen to Dr. Ted, S10636 [19NO]

Health Care System I Want Is in France, H2534 [22AP]

Let's Work To Avoid Long-Term Care Crisis, E44 [17JA]

Lifespan Shorter in Parts of U.S.—Obesity, Smoking Cited; State Not Immune to Trend, H2533 [22AP]

Many Turned Away From Free Dental Care Clinic, H2250 [14AP]

Myth of `Best in the World'—A Spate of New Research Shows the U.S. Behind Other Countries in Cancer Survival and Diabetes Care, S4126 [14MY]

Options for Slowing the Growth of Health Care Costs, S2811-S2813 [9AP]

Organ Donations a Crisis Among Minorities, E917 [14MY]

Reducing the Burden of Depression—Building Villages for Coordinated Care, H1294 [5MR]

Truth About McCain and Insurance Taxes, S10164 [30SE]

United States' Triple-A Credit Rating `Under Threat', H1399 [6MR], H1596 [12MR]

Who Really Pays for Health Care?—The Myth of Shared Responsibility, S3075 [16AP]

Bills and resolutions

Agriculture: authorize advance payments under the supplemental revenue assistance program (see S. 3251), S6560 [10JY]

Armed Forces: clarify effective date of active duty of Reserves members receiving an alert order anticipating a call or order to active duty for purposes of entitlement to medical and dental care (see S. 2854), S2977 [14AP] (see H.R. 5791), H2354 [15AP]

———commend service in Iraq, require congressional approval of any long-term strategic U.S.-Iraq agreement, provide for redeployment from Iraq, and provide health care for returning members (see H. Con. Res. 319), H1771 [14MR]

———eliminate requirement for dependents to reside with members to be eligible for TRICARE Prime Remote (see H.R. 5832), H2485 [17AP]

———improve certain death and survivor benefits (see H.R. 6774), H7805 [1AU]

———provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the retired Reserve (see H.R. 6185), H4974 [4JN]

———provide for transitional health care for members separated from active duty who agree to serve in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve (see H.R. 5609), H1700 [13MR]

———require report on inclusion of severe and acute post-traumatic stress disorder among the conditions covered by traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (see S. 2965), S3699 [1MY]

Children and youth: prohibit preexisting condition exclusions for children in group health plans and health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets (see S. 3115), S5524 [11JN]

Citizens Congressional Health Benefits Program: establish (see H.R. 6806), H7807 [1AU]

Commission on Affordable Health Care: establish (see H.R. 6319), H5729 [19JN]

Consumers: improve access to passenger vehicle loss data held by insurers (see S. 3483), S8479 [12SE]

Contraceptives: require equitable coverage of drugs, devices, and services under health insurance plans (see S. 3068), S4793 [22MY]

Dept. of Energy: provide health care benefits for certain nuclear facility workers (see S. 2848), S2945 [10AP] (see H.R. 6121), H4453 [21MY]

Dept. of HHS: carry out a demonstration grants program to provide for certain patient coordination, outreach, and assistance services to reduce barriers to health care and improve outcomes (see H.R. 7079), H9972 [25SE]

———establish a drug discount program for individuals without prescription drug coverage (see H.R. 6619), H7164 [24JY]

Dept. of the Treasury: establish Office of Insurance Information (see H.R. 5840), H2486 [17AP]

———provide an unlimited amount of insurance on insured accounts and unlimited protection to money market funds through the exchange stabilization fund (see H.R. 7228), H10641 [29SE]

———terminate authority to purchase troubled assets, make insurance of troubled mortgage-backed securities available for purchase, and provide incentives to reinvest foreign earnings in the U.S. (see H.R. 7305), H10856 [20NO]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: establish a pilot program for providing legal services to assist servicemembers and veterans in obtaining health care, benefits, and services (see H.R. 6414), H6175 [26JN]

———expand availability of health care by adjusting the income level for certain priority veterans (see H.R. 6471), H6406 [10JY] (see H.R. 7167), H10131 [26SE]

———improve disability compensation evaluation procedure for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders (see H.R. 5448), H993 [14FE]

———prohibit collection of certain copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans (see H.R. 6445), H6341 [9JY]

———provide a dental insurance plan for certain veterans and their survivors and dependents (see S. 3178), S5962 [23JN] (see H.R. 6277), H5481 [17JN]

Disasters: clarify that Federal assistance may be provided to reimburse certain amounts paid in insurance deductibles (see H.R. 6900), H8127 [15SE]

Economy: reform health care, Social Security, tax code for individuals and small businesses, and the budget process (see H.R. 6110), H4453 [21MY]

———require the SEC to issue rules on short selling of securities, establish FDIC net worth certificate program, and increase maximum amount of depository insurance (see H.R. 7240), H10699 [2OC]

Employment: provide for a paid family and medical leave insurance program (see H.R. 5873), H2552 [22AP]

Fair Credit Reporting Act: prohibit certain discriminatory uses of consumer reports and consumer information in connection with certain personal lines of insurance (see H.R. 5633), H1701 [13MR]

———prohibit use of consumer reports and consumer information in making any determination involving personal lines of insurance with respect to a consumer (see H.R. 6062), H4059 [15MY]

Families and domestic relations: make a stillborn child an insurable dependent for purposes of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program (see S. 2946), S3594 [30AP]

FDIC: establish a systematic mortgage modification program (see H.R. 7326), H10975 [10DE]

———provide additional authority in resolving problem financial institutions (see H.R. 6565), H6824 [22JY]

———raise the maximum Federal deposit insurance coverage (see H.R. 6986), H8577 [22SE]

Federal employees: increase maximum age up to which an individual may be afforded health coverage as a dependent child under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (see H.R. 5550), H1417 [6MR]

FEMA: allow coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program for new structures designed to protect public safety that are located in special flood hazard zones (see H.R. 7288), H10844 [19NO]

———extend authorization of National Flood Insurance Program (see H.R. 6965), H8476 [18SE]

———provide for adequate progress on the construction of a flood protection system and offset sixty percent of the system cost with Federal, State, or local funds (see H.R. 6285), H5481 [17JN]

———submit a community outreach plan to Congress prior to updating National Flood Insurance Program rate maps (see H.R. 6413), H6175 [26JN]

FHA: revise requirements for seller-financed downpayments for certain insured mortgages for single-family housing and authorize risk-based insurance premiums for certain mortgagors under such mortgages (see H.R. 6694), H7784 [31JY]

Financial institutions: increase amount of deposits insured under the Federal deposit insurance system (see H.R. 7235), H10642 [29SE] (see H.R. 7270), H10828 [3OC]

———provide regulatory relief and improve productivity for insured depository institutions (see H.R. 5841), H2486 [17AP]

———reform the Federal deposit insurance system (see H.R. 7232), H10642 [29SE] (see H.R. 7262), H10827 [3OC]

Fish and fishing: establish a Federal grant program to provide increased health care coverage to and access for uninsured and underinsured workers and families in the commercial fishing industry (see S. 2630), S970 [13FE] (see H.R. 5404), H942 [13FE]

Floods: expand eligible premium refund opportunities for persons who, as a result of new mapping data do not reside in a special flood hazard area (see S. 3436), S8035 [1AU]

Foreign Service: extend comparability pay adjustments to employees serving overseas and authorize a death gratuity payable to surviving dependents of employees who die as a result of injuries sustained while on duty (see S. 3426), S8035 [1AU]

Health: enhance adoption of a nationwide interoperable health information technology system to improve health care quality, reduce medical errors, and increase efficiency of care (see H.R. 6179), H4973 [4JN]

———ensure access to affordable and quality health care without exacerbating the Federal budget or contributing to market inflation while providing greater choices for consumers (see H. Res. 1228), H4831 [22MY]

———ensure health care for women and health care for all in national health care reform (see H. Con. Res. 400), H7787 [31JY]

———ensure that third party review is available whenever health insurance coverage in the individual market is terminated (see S. 3559), S9415 [24SE]

———establish nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed to offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible (see S. 2795), S2345 [2AP] (see H.R. 5918), H2852 [29AP] (see H.R. 6210), H5110 [9JN]

———impose a limitation on lifetime aggregate limits imposed by health plans (see S. 2706), S1596 [5MR] (see H.R. 6528), H6725 [17JY]

———incorporate sustainable wellness programs in national health care system to address underlying causal factors associated with chronic disease (see H. Con. Res. 406), H7788 [31JY]

———increase Federal investment in public and preventive health (see S. Res. 640), S7905 [31JY]

———national policy to increase Federal commitment prioritizing disease prevention and public health (see H. Res. 1381), H7307 [29JY]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures (see S. 3072), S4793 [22MY] (see H.R. 5348), H869 [12FE] (see H.R. 5955), H3018 [1MY] (see H.R. 6444), H6341 [9JY] (see H.R. 6699), H7784 [31JY] (see H.R. 7166), H10131 [26SE]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), consideration of Senate amendment (see H. Res. 1156), H2851 [29AP]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), technical corrections in enrollment (see H. Con. Res. 340), H3018 [1MY]

———prohibit discrimination in group health coverage and individual health insurance coverage (see H.R. 5449), H993 [14FE]

———promote adoption of health information technology (see H.R. 6357), H6009 [24JN] (see H.R. 6898), H8127 [15SE]

———provide access to comprehensive primary health care services and improve primary health care delivery through expansion of community health center and National Health Service Corps programs (see S. 3412, 3413), S7905 [31JY]

———provide enhanced health insurance marketplace pooling and relating market rating (see S. 2818), S2435 [3AP]

———provide for the offering of health benefit plans to individuals and increase funding and promote best practice protocols for State high risk health insurance pools (see H.R. 6280), H5481 [17JN]

———provide information and education to consumers on health care services and health insurance coverage (see S. 3402), S7904 [31JY]

———provide parity under group health plans and insurance coverage in the provision of benefits for prosthetic devices and components and benefits for other medical and surgical services (see S. 3517), S9025 [18SE] (see H.R. 5615), H1701 [13MR]

———recognize importance of workplace wellness as a strategy to help maximize employees' health and well being (see S. Res. 673), S9204 [22SE]

———require group and individual insurer coverage of individuals participating in approved cancer clinical trials (see S. 2999), S3975 [8MY]

———require reinstatement upon payment of all premiums due of group or individual health insurance coverage terminated by reason of nonpayment of premiums (see H.R. 6071), H4060 [15MY]

———require that limitations and restrictions on coverage under group health plans be timely disclosed to plan sponsors and clearly communicated to plan participants and beneficiaries (see H.R. 6908), H8275 [16SE]

Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute: establish (see S. 3408), S7905 [31JY]

Health care facilities: require certain facilities to disclose charge-related information and to price protect treatments not covered by insurance as conditions for protection from certain legal actions (see H.R. 6015), H3403 [8MY]

Health care professionals: reduce amount of paperwork and improve payment policies for health care services and prevent fraud and abuse through health care provider education (see H.R. 6102), H4321 [20MY]

Investments: ensure uniform and accurate credit rating of municipal bonds and review the municipal bond insurance industry (see H.R. 6308), H5728 [19JN]

Liability Risk Retention Act: increase insurance competition and available coverage for consumers (see H.R. 5792), H2354 [15AP]

Long-Term Care Awareness Week: support goals and ideals (see H. Con. Res. 431), H9974 [25SE]

Medicaid: clarify authority of States to use funds as the non-Federal share of expenditures for certain regional medical centers (see H.R. 5657), H1821 [31MR]

———establish a disproportionate share hospital (DSH) redistribution pool from unexpended allotments to increase allotments for low DSH States and to provide grants for certain health access networks (see H.R. 5721), H2069 [8AP]

———establish a State plan option to provide an all-inclusive program of care for children medically fragile or with one or more chronic conditions that impedes their ability to function (see S. 3631), S9657 [26SE] (see H.R. 7130), H10130 [26SE]

———extend certain moratoria and impose additional moratoria on certain regulations (see H.R. 5613), H1700 [13MR]

———extend the MinnesotaCare Medicaid demonstration project (see S. 3467), S8275 [10SE] (see H.R. 6848), H7955 [9SE]

———impose moratorium on implementation of a regulation related to the outpatient clinic and hospital facility services definition and upper payment limit (see H.R. 7219), H10641 [29SE]

———improve rehabilitation services and case management and targeted case management services (see S. 3611), S9657 [26SE]

———improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services (see S. 3327), S7278 [24JY] (see H.R. 7212), H10331 [28SE]

———provide a temporary increase of the Federal medical assistance percentage (see S. 2620), S815 [8FE] (see H.R. 5268), H811 [7FE]

———provide additional funds for the Qualifying Individual (QI) program (see S. 3549), S9281 [23SE] (see S. 3560), S9415 [24SE] (see H.R. 7077), H9972 [25SE]

———provide an option for States to cover a children's program of all-inclusive coordinated care (ChiPACC) (see H.R. 6931), H8396 [17SE]

———provide coverage of drugs prescribed for certain NIH research study child participants (see S. 2629), S970 [13FE] (see H.R. 5468), H994 [14FE]

———require asset verification through access to information held by financial institutions to reduce fraud and abuse (see S. 2845), S2945 [10AP] (see H.R. 5757), H2223 [10AP]

———require State plans to continue to cover non-emergency transportation to medically necessary services (see H.R. 7122), H10130 [26SE]

———require States to provide hair prostheses for individuals diagnosed with alopecia areata (see H.R. 5936), H2947 [30AP]

———strengthen State and local government efforts to investigate and prosecute fraud and abuse (see H.R. 6769), H7787 [31JY]

———temporarily delay application of proposed changes to payment rules for case management and targeted case management services (see S. 2578), S492 [30JA] (see H.R. 5173), H555 [29JA]

Medicare: allow early access to benefits for individuals aged 55 to 65 and allow tax credits for payment of premiums for such benefits (see S. 3710), S10742 [20NO]

———amend special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals (see H.R. 6365), H6088 [25JN]

———apply an alternative payment amount for certain graduate medical education programs established to train residents displaced by natural disasters (see S. 3117), S5524 [11JN] (see H.R. 6466), H6406 [10JY]

———apply exceptions process for tiered formulary drugs to specialty tier drugs and limit cost-sharing for specialty tier drugs (see H.R. 6684), H7784 [31JY]

———clarify use of private contracts by beneficiaries for professional services and allow individuals to opt out of certain benefits (see H.R. 7148), H10131 [26SE]

———continue ability of hospitals to supply a needed workforce of nurses and allied health professionals by preserving funding for hospital operated nursing and allied health education programs (see S. 3468), S8275 [10SE] (see H.R. 5174), H555 [29JA]

———coverage of clinical pharmacist practitioner services under part B (see H.R. 5780), H2224 [10AP]

———coverage of individuals receiving a heart transplant (see H.R. 6196), H5043 [5JN]

———delay and reform the competitive acquisition program for purchase of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (see S. 3144), S5697 [17JN] (see H.R. 6252), H5406 [12JN]

———delay phase out of the hospice budget neutrality adjustment factor (see S. 3484), S8479 [12SE] (see H.R. 6873), H8048 [11SE]

———eliminate disparities in breast cancer treatment through development of a uniform set of treatment performance measures for a quality reporting system and value-based purchasing system (see H.R. 5901), H2758 [24AP]

———enhance beneficiary protections under parts C and D (see S. 2687), S1467 [3MR] (see H.R. 6359), H6009 [24JN]

———ensure all physicians are permitted to perform face-to-face examinations and prescribe durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (see H.R. 6119), H4453 [21MY]

———ensure more timely access to home health services for beneficiaries (see H.R. 6826), H7808 [1AU]

———enter into negotiated rulemaking to modernize Part B fee schedule for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests (see H.R. 6761), H7787 [31JY]

———establish a floor for payment for mammography (see H.R. 5711), H2011 [3AP]

———establish a hospice care demonstration program and grants programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management programs (see S. 2790), S2231 [31MR]

———establish budget neutral demonstration projects to study and improve the quality and cost effectiveness of cancer care services provided to beneficiaries (see H.R. 6725), H7786 [31JY]

———establish Independence at Home Chronic Care Coordination Demonstration Project (see S. 3613), S9657 [26SE] (see H.R. 7114), H10129 [26SE]

———exempt from critical access hospital inpatient bed limitation the number of beds provided for certain veterans (see H.R. 6557), H6733 [21JY]

———exempt negative pressure wound therapy pumps and related supplies and accessories from the competitive acquisition program until the clinical comparability of such products can be validated (see S. 3091), S5204 [5JN] (see H.R. 4935), H23 [15JA]

———expand coverage of paramedic intercept services (see H.R. 6082), H4064 [16MY]

———expand development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services and implement a performance-based payment methodology for such services (see H.R. 7067), H9972 [25SE]

———extend and revise incentive payments for physician scarcity areas (see H.R. 6386), H6174 [26JN]

———extend Federal reimbursement of emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens (see H.R. 6394), H6174 [26JN]

———extend physician payment rates (see H.R. 6129), H4829 [22MY]

———improve access to, and increase utilization of, bone mass measurement benefits (see S. 2702), S1521 [4MR]

———improve access to health care for beneficiaries in rural areas (see S. 2786), S2133 [13MR]

———improve fairness and reduce regional inequities in reimbursement payments to providers (see S. 2962), S3698 [1MY]

———improve provision of telehealth services (see S. 2812), S2435 [3AP] (see H.R. 6163), H4830 [22MY]

———improve the provision of items and services to beneficiaries in rural areas (see H.R. 5953), H3018 [1MY]

———include vision restoration therapy devices and associated software used to treat impaired visual function due to acquired brain injury within the definition of durable medical equipment (see H.R. 6241), H5327 [11JN]

———increase civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse and amount of surety bond required for suppliers of durable medical equipment (see S. 2603), S784 [7FE]

———increase payments for physicians' services (see H.R. 5445), H993 [14FE]

———limit increases in Medicare Advantage payment rates until parity is achieved with fee-for-service programs (see H.R. 7197), H10330 [28SE]

———limit prescription drug program premium increases to no more than Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and require Dept. of HHS to negotiate lower prescription drug prices (see H.R. 5317), H812 [7FE]

———modify designation of accreditation organizations for orthotics and prosthetics, apply accreditation and licensure requirements to such devices, and modify payment methodology for such devices (see H.R. 6878), H8048 [11SE]

———modify physician reimbursement policies to ensure a future physician workforce (see S. 2729), S1703 [6MR] (see H.R. 5545), H1416 [6MR]

———permit physical therapy services to be furnished to individuals under the care of a dentist (see H.R. 5590), H1538 [11MR]

———preserve access to physicians' services (see S. 2785), S2133 [13MR] (see H.R. 6091), H4320 [20MY]

———preserve access to urban Medicare-dependent hospitals (see H.R. 7105), H9973 [25SE]

———provide a temporary moratorium on enforcement of the cap amount on payments for hospice care (see S. 2727), S1703 [6MR] (see H.R. 5542), H1416 [6MR]

———provide comprehensive cancer patient treatment education and conduct research to improve cancer symptom management (see H.R. 5585), H1538 [11MR]

———provide coverage for consultations regarding orders for life sustaining treatment and provide grants for development and expansion of programs for such orders (see H.R. 7181), H10299 [27SE]

———provide coverage for the shingles vaccine (see H.R. 5877), H2657 [23AP]

———provide coverage of federally recommended vaccines (see H.R. 4992), H294 [16JA]

———provide coverage of remote patient management services for chronic health care conditions (see H.R. 5765), H2223 [10AP]

———provide coverage of services of qualified respiratory therapists performed under the general supervision of a physician (see S. 2704), S1596 [5MR]

———provide for a disclosure requirement for physicians referring for imaging services (see S. 3343), S7526 [26JY] (see H.R. 6821), H7808 [1AU]

———provide for a geographic adjustment for cap on hospice care payments and require hospice programs to report comprehensive data on hospice care (see H.R. 6158), H4830 [22MY]

———provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with VA medical centers and for certain contiguous areas (see S. 2545), S207 [23JA] (see H.R. 5125), H455 [23JA]

———provide for consolidated coverage of home infusion drug therapy (see S. 3505), S8947 [17SE]

———provide for payment of home health services on a reasonable cost basis (see S. 3265), S6722 [15JY]

———provide payments for unscheduled physician telephone consultation services when such payments are cost and quality effective (see H.R. 6380), H6173 [26JN]

———provide temporary improvements to inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals and use the non-wage adjusted PPS rate under the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program (see S. 3300), S7030 [22JY] (see H.R. 6912), H8275 [16SE]

———reduce fraud (see S. 3164), S5832 [19JN]

———reduce inequitable disparities in physician payments in rural areas and revise the practice expense geographic adjustment (see S. 3318), S7148 [23JY]

———reduce variation in Medicare Advantage payment rates among counties within the same State within certain very large metropolitan areas (see H.R. 6174), H4877 [3JN]

———replace the prescription drug benefit with a revised and simplified program for all beneficiaries (see H.R. 6800), H7807 [1AU]

———require continued application of budget neutrality on a national basis in calculation of the urban hospital wage floor (see S. 3582), S9492 [25SE] (see H.R. 6966), H8476 [18SE]

———respond to a funding warning by introducing principles of value-based health care and reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system (see S. 2662), S1121 [25FE] (see H.R. 5480), H1031 [25FE]

———revise timeframe for recognition of certain designations in certifying rural health clinics (see S. 3367), S7780 [30JY]

———stabilize and modernize the provision of partial hospitalization services (see S. 3116), S5524 [11JN]

———waive Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act requirements relative to action on legislation in response to a funding warning (see H. Res. 1368), H7057 [23JY]

Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: eliminate certain inappropriate changes in law made to the Medicare Advantage program (see H.R. 6819), H7807 [1AU]

Medicare/Medicaid: amend qualifications of the director of food services of a skilled nursing facility (see H.R. 7139), H10130 [26SE]

———extend expiring provisions (see S. 3236), S6504 [9JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (see S. 3101), S5366 [6JN] (see H.R. 6212), H5110 [9JN] (see H.R. 6331), H5796 [20JN]

———improve transparency of information on nursing and skilled nursing facilities and clarify and improve enforcement of requirements on such facilities (see S. 2641), S1054 [14FE] (see H.R. 5799), H2354 [15AP] (see H.R. 7128), H10130 [26SE]

———preserve access to health care (see S. 3656), S10176 [30SE] (see H.R. 7241), H10699 [2OC]

———prevent reduction in physician fee schedule, advance value based purchasing, electronic health records, and electronic prescribing, and maintain and improve access to care in rural areas (see S. 3118), S5524 [11JN]

———reduce cost-sharing for certain dual eligible populations under the prescription drug benefit (see H.R. 5604), H1700 [13MR]

Mental health: require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (see H.R. 6983), H8577 [22SE]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), consideration (see H. Res. 1014), H1219 [4MR]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), consideration of Senate amendments (see H. Res. 1525), H10699 [2OC]

———require that group health plans provide coverage for pervasive developmental disorders such as autism (see H.R. 5028), H294 [16JA]

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: technical correction (see S. 3712), S10742 [20NO]

National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers: reform (see H.R. 5611), H1700 [13MR]

National Life Insurance Awareness Month: support goals and ideals (see S. Res. 602), S6158 [25JN] (see H. Res. 1392), H7629 [30JY]

National Save for Retirement Week: designate (see S. Res. 601), S6158 [25JN]

———support goals and ideals (see H. Res. 1294), H5864 [23JN]

Native Americans: improve health care under Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Programs (see S. 2532), S93 [22JA]

OPM: allow companies who offer non-Governmentwide service benefit health care plans to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (see H.R. 4932), H293 [16JA]

Pensions: increase age at which distributions from qualified retirement plans are required to begin (see H.R. 7283), H10844 [19NO]

Postal Service: allow to pay its share of contributions for annuitants' health benefits out of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund (see H.R. 7313), H10867 [9DE]

Real estate: authorize temporary participation of mortgage brokers and lenders under the FHA single-family housing mortgage insurance program (see H.R. 6254), H5406 [12JN]

Reinsurance International Solvency Standards Evaluation Board: establish (see H.R. 6213), H5110 [9JN]

Securities: treat covered bonds the same as other qualified financial contracts to which a depository institution is a party when such institution is in receivership or conservatorship (see H.R. 6659), H7627 [30JY]

Small business: encourage development of small business cooperatives for healthcare options to improve coverage for employees (CHOICE) including through a small business CHOICE tax credit (see H.R. 6582), H7057 [23JY]

———provide employees of small employers with access to quality, affordable health insurance coverage (see S. 3554), S9414 [24SE]

———provide quality, affordable health insurance for small employers and individuals (see S. 2948), S3595 [30AP]

Social Security: allow certain youths who became inmates of public institutions to re-enroll in Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program upon release (see H.R. 6621), H7164 [24JY]

———disapprove final rule imposing crowd-out strategies on States that expand income eligibility level for children under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (see S.J. Res. 44), S6937 [17JY]

———encourage use of certified health information technology by providers in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (see H.R. 7191), H10300 [27SE]

———expand coverage options under the State Children's Health Insurance Program through premium assistance (see H.R. 6963), H8476 [18SE]

———expand State Child Health Insurance Program coverage through employer buy-ins, regional State arrangements, and State initiatives to expand coverage and access (see H.R. 7129), H10130 [26SE]

———extend funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (see H.R. 6788), H7806 [1AU]

———nullify effectiveness of a guidance letter proposing rules relative to the Federal-State financial partnerships under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (see H.R. 5998), H3402 [8MY]

———place a general eligibility ceiling of the poverty level on gross income for eligibility for benefits under Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (see H.R. 5961), H3050 [5MY]

———preserve access to Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program during an economic downturn (see S. 2819), S2435 [3AP]

———prohibit the display of account numbers on Medicare cards (see S. 2908), S3401 [24AP] (see H.R. 6399), H6174 [26JN] (see H.R. 6600), H7163 [24JY]

———promote tobacco use cessation under Medicare, Medicaid, and the maternal and child health program (see S. 3206), S6285 [26JN] (see H.R. 6393), H6174 [26JN]

———provide monthly benefits for certain uninsured children living without parents (see H.R. 6607), H7164 [24JY]

———reauthorize State Children's Health Insurance Program and limit income eligibility expansions under that program until the lowest income eligible individuals are enrolled (see S. 2936), S3507 [29AP]

———remove inmate limitations on Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, and State Children's Health Insurance Program benefits for persons in custody pending disposition of charges (see H.R. 5698), H2010 [3AP]

———report on access to primary care and efforts to avoid displacement of private coverage under the State Children's Health Insurance Program and urge use of surveys to measure physician access (see H.R. 6506), H6673 [16JY]

———revise medical criteria for evaluating disability in a person with Huntington's disease and waive Medicare waiting period for individuals disabled by Huntington's disease (see H.R. 6259), H5407 [12JN]

SSA: reestablish experiment and demonstration project authority regarding the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (see H.R. 6745), H7786 [31JY]

States: provide fiscal relief through a temporary increase in the Federal medical assistance percentage and direct payments to States (see S. 2586), S543 [31JA]

Surety and Fidelity Association of America: anniversary (see H. Con. Res. 343), H3186 [7MY]

Taxation: allow a continuous levy on payments to Medicaid providers and suppliers (see S. 2843), S2945 [10AP] (see H.R. 5764), H2223 [10AP]

———allow a credit against income tax for individuals who care for certain dependents with long-term care needs (see H.R. 6665), H7628 [30JY]

———allow a deduction for long-term care insurance premiums, use of such insurance under cafeteria and flexible spending plans, and a credit for individuals with long-term care needs (see H.R. 5559), H1417 [6MR]

———allow a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance and a credit for individuals who care for those with long-term care needs (see H.R. 7095), H9973 [25SE]

———allow a refundable credit for health insurance costs of individuals with COBRA continuation coverage by reason of termination of employment (see H.R. 7010), H9083 [23SE]

———allow a refundable credit for the purchase of private health insurance (see H.R. 5784), H2265 [14AP]

———allow certain public employees a deduction for distributions from governmental plans for health and long-term care insurance (see H.R. 6961), H8476 [18SE]

———allow individuals a credit for health insurance costs and allow employees who elect not to participate in employer subsidized health plans an exclusion from gross income for employer payments (see H.R. 5923), H2852 [29AP]

———allow reimbursement from flexible spending accounts for certain dental procedures (see S. 3717), S10743 [20NO]

———allow small businesses a refundable credit to offset the cost of providing health care coverage for employees (see H.R. 6422), H6175 [26JN]

———allow the purchase of health insurance with pre-tax dollars (see S. 2835), S2817 [9AP]

———disallow deduction for excess non-taxed reinsurance premiums relative to U.S. risks paid to affiliates (see H.R. 6969), H8476 [18SE]

———establish disability savings accounts (see S. 2741), S1876 [11MR]

———improve access to health care through expanded health savings accounts (see S. 3626), S9657 [26SE]

———increase alternative tax liability limitation for small property and casualty insurance companies (see H.R. 6755), H7787 [31JY]

———provide a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums suffered by certain coastal homeowners resulting from hurricane events and for homeowner mitigation expenses for natural disasters (see S. 3427), S8035 [1AU] (see H.R. 6762), H7787 [31JY]

———provide a credit for long-term care insurance premiums and taxpayers with long-term care needs (see H.R. 6237), H5327 [11JN]

———provide a credit for taxpayers with long-term care needs (see H.R. 6448), H6342 [9JY]

———provide a nonrefundable credit for long-term care insurance premiums (see S. 3365), S7780 [30JY]

———provide for tax-favored retirement health savings accounts (see H.R. 6288), H5481 [17JN]

———provide tax relief to the unemployed (see H.R. 7314), H10867 [9DE]

———reform laws relative to individuals, estate and gift taxes, corporate rates, capital gains and dividends, retirement savings, lifetime savings, life skills, and certain medical care (see S. 2547), S207 [23JA] (see H.R. 5105), H455 [23JA]

———repeal tax increase on Social Security benefits (see H.R. 6242), H5327 [11JN]

Terrorism Risk Insurance Act: temporarily reduce the insurer deductibles for insurers sustaining insured losses from large terrorism events (see S. 2621), S849 [11FE]

Veterans: enhance and improve insurance, housing, labor and education, and other benefits (see S. 2640), S1054 [14FE]

———expand and enhance benefits (see S. 2984), S3790 [6MY]

———presume service-connection for diseases associated with exposure to biological, chemical, or other toxic agents as part of Project 112/Shipboard Hazard and Defense (see H.R. 5954), H3018 [1MY]

Veterans' Benefits and Services Act: amend relative to HIV infection testing (see H.R. 6114), H4453 [21MY]

Women: support legislation promoting improved health care and access to health care (see S. Res. 638), S7905 [31JY]

Booklets

``Collapse of the Middle Class—Letters From Vermont and America'', S5438-S5441 [10JN]

———(excerpt), S5570 [12JN]

Cloture motions

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans (S. 1315), motion to proceed, S3169 [17AP], S3225 [22AP]

FEMA: restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), S3851 [7MY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), motion to proceed, S3742 [2MY], S3779 [6MY]

Medicare/Medicaid: extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), motion to proceed, S6224, S6231 [26JN], S6489 [9JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (S. 3101), motion to proceed, S5431 [10JN], S5564 [12JN]

E-mails

FRS bailout of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) and energy prices: Michael Cembalest, JPMorgan Chase & Co., S8924 [17SE]

Explanations

Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act (S. 3023), E2051-E2062 [27SE]

Letters

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services directive to States relative to coverage of children under the State Children's Health Insurance Program: several health care organizations, S5687 [17JN]

Disability Savings Act: Katherine Beh Neas, Easter Seals, Inc., S1882 [11MR]

Ensure that dependent students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage: Carlea Bauman, Colorectal Cancer Coalition, H7545 [30JY]

———Daniel E. Smith and Wendy K.D. Selig, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, H7544 [30JY]

———Karen Ignagni, America's Health Insurance Plans (organization), H7544 [30JY]

———Rick Pollack, American Hospital Association, H7545 [30JY]

———Sue Nelson, American Heart Association and American Stroke Assoication, H7544 [30JY]

Federal medical assistance percentage increase: Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida, H10055 [26SE]

GAO feasibility study on providing an insurance benefit to Federal employees which affords partial or total wage replacement with respect to periods of qualified leave: Ralph Dawn, GAO, H5606 [19JN]

Healthy Americans Act: Peter R. Orszag, CBO and Edward K. Kleinbard, Committee on Taxation (Joint), S3660 [1MY]

Limit Medicare exception to prohibition on physician referrals for certain physician-owned hospitals: Rick Pollack, American Hospital Association, H1270 [5MR]

Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Peter R. Orszag, CBO, S5562 [12JN]

Medicare Telehealth Improvement Act: David A. Kakmia, Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards, S2439 [3AP]

———Jonathan D. Linkous, American Telemedicine Association, S2438 [3AP]

———Linda Rosenberg, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, S2438 [3AP]

———several organizations, S2438 [3AP]

Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act: Anna Burger, Service Employees International Union, E364 [12MR]

———Betty Ford, Betty Ford Center, E362 [12MR]

———Brian Canfield, American Counseling Association, E361 [12MR]

———Carolyn B. Robinowitz, American Psychiatric Association, E360 [12MR]

———David L. Shern, Mental Health America (organization), E367 [12MR]

———E. Clarke Ross, Children and Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (organization), E361 [12MR]

———Federation of American Hospitals, H1270 [5MR], E361 [12MR]

———Gail Shearer, Consumers Union, E364 [12MR]

———Gary D. Maynard, American Correctional Association, E363 [12MR]

———Jerry Reed, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, E363 [12MR]

———Karen F. Flippo, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, E365 [12MR]

———Katherine Beh Neas, Easter Seals, Inc., E364 [12MR]

———Lee Grossman, Autism Society of America, E364 [12MR]

———Leona Stucky-Abbott, Listening Sage Associates, E365 [12MR]

———Linda Rosenberg, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, E362 [12MR]

———Marc Lerro, Eating Disorders Coalition, E361 [12MR]

———Mental Health Liaison Group, S9249 [23SE]

———Michael M. Miller, American Society of Addiction Medicine, E362 [12MR]

———Nicholas T. Motu, Hazelden Foundation, E360 [12MR]

———Robert J. Fletcher, National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, E365 [12MR]

———Robert J. Lindsey, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., E360 [12MR]

———Robert W. Glover, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, E359 [12MR]

———Rosalynn Carter, Carter Center, Inc., S9251 [23SE]

———Susan H. Connors, Brain Injury Association of America, E362 [12MR]

———Vivian Hanson Meehan, National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, E364 [12MR]

Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission Act: Representative Wolf, E2319 [20NO]

Transitional health care for Armed Forces members separated from active duty who agree to serve in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve: Dennis M. McCarthy, Reserve Officers Association, S8820 [16SE]

Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act: James B. Peake, Sec. of Veterans Affairs, S3800 [6MY]

Waive Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act requirements relative to action on legislation in response to a funding warning: Barbara B. Kennelly, National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, H7125 [24JY]

Lists

Health organizations supporting H.R. 2851, ensure that dependent students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage, H7545 [30JY]

Organizations supporting H.R. 1424, Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, E365-E367 [12MR]

Organizations supporting H.R. 6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, S6142 [25JN], S6229 [26JN]

Organizations supporting S. 558, Mental Health Parity Act, H1265-H1267 [5MR]

Memorandums

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Implementation of Certain Medicaid Regulations: Elicia Herz, Congressional Research Service, S2104-S2107 [13MR]

Messages

Veto of H.R. 6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: President Bush, S6705 [15JY], H6520 [15JY]

Motions

FEMA: restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program and make available multiperil coverage for damage from windstorms and floods (H.R. 3121), H6355 [10JY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), S3742 [2MY], S3948 [8MY]

Health: prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), H2972 [1MY]

Mental health: require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), H1307, H1308, H1309 [5MR], H10755 [3OC]

Press releases

American Psychiatric Association Response to Controversy About DSM-IV and Mental Health Parity—March 2008: American Psychiatric Association, E360 [12MR]

And the Emmy Award Goes to—The US Family Health Plan and the National Military Family Association: Michelle Joyner, National Military Family Association, and Susan Oakland, Marion Montgomery, Inc., E2359 [10DE]

Medicare and Medical Liability Reform: Health Coalition on Liability and Access, H7127 [24JY]

Medicare Trigger Ignores Real Problem-Skyrocketing Health Care Costs: AARP, H7125 [24JY]

Proclamations

Tribute to Rankin & Rankin Insurance Services (business): Representative Space, E982 [21MY]

Remarks in House

Armed Forces: facilitate the provision of care and services for members with traumatic brain injury, H1958 [2AP]

———provide for transitional health care for members separated from active duty who agree to serve in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, H4794 [22MY]

———provide for transitional health care for members separated from active duty who agree to serve in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve (H.R. 5609), E407 [13MR]

Budget: allocation of funds, H1059-H1065 [26FE], H2428-H2434 [16AP], H3864-H3870 [14MY]

———comparison between congressional and Bush administration proposals, H1556-H1559 [12MR]

Bush, President: evaluation of administration, H5490 [18JN]

California: local government policy to provide medical services to illegal aliens, H3758 [13MY]

Children and youth: ensure that dependent students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage (H.R. 2851), H7541-H7546 [30JY], E1668 [1AU]

———national objectives priorities assignments, H2558 [23AP]

Clayton, Charles: Safeco Insurance Co., of America Community Hero Award recipient, E1201 [11JN]

Congress: accomplishments of the 110th Congress, H435 [23JA]

Connecticut State Dental Association: tribute to Connecticut Mission of Mercy free dental clinics, H2249 [14AP]

Cover the Uninsured Week: observance, H2865 [30AP], H3002, H3006 [1MY]

Democratic Party: national agenda, H4442-H4446 [21MY], H7148 [24JY], H8388 [17SE]

Dept. of Agriculture: modify Federal direct payment rates, H2924-H2930 [30AP]

Dept. of Defense: Army Future Combat Systems Program funding through reductions in Navy research, development, test, and evaluation program, military personnel, and Defense Health Program funding, H4745, H4746 [22MY]

Dept. of HHS: carry out a demonstration grants program to provide for certain patient coordination, outreach, and assistance services to reduce barriers to health care and improve outcomes (H.R. 7079), E2044 [27SE]

Dept. of the Treasury: establish Office of Insurance Information (H.R. 5840), E1845 [18SE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans (S. 1315), H2736, H2737 [24AP], H5153 [10JN], H5966, H5967 [24JN], H7759 [31JY], H8401 [18SE], H8487-H8491 [22SE]

———prohibit collection of certain copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans (H.R. 6445), H7240-H7244 [29JY], H7650 [31JY], E1632 [31JY]

———provide a dental insurance plan for certain veterans and their survivors and dependents (H.R. 6277), E1237 [17JN]

Diseases: coverage of minimum hospital stays for mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissection relative to breast cancer and coverage for secondary consultations (H.R. 758), H8661-H8666 [23SE], E1980 [25SE], E2021 [26SE], E2118 [28SE], E2176, E2183 [30SE]

Economy: reform health care, Social Security, tax code for individuals and small businesses, and the budget process (H.R. 6110), H4329 [21MY]

———regulation of U.S. financial markets, H8107 [15SE], H8380, H8382-H8388 [17SE], H8479, H8481, H8545, H8550-H8559 [22SE], H9300 [24SE], H9948-H9951 [25SE]

———require the SEC to issue rules on short selling of securities, establish FDIC net worth certificate program, and increase maximum amount of depository insurance (H.R. 7240), H10779 [3OC]

Employment: provide for a paid family and medical leave insurance program (H.R. 5873), E678 [22AP]

FCIC: allow approved insurance companies to consult with each other and the FCIC during periodic renegotiations for the standard reinsurance agreement, H3820 [14MY]

FDIC: provide additional authority in resolving problem financial institutions (H.R. 6565), E1525 [22JY]

———raise the maximum Federal deposit insurance coverage (H.R. 6986), E1861 [22SE]

Federal employees: increase maximum age up to which an individual may be afforded health coverage as a dependent child under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (H.R. 5550), E328 [6MR]

FEMA: extend authorization of National Flood Insurance Program (H.R. 6965), H8705 [23SE], E1914 [25SE]

———phase out practice of permanently subsidizing National Flood Insurance Program premiums and require a risk-based premium pricing structure, H6355 [10JY]

———provide for a phase-in of actuarial rates for certain pre-flood insurance rate maps properties under the National Flood Insurance Program (H.R. 3959), H412-H414 [23JA]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program and make available multiperil coverage for damage from windstorms and floods (H.R. 3121), H6162-H6166 [26JN], H6355 [10JY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program and make available multiperil coverage for damage from windstorms and floods (H.R. 3121), motion to instruct conferees, H6355, H6359 [10JY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), H6374 [10JY]

Financial institutions: increase amount of deposits insured under the Federal deposit insurance system, H10702, H10798 [3OC]

Fireman's Fund Insurance Co.: tribute, E2011 [26SE]

Floods: improve Federal flood disaster policy, H5867 [24JN]

GAO: submit to Congress a report on feasibility and desirability of providing an insurance benefit to Federal employees which affords partial or total wage replacement with respect to periods of qualified leave, H5605, H5606 [19JN]

Government regulations: establish a Federal definition of medical and surgical benefits that plans must cover, H1302 [5MR]

Health: abstinence education program funding, E2072 [27SE]

———allow medical management practices to determine if a treatment is medically necessary, H1302 [5MR]

———ensure health care for women and health care for all in national health care reform (H. Con. Res. 400), E1697 [1AU]

———impose a limitation on lifetime aggregate limits imposed by health plans (H.R. 6528), E1499 [17JY]

———national policy to increase Federal commitment prioritizing disease prevention and public health (H. Res. 1381), H7171 [29JY], H8686-H8688 [23SE]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures, H10-H16 [15JA], H561, H597-H603 [6FE], H627 [7FE], H974-H977 [14FE], H2003-H2009 [3AP], H2140-H2145 [9AP], H2533 [22AP], H2767 [29AP], H3191 [8MY], H4455 [22MY], H4868-H4874 [3JN], H5025-H5029 [5JN], H6346 [10JY], H6550 [15JY], H7961, H8000, H8001 [10SE], H8463-H8467 [18SE], E1097 [23MY], E2019 [26SE]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures (H.R. 5348), H2538-H2543 [22AP]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures (H.R. 676), H3002-H3006 [1MY], H5181-H5186 [10JN], H7132 [24JY], H10688 [2OC], E546 [8AP]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information, H1261, H1302, H1306 [5MR]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), H2736 [24AP]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), Senate amendment, H2953, H2961-H2980 [1MY], E771, E784 [30AP], E818 [5MY], E849 [7MY]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), consideration of Senate amendment (H. Res. 1156), H2956-H2961 [1MY]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), return to Senate, H2828 [29AP]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), technical corrections in enrollment (H. Con. Res. 340), H2982 [1MY]

———prohibit discrimination in group health coverage and individual health insurance coverage (H.R. 5449), H975-H977 [14FE]

———promote adoption of health information technology (H.R. 6898), E1790 [15SE]

———provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage, H8105 [15SE]

———provide health care liability reform, H7130 [24JY]

———provide health care liability reform (H.R. 3509), H603 [6FE], H2003 [3AP]

———require that limitations and restrictions on coverage under group health plans be timely disclosed to plan sponsors and clearly communicated to plan participants and beneficiaries (H.R. 6908), H8666-H8668 [23SE]

———use of electronic medical records to decrease health care costs and improve patient safety, H14 [15JA], H601 [6FE]

Health care facilities: maintain access to specialty hospitals under group health plans, H1292 [5MR]

Health savings accounts: establish, H2311-H2319 [15AP]

Housing: modernize the manufactured housing loan insurance program, H3197 [8MY]

Iraq: impact of financial costs of war on U.S. domestic priorities, H1593 [12MR], H2075 [9AP], H2952 [1MY]

McCain, Senator: assessment of economic policies, H8587 [23SE]

Medicaid: establish a disproportionate share hospital (DSH) redistribution pool from unexpended allotments to increase allotments for low DSH States and to provide grants for certain health access networks (H.R. 5721), E544 [8AP]

———extend certain moratoria and impose additional moratoria on certain regulations, H4043 [15MY]

———extend certain moratoria and impose additional moratoria on certain regulations (H.R. 5613), H2502-H2508 [22AP], H2558 [23AP], E691, E693, E696, E698, E703, E706, E709 [23AP], E730 [24AP], E744 [25AP], E985 [21MY]

———impose moratorium on implementation of a regulation related to the outpatient clinic and hospital facility services definition and upper payment limit (H.R. 7219), E2231 [3OC]

———increase price transparency of hospital information and provide for additional research on consumer information on charges and out-of-pocket costs (H.R. 1666), H602 [6FE]

———provide a temporary increase of the Federal medical assistance percentage, H10053, H10055 [26SE]

———provide a temporary increase of the Federal medical assistance percentage (H.R. 5268), E185 [13FE]

———provide additional funds for the Qualifying Individual (QI) program (S. 3560), H10170-H10176 [27SE]

———provide an option for States to cover a children's program of all-inclusive coordinated care (ChiPACC) (H.R. 6931), E1824 [17SE]

———restore disproportionate share hospital (DHS) payments to Hawaii and Tennessee, H5914 [24JN]

Medicare: bundle reimbursement payments to providers for end-stage renal disease services, H5907 [24JN]

———delay and reform the competitive acquisition program for purchase of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (H.R. 6252), E1220 [12JN]

———delay phase out of the hospice budget neutrality adjustment factor (H.R. 6873), E1774 [11SE]

———eliminate disparities in breast cancer treatment through development of a uniform set of treatment performance measures for a quality reporting system and value-based purchasing system (H.R. 5901), E726 [24AP]

———establish Independence at Home Chronic Care Coordination Demonstration Project (H.R. 7114), E2071 [27SE]

———establish new, separate fee schedule areas for physicians' services in States with multiple fee schedule areas to improve physician geographic payment accuracy, H5914 [24JN]

———extend physician payment rates (H.R. 6129), H4868-H4874 [3JN]

———funding, H1653 [13MR]

———improve quality and efficiency in the health care system, E44 [17JA]

———limit exception to prohibition on physician referrals for certain physician-owned hospitals, H1262, H1264, H1267, H1269, H1270, H1298, H1299, H1302, H1303, H1305, H1306 [5MR], H5707 [19JN]

———Medicare Advantage funding, H5908 [24JN]

———modify physician reimbursement policies to ensure a future physician workforce, H15 [15JA]

———modify physician reimbursement policies to ensure a future physician workforce (H.R. 5545), H2008 [3AP]

———permit physical therapy services to be furnished to individuals under the care of a dentist (H.R. 5590), E351 [11MR]

———phase-out waiting period for coverage of disabled individuals and waive waiting period for people with life-threatening illnesses (H.R. 154), E878 [8MY]

———protect and preserve access of beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers, H5914 [24JN], H6202 [8JY]

———provide coverage for consultations regarding orders for life sustaining treatment and provide grants for development and expansion of programs for such orders (H.R. 7181), E2136 [28SE]

———provide coverage for the shingles vaccine (H.R. 5877), E708 [23AP]

———provide for a disclosure requirement for physicians referring for imaging services (H.R. 6821), E1692 [1AU]

———reform the prescription drug program, H601 [6FE]

———replace the prescription drug benefit with a revised and simplified program for all beneficiaries (H.R. 6800), H10688 [2OC], E1695 [1AU]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits, E1401 [8JY]

———require physician utilization of electronic prescription drug program, H6015 [25JN]

———require physician utilization of electronic prescription drug program (S. 2408), H599 [6FE]

———respond to a funding warning by introducing principles of value-based health care and reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system (H.R. 5480), H1210-H1212 [4MR], E228 [25FE]

———waive Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act requirements relative to action on legislation in response to a funding warning (H. Res. 1368), H7122-H7134 [24JY]

Medicare/Medicaid: extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6212), H5181 [10JN], H7132 [24JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), H5876-H5916 [24JN], H6013, H6015 [25JN], H6092, H6150 [26JN], H6235, H6237 [9JY], H6479 [15JY], H7127 [24JY], H10171 [27SE], E1346, E1352, E1354 [25JN], E1401 [8JY], E1417, E1419 [9JY], E1473, E1477 [16JY], E1490 [17JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), veto, H6494, H6521-H6531 [15JY], E1480 [16JY]

———improve transparency of information on nursing and skilled nursing facilities and clarify and improve enforcement of requirements on such facilities (H.R. 7128), E2100 [28SE]

Members of Congress: exclude from the Federal employees health benefits program (H.R. 4190), H603 [6FE]

Mental health: clarify use of mental health issues as reasons for coverage of abortions under group health plans, H1295 [5MR]

———extend parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits (H.R. 4848), H583-H588 [6FE], E146 [7FE]

———provide parity between health insurance coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for medical and surgical services (S. 558), H1301 [5MR], H8624 [23SE], E326 [6MR]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, H10790 [3OC]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), H584-H588 [6FE], H1168 [28FE], H1224, H1274-H1316 [5MR], H8618, H8621, H8624 [23SE], E317, E323, E324, E326 [6MR], E338, E339 [10MR], E353, E356, E357 [11MR], E368, E371 [12MR], E390 [13MR], E992 [21MY]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), Senate amendments, H10646, H10647, H10648, H10649, H10650, H10652, H10653, H10678, H10679, H10682-H10693 [2OC], H10701, H10702, H10712-H10806, H10816-H10821 [3OC], E2209, E2212 [2OC], E2293, E2296, E2307 [20NO]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), consideration (H. Res. 1014), H1259-H1272 [5MR]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), consideration of Senate amendments (H. Res. 1525), H10702-H10710 [3OC]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), motion to recommit, H1308-H1314 [5MR]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 6983), H8614-H8625 [23SE], E1915 [25SE], E2015 [26SE], E2036, E2078, E2085, E2086 [27SE]

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: technical correction (S. 3712), H10944 [10DE]

Mutual Benefit Insurance Co.: anniversary, E1327 [24JN]

National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers: reform (H.R. 5611), H8363-H8368 [17SE], E1845 [18SE]

National Life Insurance Awareness Month: support goals and ideals (H. Res. 1392), H10209 [27SE]

National Save for Retirement Week: support goals and ideals (H. Res. 1294), H5932-H5934 [24JN], H6121 [26JN]

OPM: allow companies who offer non-Governmentwide service benefit health care plans to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (H.R. 4932), E2 [3JA]

Organ donation: promote, E916 [14MY]

Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission: establish (H.R. 3654), H1399 [6MR], H1576, H1595 [12MR], H1706 [14MR], H1829, H1832 [1AP], H1976 [3AP], H2075 [9AP], H2212 [10AP], H4998 [5JN], H6237 [9JY], H10787 [3OC], E615 [15AP], E2319 [20NO], E2368 [10DE]

Securities Investor Protection Corp.: extend insurance to futures positions held in a portfolio margining account under an SEC-approved program, H3819 [14MY]

Social Security: combine coverage of children and pregnant woman under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program into a new All Healthy Children Program (H.R. 1688), H2045 [8AP]

———ensure that every child in the U.S. has access to affordable, quality health insurance coverage (H.R. 1535), H1829 [1AP]

———extend and improve children's health insurance program and improve beneficiary protections under Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (H.R. 3162), H7127 [24JY]

———extend and improve the State Children's Health Insurance Program, H2249 [14AP], H6495 [15JY]

———extend and improve the State Children's Health Insurance Program (H.R. 3963), H6332 [9JY]

———extend and improve the State Children's Health Insurance Program (H.R. 3963), veto, H267 [16JA], H378 [22JA], H391, H392, H394, H395-H407, H434, H436, H439, H440 [23JA], H2865 [30AP], E83, E84 [28JA]

———extend provisions under Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S. 2499), H395, H398, H400, H401, H404, H405 [23JA]

———prohibit the display of account numbers on Medicare cards (H.R. 6600), H10200-H10202 [27SE], H10631 [29SE]

———reauthorize State Children's Health Insurance Program (H.R. 3864), H396 [23JA]

———remove inmate limitations on Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, and State Children's Health Insurance Program benefits for persons in custody pending disposition of charges (H.R. 5698), E507 [4AP]

Taxation: allow a deduction for amounts paid for health insurance and prescription drug costs of individuals (H.R. 227), H484 [29JA]

———allow a deduction for long-term care insurance premiums, use of such insurance under cafeteria and flexible spending plans, and a credit for individuals with long-term care needs (H.R. 5559), E433 [14MR]

———allow unused amounts in a health flexible spending arrangement to be carried over to subsequent plan years or deposited into certain health or retirement plans (H.R. 3306), H8500 [22SE]

———disallow deduction for excess non-taxed reinsurance premiums relative to U.S. risks paid to affiliates (H.R. 6969), E1847 [18SE]

———exclude from gross income a portion of lifetime income payments from annuities and similar payments of life insurance proceeds at dates later than death (H.R. 2205), H1808 [31MR]

———provide for tax-favored retirement health savings accounts (H.R. 6288), E1270 [18JN]

———reform laws relative to individuals, estate and gift taxes, corporate rates, capital gains and dividends, retirement savings, lifetime savings, life skills, and certain medical care (H.R. 5105), H392 [23JA]

U.S. Health Service: establish (H.R. 3000), H3006 [1MY]

US Family Health Plan (organization): Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Public Service Emmy Award recipient, E2359 [10DE]

Veterans: allow care at VA facilities for disesases associated with exposure to biological, chemical, or other toxic agents as part of Project 112/Shipboard Hazard and Defense without proving service connection, H7722, H7723 [31JY]

Remarks in Senate

Armed Forces: facilitate the provision of care and services for members with traumatic brain injury, S9391 [24SE]

———provide for transitional health care for members separated from active duty who agree to serve in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, S8820 [16SE]

Aviation: extend aviation war risk insurance program, S3659, S3660 [1MY]

———provide liability protection to nonprofit volunteer pilot organizations flying for public benefit and to the pilots and staff of such organizations, S3778 [6MY]

Budget: allocation of funds, S594-S596 [4FE], S1409-S1411 [29FE], S1459 [3MR], S1492-S1495, S1509 [4MR], S1550, S1553, S1554, S1563, S1566, S1591 [5MR], S5578 [12JN]

Bush, President: State of the Union Message, S407, S414, S436 [29JA]

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: implement Medicaid regulations issued relative to graduate medical education, intergovernmental transfers, school-based services, rehabilitation, and targarted case management, S2104-S2109 [13MR]

Children and youth: ensure that dependent students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage (H.R. 2851), S9459 [25SE]

Commission on Natural Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance: establish, S3779-S3784 [6MY], S3844-S3847, S3849-S3884, S3932 [7MY], S3946-S3952, S3958-S3968 [8MY], S4048-S4061, S4075 [13MY], S4128-S4130 [14MY]

Contraceptives: require equitable coverage of drugs, devices, and services under health insurance plans (S. 3068), S4804 [22MY]

Corps of Engineers: allow acceptance of advance funding from Sioux Falls, SD, for Federal portion of Big Sioux Flood Control Project and reimburse such funding through future appropriations, S3883 [7MY]

Cover the Uninsured Week: observance, S3462 [29AP]

Democratic Party: national agenda, S2990, S3004 [15AP]

Dept. of Agriculture: modify Federal direct payment rates, S4168 [14MY]

Dept. of HHS: Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program funding, S1970-S1972 [12MR]

Dept. of the Treasury: establish a National Homeowners Insurance Stabilization Program, S3880-S3882 [7MY]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans (S. 1315), S1038, S1043 [14FE], S3288-S3299 [23AP], S3337, S3343, S3347-S3355, S3376, S3377 [24AP], S3435-S3437 [28AP], S4889 [2JN], S7808 [31JY], S8996 [18SE]

———enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans (S. 1315), motion to proceed, S3169 [17AP], S3171 [18AP], S3178-S3181 [21AP], S3213-S3216, S3221-S3226, S3232, S3236, S3238-S3242, S3244-S3248 [22AP]

———enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans (S. 1315), unanimous-consent request, S3226, S3248, S3249 [22AP], S8996 [18SE], S9388, S9389 [24SE]

———enhance rehabilitative treatment and services to veterans with traumatic brain injury (S. 1233), S4985 [3JN]

———provide a dental insurance plan for certain veterans and their survivors and dependents (S. 3178), S5964 [23JN]

Diseases: require health insurance plans to pay for routine care costs for cancer patients enrolled in a clinical trial, S3769 [6MY]

Drugs: increase in prices for prescription drugs, S7440 [25JY]

Economy: growth, S3005 [15AP]

———impact of economic conditions on the middle class, S5727, S5728 [18JN]

———national objectives priority assignments, S2321-S2324 [2AP], S5385, S5387 [9JN], S8964-S8983, S8991-S8993 [18SE]

———regulation of U.S. financial markets, S8516 [15SE], S8813, S8831-S8836 [16SE], S8898-S8902, S8922-S8925, S8936-S8938 [17SE], S8964-S8983, S8991-S8993, S8996, S9012 [18SE], S9170, S9171, S9175-S9179, S9186, S9189-S9191 [22SE], S9223-S9226 [23SE], S9357-S9366, S9369-S9372, S9382-S9388 [24SE], S9463, S9466, S9468 [25SE], S9578, S9607-S9611, S9613 [26SE]

FEMA: allow for a multi-year phase-in period for increases in premium rates due to updating or remapping of National Flood Insurance Program rate maps, S3855, S3879 [7MY]

———end practice of permanently subsidizing National Flood Insurance Program premiums of older homes in flood zones, S3882 [7MY], S3958, S3959 [8MY]

———ensure residents of cities have flood insurance even when those cities have long term flood protection plans, S3951, S3952 [8MY]

———improve the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate, S3864-S3866 [7MY]

———increase coverage limits for flood policies under the National Flood Insurance Program, S3854, S3855, S3878 [7MY]

———prohibit changes in flood insurance status for St. Louis district until completion of the remapping process, S3964 [8MY]

———provide for the National Flood Insurance Program to make available multiperil coverage for damage resulting from windstorms or floods, S3782-S3784 [6MY], S3849, S3853, S3854, S3856-S3861, S3877 [7MY]

———provide for the National Flood Insurance Program to make available multiperil coverage for damage resulting from windstorms or floods (H.R. 920), S1680 [6MR]

———require persons located in flood prone areas to hold flood insurance as a condition for receiving Federal disaster assistance, S3947, S3948 [8MY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program and make available multiperil coverage for damage from windstorms and floods (H.R. 3121), S4128-S4130 [14MY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program and make available multiperil coverage for damage from windstorms and floods (H.R. 3121), insert S. 2284 language in lieu, S4061 [13MY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), S3845-S3847, S3849-S3884, S3932 [7MY], S3946-S3952, S3958-S3968 [8MY], S4048-S4061, S4075 [13MY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), motion to proceed, S3742 [2MY], S3779-S3784 [6MY], S3844, S3845 [7MY]

———restore financial solvency of National Flood Insurance Program (S. 2284), unanimous-consent agreement, S3884 [7MY], S3949 [8MY]

———review, update, and maintain National Flood Insurance Program rate maps, S3781 [6MY]

———study inclusion of building codes in National Flood Insurance Program floodplain management criteria, S3882 [7MY]

Financial institutions: increase amount of deposits insured under the Federal deposit insurance system, S10263 [1OC], S10409 [2OC]

Fish and fishing: establish a Federal grant program to provide increased health care coverage to and access for uninsured and underinsured workers and families in the commercial fishing industry (S. 2630), S978 [13FE]

GAO: study mandatory flood insurance coverage purchasing requirements, S3866-S3868, S3872, S3879, S3880 [7MY]

Health: assessment of Senator McCain's health insurance tax credit proposal, S10162-S10164 [30SE]

———enhance adoption of a nationwide interoperable health information technology system and improve the quality and reduce the costs of health care (S. 1693), S759 [7FE]

———establish nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed to offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible (S. 2795), S2348-S2356 [2AP], S2425 [3AP]

———increase Federal investment in public and preventive health (S. Res. 640), S7977 [31JY]

———link between health insurance policyholders' vital signs and their insurance premiums, S3379 [24AP]

———national policy to provide health care, control costs, and enhance the quality of the health care system, S2811 [9AP], S4126, S4127 [14MY]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures, S530-S532 [31JA], S628 [5FE], S1220, S1221, S1261-S1264 [27FE], S2328 [2AP], S2792-S2794 [9AP], S3074 [16AP], S3116 [17AP], S3378-S3380 [24AP], S4757 [22MY], S5585 [12JN], S5729, S5730 [18JN], S6860 [16JY], S6911-S6914 [17JY], S9011 [18SE], S10636 [19NO], S10698-S10700 [20NO]

———national policy to provide health care and reform insurance procedures (S. 1783), S1158 [26FE], S2426 [3AP], S3417-S3420 [28AP], S9636 [26SE]

———prevent the use of genetic information from unborn children and children in the process of being adopted, S3370 [24AP]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), S3363-S3375 [24AP], S3420 [28AP]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), request return to Senate, S3415 [28AP]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), technical corrections in enrollment (H. Con. Res. 340), S3727 [1MY]

———prohibit discrimination by group health plans and employers based on genetic information (H.R. 493), unanimous-consent agreement, S3296 [23AP], S3363 [24AP]

———promote modernization of the health care system through adoption of electronic prescribing technology, S2050 [13MR]

———provide access to comprehensive primary health care services and improve primary health care delivery through expansion of community health center and National Health Service Corps programs (S. 3413), S7971-S7973 [31JY]

———provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage (S. 334), S1043 [14FE], S3660-S3662 [1MY], S4301 [19MY], S5506-S5509 [11JN], S6347, S6348 [7JY], S6431 [8JY], S6902 [17JY], S7996-S7998 [1AU], S9373-S9378 [24SE], S9479 [25SE]

———provide enhanced health insurance marketplace pooling and relating market rating (S. 2818), S2426 [3AP]

———provide health care liability reform, S3378 [24AP]

———provide parity under group health plans and insurance coverage in the provision of benefits for prosthetic devices and components and benefits for other medical and surgical services (S. 3517), S9028 [18SE]

———recognize importance of workplace wellness as a strategy to help maximize employees' health and well being (S. Res. 673), S9179 [22SE]

Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute: establish (S. 3408), S7960-S7968 [31JY]

Health savings accounts: establish, S3681 [1MY]

Horizon Health Care, Inc.: anniversary, S8178 [9SE]

Hurricanes: acknowledge the progress made and yet to be made to rebuild the Gulf Coast region after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, S1680, S1681 [6MR]

Interstate commerce: provide for cooperative governing of individual health insurance coverage (S. 2477), S3681 [1MY], S3970 [8MY]

Iraq: impact of financial costs of war on U.S. domestic priorities, S3649, S3654 [1MY], S4581 [21MY]

Medicaid: extend certain moratoria and impose additional moratoria on certain regulations, S4721-S4725, S4729-S4732 [22MY]

———extend certain moratoria and impose additional moratoria on certain regulations (H.R. 5613), S3051 [16AP], S3412 [24AP], S3415 [28AP], S3478 [29AP]

———extend certain moratoria and impose additional moratoria on certain regulations (H.R. 5613), unanimous-consent request, S3495 [29AP]

———improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services (S. 3327), S7291-S7299 [24JY]

———provide additional funds for the Qualifying Individual (QI) program (S. 3560), S9459 [25SE], S9638 [26SE]

———provide coverage of drugs prescribed for certain NIH research study child participants (S. 2629), S975-S977 [13FE]

———restore disproportionate share hospital (DHS) payments to Hawaii and Tennessee, S6228 [26JN], S6482 [9JY], S6709 [15JY]

———temporarily delay application of proposed changes to payment rules for case management and targeted case management services, S1005, S1008-S1010, S1041 [14FE]

Medicare: delay and reform the competitive acquisition program for purchase of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies, S6481 [9JY]

———delay and reform the competitive acquisition program for purchase of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (S. 3144), S5699-S5703 [17JN]

———delay phase out of the hospice budget neutrality adjustment factor (S. 3484), S8480 [12SE]

———enhance beneficiary protections under parts C and D (S. 2687), S5555 [12JN]

———ensure competitive pricing among Medicare Advantage plans, S4780 [22MY]

———establish a hospice care demonstration program and grants programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management programs (S. 2790), S2234 [31MR]

———establish Independence at Home Chronic Care Coordination Demonstration Project (S. 3613), S9676 [26SE]

———execution of durable power of attorney to give doctors the authority to make appropriate end-of-life medical decisions, S3379 [24AP]

———expand part B income test provisions to the part D prescription drug benefit requiring wealthy beneficiaries to pay a greater share of the premium, S1972 [12MR], S2055 [13MR], S5547 [12JN]

———extend eligibility period for ``Welcome to Medicare'' physical examination and provide for the coverage and waiver of cost-sharing for preventive services, S5557 [12JN]

———impact of physician reimbursement rates on TRICARE program, S6476 [9JY]

———implementation of Competitive Acquisition Program, S10618 [19NO]

———improve access to health care for beneficiaries in rural areas (S. 2786), S2159 [13MR]

———improve fairness and reduce regional inequities in reimbursement payments to providers, S6311 [27JN]

———improve patient access to, and utilization of, the colorectal cancer screening benefit, S5557 [12JN]

———improve provision of telehealth services (S. 2812), S2437-S2439 [3AP]

———increase civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse and amount of surety bond required for suppliers of durable medical equipment (S. 2603), S1221 [27FE]

———modify physician reimbursement policies to ensure a future physician workforce (S. 2729), S1706 [6MR], S5550 [12JN], S6424 [8JY]

———modify physician reimbursement policies to ensure a future physician workforce (S. 2729), unanimous-consent request, S6479 [9JY]

———preserve access to physicians' services (S. 2785), S5515 [11JN]

———protect and preserve access of beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers, S5569 [12JN]

———protect and preserve access of beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers (S. 1605), S5561 [12JN]

———protect beneficiaries' access to home health services, S6485, S6486 [9JY]

———provide a temporary moratorium on enforcement of the cap amount on payments for hospice care (S. 2727), S1676 [6MR]

———provide coverage of federally recommended vaccines (S. 2464), S5708 [18JN]

———provide for a disclosure requirement for physicians referring for imaging services (S. 3343), S7531 [26JY]

———provide for consolidated coverage of home infusion drug therapy (S. 3505), S8951 [17SE]

———provide incentives to physicians for writing electronic prescriptions, S1949 [12MR], S2050, S2094 [13MR]

———provide temporary improvements to inpatient hospital payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals and use the non-wage adjusted PPS rate under the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program (S. 3300), S7075 [22JY]

———reduce fraud (S. 3164), S5836 [19JN]

———reduce inequitable disparities in physician payments in rural areas and revise the practice expense geographic adjustment (S. 3318), S7156 [23JY]

———reform, S2211 [31MR]

———reform Medicare Advantage Program, S6478 [9JY]

———require physician utilization of electronic prescription drug program, S5512, S5516 [11JN]

———respond to a funding warning by introducing principles of value-based health care and reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system (S. 2662), S1127 [25FE]

———revise timeframe for recognition of certain designations in certifying rural health clinics, S9478 [25SE]

———revise timeframe for recognition of certain designations in certifying rural health clinics (S. 3367), S7785 [30JY]

———withhold payment for treatment of certain preventable medical injuries developed during hospital admission, S9355 [24SE]

Medicare/Medicaid: establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for the expansion of background check pilot program for nursing facility and other long-term care facility employees, S1991 [12MR], S2061 [13MR]

———extend expiring provisions (S. 3236), S6510 [9JY], S6583 [11JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), S6004, S6006 [24JN], S6097, S6142, S6143 [25JN], S6212 [26JN], S6713 [15JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), motion to proceed, S6183, S6200-S6202, S6219, S6220, S6222, S6225-S6231 [26JN], S6310, S6311 [27JN], S6349 [7JY], S6378, S6379, S6420-S6424 [8JY], S6476-S6490, S6494 [9JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), unanimous-consent agreement, S6223 [26JN]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), unanimous-consent request, S6232-S6234 [26JN]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), veto, S6698, S6702, S6705-S6710 [15JY]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (S. 3101), S5376 [6JN], S5377 [9JN], S6320 [27JN]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (S. 3101), motion to proceed, S5467, S5506-S5509, S5512, S5514-S5516, S5530 [11JN], S5539, S5546-S5551, S5553-S5564, S5576-S5578 [12JN]

———extend expiring provisions to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (S. 3101), unanimous-consent request, S5431 [10JN], S5710 [18JN], S5794 [19JN]

———extend provisions to improve access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas (H.R. 6331), unanimous-consent agreement, S6451 [9JY]

———improve transparency of information on nursing and skilled nursing facilities and clarify and improve enforcement of requirements on such facilities (S. 2641), S1058, S1059 [14FE], S7145 [23JY]

———preserve access to health care (S. 3656), S10456-S10458 [2OC]

———preserve access to health care (S. 3656), unanimous-consent request, S10623-S10625 [19NO]

———prevent physician fee schedule reduction, advance value based purchasing, electronic health records, and electronic prescribing, maintain and improve care access in rural areas (S. 3118), unanimous-consent request, S5710 [18JN], S6420-S6424 [8JY]

———prevent reduction in physician fee schedule, advance value based purchasing, electronic health records, and electronic prescribing, and maintain and improve access to care in rural areas (S. 3118), S5526, S5530 [11JN], S5535, S5546-S5548, S5550, S5554, S5560, S5562, S5569, S5577 [12JN]

———require background checks for nursing facility and other long-term care facility employees (S. 1577), S10466 [2OC]

Mental health: ensure new mothers and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, provided with essential services, and increase NIH research, S7888 [31JY]

———ensure new mothers and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, provided with essential services, and increase NIH research (S. 1375), unanimous-consent request, S9228 [23SE], S9380, S9381 [24SE]

———provide parity between health insurance coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for medical and surgical services (S. 558), S1099 [25FE]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, S7758 [30JY], S8243 [10SE], S9243, S9249-S9254, S9256, S9257 [23SE], S9400 [24SE]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), S1568 [5MR], S1717 [6MR], S1781 [7MR], S10188 [30SE], S10190, S10205, S10215-S10284, S10291-S10295, S10328 [1OC], S10407-S10413, S10415, S10429-S10434 [2OC], S10859 [10DE], S10892 [11DE]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), unanimous-consent agreement, S10187 [30SE], S10220 [1OC]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 6983), S9262 [23SE]

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: technical correction (S. 3712), S10769 [20NO]

National Catastrophe Risk Consortium: establish, S3880-S3882 [7MY]

National Life Group (business): tribute to efforts to create a energy efficient work place, S6501 [9JY]

National Save for Retirement Week: designate (S. Res. 601), unanimous-consent agreement, S9164 [18SE]

Native Americans: allow tribal members to make their own health care choices, S1000-S1004 [14FE]

Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission: establish (S. 304), S1592 [5MR], S3073 [16AP], S5579 [12JN]

Small business: improve access and choice relative to employee health care, S3462 [29AP]

———provide employees of small employers with access to quality, affordable health insurance coverage (S. 3554), S9418 [24SE]

———provide quality, affordable health insurance for small employers and individuals (S. 2948), S3599 [30AP], S3653 [1MY]

Social Security: codify the unborn child rule allowing States to provide prenatal care to unborn children and their mothers under the State Children's Health Insurance Program, S1989 [12MR], S2082, S2084 [13MR]

———combat waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program, S1989 [12MR]

———disapprove final rule imposing crowd-out strategies on States that expand income eligibility level for children under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S.J. Res. 44), S6942-S6944 [17JY]

———extend and improve children's health insurance program and improve beneficiary protections under Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, S1849-S1851, S1854 [11MR]

———extend and improve the State Children's Health Insurance Program, S3462 [29AP]

———extend and improve the State Children's Health Insurance Program (H.R. 3963), veto, S197 [23JA]

———extend provisions under Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, S1981-S1983 [12MR]

———facilitate coverage of pregnant women under the State Children's Health Insurance Program, S2082 [13MR]

———preserve access to Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program during an economic downturn (S. 2819), S2445 [3AP], S6265 [26JN]

———promote tobacco use cessation under Medicare, Medicaid, and the maternal and child health program (S. 3206), S6290 [26JN]

Sports: provide health care to former athletes suffering long-term health problems as result of injuries from playing football, S506 [31JA]

States: allow voluntary development of qualifying best practices for health care and provide differential rates of payment favoring treatment consistent with such practices under Medicare and Medicaid (S. 1471), S759 [7FE]

———provide fiscal relief through a temporary increase in the Federal medical assistance percentage and direct payments to States (S. 2586), S547 [31JA]

Taxation: allow a refundable credit for the purchase of private health insurance, S2793 [9AP]

———allow reimbursement from flexible spending accounts for certain dental procedures (S. 3717), S10751 [20NO]

———establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for an above the line Federal income tax deduction for individuals purchasing health insurance outside the workplace, S2080, S2081, S2085 [13MR]

———establish disability savings accounts (S. 2741), S1878 [11MR]

———improve access to health care through expanded health savings accounts (S. 3626), S9708 [26SE]

———make health care coverage more accessible and affordable (H.R. 3343), S9478 [25SE]

———provide tax credit to employers headquartered in U.S., that pay fair wages, provide benefits, offset income for employees serving in Reserves, and respect the right to organize (S. 1945), S9358 [24SE]

———reform laws relative to individuals, estate and gift taxes, corporate rates, capital gains and dividends, retirement savings, lifetime savings, life skills, and certain medical care (S. 2547), S2987 [15AP]

———repeal tax increase on Social Security benefits, S1857 [11MR], S1932, S1939 [12MR], S2045, S2046 [13MR]

Veterans: enhance and improve insurance, housing, labor and education, and other benefits (S. 2640), S1043 [14FE], S3244 [22AP]

———expand and enhance benefits (S. 2984), S3798 [6MY]

———provide health care benefits to veterans with a service-connected disability at non-Dept. of Veterans Affairs medical facilities that receive payments under Medicare or TRICARE program (S. 815), S9381 [24SE]

Women: improve access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the delivery of obstetrical and gynecological services, S1221 [27FE]

———support legislation promoting improved health care and access to health care (S. Res. 638), S7975 [31JY]

Reports filed

Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 758) (H. Rept. 110-868), H9082 [23SE]

Community Pharmacy Fairness Act: Committee on the Judiciary (House) (H.R. 971) (H. Rept. 110-898), H10330 [28SE]

Consideration of H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 1525) (H. Rept. 110-907), H10699 [2OC]

Consideration of H.R. 1424, Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 1014) (H. Rept. 110-538), H1219 [4MR]

Consideration of Senate Amendment to H.R. 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 1156) (H. Rept. 110-612), H2851 [29AP]

Ensure That Dependent Students Who Take a Medically Necessary Leave of Absence Do Not Lose Health Insurance Coverage: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 2851) (H. Rept. 110-806), H7627 [30JY]

FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act: Committee on Financial Services (House) (H.R. 6694) (H. Rept. 110-905), H10699 [2OC]

Foreign Service Overseas Pay Equity Act: Committee on Foreign Relations (Senate) (S. 3426), S9280 [23SE]

Health Insurance Source of Injury Clarification Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 6908) (H. Rept. 110-870), H9082 [23SE]

Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act: Committee on Financial Services (House) (H.R. 1746) (H. Rept. 110-820), H7805 [1AU]

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Indian Health Care Improvement Act: Committee on Finance (Senate) (S. 2532) (S. Rept. 110-255), S93 [22JA]

Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 1424) (H. Rept. 110-374), H1219 [4MR]

Municipal Bond Fairness Act: Committee on Financial Services (House) (H. Res. H.R. 6308) (H. Rept. 110-835), H7955 [9SE]

Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act: Committee on Finance (Senate) (S. 1577) (S. Rept. 110-474), S9203 [22SE]

Protecting Records, Optimizing Treatment, and Easing Communication Through Healthcare Technology (PRO(TECH)T) Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 6357) (H. Rept. 110-837), H8048 [11SE]

Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 5613) (H. Rept. 110-600), H2551 [22AP]

Provide for a Phase-In of Actuarial Rates for Certain Pre-Flood Insurance Rate Maps Properties Under the National Flood Insurance Program: Committee on Financial Services (House) (H.R. 3959) (H. Rept. 110-510), H293 [16JA]

Veterans' Health Care Policy Enhancement Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs (House) (H.R. 6445) (H. Rept. 110-786), H7305 [29JY]

Waive Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act Requirements Relative to Action on Legislation in Response to a Medicare Funding Warning: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 1368) (H. Rept. 110-769), H7057 [23JY]

Rulings of the Chair

Mental health: require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), consideration (H. Res. 1014), H1259 [5MR]

———require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans (H.R. 1424), motion to recommit, H1308 [5MR]

Statements

Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act: Marana, AZ, City Officials, H6374 [10JY]

Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act: Executive Office of the President, H1264 [5MR]

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act: David Wellstone, S9263 [23SE], H8619 [23SE]

———Rosalynn Carter, Carter Center, Inc., H8620 [23SE]

Real Reform or Nothing—Financial Reform Must Come First: Representative Kaptur, H9951 [25SE]

Summaries

Family and Retirement Health Investment Act (S. 3626), S9708 [26SE]

Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act (S. 2284): Nelson of Florida Amendment on National Catastrophe Risk Consortium and Dept. of the Treasury National Homeowners Insurance Stabilization Program Establishment, S3881 [7MY]

Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Acquisition Reform Act (H.R. 6252), E1221 [12JN]

Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement Act, S2161-S2163 [13MR]

Tables

Corps of Engineers levees with maintenance concerns, S3870 [7MY]

Texts of

H. Con. Res. 340, technical corrections in enrollment of H.R. 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, H2982 [1MY]

H. Res. 1014, consideration of H.R. 1424, Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, H1259 [5MR]

H. Res. 1156, consideration of Senate amendment to H.R. 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, H2956 [1MY]

H. Res. 1294, support goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week, H5932 [24JN]

H. Res. 1368, waive Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act requirements relative to action on legislation in response to a Medicare funding warning, H7122 [24JY]

H. Res. 1381, national policy to increase Federal commitment prioritizing disease prevention and public health, H8686 [23SE]

H. Res. 1392, support goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month, H10209 [27SE]

H. Res. 1525, consideration of Senate amendments to H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, H10702 [3OC]

H.R. 758, Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, H8661-H8664 [23SE]

H.R. 1424, Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act, H1274-H1285 [5MR]

H.R. 2851, ensure that dependent students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage, H7541-H7543 [30JY]

H.R. 3121, Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act, S4061-S4072 [13MY]

H.R. 3959, provide for a phase-in of actuarial rates for certain pre-flood insurance rate maps properties under the National Flood Insurance Program, H412 [23JA]

H.R. 4848, extend parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits, H583 [6FE]

H.R. 5611, National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act, H8363-H8367 [17SE]

H.R. 5613, Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act, H2502-H2504 [22AP]

H.R. 6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, H5876-H5904 [24JN]

H.R. 6445, Veterans' Health Care Policy Enhancement Act, H7240 [29JY]

H.R. 6600, Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act, H10200 [27SE]

H.R. 6908, Health Insurance Restrictions and Limitations Clarification Act, H8666 [23SE]

H.R. 6965, National Flood Insurance Program authorization extensions, H8705 [23SE]

H.R. 6983, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, H8614-H8618 [23SE]

S. 1315, Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act, S3288-S3296 [23AP], S3355-S3363 [24AP], H8487-H8490 [22SE]

S. 2586, State Fiscal Relief Act, S548 [31JA]

S. 2629, Medicaid coverage of drugs prescribed for certain NIH research study child participants, S976 [13FE]

S. 2630, Commercial Fishing Industry Health Care Coverage Act, S977 [13FE]

S. 2741, Disability Savings Act, S1879-S1882 [11MR]

S. 2790, Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act, S2234-S2236 [31MR]

S. 2795, Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act, S2348-S2355 [2AP]

S. 2819, Economic Recovery in Health Care Act, S2446-S2448 [3AP]

S. 2984, Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act, S3798-S3800 [6MY]

S. 3144, Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Acquisition Reform Act, S5699-S5702 [17JN]

S. 3206, Medicare, Medicaid, and MCH Tobacco Cessation Promotion Act, S6291 [26JN]

S. 3236, Medicare and Medicaid Extension Act, S6506-S6509 [9JY]

S. 3318, Medicare Physician Payment Equity Act, S7157 [23JY]

S. 3327, Empowered at Home Act, S7292-S7298 [24JY]

S. 3367, revise timeframe for recognition of certain designations in certifying rural health clinics, S7786 [30JY]

S. 3408, Comparative Effectiveness Research Act, S7961-S7966 [31JY]

S. 3517, Prosthetics Parity Act, S9028-S9030 [18SE]

S. 3560, QI Program Supplemental Funding Act, S9460 [25SE], H10170 [27SE]

S. 3613, Independence at Home Act, S9676-S9680 [26SE]

S. 3712, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act technical correction, S10769 [20NO], H10944 [10DE]

S. Res. 601, National Save for Retirement Week, S6169 [25JN], S9165 [18SE]

S. Res. 602, support goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month, S6170 [25JN]

S. Res. 638, support legislation promoting improved health care and access to health care for women, S7975 [31JY]

S. Res. 640, increase Federal investment in public and preventive health, S7976 [31JY]

S. Res. 673, recognize importance of workplace wellness as a strategy to help maximize employees' health and well being, S9184, S9214 [22SE]

S.J. Res. 44, disapprove final rule imposing crowd-out strategies on States that expand income eligibility level for children under the State Children's Health Insurance Program, S6943 [17JY]