SEC. 10101. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE A.
- (a) Section 2711 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(5) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
SEC. 2711. NO LIFETIME OR ANNUAL LIMITS.
- (a) Prohibition-
- (1) IN GENERAL- A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may not establish–
- (A) lifetime limits on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary; or
- (B) except as provided in paragraph (2), annual limits on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary.
- (2) ANNUAL LIMITS PRIOR TO 2014- With respect to plan years beginning prior to January 1, 2014, a group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may only establish a restricted annual limit on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary with respect to the scope of benefits that are essential health benefits under section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as determined by the Secretary. In defining the term restricted annual limit for purposes of the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall ensure that access to needed services is made available with a minimal impact on premiums.
- (b) Per Beneficiary Limits- Subsection (a) shall not be construed to prevent a group health plan or health insurance coverage from placing annual or lifetime per beneficiary limits on specific covered benefits that are not essential health benefits under section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to the extent that such limits are otherwise permitted under Federal or State law.
- (b) Section 2715(a) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(5) of this Act, is amended by striking and providing to enrollees and inserting and providing to applicants, enrollees, and policyholders or certificate holders.
- (c) Subpart II of part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(5), is amended by inserting after section 2715, the following:
SEC. 2715A. PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
- A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage shall comply with the provisions of section 1311(e)(3) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, except that a plan or coverage that is not offered through an Exchange shall only be required to submit the information required to the Secretary and the State insurance commissioner, and make such information available to the public.
- (d) Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(5) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
SEC. 2716. PROHIBITION ON DISCRIMINATION IN FAVOR OF HIGHLY COMPENSATED INDIVIDUALS.
- (a) In General- A group health plan (other than a self-insured plan) shall satisfy the requirements of section 105(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to prohibition on discrimination in favor of highly compensated individuals).
- (b) Rules and Definitions- For purposes of this section–
- (1) CERTAIN RULES TO APPLY- Rules similar to the rules contained in paragraphs (3), (4), and (8) of section 105(h) of such Code shall apply.
- (2) HIGHLY COMPENSATED INDIVIDUAL- The term highly compensated individual has the meaning given such term by section 105(h)(5) of such Code.
- (e) Section 2717 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(5) of this Act, is amended–
- (1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and
- (2) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
- (c) Protection of Second Amendment Gun Rights-
- (1) WELLNESS AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS- A wellness and health promotion activity implemented under subsection (a)(1)(D) may not require the disclosure or collection of any information relating to–
- (A) the presence or storage of a lawfully-possessed firearm or ammunition in the residence or on the property of an individual; or
- (B) the lawful use, possession, or storage of a firearm or ammunition by an individual.
- (2) LIMITATION ON DATA COLLECTION- None of the authorities provided to the Secretary under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or an amendment made by that Act shall be construed to authorize or may be used for the collection of any information relating to–
- (A) the lawful ownership or possession of a firearm or ammunition;
- (B) the lawful use of a firearm or ammunition; or
- (C) the lawful storage of a firearm or ammunition.
- (3) LIMITATION ON DATABASES OR DATA BANKS- None of the authorities provided to the Secretary under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or an amendment made by that Act shall be construed to authorize or may be used to maintain records of individual ownership or possession of a firearm or ammunition.
- (4) LIMITATION ON DETERMINATION OF PREMIUM RATES OR ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE- A premium rate may not be increased, health insurance coverage may not be denied, and a discount, rebate, or reward offered for participation in a wellness program may not be reduced or withheld under any health benefit plan issued pursuant to or in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or an amendment made by that Act on the basis of, or on reliance upon–
- (A) the lawful ownership or possession of a firearm or ammunition; or
- (B) the lawful use or storage of a firearm or ammunition.
- (5) LIMITATION ON DATA COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS- No individual shall be required to disclose any information under any data collection activity authorized under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or an amendment made by that Act relating to–
- (A) the lawful ownership or possession of a firearm or ammunition; or
- (B) the lawful use, possession, or storage of a firearm or ammunition.
- (f) Section 2718 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(5), is amended to read as follows:
SEC. 2718. BRINGING DOWN THE COST OF HEALTH CARE COVERAGE.
- (a) Clear Accounting for Costs- A health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage (including a grandfathered health plan) shall, with respect to each plan year, submit to the Secretary a report concerning the ratio of the incurred loss (or incurred claims) plus the loss adjustment expense (or change in contract reserves) to earned premiums. Such report shall include the percentage of total premium revenue, after accounting for collections or receipts for risk adjustment and risk corridors and payments of reinsurance, that such coverage expends–
- (1) on reimbursement for clinical services provided to enrollees under such coverage;
- (2) for activities that improve health care quality; and
- (3) on all other non-claims costs, including an explanation of the nature of such costs, and excluding Federal and State taxes and licensing or regulatory fees.
- The Secretary shall make reports received under this section available to the public on the Internet website of the Department of Health and Human Services.
- (b) Ensuring That Consumers Receive Value for Their Premium Payments-
- (1) REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS-
- (A) REQUIREMENT- Beginning not later than January 1, 2011, a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage (including a grandfathered health plan) shall, with respect to each plan year, provide an annual rebate to each enrollee under such coverage, on a pro rata basis, if the ratio of the amount of premium revenue expended by the issuer on costs described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) to the total amount of premium revenue (excluding Federal and State taxes and licensing or regulatory fees and after accounting for payments or receipts for risk adjustment, risk corridors, and reinsurance under sections 1341, 1342, and 1343 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) for the plan year (except as provided in subparagraph (B)(ii)), is less than–
- (i) with respect to a health insurance issuer offering coverage in the large group market, 85 percent, or such higher percentage as a State may by regulation determine; or
- (ii) with respect to a health insurance issuer offering coverage in the small group market or in the individual market, 80 percent, or such higher percentage as a State may by regulation determine, except that the Secretary may adjust such percentage with respect to a State if the Secretary determines that the application of such 80 percent may destabilize the individual market in such State.
- (B) REBATE AMOUNT-
- (i) CALCULATION OF AMOUNT- The total amount of an annual rebate required under this paragraph shall be in an amount equal to the product of–
- (I) the amount by which the percentage described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) exceeds the ratio described in such subparagraph; and
- (II) the total amount of premium revenue (excluding Federal and State taxes and licensing or regulatory fees and after accounting for payments or receipts for risk adjustment, risk corridors, and reinsurance under sections 1341, 1342, and 1343 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) for such plan year.
- (ii) CALCULATION BASED ON AVERAGE RATIO- Beginning on January 1, 2014, the determination made under subparagraph (A) for the year involved shall be based on the averages of the premiums expended on the costs described in such subparagraph and total premium revenue for each of the previous 3 years for the plan.
- (2) CONSIDERATION IN SETTING PERCENTAGES- In determining the percentages under paragraph (1), a State shall seek to ensure adequate participation by health insurance issuers, competition in the health insurance market in the State, and value for consumers so that premiums are used for clinical services and quality improvements.
- (3) ENFORCEMENT- The Secretary shall promulgate regulations for enforcing the provisions of this section and may provide for appropriate penalties.
- (c) Definitions- Not later than December 31, 2010, and subject to the certification of the Secretary, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners shall establish uniform definitions of the activities reported under subsection (a) and standardized methodologies for calculating measures of such activities, including definitions of which activities, and in what regard such activities, constitute activities described in subsection (a)(2). Such methodologies shall be designed to take into account the special circumstances of smaller plans, different types of plans, and newer plans.
- (d) Adjustments- The Secretary may adjust the rates described in subsection (b) if the Secretary determines appropriate on account of the volatility of the individual market due to the establishment of State Exchanges.
- (e) Standard Hospital Charges- Each hospital operating within the United States shall for each year establish (and update) and make public (in accordance with guidelines developed by the Secretary) a list of the hospitals standard charges for items and services provided by the hospital, including for diagnosis-related groups established under section 1886(d)(4) of the Social Security Act.
- (g) Section 2719 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(4) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
SEC. 2719. APPEALS PROCESS.
- (a) Internal Claims Appeals-
- (1) IN GENERAL- A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage shall implement an effective appeals process for appeals of coverage determinations and claims, under which the plan or issuer shall, at a minimum–
- (A) have in effect an internal claims appeal process;
- (B) provide notice to enrollees, in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, of available internal and external appeals processes, and the availability of any applicable office of health insurance consumer assistance or ombudsman established under section 2793 to assist such enrollees with the appeals processes; and
- (C) allow an enrollee to review their file, to present evidence and testimony as part of the appeals process, and to receive continued coverage pending the outcome of the appeals process.
- (2) ESTABLISHED PROCESSES- To comply with paragraph (1)–
- (A) a group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group health coverage shall provide an internal claims and appeals process that initially incorporates the claims and appeals procedures (including urgent claims) set forth at section 2560.503-1 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, as published on November 21, 2000 (65 Fed. Reg. 70256), and shall update such process in accordance with any standards established by the Secretary of Labor for such plans and issuers; and
- (B) a health insurance issuer offering individual health coverage, and any other issuer not subject to subparagraph (A), shall provide an internal claims and appeals process that initially incorporates the claims and appeals procedures set forth under applicable law (as in existence on the date of enactment of this section), and shall update such process in accordance with any standards established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for such issuers.
- (b) External Review- A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage–
- (1) shall comply with the applicable State external review process for such plans and issuers that, at a minimum, includes the consumer protections set forth in the Uniform External Review Model Act promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and is binding on such plans; or
- (2) shall implement an effective external review process that meets minimum standards established by the Secretary through guidance and that is similar to the process described under paragraph (1)–
- (A) if the applicable State has not established an external review process that meets the requirements of paragraph (1); or
- (B) if the plan is a self-insured plan that is not subject to State insurance regulation (including a State law that establishes an external review process described in paragraph (1)).
- (c) Secretary Authority- The Secretary may deem the external review process of a group health plan or health insurance issuer, in operation as of the date of enactment of this section, to be in compliance with the applicable process established under subsection (b), as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (h) Subpart II of part A of title XVIII of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1001(5) of this Act, is amended by inserting after section 2719 the following:
SEC. 2719A. PATIENT PROTECTIONS.
- (a) Choice of Health Care Professional- If a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage, requires or provides for designation by a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee of a participating primary care provider, then the plan or issuer shall permit each participant, beneficiary, and enrollee to designate any participating primary care provider who is available to accept such individual.
- (b) Coverage of Emergency Services-
- (1) IN GENERAL- If a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance issuer, provides or covers any benefits with respect to services in an emergency department of a hospital, the plan or issuer shall cover emergency services (as defined in paragraph (2)(B))–
- (A) without the need for any prior authorization determination;
- (B) whether the health care provider furnishing such services is a participating provider with respect to such services;
- (C) in a manner so that, if such services are provided to a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee–
- (i) by a nonparticipating health care provider with or without prior authorization; or
- (ii)(I) such services will be provided without imposing any requirement under the plan for prior authorization of services or any limitation on coverage where the provider of services does not have a contractual relationship with the plan for the providing of services that is more restrictive than the requirements or limitations that apply to emergency department services received from providers who do have such a contractual relationship with the plan; and
- (II) if such services are provided out-of-network, the cost-sharing requirement (expressed as a copayment amount or coinsurance rate) is the same requirement that would apply if such services were provided in-network;
- (D) without regard to any other term or condition of such coverage (other than exclusion or coordination of benefits, or an affiliation or waiting period, permitted under section 2701 of this Act, section 701 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or section 9801 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and other than applicable cost-sharing).
- (2) DEFINITIONS- In this subsection:
- (A) EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITION- The term emergency medical condition means a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in a condition described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of section 1867(e)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act.
- (B) EMERGENCY SERVICES- The term emergency services means, with respect to an emergency medical condition–
- (i) a medical screening examination (as required under section 1867 of the Social Security Act) that is within the capability of the emergency department of a hospital, including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department to evaluate such emergency medical condition, and
- (ii) within the capabilities of the staff and facilities available at the hospital, such further medical examination and treatment as are required under section 1867 of such Act to stabilize the patient.
- (C) STABILIZE- The term to stabilize, with respect to an emergency medical condition (as defined in subparagraph (A)), has the meaning give in section 1867(e)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395dd(e)(3)).
- (c) Access to Pediatric Care-
- (1) PEDIATRIC CARE- In the case of a person who has a child who is a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee under a group health plan, or health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the group or individual market, if the plan or issuer requires or provides for the designation of a participating primary care provider for the child, the plan or issuer shall permit such person to designate a physician (allopathic or osteopathic) who specializes in pediatrics as the childs primary care provider if such provider participates in the network of the plan or issuer.
- (2) CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to waive any exclusions of coverage under the terms and conditions of the plan or health insurance coverage with respect to coverage of pediatric care.
- (d) Patient Access to Obstetrical and Gynecological Care-
- (1) GENERAL RIGHTS-
- (A) DIRECT ACCESS- A group health plan, or health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage, described in paragraph (2) may not require authorization or referral by the plan, issuer, or any person (including a primary care provider described in paragraph (2)(B)) in the case of a female participant, beneficiary, or enrollee who seeks coverage for obstetrical or gynecological care provided by a participating health care professional who specializes in obstetrics or gynecology. Such professional shall agree to otherwise adhere to such plans or issuers policies and procedures, including procedures regarding referrals and obtaining prior authorization and providing services pursuant to a treatment plan (if any) approved by the plan or issuer.
- (B) OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL CARE- A group health plan or health insurance issuer described in paragraph (2) shall treat the provision of obstetrical and gynecological care, and the ordering of related obstetrical and gynecological items and services, pursuant to the direct access described under subparagraph (A), by a participating health care professional who specializes in obstetrics or gynecology as the authorization of the primary care provider.
- (2) APPLICATION OF PARAGRAPH- A group health plan, or health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage, described in this paragraph is a group health plan or coverage that–
- (A) provides coverage for obstetric or gynecologic care; and
- (B) requires the designation by a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee of a participating primary care provider.
- (3) CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to–
- (A) waive any exclusions of coverage under the terms and conditions of the plan or health insurance coverage with respect to coverage of obstetrical or gynecological care; or
- (B) preclude the group health plan or health insurance issuer involved from requiring that the obstetrical or gynecological provider notify the primary care health care professional or the plan or issuer of treatment decisions.
- (i) Section 2794 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1003 of this Act, is amended–
- (1) in subsection (c)(1)–
- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;
- (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
- (C) by adding at the end the following:
- (C) in establishing centers (consistent with subsection (d)) at academic or other nonprofit institutions to collect medical reimbursement information from health insurance issuers, to analyze and organize such information, and to make such information available to such issuers, health care providers, health researchers, health care policy makers, and the general public.; and
- (2) by adding at the end the following:
- (d) Medical Reimbursement Data Centers-
- (1) FUNCTIONS- A center established under subsection (c)(1)(C) shall–
- (A) develop fee schedules and other database tools that fairly and accurately reflect market rates for medical services and the geographic differences in those rates;
- (B) use the best available statistical methods and data processing technology to develop such fee schedules and other database tools;
- (C) regularly update such fee schedules and other database tools to reflect changes in charges for medical services;
- (D) make health care cost information readily available to the public through an Internet website that allows consumers to understand the amounts that health care providers in their area charge for particular medical services; and
- (E) regularly publish information concerning the statistical methodologies used by the center to analyze health charge data and make such data available to researchers and policy makers.
- (2) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST- A center established under subsection (c)(1)(C) shall adopt by-laws that ensures that the center (and all members of the governing board of the center) is independent and free from all conflicts of interest. Such by-laws shall ensure that the center is not controlled or influenced by, and does not have any corporate relation to, any individual or entity that may make or receive payments for health care services based on the centers analysis of health care costs.
- (3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit a center established under subsection (c)(1)(C) to compel health insurance issuers to provide data to the center.
SEC. 10102. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE B.
- (a) Section 1102(a)(2)(B) of this Act is amended–
- (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking group health benefits plan and inserting group benefits plan providing health benefits; and
- (2) in clause (i)(I), by inserting or any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing before the closed parenthetical.
- (b) Section 1103(a) of this Act is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting , or small business in, after residents of any; and
- (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
- (2) CONNECTING TO AFFORDABLE COVERAGE- An Internet website established under paragraph (1) shall, to the extent practicable, provide ways for residents of, and small businesses in, any State to receive information on at least the following coverage options:
- (A) Health insurance coverage offered by health insurance issuers, other than coverage that provides reimbursement only for the treatment or mitigation of–
- (i) a single disease or condition; or
- (ii) an unreasonably limited set of diseases or conditions (as determined by the Secretary).
- (B) Medicaid coverage under title XIX of the Social Security Act.
- (C) Coverage under title XXI of the Social Security Act.
- (D) A State health benefits high risk pool, to the extent that such high risk pool is offered in such State; and
- (E) Coverage under a high risk pool under section 1101.
- (F) Coverage within the small group market for small businesses and their employees, including reinsurance for early retirees under section 1102, tax credits available under section 45R of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by section 1421), and other information specifically for small businesses regarding affordable health care options.
SEC. 10103. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE C.
- (a) Section 2701(a)(5) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1201(4) of this Act, is amended by inserting (other than self-insured group health plans offered in such market) after such market.
- (b) Section 2708 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1201(4) of this Act, is amended by striking or individual.
- (c) Subpart I of part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 1201(4) of this Act, is amended by inserting after section 2708, the following:
SEC. 2709. COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING IN APPROVED CLINICAL TRIALS.
- (a) Coverage-
- (1) IN GENERAL- If a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage provides coverage to a qualified individual, then such plan or issuer–
- (A) may not deny the individual participation in the clinical trial referred to in subsection (b)(2);
- (B) subject to subsection (c), may not deny (or limit or impose additional conditions on) the coverage of routine patient costs for items and services furnished in connection with participation in the trial; and
- (C) may not discriminate against the individual on the basis of the individuals participation in such trial.
- (2) ROUTINE PATIENT COSTS-
- (A) INCLUSION- For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), subject to subparagraph (B), routine patient costs include all items and services consistent with the coverage provided in the plan (or coverage) that is typically covered for a qualified individual who is not enrolled in a clinical trial.
- (B) EXCLUSION- For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), routine patient costs does not include–
- (i) the investigational item, device, or service, itself;
- (ii) items and services that are provided solely to satisfy data collection and analysis needs and that are not used in the direct clinical management of the patient; or
- (iii) a service that is clearly inconsistent with widely accepted and established standards of care for a particular diagnosis.
- (3) USE OF IN-NETWORK PROVIDERS- If one or more participating providers is participating in a clinical trial, nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed as preventing a plan or issuer from requiring that a qualified individual participate in the trial through such a participating provider if the provider will accept the individual as a participant in the trial.
- (4) USE OF OUT-OF-NETWORK- Notwithstanding paragraph (3), paragraph (1) shall apply to a qualified individual participating in an approved clinical trial that is conducted outside the State in which the qualified individual resides.
- (b) Qualified Individual Defined- For purposes of subsection (a), the term qualified individual means an individual who is a participant or beneficiary in a health plan or with coverage described in subsection (a)(1) and who meets the following conditions:
- (1) The individual is eligible to participate in an approved clinical trial according to the trial protocol with respect to treatment of cancer or other life-threatening disease or condition.
- (2) Either–
- (A) the referring health care professional is a participating health care provider and has concluded that the individuals participation in such trial would be appropriate based upon the individual meeting the conditions described in paragraph (1); or
- (B) the participant or beneficiary provides medical and scientific information establishing that the individuals participation in such trial would be appropriate based upon the individual meeting the conditions described in paragraph (1).
- (c) Limitations on Coverage- This section shall not be construed to require a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage, to provide benefits for routine patient care services provided outside of the plans (or coverages) health care provider network unless out-of-network benefits are otherwise provided under the plan (or coverage).
- (d) Approved Clinical Trial Defined-
- (1) IN GENERAL- In this section, the term approved clinical trial means a phase I, phase II, phase III, or phase IV clinical trial that is conducted in relation to the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or other life-threatening disease or condition and is described in any of the following subparagraphs:
- (A) FEDERALLY FUNDED TRIALS- The study or investigation is approved or funded (which may include funding through in-kind contributions) by one or more of the following:
- (i) The National Institutes of Health.
- (ii) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- (iii) The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality.
- (iv) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- (v) cooperative group or center of any of the entities described in clauses (i) through (iv) or the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- (vi) A qualified non-governmental research entity identified in the guidelines issued by the National Institutes of Health for center support grants.
- (vii) Any of the following if the conditions described in paragraph (2) are met:
- (I) The Department of Veterans Affairs.
- (II) The Department of Defense.
- (III) The Department of Energy.
- (B) The study or investigation is conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.
- (C) The study or investigation is a drug trial that is exempt from having such an investigational new drug application.
- (2) CONDITIONS FOR DEPARTMENTS- The conditions described in this paragraph, for a study or investigation conducted by a Department, are that the study or investigation has been reviewed and approved through a system of peer review that the Secretary determines–
- (A) to be comparable to the system of peer review of studies and investigations used by the National Institutes of Health, and
- (B) assures unbiased review of the highest scientific standards by qualified individuals who have no interest in the outcome of the review.
- (e) Life-threatening Condition Defined- In this section, the term life-threatening condition means any disease or condition from which the likelihood of death is probable unless the course of the disease or condition is interrupted.
- (f) Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a plans or issuers coverage with respect to clinical trials.
- (g) Application to FEHBP- Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, this section shall apply to health plans offered under the program under such chapter.
- (h) Preemption- Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, nothing in this section shall preempt State laws that require a clinical trials policy for State regulated health insurance plans that is in addition to the policy required under this section.
- (d) Section 1251(a) of this Act is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking With and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (3), with; and
- (2) by adding at the end the following:
- (3) APPLICATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS- The provisions of sections 2715 and 2718 of the Public Health Service Act (as added by subtitle A) shall apply to grandfathered health plans for plan years beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
- (e) Section 1253 of this Act is amended insert before the period the following: , except that–
- (1) section 1251 shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and
- (2) the provisions of section 2704 of the Public Health Service Act (as amended by section 1201), as they apply to enrollees who are under 19 years of age, shall become effective for plan years beginning on or after the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
- (f) Subtitle C of title I of this Act is amended–
- (1) by redesignating section 1253 as section 1255; and
- (2) by inserting after section 1252, the following:
SEC. 1253. ANNUAL REPORT ON SELF-INSURED PLANS.
- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Labor shall prepare an aggregate annual report, using data collected from the Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan (Department of Labor Form 5500), that shall include general information on self-insured group health plans (including plan type, number of participants, benefits offered, funding arrangements, and benefit arrangements) as well as data from the financial filings of self-insured employers (including information on assets, liabilities, contributions, investments, and expenses). The Secretary shall submit such reports to the appropriate committees of Congress.
SEC. 1254. STUDY OF LARGE GROUP MARKET.
- (a) In General- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct a study of the fully-insured and self-insured group health plan markets to–
- (1) compare the characteristics of employers (including industry, size, and other characteristics as determined appropriate by the Secretary), health plan benefits, financial solvency, capital reserve levels, and the risks of becoming insolvent; and
- (2) determine the extent to which new insurance market reforms are likely to cause adverse selection in the large group market or to encourage small and midsize employers to self-insure.
- (b) Collection of Information- In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, shall collect information and analyze–
- (1) the extent to which self-insured group health plans can offer less costly coverage and, if so, whether lower costs are due to more efficient plan administration and lower overhead or to the denial of claims and the offering very limited benefit packages;
- (2) claim denial rates, plan benefit fluctuations (to evaluate the extent that plans scale back health benefits during economic downturns), and the impact of the limited recourse options on consumers; and
- (3) any potential conflict of interest as it relates to the health care needs of self-insured enrollees and self-insured employers financial contribution or profit margin, and the impact of such conflict on administration of the health plan.
- (c) Report- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 10104. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE D.
- (a) Section 1301(a) of this Act is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
- (2) INCLUSION OF CO-OP PLANS AND MULTI-STATE QUALIFIED HEALTH PLANS- Any reference in this title to a qualified health plan shall be deemed to include a qualified health plan offered through the CO-OP program under section 1322, and a multi-State plan under section 1334, unless specifically provided for otherwise.
- (3) TREATMENT OF QUALIFIED DIRECT PRIMARY CARE MEDICAL HOME PLANS- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall permit a qualified health plan to provide coverage through a qualified direct primary care medical home plan that meets criteria established by the Secretary, so long as the qualified health plan meets all requirements that are otherwise applicable and the services covered by the medical home plan are coordinated with the entity offering the qualified health plan.
- (4) VARIATION BASED ON RATING AREA- A qualified health plan, including a multi-State qualified health plan, may as appropriate vary premiums by rating area (as defined in section 2701(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act).
- (b) Section 1302 of this Act is amended–
- (1) in subsection (d)(2)(B), by striking may issue and inserting shall issue; and
- (2) by adding at the end the following:
- (g) Payments to Federally-qualified Health Centers- If any item or service covered by a qualified health plan is provided by a Federally-qualified health center (as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B)) to an enrollee of the plan, the offeror of the plan shall pay to the center for the item or service an amount that is not less than the amount of payment that would have been paid to the center under section 1902(bb) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(bb)) for such item or service.
- (c) Section 1303 of this Act is amended to read as follows:
SEC. 1303. SPECIAL RULES.
- (a) State Opt-out of Abortion Coverage-
- (1) IN GENERAL- A State may elect to prohibit abortion coverage in qualified health plans offered through an Exchange in such State if such State enacts a law to provide for such prohibition.
- (2) TERMINATION OF OPT OUT- A State may repeal a law described in paragraph (1) and provide for the offering of such services through the Exchange.
- (b) Special Rules Relating to Coverage of Abortion Services-
- (1) VOLUNTARY CHOICE OF COVERAGE OF ABORTION SERVICES-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other provision of this title (or any amendment made by this title)–
- (i) nothing in this title (or any amendment made by this title), shall be construed to require a qualified health plan to provide coverage of services described in subparagraph (B)(i) or (B)(ii) as part of its essential health benefits for any plan year; and
- (ii) subject to subsection (a), the issuer of a qualified health plan shall determine whether or not the plan provides coverage of services described in subparagraph (B)(i) or (B)(ii) as part of such benefits for the plan year.
- (B) ABORTION SERVICES-
- (i) ABORTIONS FOR WHICH PUBLIC FUNDING IS PROHIBITED- The services described in this clause are abortions for which the expenditure of Federal funds appropriated for the Department of Health and Human Services is not permitted, based on the law as in effect as of the date that is 6 months before the beginning of the plan year involved.
- (ii) ABORTIONS FOR WHICH PUBLIC FUNDING IS ALLOWED- The services described in this clause are abortions for which the expenditure of Federal funds appropriated for the Department of Health and Human Services is permitted, based on the law as in effect as of the date that is 6 months before the beginning of the plan year involved.
- (2) PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- If a qualified health plan provides coverage of services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i), the issuer of the plan shall not use any amount attributable to any of the following for purposes of paying for such services:
- (i) The credit under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (and the amount (if any) of the advance payment of the credit under section 1412 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).
- (ii) Any cost-sharing reduction under section 1402 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (and the amount (if any) of the advance payment of the reduction under section 1412 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act).
- (B) ESTABLISHMENT OF ALLOCATION ACCOUNTS- In the case of a plan to which subparagraph (A) applies, the issuer of the plan shall–
- (i) collect from each enrollee in the plan (without regard to the enrollees age, sex, or family status) a separate payment for each of the following:
- (I) an amount equal to the portion of the premium to be paid directly by the enrollee for coverage under the plan of services other than services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i) (after reduction for credits and cost-sharing reductions described in subparagraph (A)); and
- (II) an amount equal to the actuarial value of the coverage of services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i), and
- (ii) shall deposit all such separate payments into separate allocation accounts as provided in subparagraph (C).
- In the case of an enrollee whose premium for coverage under the plan is paid through employee payroll deposit, the separate payments required under this subparagraph shall each be paid by a separate deposit.
- (C) SEGREGATION OF FUNDS-
- (i) IN GENERAL- The issuer of a plan to which subparagraph (A) applies shall establish allocation accounts described in clause (ii) for enrollees receiving amounts described in subparagraph (A).
- (ii) ALLOCATION ACCOUNTS- The issuer of a plan to which subparagraph (A) applies shall deposit–
- (I) all payments described in subparagraph (B)(i)(I) into a separate account that consists solely of such payments and that is used exclusively to pay for services other than services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i); and
- (II) all payments described in subparagraph (B)(i)(II) into a separate account that consists solely of such payments and that is used exclusively to pay for services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i).
- (D) ACTUARIAL VALUE-
- (i) IN GENERAL- The issuer of a qualified health plan shall estimate the basic per enrollee, per month cost, determined on an average actuarial basis, for including coverage under the qualified health plan of the services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i).
- (ii) CONSIDERATIONS- In making such estimate, the issuer–
- (I) may take into account the impact on overall costs of the inclusion of such coverage, but may not take into account any cost reduction estimated to result from such services, including prenatal care, delivery, or postnatal care;
- (II) shall estimate such costs as if such coverage were included for the entire population covered; and
- (III) may not estimate such a cost at less than $1 per enrollee, per month.
- (E) ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH SEGREGATION REQUIREMENTS-
- (i) IN GENERAL- Subject to clause (ii), State health insurance commissioners shall ensure that health plans comply with the segregation requirements in this subsection through the segregation of plan funds in accordance with applicable provisions of generally accepted accounting requirements, circulars on funds management of the Office of Management and Budget, and guidance on accounting of the Government Accountability Office.
- (ii) CLARIFICATION- Nothing in clause (i) shall prohibit the right of an individual or health plan to appeal such action in courts of competent jurisdiction.
- (3) RULES RELATING TO NOTICE-
- (A) NOTICE- A qualified health plan that provides for coverage of the services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i) shall provide a notice to enrollees, only as part of the summary of benefits and coverage explanation, at the time of enrollment, of such coverage.
- (B) RULES RELATING TO PAYMENTS- The notice described in subparagraph (A), any advertising used by the issuer with respect to the plan, any information provided by the Exchange, and any other information specified by the Secretary shall provide information only with respect to the total amount of the combined payments for services described in paragraph (1)(B)(i) and other services covered by the plan.
- (4) NO DISCRIMINATION ON BASIS OF PROVISION OF ABORTION- No qualified health plan offered through an Exchange may discriminate against any individual health care provider or health care facility because of its unwillingness to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions
- (c) Application of State and Federal Laws Regarding Abortion-
- (1) NO PREEMPTION OF STATE LAWS REGARDING ABORTION- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt or otherwise have any effect on State laws regarding the prohibition of (or requirement of) coverage, funding, or procedural requirements on abortions, including parental notification or consent for the performance of an abortion on a minor.
- (2) NO EFFECT ON FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING ABORTION-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to have any effect on Federal laws regarding–
- (i) conscience protection;
- (ii) willingness or refusal to provide abortion; and
- (iii) discrimination on the basis of the willingness or refusal to provide, pay for, cover, or refer for abortion or to provide or participate in training to provide abortion.
- (3) NO EFFECT ON FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAW- Nothing in this subsection shall alter the rights and obligations of employees and employers under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- (d) Application of Emergency Services Laws- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to relieve any health care provider from providing emergency services as required by State or Federal law, including section 1867 of the Social Security Act (popularly known as EMTALA).
- (d) Section 1304 of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following:
- (e) Educated Health Care Consumers- The term educated health care consumer means an individual who is knowledgeable about the health care system, and has background or experience in making informed decisions regarding health, medical, and scientific matters.
- (e) Section 1311(d) of this Act is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
- (ii) STATE MUST ASSUME COST- A State shall make payments–
- (I) to an individual enrolled in a qualified health plan offered in such State; or
- (II) on behalf of an individual described in subclause (I) directly to the qualified health plan in which such individual is enrolled;
- to defray the cost of any additional benefits described in clause (i).; and
- (2) in paragraph (6)(A), by inserting educated before health care.
- (f) Section 1311(e) of this Act is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking may in the second sentence and inserting shall; and
- (2) by adding at the end the following:
- (3) TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE-
- (A) IN GENERAL- The Exchange shall require health plans seeking certification as qualified health plans to submit to the Exchange, the Secretary, the State insurance commissioner, and make available to the public, accurate and timely disclosure of the following information:
- (i) Claims payment policies and practices.
- (ii) Periodic financial disclosures.
- (iii) Data on enrollment.
- (iv) Data on disenrollment.
- (v) Data on the number of claims that are denied.
- (vi) Data on rating practices.
- (vii) Information on cost-sharing and payments with respect to any out-of-network coverage.
- (viii) Information on enrollee and participant rights under this title.
- (ix) Other information as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (B) USE OF PLAIN LANGUAGE- The information required to be submitted under subparagraph (A) shall be provided in plain language. The term plain language means language that the intended audience, including individuals with limited English proficiency, can readily understand and use because that language is concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices of plain language writing. The Secretary and the Secretary of Labor shall jointly develop and issue guidance on best practices of plain language writing.
- (C) COST SHARING TRANSPARENCY- The Exchange shall require health plans seeking certification as qualified health plans to permit individuals to learn the amount of cost-sharing (including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance) under the individuals plan or coverage that the individual would be responsible for paying with respect to the furnishing of a specific item or service by a participating provider in a timely manner upon the request of the individual. At a minimum, such information shall be made available to such individual through an Internet website and such other means for individuals without access to the Internet.
- (D) GROUP HEALTH PLANS- The Secretary of Labor shall update and harmonize the Secretarys rules concerning the accurate and timely disclosure to participants by group health plans of plan disclosure, plan terms and conditions, and periodic financial disclosure with the standards established by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
- (g) Section 1311(g)(1) of this Act is amended–
- (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
- (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
- (3) by adding at the end the following:
- (E) the implementation of activities to reduce health and health care disparities, including through the use of language services, community outreach, and cultural competency trainings.
- (h) Section 1311(i)(2)((B) of this Act is amended by striking small business development centers and inserting resource partners of the Small Business Administration.
- (i) Section 1312 of this Act is amended–
- (1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting and for which such individual is eligible before the period;
- (2) in subsection (e)–
- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting and employers after enroll individuals; and
- (B) by striking the flush sentence at the end; and
- (3) in subsection (f)(1)(A)(ii), by striking the parenthetical.
- (j)(1) Subparagraph (B) of section 1313(a)(6) of this Act is hereby deemed null, void, and of no effect.
- (2) Section 3730(e) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
- (4)(A) The court shall dismiss an action or claim under this section, unless opposed by the Government, if substantially the same allegations or transactions as alleged in the action or claim were publicly disclosed–
- (i) in a Federal criminal, civil, or administrative hearing in which the Government or its agent is a party;
- (ii) in a congressional, Government Accountability Office, or other Federal report, hearing, audit, or investigation; or
- (iii) from the news media,
- unless the action is brought by the Attorney General or the person bringing the action is an original source of the information.
- (B) For purposes of this paragraph, original source means an individual who either (i) prior to a public disclosure under subsection (e)(4)(a), has voluntarily disclosed to the Government the information on which allegations or transactions in a claim are based, or (2) who has knowledge that is independent of and materially adds to the publicly disclosed allegations or transactions, and who has voluntarily provided the information to the Government before filing an action under this section.
- (k) Section 1313(b) of this Act is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end;
- (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
- (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
- (4) a survey of the cost and affordability of health care insurance provided under the Exchanges for owners and employees of small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)), including data on enrollees in Exchanges and individuals purchasing health insurance coverage outside of Exchanges; and.
- (l) Section 1322(b) of this Act is amended–
- (1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
- (2) by inserting after paragraph (2), the following:
- (3) REPAYMENT OF LOANS AND GRANTS- Not later than July 1, 2013, and prior to awarding loans and grants under the CO-OP program, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations with respect to the repayment of such loans and grants in a manner that is consistent with State solvency regulations and other similar State laws that may apply. In promulgating such regulations, the Secretary shall provide that such loans shall be repaid within 5 years and such grants shall be repaid within 15 years, taking into consideration any appropriate State reserve requirements, solvency regulations, and requisite surplus note arrangements that must be constructed in a State to provide for such repayment prior to awarding such loans and grants.
- (m) Part III of subtitle D of title I of this Act is amended by striking section 1323.
- (n) Section 1324(a) of this Act is amended by striking , a community health and all that follows through 1333(b) and inserting , or a multi-State qualified health plan under section 1334.
- (o) Section 1331 of this Act is amended–
- (1) in subsection (d)(3)(A)(i), by striking 85 and inserting 95; and
- (2) in subsection (e)(1)(B), by inserting before the semicolon the following: , or, in the case of an alien lawfully present in the United States, whose income is not greater than 133 percent of the poverty line for the size of the family involved but who is not eligible for the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act by reason of such alien status.
- (p) Section 1333 of this Act is amended by striking subsection (b).
- (q) Part IV of subtitle D of title I of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 1334. MULTI-STATE PLANS.
- (a) Oversight by the Office of Personnel Management-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (referred to in this section as the Director) shall enter into contracts with health insurance issuers (which may include a group of health insurance issuers affiliated either by common ownership and control or by the common use of a nationally licensed service mark), without regard to section 5 of title 41, United States Code, or other statutes requiring competitive bidding, to offer at least 2 multi-State qualified health plans through each Exchange in each State. Such plans shall provide individual, or in the case of small employers, group coverage.
- (2) TERMS- Each contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall be for a uniform term of at least 1 year, but may be made automatically renewable from term to term in the absence of notice of termination by either party. In entering into such contracts, the Director shall ensure that health benefits coverage is provided in accordance with the types of coverage provided for under section 2701(a)(1)(A)(i) of the Public Health Service Act.
- (3) NON-PROFIT ENTITIES- In entering into contracts under paragraph (1), the Director shall ensure that at least one contract is entered into with a non-profit entity.
- (4) ADMINISTRATION- The Director shall implement this subsection in a manner similar to the manner in which the Director implements the contracting provisions with respect to carriers under the Federal employees health benefit program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, including (through negotiating with each multi-state plan)–
- (A) a medical loss ratio;
- (B) a profit margin;
- (C) the premiums to be charged; and
- (D) such other terms and conditions of coverage as are in the interests of enrollees in such plans.
- (5) AUTHORITY TO PROTECT CONSUMERS- The Director may prohibit the offering of any multi-State health plan that does not meet the terms and conditions defined by the Director with respect to the elements described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (4).
- (6) ASSURED AVAILABILITY OF VARIED COVERAGE- In entering into contracts under this subsection, the Director shall ensure that with respect to multi-State qualified health plans offered in an Exchange, there is at least one such plan that does not provide coverage of services described in section 1303(b)(1)(B)(i).
- (7) WITHDRAWAL- Approval of a contract under this subsection may be withdrawn by the Director only after notice and opportunity for hearing to the issuer concerned without regard to subchapter II of chapter 5 and chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.
- (b) Eligibility- A health insurance issuer shall be eligible to enter into a contract under subsection (a)(1) if such issuer–
- (1) agrees to offer a multi-State qualified health plan that meets the requirements of subsection (c) in each Exchange in each State;
- (2) is licensed in each State and is subject to all requirements of State law not inconsistent with this section, including the standards and requirements that a State imposes that do not prevent the application of a requirement of part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act or a requirement of this title;
- (3) otherwise complies with the minimum standards prescribed for carriers offering health benefits plans under section 8902(e) of title 5, United States Code, to the extent that such standards do not conflict with a provision of this title; and
- (4) meets such other requirements as determined appropriate by the Director, in consultation with the Secretary.
- (c) Requirements for Multi-State Qualified Health Plan-
- (1) IN GENERAL- A multi-State qualified health plan meets the requirements of this subsection if, in the determination of the Director–
- (A) the plan offers a benefits package that is uniform in each State and consists of the essential benefits described in section 1302;
- (B) the plan meets all requirements of this title with respect to a qualified health plan, including requirements relating to the offering of the bronze, silver, and gold levels of coverage and catastrophic coverage in each State Exchange;
- (C) except as provided in paragraph (5), the issuer provides for determinations of premiums for coverage under the plan on the basis of the rating requirements of part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act; and
- (D) the issuer offers the plan in all geographic regions, and in all States that have adopted adjusted community rating before the date of enactment of this Act.
- (2) STATES MAY OFFER ADDITIONAL BENEFITS- Nothing in paragraph (1)(A) shall preclude a State from requiring that benefits in addition to the essential health benefits required under such paragraph be provided to enrollees of a multi-State qualified health plan offered in such State.
- (3) CREDITS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- An individual enrolled in a multi-State qualified health plan under this section shall be eligible for credits under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and cost sharing assistance under section 1402 in the same manner as an individual who is enrolled in a qualified health plan.
- (B) NO ADDITIONAL FEDERAL COST- A requirement by a State under paragraph (2) that benefits in addition to the essential health benefits required under paragraph (1)(A) be provided to enrollees of a multi-State qualified health plan shall not affect the amount of a premium tax credit provided under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to such plan.
- (4) STATE MUST ASSUME COST- A State shall make payments–
- (A) to an individual enrolled in a multi-State qualified health plan offered in such State; or
- (B) on behalf of an individual described in subparagraph (A) directly to the multi-State qualified health plan in which such individual is enrolled;
- to defray the cost of any additional benefits described in paragraph (2).
- (5) APPLICATION OF CERTAIN STATE RATING REQUIREMENTS- With respect to a multi-State qualified health plan that is offered in a State with age rating requirements that are lower than 3:1, the State may require that Exchanges operating in such State only permit the offering of such multi-State qualified health plans if such plans comply with the States more protective age rating requirements.
- (d) Plans Deemed To Be Certified- A multi-State qualified health plan that is offered under a contract under subsection (a) shall be deemed to be certified by an Exchange for purposes of section 1311(d)(4)(A).
- (e) Phase-in- Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), the Director shall enter into a contract with a health insurance issuer for the offering of a multi-State qualified health plan under subsection (a) if–
- (1) with respect to the first year for which the issuer offers such plan, such issuer offers the plan in at least 60 percent of the States;
- (2) with respect to the second such year, such issuer offers the plan in at least 70 percent of the States;
- (3) with respect to the third such year, such issuer offers the plan in at least 85 percent of the States; and
- (4) with respect to each subsequent year, such issuer offers the plan in all States.
- (f) Applicability- The requirements under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, applicable to health benefits plans under such chapter shall apply to multi-State qualified health plans provided for under this section to the extent that such requirements do not conflict with a provision of this title.
- (g) Continued Support for FEHBP-
- (1) MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT- Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the Director to allocate fewer financial or personnel resources to the functions of the Office of Personnel Management related to the administration of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
- (2) SEPARATE RISK POOL- Enrollees in multi-State qualified health plans under this section shall be treated as a separate risk pool apart from enrollees in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
- (3) AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH SEPARATE ENTITIES- The Director may establish such separate units or offices within the Office of Personnel Management as the Director determines to be appropriate to ensure that the administration of multi-State qualified health plans under this section does not interfere with the effective administration of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
- (4) EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT- The Director may appoint such additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Director to carry out activities under this section.
- (5) ASSURANCE OF SEPARATE PROGRAM- In carrying out this section, the Director shall ensure that the program under this section is separate from the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code. Premiums paid for coverage under a multi-State qualified health plan under this section shall not be considered to be Federal funds for any purposes.
- (6) FEHBP PLANS NOT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE- Nothing in this section shall require that a carrier offering coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, also offer a multi-State qualified health plan under this section.
- (h) Advisory Board- The Director shall establish an advisory board to provide recommendations on the activities described in this section. A significant percentage of the members of such board shall be comprised of enrollees in a multi-State qualified health plan, or representatives of such enrollees.
- (i) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
- (r) Section 1341 of this Act is amended–
- (1) in the section heading, by striking and small group markets and inserting market;
- (2) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking paragraph (1)(A) and inserting paragraph (1)(B); and
- (3) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking and small group markets and inserting market.
SEC. 10105. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE E.
- (a) Section 36B(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1401(a) of this Act, is amended by striking is in excess of and inserting equals or exceeds.
- (b) Section 36B(c)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1401(a) of this Act, is amended by inserting equals or before exceeds.
- (c) Section 36B(c)(2)(C)(iv) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1401(a) of this Act, is amended by striking subsection (b)(3)(A)(ii) and inserting subsection (b)(3)(A)(iii).
- (d) Section 1401(d) of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following:
- (3) Section 6211(b)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting 36B, after 36A,.
- (e)(1) Subparagraph (B) of section 45R(d)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1421(a) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (B) DOLLAR AMOUNT- For purposes of paragraph (1)(B) and subsection (c)(2)–
- (i) 2010, 2011, 2012, AND 2013- The dollar amount in effect under this paragraph for taxable years beginning in 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 is $25,000.
- (ii) SUBSEQUENT YEARS- In the case of a taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2013, the dollar amount in effect under this paragraph shall be equal to $25,000, multiplied by the cost-of-living adjustment under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by substituting calendar year 2012 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
- (2) Subsection (g) of section 45R of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1421(a) of this Act, is amended by striking 2011 both places it appears and inserting 2010, 2011.
- (3) Section 280C(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1421(d)(1) of this Act, is amended by striking 2011 and inserting 2010, 2011.
- (4) Section 1421(f) of this Act is amended by striking 2010 both places it appears and inserting 2009.
- (5) The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 1421 of this Act.
- (f) Part I of subtitle E of title I of this Act is amended by adding at the end of subpart B, the following:
SEC. 1416. STUDY OF GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN APPLICATION OF FPL.
- (a) In General- The Secretary shall conduct a study to examine the feasibility and implication of adjusting the application of the Federal poverty level under this subtitle (and the amendments made by this subtitle) for different geographic areas so as to reflect the variations in cost-of-living among different areas within the United States. If the Secretary determines that an adjustment is feasible, the study should include a methodology to make such an adjustment. Not later than January 1, 2013, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on such study and shall include such recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate.
- (b) Inclusion of Territories-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall ensure that the study under subsection (a) covers the territories of the United States and that special attention is paid to the disparity that exists among poverty levels and the cost of living in such territories and to the impact of such disparity on efforts to expand health coverage and ensure health care.
- (2) TERRITORIES DEFINED- In this subsection, the term territories of the United States includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
SEC. 10106. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE F.
- (a) Section 1501(a)(2) of this Act is amended to read as follows:
- (2) EFFECTS ON THE NATIONAL ECONOMY AND INTERSTATE COMMERCE- The effects described in this paragraph are the following:
- (A) The requirement regulates activity that is commercial and economic in nature: economic and financial decisions about how and when health care is paid for, and when health insurance is purchased. In the absence of the requirement, some individuals would make an economic and financial decision to forego health insurance coverage and attempt to self-insure, which increases financial risks to households and medical providers.
- (B) Health insurance and health care services are a significant part of the national economy. National health spending is projected to increase from $2,500,000,000,000, or 17.6 percent of the economy, in 2009 to $4,700,000,000,000 in 2019. Private health insurance spending is projected to be $854,000,000,000 in 2009, and pays for medical supplies, drugs, and equipment that are shipped in interstate commerce. Since most health insurance is sold by national or regional health insurance companies, health insurance is sold in interstate commerce and claims payments flow through interstate commerce.
- (C) The requirement, together with the other provisions of this Act, will add millions of new consumers to the health insurance market, increasing the supply of, and demand for, health care services, and will increase the number and share of Americans who are insured.
- (D) The requirement achieves near-universal coverage by building upon and strengthening the private employer-based health insurance system, which covers 176,000,000 Americans nationwide. In Massachusetts, a similar requirement has strengthened private employer-based coverage: despite the economic downturn, the number of workers offered employer-based coverage has actually increased.
- (E) The economy loses up to $207,000,000,000 a year because of the poorer health and shorter lifespan of the uninsured. By significantly reducing the number of the uninsured, the requirement, together with the other provisions of this Act, will significantly reduce this economic cost.
- (F) The cost of providing uncompensated care to the uninsured was $43,000,000,000 in 2008. To pay for this cost, health care providers pass on the cost to private insurers, which pass on the cost to families. This cost-shifting increases family premiums by on average over $1,000 a year. By significantly reducing the number of the uninsured, the requirement, together with the other provisions of this Act, will lower health insurance premiums.
- (G) 62 percent of all personal bankruptcies are caused in part by medical expenses. By significantly increasing health insurance coverage, the requirement, together with the other provisions of this Act, will improve financial security for families.
- (H) Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), and this Act, the Federal Government has a significant role in regulating health insurance. The requirement is an essential part of this larger regulation of economic activity, and the absence of the requirement would undercut Federal regulation of the health insurance market.
- (I) Under sections 2704 and 2705 of the Public Health Service Act (as added by section 1201 of this Act), if there were no requirement, many individuals would wait to purchase health insurance until they needed care. By significantly increasing health insurance coverage, the requirement, together with the other provisions of this Act, will minimize this adverse selection and broaden the health insurance risk pool to include healthy individuals, which will lower health insurance premiums. The requirement is essential to creating effective health insurance markets in which improved health insurance products that are guaranteed issue and do not exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions can be sold.
- (J) Administrative costs for private health insurance, which were $90,000,000,000 in 2006, are 26 to 30 percent of premiums in the current individual and small group markets. By significantly increasing health insurance coverage and the size of purchasing pools, which will increase economies of scale, the requirement, together with the other provisions of this Act, will significantly reduce administrative costs and lower health insurance premiums. The requirement is essential to creating effective health insurance markets that do not require underwriting and eliminate its associated administrative costs.
- (b)(1) Section 5000A(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1501(b) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (1) IN GENERAL- If a taxpayer who is an applicable individual, or an applicable individual for whom the taxpayer is liable under paragraph (3), fails to meet the requirement of subsection (a) for 1 or more months, then, except as provided in subsection (e), there is hereby imposed on the taxpayer a penalty with respect to such failures in the amount determined under subsection (c).
- (2) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 5000A(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as so added, are amended to read as follows:
- (1) IN GENERAL- The amount of the penalty imposed by this section on any taxpayer for any taxable year with respect to failures described in subsection (b)(1) shall be equal to the lesser of–
- (A) the sum of the monthly penalty amounts determined under paragraph (2) for months in the taxable year during which 1 or more such failures occurred, or
- (B) an amount equal to the national average premium for qualified health plans which have a bronze level of coverage, provide coverage for the applicable family size involved, and are offered through Exchanges for plan years beginning in the calendar year with or within which the taxable year ends.
- (2) MONTHLY PENALTY AMOUNTS- For purposes of paragraph (1)(A), the monthly penalty amount with respect to any taxpayer for any month during which any failure described in subsection (b)(1) occurred is an amount equal to 1/12 of the greater of the following amounts:
- (A) FLAT DOLLAR AMOUNT- An amount equal to the lesser of–
- (i) the sum of the applicable dollar amounts for all individuals with respect to whom such failure occurred during such month, or
- (ii) 300 percent of the applicable dollar amount (determined without regard to paragraph (3)(C)) for the calendar year with or within which the taxable year ends.
- (B) PERCENTAGE OF INCOME- An amount equal to the following percentage of the taxpayers household income for the taxable year:
- (i) 0.5 percent for taxable years beginning in 2014.
- (ii) 1.0 percent for taxable years beginning in 2015.
- (iii) 2.0 percent for taxable years beginning after 2015.
- (3) Section 5000A(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1501(b) of this Act, is amended by striking $350 and inserting $495.
- (c) Section 5000A(d)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1501(b) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (A) RELIGIOUS CONSCIENCE EXEMPTION- Such term shall not include any individual for any month if such individual has in effect an exemption under section 1311(d)(4)(H) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which certifies that such individual is–
- (i) a member of a recognized religious sect or division thereof which is described in section 1402(g)(1), and
- (ii) an adherent of established tenets or teachings of such sect or division as described in such section.
- (d) Section 5000A(e)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1501(b) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (C) SPECIAL RULES FOR INDIVIDUALS RELATED TO EMPLOYEES- For purposes of subparagraph (B)(i), if an applicable individual is eligible for minimum essential coverage through an employer by reason of a relationship to an employee, the determination under subparagraph (A) shall be made by reference to required contribution of the employee.
- (e) Section 4980H(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1513(a) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (b) Large Employers With Waiting Periods Exceeding 60 Days-
- (1) IN GENERAL- In the case of any applicable large employer which requires an extended waiting period to enroll in any minimum essential coverage under an employer-sponsored plan (as defined in section 5000A(f)(2)), there is hereby imposed on the employer an assessable payment of $600 for each full-time employee of the employer to whom the extended waiting period applies.
- (2) EXTENDED WAITING PERIOD- The term extended waiting period means any waiting period (as defined in section 2701(b)(4) of the Public Health Service Act) which exceeds 60 days.
- (f)(1) Subparagraph (A) of section 4980H(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1513(a) of this Act, is amended by inserting , with respect to any month, after means.
- (2) Section 4980H(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1513(a) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
- (D) APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS- In the case of any employer the substantial annual gross receipts of which are attributable to the construction industry–
- (i) subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting who employed an average of at least 5 full-time employees on business days during the preceding calendar year and whose annual payroll expenses exceed $250,000 for such preceding calendar year for who employed an average of at least 50 full-time employees on business days during the preceding calendar year, and
- (ii) subparagraph (B) shall be applied by substituting 5 for 50.
- (3) The amendment made by paragraph (2) shall apply to months beginning after December 31, 2013.
- (g) Section 6056(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1514(a) of the Act, is amended by adding at the end the following new flush sentence:
- The Secretary shall have the authority to review the accuracy of the information provided under this subsection, including the applicable large employers share under paragraph (2)(C)(iv).
SEC. 10107. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE G.
- (a) Section 1562 of this Act is amended, in the amendment made by subsection (a)(2)(B)(iii), by striking subpart 1 and inserting subparts I and II; and
- (b) Subtitle G of title I of this Act is amended–
- (1) by redesignating section 1562 (as amended) as section 1563; and
- (2) by inserting after section 1561 the following:
SEC. 1562. GAO STUDY REGARDING THE RATE OF DENIAL OF COVERAGE AND ENROLLMENT BY HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUERS AND GROUP HEALTH PLANS.
- (a) In General- The Comptroller General of the United States (referred to in this section as the Comptroller General) shall conduct a study of the incidence of denials of coverage for medical services and denials of applications to enroll in health insurance plans, as described in subsection (b), by group health plans and health insurance issuers.
- (b) Data-
- (1) IN GENERAL- In conducting the study described in subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consider samples of data concerning the following:
- (A)(i) denials of coverage for medical services to a plan enrollees, by the types of services for which such coverage was denied; and
- (ii) the reasons such coverage was denied; and
- (B)(i) incidents in which group health plans and health insurance issuers deny the application of an individual to enroll in a health insurance plan offered by such group health plan or issuer; and
- (ii) the reasons such applications are denied.
- (2) SCOPE OF DATA-
- (A) FAVORABLY RESOLVED DISPUTES- The data that the Comptroller General considers under paragraph (1) shall include data concerning denials of coverage for medical services and denials of applications for enrollment in a plan by a group health plan or health insurance issuer, where such group health plan or health insurance issuer later approves such coverage or application.
- (B) ALL HEALTH PLANS- The study under this section shall consider data from varied group health plans and health insurance plans offered by health insurance issuers, including qualified health plans and health plans that are not qualified health plans.
- (c) Report- Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor a report describing the results of the study conducted under this section.
- (d) Publication of Report- The Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor shall make the report described in subsection (c) available to the public on an Internet website.
SEC. 1563. SMALL BUSINESS PROCUREMENT.
- Part 19 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, section 15 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644), and any other applicable laws or regulations establishing procurement requirements relating to small business concerns (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) may not be waived with respect to any contract awarded under any program or other authority under this Act or an amendment made by this Act.
SEC. 10108. FREE CHOICE VOUCHERS.
- (a) In General- An offering employer shall provide free choice vouchers to each qualified employee of such employer.
- (b) Offering Employer- For purposes of this section, the term offering employer means any employer who–
- (1) offers minimum essential coverage to its employees consisting of coverage through an eligible employer-sponsored plan; and
- (2) pays any portion of the costs of such plan.
- (c) Qualified Employee- For purposes of this section–
- (1) IN GENERAL- The term qualified employee means, with respect to any plan year of an offering employer, any employee–
- (A) whose required contribution (as determined under section 5000A(e)(1)(B)) for minimum essential coverage through an eligible employer-sponsored plan–
- (i) exceeds 8 percent of such employees household income for the taxable year described in section 1412(b)(1)(B) which ends with or within in the plan year; and
- (ii) does not exceed 9.8 percent of such employees household income for such taxable year;
- (B) whose household income for such taxable year is not greater than 400 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved; and
- (C) who does not participate in a health plan offered by the offering employer.
- (2) INDEXING- In the case of any calendar year beginning after 2014, the Secretary shall adjust the 8 percent under paragraph (1)(A)(i) and 9.8 percent under paragraph (1)(A)(ii) for the calendar year to reflect the rate of premium growth between the preceding calendar year and 2013 over the rate of income growth for such period.
- (d) Free Choice Voucher-
- (1) AMOUNT-
- (A) IN GENERAL- The amount of any free choice voucher provided under subsection (a) shall be equal to the monthly portion of the cost of the eligible employer-sponsored plan which would have been paid by the employer if the employee were covered under the plan with respect to which the employer pays the largest portion of the cost of the plan. Such amount shall be equal to the amount the employer would pay for an employee with self-only coverage unless such employee elects family coverage (in which case such amount shall be the amount the employer would pay for family coverage).
- (B) DETERMINATION OF COST- The cost of any health plan shall be determined under the rules similar to the rules of section 2204 of the Public Health Service Act, except that such amount shall be adjusted for age and category of enrollment in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary.
- (2) USE OF VOUCHERS- An Exchange shall credit the amount of any free choice voucher provided under subsection (a) to the monthly premium of any qualified health plan in the Exchange in which the qualified employee is enrolled and the offering employer shall pay any amounts so credited to the Exchange.
- (3) PAYMENT OF EXCESS AMOUNTS- If the amount of the free choice voucher exceeds the amount of the premium of the qualified health plan in which the qualified employee is enrolled for such month, such excess shall be paid to the employee.
- (e) Other Definitions- Any term used in this section which is also used in section 5000A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have the meaning given such term under such section 5000A.
- (f) Exclusion From Income for Employee-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 139C the following new section:
SEC. 139D. FREE CHOICE VOUCHERS.
- Gross income shall not include the amount of any free choice voucher provided by an employer under section 10108 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to the extent that the amount of such voucher does not exceed the amount paid for a qualified health plan (as defined in section 1301 of such Act) by the taxpayer.
- (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 139C the following new item:
- Sec. 139D. Free choice vouchers.
- (3) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to vouchers provided after December 31, 2013.
- (g) Deduction Allowed to Employer-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Section 162(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: For purposes of paragraph (1), the amount of a free choice voucher provided under section 10108 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shall be treated as an amount for compensation for personal services actually rendered.
- (2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to vouchers provided after December 31, 2013.
- (h) Voucher Taken Into Account in Determining Premium Credit-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Subsection (c)(2) of section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1401, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
- (D) EXCEPTION FOR INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING FREE CHOICE VOUCHERS- The term coverage month shall not include any month in which such individual has a free choice voucher provided under section 10108 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
- (2) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by this subsection shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013.
- (i) Coordination With Employer Responsibilities-
- (1) SHARED RESPONSIBILITY PENALTY-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Subsection (c) of section 4980H of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1513, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (3) SPECIAL RULES FOR EMPLOYERS PROVIDING FREE CHOICE VOUCHERS- No assessable payment shall be imposed under paragraph (1) for any month with respect to any employee to whom the employer provides a free choice voucher under section 10108 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for such month.
- (B) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by this paragraph shall apply to months beginning after December 31, 2013.
- (2) NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT- Section 18B(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as added by section 1512, is amended–
- (A) by inserting and the employer does not offer a free choice voucher after Exchange; and
- (B) by striking will lose and inserting may lose.
- (j) Employer Reporting-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Subsection (a) of section 6056 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 1514, is amended by inserting and every offering employer before shall.
- (2) OFFERING EMPLOYERS- Subsection (f) of section 6056 of such Code, as added by section 1514, is amended to read as follows:
- (f) Definitions- For purposes of this section–
- (1) OFFERING EMPLOYER-
- (A) IN GENERAL- The term offering employer means any offering employer (as defined in section 10108(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) if the required contribution (within the meaning of section 5000A(e)(1)(B)(i)) of any employee exceeds 8 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid to such employee by such employer.
- (B) INDEXING- In the case of any calendar year beginning after 2014, the 8 percent under subparagraph (A) shall be adjusted for the calendar year to reflect the rate of premium growth between the preceding calendar year and 2013 over the rate of income growth for such period.
- (2) OTHER DEFINITIONS- Any term used in this section which is also used in section 4980H shall have the meaning given such term by section 4980H.
- (3) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
- (A) The heading of section 6056 of such Code, as added by section 1514, is amended by striking large and inserting certain.
- (B) Section 6056(b)(2)(C) of such Code is amended–
- (i) by inserting in the case of an applicable large employer, before the length in clause (i);
- (ii) by striking and at the end of clause (iii);
- (iii) by striking applicable large employer in clause (iv) and inserting employer;
- (iv) by inserting and at the end of clause (iv); and
- (v) by inserting at the end the following new clause:
- (v) in the case of an offering employer, the option for which the employer pays the largest portion of the cost of the plan and the portion of the cost paid by the employer in each of the enrollment categories under such option,.
- (C) Section 6056(d)(2) of such Code is amended by inserting or offering employer after applicable large employer.
- (D) Section 6056(e) of such Code is amended by inserting or offering employer after applicable large employer.
- (E) Section 6724(d)(1)(B)(xxv) of such Code, as added by section 1514, is amended by striking large and inserting certain.
- (F) Section 6724(d)(2)(HH) of such Code, as added by section 1514, is amended by striking large and inserting certain.
- (G) The table of sections for subpart D of part III of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code, as amended by section 1514, is amended by striking Large employers in the item relating to section 6056 and inserting Certain employers.
- (4) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to periods beginning after December 31, 2013.
SEC. 10109. DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSACTIONS.
- (a) Additional Transaction Standards and Operating Rules-
- (1) DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL TRANSACTION STANDARDS AND OPERATING RULES- Section 1173(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2(a)), as amended by section 1104(b)(2), is amended–
- (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting before the period the following: , and subject to the requirements under paragraph (5); and
- (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (5) CONSIDERATION OF STANDARDIZATION OF ACTIVITIES AND ITEMS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- For purposes of carrying out paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall solicit, not later than January 1, 2012, and not less than every 3 years thereafter, input from entities described in subparagraph (B) on–
- (i) whether there could be greater uniformity in financial and administrative activities and items, as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
- (ii) whether such activities should be considered financial and administrative transactions (as described in paragraph (1)(B)) for which the adoption of standards and operating rules would improve the operation of the health care system and reduce administrative costs.
- (B) SOLICITATION OF INPUT- For purposes of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall seek input from–
- (i) the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, the Health Information Technology Policy Committee, and the Health Information Technology Standards Committee; and
- (ii) standard setting organizations and stakeholders, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (b) Activities and Items for Initial Consideration- For purposes of section 1173(a)(5) of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (a), the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the Secretary) shall, not later than January 1, 2012, seek input on activities and items relating to the following areas:
- (1) Whether the application process, including the use of a uniform application form, for enrollment of health care providers by health plans could be made electronic and standardized.
- (2) Whether standards and operating rules described in section 1173 of the Social Security Act should apply to the health care transactions of automobile insurance, workers compensation, and other programs or persons not described in section 1172(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-1(a)).
- (3) Whether standardized forms could apply to financial audits required by health plans, Federal and State agencies (including State auditors, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), and other relevant entities as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (4) Whether there could be greater transparency and consistency of methodologies and processes used to establish claim edits used by health plans (as described in section 1171(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d(5))).
- (5) Whether health plans should be required to publish their timeliness of payment rules.
- (c) ICD Coding Crosswalks-
- (1) ICD-9 TO ICD-10 CROSSWALK- The Secretary shall task the ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee to convene a meeting, not later than January 1, 2011, to receive input from appropriate stakeholders (including health plans, health care providers, and clinicians) regarding the crosswalk between the Ninth and Tenth Revisions of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10, respectively) that is posted on the website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and make recommendations about appropriate revisions to such crosswalk.
- (2) REVISION OF CROSSWALK- For purposes of the crosswalk described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make appropriate revisions and post any such revised crosswalk on the website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- (3) USE OF REVISED CROSSWALK- For purposes of paragraph (2), any revised crosswalk shall be treated as a code set for which a standard has been adopted by the Secretary for purposes of section 1173(c)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2(c)(1)(B)).
- (4) SUBSEQUENT CROSSWALKS- For subsequent revisions of the International Classification of Diseases that are adopted by the Secretary as a standard code set under section 1173(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2(c)), the Secretary shall, after consultation with the appropriate stakeholders, post on the website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services a crosswalk between the previous and subsequent version of the International Classification of Diseases not later than the date of implementation of such subsequent revision.
Subtitle B–Provisions Relating to Title II
PART I–MEDICAID AND CHIP
SEC. 10201. AMENDMENTS TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT AND TITLE II OF THIS ACT.
- (a)(1) Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(IX) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(IX)), as added by section 2004(a), is amended to read as follows:
- (IX) who–
(aa) are under 26 years of age;
(bb) are not described in or enrolled under any of subclauses (I) through (VII) of this clause or are described in any of such subclauses but have income that exceeds the level of income applicable under the State plan for eligibility to enroll for medical assistance under such subclause;
(cc) were in foster care under the responsibility of the State on the date of attaining 18 years of age or such higher age as the State has elected under section 475(8)(B)(iii); and
(dd) were enrolled in the State plan under this title or under a waiver of the plan while in such foster care;.
- (2) Section 1902(a)(10) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10), as amended by section 2001(a)(5)(A), is amended in the matter following subparagraph (G), by striking and (XV) and inserting (XV), and by inserting and (XVI) if an individual is described in subclause (IX) of subparagraph (A)(i) and is also described in subclause (VIII) of that subparagraph, the medical assistance shall be made available to the individual through subclause (IX) instead of through subclause (VIII) before the semicolon.
- (3) Section 2004(d) of this Act is amended by striking 2019 and inserting 2014.
- (b) Section 1902(k)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(k)(2)), as added by section 2001(a)(4)(A), is amended by striking January 1, 2011 and inserting April 1, 2010.
- (c) Section 1905 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d), as amended by sections 2001(a)(3), 2001(a)(5)(C), 2006, and 4107(a)(2), is amended–
- (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting in clause (xiv), or 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(IX) before the comma;
- (2) in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by inserting , (z), before and (aa);
- (3) in subsection (y)–
- (A) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii)(II), in the first sentence, by inserting includes inpatient hospital services, after 100 percent of the poverty line, that; and
- (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking on the date of enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and inserting as of December 1, 2009;
- (4) by inserting after subsection (y) the following:
- (z) Equitable Support for Certain States-
- (1)(A) During the period that begins on January 1, 2014, and ends on September 30, 2019, notwithstanding subsection (b), the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under subsection (b) with respect to a fiscal year occurring during that period shall be increased by 2.2 percentage points for any State described in subparagraph (B) for amounts expended for medical assistance for individuals who are not newly eligible (as defined in subsection (y)(2)) individuals described in subclause (VIII) of section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i).
- (B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), a State described in this subparagraph is a State that–
- (i) is an expansion State described in subsection (y)(1)(B)(ii)(II);
- (ii) the Secretary determines will not receive any payments under this title on the basis of an increased Federal medical assistance percentage under subsection (y) for expenditures for medical assistance for newly eligible individuals (as so defined); and
- (iii) has not been approved by the Secretary to divert a portion of the DSH allotment for a State to the costs of providing medical assistance or other health benefits coverage under a waiver that is in effect on July 2009.
- (2)(A) During the period that begins on January 1, 2014, and ends on December 31, 2016, notwithstanding subsection (b), the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under subsection (b) with respect to all or any portion of a fiscal year occurring during that period shall be increased by .5 percentage point for a State described in subparagraph (B) for amounts expended for medical assistance under the State plan under this title or under a waiver of that plan during that period.
- (B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), a State described in this subparagraph is a State that–
- (i) is described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(B); and
- (ii) is the State with the highest percentage of its population insured during 2008, based on the Current Population Survey.
- (3) Notwithstanding subsection (b) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under subsection (b) with respect to all or any portion of a fiscal year that begins on or after January 1, 2017, for the State of Nebraska, with respect to amounts expended for newly eligible individuals described in subclause (VIII) of section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i), shall be determined as provided for under subsection (y)(1)(A) (notwithstanding the period provided for in such paragraph).
- (4) The increase in the Federal medical assistance percentage for a State under paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) shall apply only for purposes of this title and shall not apply with respect to–
- (A) disproportionate share hospital payments described in section 1923;
- (B) payments under title IV;
- (C) payments under title XXI; and
- (D) payments under this title that are based on the enhanced FMAP described in section 2105(b).;
- (5) in subsection (aa), is amended by striking without regard to this subsection and subsection (y) and inserting without regard to this subsection, subsection (y), subsection (z), and section 10202 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act each place it appears;
- (6) by adding after subsection (bb), the following:
- (cc) Requirement for Certain States- Notwithstanding subsections (y), (z), and (aa), in the case of a State that requires political subdivisions within the State to contribute toward the non-Federal share of expenditures required under the State plan under section 1902(a)(2), the State shall not be eligible for an increase in its Federal medical assistance percentage under such subsections if it requires that political subdivisions pay a greater percentage of the non-Federal share of such expenditures, or a greater percentage of the non-Federal share of payments under section 1923, than the respective percentages that would have been required by the State under the State plan under this title, State law, or both, as in effect on December 31, 2009, and without regard to any such increase. Voluntary contributions by a political subdivision to the non-Federal share of expenditures under the State plan under this title or to the non-Federal share of payments under section 1923, shall not be considered to be required contributions for purposes of this subsection. The treatment of voluntary contributions, and the treatment of contributions required by a State under the State plan under this title, or State law, as provided by this subsection, shall also apply to the increases in the Federal medical assistance percentage under section 5001 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
- (d) Section 1108(g)(4)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1308(g)(4)(B)), as added by section 2005(b), is amended by striking income eligibility level in effect for that population under title XIX or under a waiver and inserting the highest income eligibility level in effect for parents under the commonwealths or territorys State plan under title XIX or under a waiver of the plan.
- (e)(1) Section 1923(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r-4(f)), as amended by section 2551, is amended–
- (A) in paragraph (6)–
- (i) by striking the paragraph heading and inserting the following: ALLOTMENT ADJUSTMENTS; and
- (ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the following:
- (iii) ALLOTMENT FOR 2D, 3RD, AND 4TH QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR 2012, FISCAL YEAR 2013, AND SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS- Notwithstanding the table set forth in paragraph (2) or paragraph (7):
- (I) 2d, 3RD, AND 4TH QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR 2012- The DSH allotment for Hawaii for the 2d, 3rd, and 4th quarters of fiscal year 2012 shall be $7,500,000.
- (II) TREATMENT AS A LOW-DSH STATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 AND SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS- With respect to fiscal year 2013, and each fiscal year thereafter, the DSH allotment for Hawaii shall be increased in the same manner as allotments for low DSH States are increased for such fiscal year under clause (iii) of paragraph (5)(B).
- (III) CERTAIN HOSPITAL PAYMENTS- The Secretary may not impose a limitation on the total amount of payments made to hospitals under the QUEST section 1115 Demonstration Project except to the extent that such limitation is necessary to ensure that a hospital does not receive payments in excess of the amounts described in subsection (g), or as necessary to ensure that such payments under the waiver and such payments pursuant to the allotment provided in this clause do not, in the aggregate in any year, exceed the amount that the Secretary determines is equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage component attributable to disproportionate share hospital payment adjustments for such year that is reflected in the budget neutrality provision of the QUEST Demonstration Project.; and
- (B) in paragraph (7)–
- (i) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting subparagraphs (E) and (G);
- (ii) in subparagraph (B)–
- (I) in clause (i), by striking subclauses (I) and (II), and inserting the following:
- (I) if the State is a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent not more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to 25 percent;
- (II) if the State is a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to 17.5 percent;
- (III) if the State is not a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent not more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to 50 percent; and
- (IV) if the State is not a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to 35 percent.;
- (II) in clause (ii), by striking subclauses (I) and (II), and inserting the following:
- (I) if the State is a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent not more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to the product of the percentage reduction in uncovered individuals for the fiscal year from the preceding fiscal year and 27.5 percent;
- (II) if the State is a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to the product of the percentage reduction in uncovered individuals for the fiscal year from the preceding fiscal year and 20 percent;
- (III) if the State is not a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent not more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to the product of the percentage reduction in uncovered individuals for the fiscal year from the preceding fiscal year and 55 percent; and
- (IV) if the State is not a low DSH State described in paragraph (5)(B) and has spent more than 99.90 percent of the DSH allotments for the State on average for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008, as of September 30, 2009, the applicable percentage is equal to the product of the percentage reduction in uncovered individuals for the fiscal year from the preceding fiscal year and 40 percent.;
- (III) in subparagraph (E), by striking 35 percent and inserting 50 percent; and
- (IV) by adding at the end the following:
- (G) NONAPPLICATION- The preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to the DSH allotment determined for the State of Hawaii for a fiscal year under paragraph (6).
- (f) Section 2551 of this Act is amended by striking subsection (b).
- (g) Section 2105(d)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee(d)(3)(B)), as added by section 2101(b)(1), is amended by adding at the end the following: For purposes of eligibility for premium assistance for the purchase of a qualified health plan under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and reduced cost-sharing under section 1402 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, children described in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be ineligible for coverage under the State child health plan.
- (h) Clause (i) of subparagraph (C) of section 513(b)(2) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 2953 of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (i) Healthy relationships, including marriage and family interactions.
- (i) Section 1115 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315) is amended by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
- (d)(1) An application or renewal of any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project undertaken under subsection (a) to promote the objectives of title XIX or XXI in a State that would result in an impact on eligibility, enrollment, benefits, cost-sharing, or financing with respect to a State program under title XIX or XXI (in this subsection referred to as a demonstration project) shall be considered by the Secretary in accordance with the regulations required to be promulgated under paragraph (2).
- (2) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations relating to applications for, and renewals of, a demonstration project that provide for–
- (A) a process for public notice and comment at the State level, including public hearings, sufficient to ensure a meaningful level of public input;
- (B) requirements relating to–
- (i) the goals of the program to be implemented or renewed under the demonstration project;
- (ii) the expected State and Federal costs and coverage projections of the demonstration project; and
- (iii) the specific plans of the State to ensure that the demonstration project will be in compliance with title XIX or XXI;
- (C) a process for providing public notice and comment after the application is received by the Secretary, that is sufficient to ensure a meaningful level of public input;
- (D) a process for the submission to the Secretary of periodic reports by the State concerning the implementation of the demonstration project; and
- (E) a process for the periodic evaluation by the Secretary of the demonstration project.
- (3) The Secretary shall annually report to Congress concerning actions taken by the Secretary with respect to applications for demonstration projects under this section.
- (j) Subtitle F of title III of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 3512. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON CAUSES OF ACTION.
- (a) Study-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of whether the development, recognition, or implementation of any guideline or other standards under a provision described in paragraph (2) would result in the establishment of a new cause of action or claim.
- (2) PROVISIONS DESCRIBED- The provisions described in this paragraph include the following:
- (A) Section 2701 (adult health quality measures).
- (B) Section 2702 (payment adjustments for health care acquired conditions).
- (C) Section 3001 (Hospital Value-Based Purchase Program).
- (D) Section 3002 (improvements to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative).
- (E) Section 3003 (improvements to the Physician Feedback Program).
- (F) Section 3007 (value based payment modifier under physician fee schedule).
- (G) Section 3008 (payment adjustment for conditions acquired in hospitals).
- (H) Section 3013 (quality measure development).
- (I) Section 3014 (quality measurement).
- (J) Section 3021 (Establishment of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation).
- (K) Section 3025 (hospital readmission reduction program).
- (L) Section 3501 (health care delivery system research, quality improvement).
- (M) Section 4003 (Task Force on Clinical and Preventive Services).
- (N) Section 4301 (research to optimize deliver of public health services).
- (b) Report- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, a report containing the findings made by the Comptroller General under the study under subsection (a).
SEC. 10202. INCENTIVES FOR STATES TO OFFER HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES AS A LONG-TERM CARE ALTERNATIVE TO NURSING HOMES.
- (a) State Balancing Incentive Payments Program- Notwithstanding section 1905(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(b)), in the case of a balancing incentive payment State, as defined in subsection (b), that meets the conditions described in subsection (c), during the balancing incentive period, the Federal medical assistance percentage determined for the State under section 1905(b) of such Act and, if applicable, increased under subsection (z) or (aa) shall be increased by the applicable percentage points determined under subsection (d) with respect to eligible medical assistance expenditures described in subsection (e).
- (b) Balancing Incentive Payment State- A balancing incentive payment State is a State–
- (1) in which less than 50 percent of the total expenditures for medical assistance under the State Medicaid program for a fiscal year for long-term services and supports (as defined by the Secretary under subsection (f))(1)) are for non-institutionally-based long-term services and supports described in subsection (f)(1)(B);
- (2) that submits an application and meets the conditions described in subsection (c); and
- (3) that is selected by the Secretary to participate in the State balancing incentive payment program established under this section.
- (c) Conditions- The conditions described in this subsection are the following:
- (1) APPLICATION- The State submits an application to the Secretary that includes, in addition to such other information as the Secretary shall require–
- (A) a proposed budget that details the States plan to expand and diversify medical assistance for non-institutionally-based long-term services and supports described in subsection (f)(1)(B) under the State Medicaid program during the balancing incentive period and achieve the target spending percentage applicable to the State under paragraph (2), including through structural changes to how the State furnishes such assistance, such as through the establishment of a no wrong door–single entry point system, optional presumptive eligibility, case management services, and the use of core standardized assessment instruments, and that includes a description of the new or expanded offerings of such services that the State will provide and the projected costs of such services; and
- (B) in the case of a State that proposes to expand the provision of home and community-based services under its State Medicaid program through a State plan amendment under section 1915(i) of the Social Security Act, at the option of the State, an election to increase the income eligibility for such services from 150 percent of the poverty line to such higher percentage as the State may establish for such purpose, not to exceed 300 percent of the supplemental security income benefit rate established by section 1611(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382(b)(1)).
- (2) TARGET SPENDING PERCENTAGES-
- (A) In the case of a balancing incentive payment State in which less than 25 percent of the total expenditures for long-term services and supports under the State Medicaid program for fiscal year 2009 are for home and community-based services, the target spending percentage for the State to achieve by not later than October 1, 2015, is that 25 percent of the total expenditures for long-term services and supports under the State Medicaid program are for home and community-based services.
- (B) In the case of any other balancing incentive payment State, the target spending percentage for the State to achieve by not later than October 1, 2015, is that 50 percent of the total expenditures for long-term services and supports under the State Medicaid program are for home and community-based services.
- (3) MAINTENANCE OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS- The State does not apply eligibility standards, methodologies, or procedures for determining eligibility for medical assistance for non-institutionally-based long-term services and supports described in subsection (f)(1)(B) under the State Medicaid program that are more restrictive than the eligibility standards, methodologies, or procedures in effect for such purposes on December 31, 2010.
- (4) USE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS- The State agrees to use the additional Federal funds paid to the State as a result of this section only for purposes of providing new or expanded offerings of non-institutionally-based long-term services and supports described in subsection (f)(1)(B) under the State Medicaid program.
- (5) STRUCTURAL CHANGES- The State agrees to make, not later than the end of the 6-month period that begins on the date the State submits an application under this section, the following changes:
- (A) NO WRONG DOOR–SINGLE ENTRY POINT SYSTEM- Development of a statewide system to enable consumers to access all long-term services and supports through an agency, organization, coordinated network, or portal, in accordance with such standards as the State shall establish and that shall provide information regarding the availability of such services, how to apply for such services, referral services for services and supports otherwise available in the community, and determinations of financial and functional eligibility for such services and supports, or assistance with assessment processes for financial and functional eligibility.
- (B) CONFLICT-FREE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES- Conflict-free case management services to develop a service plan, arrange for services and supports, support the beneficiary (and, if appropriate, the beneficiarys caregivers) in directing the provision of services and supports for the beneficiary, and conduct ongoing monitoring to assure that services and supports are delivered to meet the beneficiarys needs and achieve intended outcomes.
- (C) CORE STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS- Development of core standardized assessment instruments for determining eligibility for non-institutionally-based long-term services and supports described in subsection (f)(1)(B), which shall be used in a uniform manner throughout the State, to determine a beneficiarys needs for training, support services, medical care, transportation, and other services, and develop an individual service plan to address such needs.
- (6) DATA COLLECTION- The State agrees to collect from providers of services and through such other means as the State determines appropriate the following data:
- (A) SERVICES DATA- Services data from providers of non-institutionally-based long-term services and supports described in subsection (f)(1)(B) on a per-beneficiary basis and in accordance with such standardized coding procedures as the State shall establish in consultation with the Secretary.
- (B) QUALITY DATA- Quality data on a selected set of core quality measures agreed upon by the Secretary and the State that are linked to population-specific outcomes measures and accessible to providers.
- (C) OUTCOMES MEASURES- Outcomes measures data on a selected set of core population-specific outcomes measures agreed upon by the Secretary and the State that are accessible to providers and include–
- (i) measures of beneficiary and family caregiver experience with providers;
- (ii) measures of beneficiary and family caregiver satisfaction with services; and
- (iii) measures for achieving desired outcomes appropriate to a specific beneficiary, including employment, participation in community life, health stability, and prevention of loss in function.
- (d) Applicable Percentage Points Increase in FMAP- The applicable percentage points increase is–
- (1) in the case of a balancing incentive payment State subject to the target spending percentage described in subsection (c)(2)(A), 5 percentage points; and
- (2) in the case of any other balancing incentive payment State, 2 percentage points.
- (e) Eligible Medical Assistance Expenditures-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Subject to paragraph (2), medical assistance described in this subsection is medical assistance for non-institutionally-based long-term services and supports described in subsection (f)(1)(B) that is provided by a balancing incentive payment State under its State Medicaid program during the balancing incentive payment period.
- (2) LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS- In no case may the aggregate amount of payments made by the Secretary to balancing incentive payment States under this section during the balancing incentive period exceed $3,000,000,000.
- (f) Definitions- In this section:
- (1) LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS DEFINED- The term long-term services and supports has the meaning given that term by Secretary and may include any of the following (as defined for purposes of State Medicaid programs):
- (A) INSTITUTIONALLY-BASED LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS- Services provided in an institution, including the following:
- (i) Nursing facility services.
- (ii) Services in an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded described in subsection (a)(15) of section 1905 of such Act.
- (B) NON-INSTITUTIONALLY-BASED LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS- Services not provided in an institution, including the following:
- (i) Home and community-based services provided under subsection (c), (d), or (i) of section 1915 of such Act or under a waiver under section 1115 of such Act.
- (ii) Home health care services.
- (iii) Personal care services.
- (iv) Services described in subsection (a)(26) of section 1905 of such Act (relating to PACE program services).
- (v) Self-directed personal assistance services described in section 1915(j) of such Act.
- (2) BALANCING INCENTIVE PERIOD- The term balancing incentive period means the period that begins on October 1, 2011, and ends on September 30, 2015.
- (3) POVERTY LINE- The term poverty line has the meaning given that term in section 2110(c)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397jj(c)(5)).
- (4) STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM- The term State Medicaid program means the State program for medical assistance provided under a State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act and under any waiver approved with respect to such State plan.
SEC. 10203. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR CHIP THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND OTHER CHIP-RELATED PROVISIONS.
- (a) Section 1311(c)(1) of this Act is amended by striking and at the end of subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (H) and inserting ; and, and by adding at the end the following:
- (I) report to the Secretary at least annually and in such manner as the Secretary shall require, pediatric quality reporting measures consistent with the pediatric quality reporting measures established under section 1139A of the Social Security Act.
- (b) Effective as if included in the enactment of the Childrens Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-3):
- (1) Section 1906(e)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396e(e)(2)) is amended by striking means and all that follows through the period and inserting has the meaning given that term in section 2105(c)(3)(A).
- (2)(A) Section 1906A(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396e-1(a)), is amended by inserting before the period the following: and the offering of such a subsidy is cost-effective, as defined for purposes of section 2105(c)(3)(A).
- (B) This Act shall be applied without regard to subparagraph (A) of section 2003(a)(1) of this Act and that subparagraph and the amendment made by that subparagraph are hereby deemed null, void, and of no effect.
- (3) Section 2105(c)(10) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee(c)(10)) is amended–
- (A) in subparagraph (A), in the first sentence, by inserting before the period the following: if the offering of such a subsidy is cost-effective, as defined for purposes of paragraph (3)(A);
- (B) by striking subparagraph (M); and
- (C) by redesignating subparagraph (N) as subparagraph (M).
- (4) Section 2105(c)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee(c)(3)(A)) is amended–
- (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking to and inserting to–; and
- (B) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon.
- (c) Section 2105 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee), as amended by section 2101, is amended–
- (1) in subsection (b), in the second sentence, by striking 2013 and inserting 2015; and
- (2) in subsection (d)(3)–
- (A) in subparagraph (A)–
- (i) in the first sentence, by inserting as a condition of receiving payments under section 1903(a), after 2019,;
- (ii) in clause (i), by striking or at the end;
- (iii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
- (iv) by inserting after clause (i), the following:
- (ii) after September 30, 2015, enrolling children eligible to be targeted low-income children under the State child health plan in a qualified health plan that has been certified by the Secretary under subparagraph (C); or;
- (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking provided coverage and inserting screened for eligibility for medical assistance under the State plan under title XIX or a waiver of that plan and, if found eligible, enrolled in such plan or a waiver. In the case of such children who, as a result of such screening, are determined to not be eligible for medical assistance under the State plan or a waiver under title XIX, the State shall establish procedures to ensure that the children are enrolled in a qualified health plan that has been certified by the Secretary under subparagraph (C) and is offered; and
- (C) by adding at the end the following:
- (C) CERTIFICATION OF COMPARABILITY OF PEDIATRIC COVERAGE OFFERED BY QUALIFIED HEALTH PLANS- With respect to each State, the Secretary, not later than April 1, 2015, shall review the benefits offered for children and the cost-sharing imposed with respect to such benefits by qualified health plans offered through an Exchange established by the State under section 1311 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and shall certify those plans that offer benefits for children and impose cost-sharing with respect to such benefits that the Secretary determines are at least comparable to the benefits offered and cost-sharing protections provided under the State child health plan.
- (d)(1) Section 2104(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(a)) is amended–
- (A) in paragraph (15), by striking and at the end; and
- (B) by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the following:
- (16) for fiscal year 2013, $17,406,000,000;
- (17) for fiscal year 2014, $19,147,000,000; and
- (18) for fiscal year 2015, for purposes of making 2 semi-annual allotments–
- (A) $2,850,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on March 31, 2015, and
- (B) $2,850,000,000 for the period beginning on April 1, 2015, and ending on September 30, 2015.
- (2)(A) Section 2104(m) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(m)), as amended by section 2102(a)(1), is amended–
- (i) in the subsection heading, by striking 2013 and inserting 2015;
- (ii) in paragraph (2)–
- (I) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2014; and
- (II) by adding at the end the following:
- (B) FISCAL YEARS 2013 AND 2014- Subject to paragraphs (4) and (6), from the amount made available under paragraphs (16) and (17) of subsection (a) for fiscal years 2013 and 2014, respectively, the Secretary shall compute a State allotment for each State (including the District of Columbia and each commonwealth and territory) for each such fiscal year as follows:
- (i) REBASING IN FISCAL YEAR 2013- For fiscal year 2013, the allotment of the State is equal to the Federal payments to the State that are attributable to (and countable towards) the total amount of allotments available under this section to the State in fiscal year 2012 (including payments made to the State under subsection (n) for fiscal year 2012 as well as amounts redistributed to the State in fiscal year 2012), multiplied by the allotment increase factor under paragraph (5) for fiscal year 2013.
- (ii) GROWTH FACTOR UPDATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014- For fiscal year 2014, the allotment of the State is equal to the sum of–
- (I) the amount of the State allotment under clause (i) for fiscal year 2013; and
- (II) the amount of any payments made to the State under subsection (n) for fiscal year 2013,
- multiplied by the allotment increase factor under paragraph (5) for fiscal year 2014.;
- (iii) in paragraph (3)–
- (I) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2013 and inserting 2015;
- (II) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking paragraph (16) each place it appears and inserting paragraph (18);
- (III) in subparagraph (C)–
- (aa) by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2014; and
- (bb) by striking 2013 and inserting 2015; and
- (IV) in subparagraph (D)–
- (aa) in clause (i)(I), by striking subsection (a)(16)(A) and inserting subsection (a)(18)(A); and
- (bb) in clause (ii)(II), by striking subsection (a)(16)(B) and inserting subsection (a)(18)(B);
- (iv) in paragraph (4), by striking 2013 and inserting 2015;
- (v) in paragraph (6)–
- (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2015; and
- (II) in the flush language after and below subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking or fiscal year 2012 and inserting , fiscal year 2012, or fiscal year 2014; and
- (vi) in paragraph (8)–
- (I) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2013 and inserting 2015; and
- (II) by striking 2013 and inserting 2015.
- (B) Section 2104(n) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(n)) is amended–
- (i) in paragraph (2)–
- (I) in subparagraph (A)(ii)–
- (aa) by striking 2012 and inserting 2014; and
- (bb) by striking 2013 and inserting 2015;
- (II) in subparagraph (B)–
- (aa) by striking 2012 and inserting 2014; and
- (bb) by striking 2013 and inserting 2015; and
- (ii) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking or a semi-annual allotment period for fiscal year 2013 and inserting fiscal year 2013, fiscal year 2014, or a semi-annual allotment period for fiscal year 2015.
- (C) Section 2105(g)(4) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee(g)(4)) is amended–
- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2013 and inserting 2015; and
- (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 2013 and inserting 2015.
- (D) Section 2110(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397jj(b)) is amended–
- (i) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting except as provided in paragraph (6), before a child; and
- (ii) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (6) EXCEPTIONS TO EXCLUSION OF CHILDREN OF EMPLOYEES OF A PUBLIC AGENCY IN THE STATE-
- (A) IN GENERAL- A child shall not be considered to be described in paragraph (2)(B) if–
- (i) the public agency that employs a member of the childs family to which such paragraph applies satisfies subparagraph (B); or
- (ii) subparagraph (C) applies to such child.
- (B) MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT WITH RESPECT TO PER PERSON AGENCY CONTRIBUTION FOR FAMILY COVERAGE- For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), a public agency satisfies this subparagraph if the amount of annual agency expenditures made on behalf of each employee enrolled in health coverage paid for by the agency that includes dependent coverage for the most recent State fiscal year is not less than the amount of such expenditures made by the agency for the 1997 State fiscal year, increased by the percentage increase in the medical care expenditure category of the Consumer Price Index for All-Urban Consumers (all items: U.S. City Average) for such preceding fiscal year.
- (C) HARDSHIP EXCEPTION- For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), this subparagraph applies to a child if the State determines, on a case-by-case basis, that the annual aggregate amount of premiums and cost-sharing imposed for coverage of the family of the child would exceed 5 percent of such familys income for the year involved.
- (E) Section 2113 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397mm) is amended–
- (i) in subsection (a)(1), by striking 2013 and inserting 2015; and
- (ii) in subsection (g), by striking $100,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2013 and inserting $140,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2015.
- (F) Section 108 of Public Law 111-3 is amended by striking $11,706,000,000 and all that follows through the second sentence and inserting $15,361,000,000 to accompany the allotment made for the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on March 31, 2015, under section 2104(a)(18)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(a)(18)(A)), to remain available until expended. Such amount shall be used to provide allotments to States under paragraph (3) of section 2104(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd(m)) for the first 6 months of fiscal year 2015 in the same manner as allotments are provided under subsection (a)(18)(A) of such section 2104 and subject to the same terms and conditions as apply to the allotments provided from such subsection (a)(18)(A).
PART II–SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING TEENS AND WOMEN
SEC. 10211. DEFINITIONS.
- In this part:
- (1) ACCOMPANIMENT- The term accompaniment means assisting, representing, and accompanying a woman in seeking judicial relief for child support, child custody, restraining orders, and restitution for harm to persons and property, and in filing criminal charges, and may include the payment of court costs and reasonable attorney and witness fees associated therewith.
- (2) ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION- The term eligible institution of higher education means an institution of higher education (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that has established and operates, or agrees to establish and operate upon the receipt of a grant under this part, a pregnant and parenting student services office.
- (3) COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER- The term community service center means a non-profit organization that provides social services to residents of a specific geographical area via direct service or by contract with a local governmental agency.
- (4) HIGH SCHOOL- The term high school means any public or private school that operates grades 10 through 12, inclusive, grades 9 through 12, inclusive or grades 7 through 12, inclusive.
- (5) INTERVENTION SERVICES- The term intervention services means, with respect to domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, or stalking, 24-hour telephone hotline services for police protection and referral to shelters.
- (6) SECRETARY- The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- (7) STATE- The term State includes the District of Columbia, any commonwealth, possession, or other territory of the United States, and any Indian tribe or reservation.
- (8) SUPPORTIVE SOCIAL SERVICES- The term supportive social services means transitional and permanent housing, vocational counseling, and individual and group counseling aimed at preventing domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- (9) VIOLENCE- The term violence means actual violence and the risk or threat of violence.
SEC. 10212. ESTABLISHMENT OF PREGNANCY ASSISTANCE FUND.
- (a) In General- The Secretary, in collaboration and coordination with the Secretary of Education (as appropriate), shall establish a Pregnancy Assistance Fund to be administered by the Secretary, for the purpose of awarding competitive grants to States to assist pregnant and parenting teens and women.
- (b) Use of Fund- A State may apply for a grant under subsection (a) to carry out any activities provided for in section 10213.
- (c) Applications- To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), a State shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a description of the purposes for which the grant is being requested and the designation of a State agency for receipt and administration of funding received under this part.
SEC. 10213. PERMISSIBLE USES OF FUND.
- (a) In General- A State shall use amounts received under a grant under section 10212 for the purposes described in this section to assist pregnant and parenting teens and women.
- (b) Institutions of Higher Education-
- (1) IN GENERAL- A State may use amounts received under a grant under section 10212 to make funding available to eligible institutions of higher education to enable the eligible institutions to establish, maintain, or operate pregnant and parenting student services. Such funding shall be used to supplement, not supplant, existing funding for such services.
- (2) APPLICATION- An eligible institution of higher education that desires to receive funding under this subsection shall submit an application to the designated State agency at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the State agency may require.
- (3) MATCHING REQUIREMENT- An eligible institution of higher education that receives funding under this subsection shall contribute to the conduct of the pregnant and parenting student services office supported by the funding an amount from non-Federal funds equal to 25 percent of the amount of the funding provided. The non-Federal share may be in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including services, facilities, supplies, or equipment.
- (4) USE OF FUNDS FOR ASSISTING PREGNANT AND PARENTING COLLEGE STUDENTS- An eligible institution of higher education that receives funding under this subsection shall use such funds to establish, maintain or operate pregnant and parenting student services and may use such funding for the following programs and activities:
- (A) Conduct a needs assessment on campus and within the local community–
- (i) to assess pregnancy and parenting resources, located on the campus or within the local community, that are available to meet the needs described in subparagraph (B); and
- (ii) to set goals for–
- (I) improving such resources for pregnant, parenting, and prospective parenting students; and
- (II) improving access to such resources.
- (B) Annually assess the performance of the eligible institution in meeting the following needs of students enrolled in the eligible institution who are pregnant or are parents:
- (i) The inclusion of maternity coverage and the availability of riders for additional family members in student health care.
- (ii) Family housing.
- (iii) Child care.
- (iv) Flexible or alternative academic scheduling, such as telecommuting programs, to enable pregnant or parenting students to continue their education or stay in school.
- (v) Education to improve parenting skills for mothers and fathers and to strengthen marriages.
- (vi) Maternity and baby clothing, baby food (including formula), baby furniture, and similar items to assist parents and prospective parents in meeting the material needs of their children.
- (vii) Post-partum counseling.
- (C) Identify public and private service providers, located on the campus of the eligible institution or within the local community, that are qualified to meet the needs described in subparagraph (B), and establishes programs with qualified providers to meet such needs.
- (D) Assist pregnant and parenting students, fathers or spouses in locating and obtaining services that meet the needs described in subparagraph (B).
- (E) If appropriate, provide referrals for prenatal care and delivery, infant or foster care, or adoption, to a student who requests such information. An office shall make such referrals only to service providers that serve the following types of individuals:
- (i) Parents.
- (ii) Prospective parents awaiting adoption.
- (iii) Women who are pregnant and plan on parenting or placing the child for adoption.
- (iv) Parenting or prospective parenting couples.
- (5) REPORTING-
- (A) ANNUAL REPORT BY INSTITUTIONS-
- (i) IN GENERAL- For each fiscal year that an eligible institution of higher education receives funds under this subsection, the eligible institution shall prepare and submit to the State, by the date determined by the State, a report that–
- (I) itemizes the pregnant and parenting student services offices expenditures for the fiscal year;
- (II) contains a review and evaluation of the performance of the office in fulfilling the requirements of this section, using the specific performance criteria or standards established under subparagraph (B)(i); and
- (III) describes the achievement of the office in meeting the needs listed in paragraph (4)(B) of the students served by the eligible institution, and the frequency of use of the office by such students.
- (ii) PERFORMANCE CRITERIA- Not later than 180 days before the date the annual report described in clause (i) is submitted, the State–
- (I) shall identify the specific performance criteria or standards that shall be used to prepare the report; and
- (II) may establish the form or format of the report.
- (B) REPORT BY STATE- The State shall annually prepare and submit a report on the findings under this subsection, including the number of eligible institutions of higher education that were awarded funds and the number of students served by each pregnant and parenting student services office receiving funds under this section, to the Secretary.
- (c) Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens- A State may use amounts received under a grant under section 10212 to make funding available to eligible high schools and community service centers to establish, maintain or operate pregnant and parenting services in the same general manner and in accordance with all conditions and requirements described in subsection (b), except that paragraph (3) of such subsection shall not apply for purposes of this subsection.
- (d) Improving Services for Pregnant Women Who Are Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking-
- (1) IN GENERAL- A State may use amounts received under a grant under section 10212 to make funding available tp its State Attorney General to assist Statewide offices in providing–
- (A) intervention services, accompaniment, and supportive social services for eligible pregnant women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- (B) technical assistance and training (as described in subsection (c)) relating to violence against eligible pregnant women to be made available to the following:
- (i) Federal, State, tribal, territorial, and local governments, law enforcement agencies, and courts.
- (ii) Professionals working in legal, social service, and health care settings.
- (iii) Nonprofit organizations.
- (iv) Faith-based organizations.
- (2) ELIGIBILITY- To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1), a State Attorney General shall submit an application to the designated State agency at such time, in such manner, and containing such information, as specified by the State.
- (3) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING DESCRIBED- For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), technical assistance and training is–
- (A) the identification of eligible pregnant women experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, or stalking;
- (B) the assessment of the immediate and short-term safety of such a pregnant woman, the evaluation of the impact of the violence or stalking on the pregnant womans health, and the assistance of the pregnant woman in developing a plan aimed at preventing further domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as appropriate;
- (C) the maintenance of complete medical or forensic records that include the documentation of any examination, treatment given, and referrals made, recording the location and nature of the pregnant womans injuries, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of those medical records; and
- (D) the identification and referral of the pregnant woman to appropriate public and private nonprofit entities that provide intervention services, accompaniment, and supportive social services.
- (4) ELIGIBLE PREGNANT WOMAN- In this subsection, the term eligible pregnant woman means any woman who is pregnant on the date on which such woman becomes a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault, or stalking or who was pregnant during the one-year period before such date.
- (e) Public Awareness and Education- A State may use amounts received under a grant under section 10212 to make funding available to increase public awareness and education concerning any services available to pregnant and parenting teens and women under this part, or any other resources available to pregnant and parenting women in keeping with the intent and purposes of this part. The State shall be responsible for setting guidelines or limits as to how much of funding may be utilized for public awareness and education in any funding award.
SEC. 10214. APPROPRIATIONS.
- There is authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2019, to carry out this part.
PART III–INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT
SEC. 10221. INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT.
- (a) In General- Except as provided in subsection (b), S. 1790 entitled A bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise and extend that Act, and for other purposes., as reported by the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate in December 2009, is enacted into law.
- (b) Amendments-
- (1) Section 119 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (as amended by section 111 of the bill referred to in subsection (a)) is amended–
- (A) in subsection (d)–
- (i) in paragraph (2), by striking In establishing and inserting Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), in establishing; and
- (ii) by adding at the end the following:
- (3) ELECTION OF INDIAN TRIBE OR TRIBAL ORGANIZATION-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) shall not apply in the case of an election made by an Indian tribe or tribal organization located in a State (other than Alaska) in which the use of dental health aide therapist services or midlevel dental health provider services is authorized under State law to supply such services in accordance with State law.
- (B) ACTION BY SECRETARY- On an election by an Indian tribe or tribal organization under subparagraph (A), the Secretary, acting through the Service, shall facilitate implementation of the services elected.
- (4) VACANCIES- The Secretary shall not fill any vacancy for a certified dentist in a program operated by the Service with a dental health aide therapist.; andul>
- (B) by adding at the end the following:
- (e) Effect of Section- Nothing in this section shall restrict the ability of the Service, an Indian tribe, or a tribal organization to participate in any program or to provide any service authorized by any other Federal law.
- (2) The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (as amended by section 134(b) of the bill referred to in subsection (a)) is amended by striking section 125 (relating to treatment of scholarships for certain purposes).
- (3) Section 806 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1676) is amended–
- (A) by striking Any limitation and inserting the following:
- (a) HHS Appropriations- Any limitation; and
- (B) by adding at the end the following:
- (b) Limitations Pursuant to Other Federal Law- Any limitation pursuant to other Federal laws on the use of Federal funds appropriated to the Service shall apply with respect to the performance or coverage of abortions.
- (4) The bill referred to in subsection (a) is amended by striking section 201.
Subtitle C–Provisions Relating to Title III
SEC. 10301. PLANS FOR A VALUE-BASED PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS.
- (a) In General- Section 3006 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
- (f) Ambulatory Surgical Centers-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall develop a plan to implement a value-based purchasing program for payments under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for ambulatory surgical centers (as described in section 1833(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(i))).
- (2) DETAILS- In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the following issues:
- (A) The ongoing development, selection, and modification process for measures (including under section 1890 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395aaa) and section 1890A of such Act, as added by section 3014), to the extent feasible and practicable, of all dimensions of quality and efficiency in ambulatory surgical centers.
- (B) The reporting, collection, and validation of quality data.
- (C) The structure of value-based payment adjustments, including the determination of thresholds or improvements in quality that would substantiate a payment adjustment, the size of such payments, and the sources of funding for the value-based bonus payments.
- (D) Methods for the public disclosure of information on the performance of ambulatory surgical centers.
- (E) Any other issues determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (3) CONSULTATION- In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall–
- (A) consult with relevant affected parties; and
- (B) consider experience with such demonstrations that the Secretary determines are relevant to the value-based purchasing program described in paragraph (1).
- (4) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than January 1, 2011, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the plan developed under paragraph (1).
- (b) Technical- Section 3006(a)(2)(A) is amended by striking clauses (i) and (ii).
SEC. 10302. REVISION TO NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN HEALTH CARE.
- Section 399HH(a)(2)(B)(iii) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 3011, is amended by inserting (taking into consideration the limitations set forth in subsections (c) and (d) of section 1182 of the Social Security Act) after information.
SEC. 10303. DEVELOPMENT OF OUTCOME MEASURES.
- (a) Development- Section 931 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 3013(a), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
- (f) Development of Outcome Measures-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall develop, and periodically update (not less than every 3 years), provider-level outcome measures for hospitals and physicians, as well as other providers as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (2) CATEGORIES OF MEASURES- The measures developed under this subsection shall include, to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary–
- (A) outcome measurement for acute and chronic diseases, including, to the extent feasible, the 5 most prevalent and resource-intensive acute and chronic medical conditions; and
- (B) outcome measurement for primary and preventative care, including, to the extent feasible, measurements that cover provision of such care for distinct patient populations (such as healthy children, chronically ill adults, or infirm elderly individuals).
- (3) GOALS- In developing such measures, the Secretary shall seek to–
- (A) address issues regarding risk adjustment, accountability, and sample size;
- (B) include the full scope of services that comprise a cycle of care; and
- (C) include multiple dimensions.
- (4) TIMEFRAME-
- (A) ACUTE AND CHRONIC DISEASES- Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop not less than 10 measures described in paragraph (2)(A).
- (B) PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE CARE- Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop not less than 10 measures described in paragraph (2)(B).
- (b) Hospital-acquired Conditions- Section 1890A of the Social Security Act, as amended by section 3013(b), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
- (f) Hospital Acquired Conditions- The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, publicly report on measures for hospital-acquired conditions that are currently utilized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the adjustment of the amount of payment to hospitals based on rates of hospital-acquired infections.
- (c) Clinical Practice Guidelines- Section 304(b) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-275) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (4) IDENTIFICATION-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Following receipt of the report submitted under paragraph (2), and not less than every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall contract with the Institute to employ the results of the study performed under paragraph (1) and the best methods identified by the Institute for the purpose of identifying existing and new clinical practice guidelines that were developed using such best methods, including guidelines listed in the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
- (B) CONSULTATION- In carrying out the identification process under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall allow for consultation with professional societies, voluntary health care organizations, and expert panels.
SEC. 10304. SELECTION OF EFFICIENCY MEASURES.
- Sections 1890(b)(7) and 1890A of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3014, are amended by striking quality each place it appears and inserting quality and efficiency.
SEC. 10305. DATA COLLECTION; PUBLIC REPORTING.
- Section 399II(a) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 3015, is amended to read as follows:
- (a) In General-
- (1) ESTABLISHMENT OF STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK- The Secretary shall establish and implement an overall strategic framework to carry out the public reporting of performance information, as described in section 399JJ. Such strategic framework may include methods and related timelines for implementing nationally consistent data collection, data aggregation, and analysis methods.
- (2) COLLECTION AND AGGREGATION OF DATA- The Secretary shall collect and aggregate consistent data on quality and resource use measures from information systems used to support health care delivery, and may award grants or contracts for this purpose. The Secretary shall align such collection and aggregation efforts with the requirements and assistance regarding the expansion of health information technology systems, the interoperability of such technology systems, and related standards that are in effect on the date of enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
- (3) SCOPE- The Secretary shall ensure that the data collection, data aggregation, and analysis systems described in paragraph (1) involve an increasingly broad range of patient populations, providers, and geographic areas over time.
SEC. 10306. IMPROVEMENTS UNDER THE CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID INNOVATION.
- Section 1115A of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3021, is amended–
- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting at the end the following new paragraph:
- (5) TESTING WITHIN CERTAIN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS- For purposes of testing payment and service delivery models under this section, the Secretary may elect to limit testing of a model to certain geographic areas.;
- (2) in subsection (b)(2)–
- (A) in subparagraph (A)–
- (i) in the second sentence, by striking the preceding sentence may include and inserting this subparagraph may include, but are not limited to,; and
- (ii) by inserting after the first sentence the following new sentence: The Secretary shall focus on models expected to reduce program costs under the applicable title while preserving or enhancing the quality of care received by individuals receiving benefits under such title.;
- (B) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the following new clauses:
- (xix) Utilizing, in particular in entities located in medically underserved areas and facilities of the Indian Health Service (whether operated by such Service or by an Indian tribe or tribal organization (as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act)), telehealth services–
- (I) in treating behavioral health issues (such as post-traumatic stress disorder) and stroke; and
- (II) to improve the capacity of non-medical providers and non-specialized medical providers to provide health services for patients with chronic complex conditions.
- (xx) Utilizing a diverse network of providers of services and suppliers to improve care coordination for applicable individuals described in subsection (a)(4)(A)(i) with 2 or more chronic conditions and a history of prior-year hospitalization through interventions developed under the Medicare Coordinated Care Demonstration Project under section 4016 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 1395b-1 note).; and
- (C) in subparagraph (C), by adding at the end the following new clause:
- (viii) Whether the model demonstrates effective linkage with other public sector or private sector payers.;
- (3) in subsection (b)(4), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
- (C) MEASURE SELECTION- To the extent feasible, the Secretary shall select measures under this paragraph that reflect national priorities for quality improvement and patient-centered care consistent with the measures described in 1890(b)(7)(B).; and
- (4) in subsection (c)–
- (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking care and reduce spending; and and inserting patient care without increasing spending;;
- (B) in paragraph (2), by striking reduce program spending under applicable titles. and inserting reduce (or would not result in any increase in) net program spending under applicable titles; and; and
- (C) by adding at the end the following:
- (3) the Secretary determines that such expansion would not deny or limit the coverage or provision of benefits under the applicable title for applicable individuals.
- In determining which models or demonstration projects to expand under the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall focus on models and demonstration projects that improve the quality of patient care and reduce spending.
SEC. 10307. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MEDICARE SHARED SAVINGS PROGRAM.
- Section 1899 of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3022, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
- (i) Option To Use Other Payment Models-
- (1) IN GENERAL- If the Secretary determines appropriate, the Secretary may use any of the payment models described in paragraph (2) or (3) for making payments under the program rather than the payment model described in subsection (d).
- (2) PARTIAL CAPITATION MODEL-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), a model described in this paragraph is a partial capitation model in which an ACO is at financial risk for some, but not all, of the items and services covered under parts A and B, such as at risk for some or all physicians services or all items and services under part B. The Secretary may limit a partial capitation model to ACOs that are highly integrated systems of care and to ACOs capable of bearing risk, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.
- (B) NO ADDITIONAL PROGRAM EXPENDITURES- Payments to an ACO for items and services under this title for beneficiaries for a year under the partial capitation model shall be established in a manner that does not result in spending more for such ACO for such beneficiaries than would otherwise be expended for such ACO for such beneficiaries for such year if the model were not implemented, as estimated by the Secretary.
- (3) OTHER PAYMENT MODELS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), a model described in this paragraph is any payment model that the Secretary determines will improve the quality and efficiency of items and services furnished under this title.
- (B) NO ADDITIONAL PROGRAM EXPENDITURES- Subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) shall apply to a payment model under subparagraph (A) in a similar manner as such subparagraph (B) applies to the payment model under paragraph (2).
- (j) Involvement in Private Payer and Other Third Party Arrangements- The Secretary may give preference to ACOs who are participating in similar arrangements with other payers.
- (k) Treatment of Physician Group Practice Demonstration- During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section and ending on the date the program is established, the Secretary may enter into an agreement with an ACO under the demonstration under section 1866A, subject to rebasing and other modifications deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
SEC. 10308. REVISIONS TO NATIONAL PILOT PROGRAM ON PAYMENT BUNDLING.
- (a) In General- Section 1866D of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3023, is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (a)(2)(B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 8 conditions and inserting 10 conditions;
- (2) by striking subsection (c)(1)(B) and inserting the following:
- (B) EXPANSION- The Secretary may, at any point after January 1, 2016, expand the duration and scope of the pilot program, to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, if–
- (i) the Secretary determines that such expansion is expected to–
- (I) reduce spending under title XVIII of the Social Security Act without reducing the quality of care; or
- (II) improve the quality of care and reduce spending;
- (ii) the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services certifies that such expansion would reduce program spending under such title XVIII; and
- (iii) the Secretary determines that such expansion would not deny or limit the coverage or provision of benefits under this title for individuals.; and
- (3) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following new subsection:
- (g) Application of Pilot Program to Continuing Care Hospitals-
- (1) IN GENERAL- In conducting the pilot program, the Secretary shall apply the provisions of the program so as to separately pilot test the continuing care hospital model.
- (2) SPECIAL RULES- In pilot testing the continuing care hospital model under paragraph (1), the following rules shall apply:
- (A) Such model shall be tested without the limitation to the conditions selected under subsection (a)(2)(B).
- (B) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2)(D), an episode of care shall be defined as the full period that a patient stays in the continuing care hospital plus the first 30 days following discharge from such hospital.
- (3) CONTINUING CARE HOSPITAL DEFINED- In this subsection, the term continuing care hospital means an entity that has demonstrated the ability to meet patient care and patient safety standards and that provides under common management the medical and rehabilitation services provided in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and units (as defined in section 1886(d)(1)(B)(ii)), long term care hospitals (as defined in section 1886(d)(1)(B)(iv)(I)), and skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section 1819(a)) that are located in a hospital described in section 1886(d).
- (b) Technical Amendments-
- (1) Section 3023 is amended by striking 1886C and inserting 1866C.
- (2) Title XVIII of the Social Security Act is amended by redesignating section 1866D, as added by section 3024, as section 1866E.
SEC. 10309. REVISIONS TO HOSPITAL READMISSIONS REDUCTION PROGRAM.
- Section 1886(q)(1) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3025, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), is amended by striking the Secretary shall reduce the payments and all that follows through the product of and inserting the Secretary shall make payments (in addition to the payments described in paragraph (2)(A)(ii)) for such a discharge to such hospital under subsection (d) (or section 1814(b)(3), as the case may be) in an amount equal to the product of.
SEC. 10310. REPEAL OF PHYSICIAN PAYMENT UPDATE.
- The provisions of, and the amendment made by, section 3101 are repealed.
SEC. 10311. REVISIONS TO EXTENSION OF AMBULANCE ADD-ONS.
- (a) Ground Ambulance- Section 1834(l)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)(13)(A)), as amended by section 3105(a), is further amended–
- (1) in the matter preceding clause (i)–
- (A) by striking 2007, for and inserting 2007, and for; and
- (B) by striking 2010, and for such services furnished on or after April 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2011 and inserting 2011; and
- (2) in each of clauses (i) and (ii)–
- (A) by striking , and on or after April 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2011 each place it appears; and
- (B) by striking January 1, 2010 and inserting January 1, 2011 each place it appears.
- (b) Air Ambulance- Section 146(b)(1) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-275), as amended by section 3105(b), is further amended by striking December 31, 2009, and during the period beginning on April 1, 2010, and ending on January 1, 2011 and inserting December 31, 2010.
- (c) Super Rural Ambulance- Section 1834(l)(12)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)(12)(A)), as amended by section 3105(c), is further amended by striking 2010, and on or after April 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2011 and inserting 2011.
SEC. 10312. CERTAIN PAYMENT RULES FOR LONG-TERM CARE HOSPITAL SERVICES AND MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CERTAIN HOSPITALS AND FACILITIES.
- (a) Certain Payment Rules- Section 114(c) of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 1395ww note), as amended by section 4302(a) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Public Law 111-5) and section 3106(a) of this Act, is further amended by striking 4-year period each place it appears and inserting 5-year period.
- (b) Moratorium- Section 114(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww note), as amended by section 3106(b) of this Act, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), is amended by striking 4-year period and inserting 5-year period.
SEC. 10313. REVISIONS TO THE EXTENSION FOR THE RURAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
- (a) In General- Subsection (g) of section 410A of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173; 117 Stat. 2272), as added by section 3123(a) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (g) Five-Year Extension of Demonstration Program-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Subject to the succeeding provisions of this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct the demonstration program under this section for an additional 5-year period (in this section referred to as the 5-year extension period) that begins on the date immediately following the last day of the initial 5-year period under subsection (a)(5).
- (2) EXPANSION OF DEMONSTRATION STATES- Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), during the 5-year extension period, the Secretary shall expand the number of States with low population densities determined by the Secretary under such subsection to 20. In determining which States to include in such expansion, the Secretary shall use the same criteria and data that the Secretary used to determine the States under such subsection for purposes of the initial 5-year period.
- (3) INCREASE IN MAXIMUM NUMBER OF HOSPITALS PARTICIPATING IN THE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM- Notwithstanding subsection (a)(4), during the 5-year extension period, not more than 30 rural community hospitals may participate in the demonstration program under this section.
- (4) HOSPITALS IN DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON DATE OF ENACTMENT- In the case of a rural community hospital that is participating in the demonstration program under this section as of the last day of the initial 5-year period, the Secretary–
- (A) shall provide for the continued participation of such rural community hospital in the demonstration program during the 5-year extension period unless the rural community hospital makes an election, in such form and manner as the Secretary may specify, to discontinue such participation; and
- (B) in calculating the amount of payment under subsection (b) to the rural community hospital for covered inpatient hospital services furnished by the hospital during such 5-year extension period, shall substitute, under paragraph (1)(A) of such subsection–
- (i) the reasonable costs of providing such services for discharges occurring in the first cost reporting period beginning on or after the first day of the 5-year extension period, for
- (ii) the reasonable costs of providing such services for discharges occurring in the first cost reporting period beginning on or after the implementation of the demonstration program.
- (b) Conforming Amendments- Subsection (a)(5) of section 410A of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173; 117 Stat. 2272), as amended by section 3123(b) of this Act, is amended by striking 1-year extension and inserting 5-year extension.
SEC. 10314. ADJUSTMENT TO LOW-VOLUME HOSPITAL PROVISION.
- Section 1886(d)(12) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(12), as amended by section 3125, is amended–
- (1) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking 1,500 discharges and inserting 1,600 discharges; and
- (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking 1,500 discharges and inserting 1,600 discharges.
SEC. 10315. REVISIONS TO HOME HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS.
- (a) Rebasing- Section 1895(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3131, is amended–
- (1) in the clause heading, by striking 2013 and inserting 2014;
- (2) in subclause (I), by striking 2013 and inserting 2014; and
- (3) in subclause (II), by striking 2016 and inserting 2017.
- (b) Revision of Home Health Study and Report- Section 3131(d) is amended to read as follows:
- (d) Study and Report on the Development of Home Health Payment Revisions in Order to Ensure Access to Care and Payment for Severity of Illness-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the Secretary) shall conduct a study on home health agency costs involved with providing ongoing access to care to low-income Medicare beneficiaries or beneficiaries in medically underserved areas, and in treating beneficiaries with varying levels of severity of illness. In conducting the study, the Secretary may analyze items such as the following:
- (A) Methods to potentially revise the home health prospective payment system under section 1895 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff) to account for costs related to patient severity of illness or to improving beneficiary access to care, such as–
- (i) payment adjustments for services that may involve additional or fewer resources;
- (ii) changes to reflect resources involved with providing home health services to low-income Medicare beneficiaries or Medicare beneficiaries residing in medically underserved areas;
- (iii) ways outlier payments might be revised to reflect costs of treating Medicare beneficiaries with high levels of severity of illness; and
- (iv) other issues determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (B) Operational issues involved with potential implementation of potential revisions to the home health payment system, including impacts for both home health agencies and administrative and systems issues for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and any possible payment vulnerabilities associated with implementing potential revisions.
- (C) Whether additional research might be needed.
- (D) Other items determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (2) CONSIDERATIONS- In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary may consider whether patient severity of illness and access to care could be measured by factors, such as–
- (A) population density and relative patient access to care;
- (B) variations in service costs for providing care to individuals who are dually eligible under the Medicare and Medicaid programs;
- (C) the presence of severe or chronic diseases, which might be measured by multiple, discontinuous home health episodes;
- (D) poverty status, such as evidenced by the receipt of Supplemental Security Income under title XVI of the Social Security Act; and
- (E) other factors determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (3) REPORT- Not later than March 1, 2014, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under paragraph (1), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Secretary determines appropriate.
- (4) CONSULTATIONS- In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with appropriate stakeholders, such as groups representing home health agencies and groups representing Medicare beneficiaries.
- (5) MEDICARE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (D), taking into account the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1), the Secretary may, as determined appropriate, provide for a demonstration project to test whether making payment adjustments for home health services under the Medicare program would substantially improve access to care for patients with high severity levels of illness or for low-income or underserved Medicare beneficiaries.
- (B) WAIVING BUDGET NEUTRALITY- The Secretary shall not reduce the standard prospective payment amount (or amounts) under section 1895 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff) applicable to home health services furnished during a period to offset any increase in payments during such period resulting from the application of the payment adjustments under subparagraph (A).
- (C) NO EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PERIODS- A payment adjustment resulting from the application of subparagraph (A) for a period–
- (i) shall not apply to payments for home health services under title XVIII after such period; and
- (ii) shall not be taken into account in calculating the payment amounts applicable for such services after such period.
- (D) DURATION- If the Secretary determines it appropriate to conduct the demonstration project under this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct the project for a four year period beginning not later than January 1, 2015.
- (E) FUNDING- The Secretary shall provide for the transfer from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i) and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund established under section 1841 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395t), in such proportion as the Secretary determines appropriate, of $500,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2015 through 2018. Such funds shall be made available for the study described in paragraph (1) and the design, implementation and evaluation of the demonstration described in this paragraph. Amounts available under this subparagraph shall be available until expended.
- (F) EVALUATION AND REPORT- If the Secretary determines it appropriate to conduct the demonstration project under this subsection, the Secretary shall–
- (i) provide for an evaluation of the project; and
- (ii) submit to Congress, by a date specified by the Secretary, a report on the project.
- (G) ADMINISTRATION- Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, shall not apply with respect to this subsection.
SEC. 10316. MEDICARE DSH.
- Section 1886(r)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3133, is amended–
- (1) in clause (i)–
- (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking (divided by 100);
- (B) in subclause (I), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013;
- (C) in subclause (II), by striking the period at the end and inserting a comma; and
- (D) by adding at the end the following flush matter:
- minus 1.5 percentage points.
- (2) in clause (ii)–
- (A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking (divided by 100);
- (B) in subclause (I), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013;
- (C) in subclause (II), by striking the period at the end and inserting a comma; and
- (D) by adding at the end the following flush matter:
- and, for each of 2018 and 2019, minus 1.5 percentage points.
SEC. 10317. REVISIONS TO EXTENSION OF SECTION 508 HOSPITAL PROVISIONS.
- Section 3137(a) is amended to read as follows:
- (a) Extension-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Subsection (a) of section 106 of division B of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 1395 note), as amended by section 117 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-173) and section 124 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-275), is amended by striking September 30, 2009 and inserting September 30, 2010.
- (2) SPECIAL RULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), for purposes of implementation of the amendment made by paragraph (1), including (notwithstanding paragraph (3) of section 117(a) of the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-173), as amended by section 124(b) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-275)) for purposes of the implementation of paragraph (2) of such section 117(a), during fiscal year 2010, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this subsection referred to as the Secretary) shall use the hospital wage index that was promulgated by the Secretary in the Federal Register on August 27, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 43754), and any subsequent corrections.
- (B) EXCEPTION- Beginning on April 1, 2010, in determining the wage index applicable to hospitals that qualify for wage index reclassification, the Secretary shall include the average hourly wage data of hospitals whose reclassification was extended pursuant to the amendment made by paragraph (1) only if including such data results in a higher applicable reclassified wage index.
- (3) ADJUSTMENT FOR CERTAIN HOSPITALS IN FISCAL YEAR 2010-
- (A) IN GENERAL- In the case of a subsection (d) hospital (as defined in subsection (d)(1)(B) of section 1886 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww)) with respect to which–
- (i) a reclassification of its wage index for purposes of such section was extended pursuant to the amendment made by paragraph (1); and
- (ii) the wage index applicable for such hospital for the period beginning on October 1, 2009, and ending on March 31, 2010, was lower than for the period beginning on April 1, 2010, and ending on September 30, 2010, by reason of the application of paragraph (2)(B);
- the Secretary shall pay such hospital an additional payment that reflects the difference between the wage index for such periods.
- (B) TIMEFRAME FOR PAYMENTS- The Secretary shall make payments required under subparagraph by not later than December 31, 2010.
SEC. 10318. REVISIONS TO TRANSITIONAL EXTRA BENEFITS UNDER MEDICARE ADVANTAGE.
- Section 1853(p)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3201(h), is amended by inserting in 2009 before the period at the end.
SEC. 10319. REVISIONS TO MARKET BASKET ADJUSTMENTS.
- (a) Inpatient Acute Hospitals- Section 1886(b)(3)(B)(xii) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3401(a), is amended–
- (1) in subclause (I), by striking and at the end;
- (2) by redesignating subclause (II) as subclause (III);
- (3) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause:
- (II) for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013, by 0.1 percentage point; and; and
- (4) in subclause (III), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2014.
- (b) Long-term Care Hospitals- Section 1886(m)(4) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3401(c), is amended–
- (1) in subparagraph (A)–
- (A) in clause (i)–
- (i) by striking each of rate years 2010 and 2011 and inserting rate year 2010; and
- (ii) by striking and at the end;
- (B) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iv);
- (C) by inserting after clause (i) the following new clauses:
- (ii) for rate year 2011, 0.50 percentage point;
- (iii) for each of the rate years beginning in 2012 and 2013, 0.1 percentage point; and; and
- (D) in clause (iv), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), by striking 2012 and inserting 2014; and
- (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking (A)(ii) and inserting (A)(iv).
- (c) Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities- Section 1886(j)(3)(D)(i) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3401(d), is amended–
- (1) in subclause (I), by striking and at the end;
- (2) by redesignating subclause (II) as subclause (III);
- (3) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause:
- (II) for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013, 0.1 percentage point; and; and
- (4) in subclause (III), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2014.
- (d) Home Health Agencies- Section 1895(b)(3)(B)(vi)(II) of such Act, as added by section 3401(e), is amended by striking and 2012 and inserting , 2012, and 2013.
- (e) Psychiatric Hospitals- Section 1886(s)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3401(f), is amended–
- (1) in clause (i), by striking and at the end;
- (2) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
- (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:
- (ii) for each of the rate years beginning in 2012 and 2013, 0.1 percentage point; and; and
- (4) in clause (iii), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2014.
- (f) Hospice Care- Section 1814(i)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(i)(1)(C)), as amended by section 3401(g), is amended–
- (1) in clause (iv)(II), by striking 0.5 and inserting 0.3; and
- (2) in clause (v), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 0.5 and inserting 0.3.
- (g) Outpatient Hospitals- Section 1833(t)(3)(G)(i) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3401(i), is amended–
- (1) in subclause (I), by striking and at the end;
- (2) by redesignating subclause (II) as subclause (III);
- (3) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new subclause:
- (II) for each of 2012 and 2013, 0.1 percentage point; and; and
- (4) in subclause (III), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking 2012 and inserting 2014.
SEC. 10320. EXPANSION OF THE SCOPE OF, AND ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS TO, THE INDEPENDENT MEDICARE ADVISORY BOARD.
- (a) In General- Section 1899A of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3403, is amended–
- (1) in subsection (c)–
- (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by adding at the end the following new sentence: In any year (beginning with 2014) that the Board is not required to submit a proposal under this section, the Board shall submit to Congress an advisory report on matters related to the Medicare program.;
- (B) in paragraph (2)(A)–
- (i) in clause (iv), by inserting or the full premium subsidy under section 1860D-14(a) before the period at the end of the last sentence; and
- (ii) by adding at the end the following new clause:
- (vii) If the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has made a determination described in subsection (e)(3)(B)(i)(II) in the determination year, the proposal shall be designed to help reduce the growth rate described in paragraph (8) while maintaining or enhancing beneficiary access to quality care under this title.;
- (C) in paragraph (2)(B)–
- (i) in clause (v), by striking and at the end;
- (ii) in clause (vi), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
- (iii) by adding at the end the following new clause:
- (vii) take into account the data and findings contained in the annual reports under subsection (n) in order to develop proposals that can most effectively promote the delivery of efficient, high quality care to Medicare beneficiaries.;
- (D) in paragraph (3)–
- (i) in the heading, by striking TRANSMISSION OF BOARD PROPOSAL TO PRESIDENT and inserting SUBMISSION OF BOARD PROPOSAL TO CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT;
- (ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking transmit a proposal under this section to the President and insert submit a proposal under this section to Congress and the President; and
- (iii) in subparagraph (A)(ii)–
- (I) in subclause (I), by inserting or at the end;
- (II) in subclause (II), by striking ; or and inserting a period; and
- (III) by striking subclause (III);
- (E) in paragraph (4)–
- (i) by striking the Board under paragraph (3)(A)(i) or; and
- (ii) by striking immediately and inserting within 2 days;
- (F) in paragraph (5)–
- (i) by striking to but and inserting but; and
- (ii) by inserting Congress and after submit a proposal to; and
- (G) in paragraph (6)(B)(i), by striking per unduplicated enrollee and inserting (calculated as the sum of per capita spending under each of parts A, B, and D);
- (2) in subsection (d)–
- (A) in paragraph (1)(A)–
- (i) by inserting the Board or after a proposal is submitted by; and
- (ii) by inserting subsection (c)(3)(A)(i) or after the Senate under; and
- (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting the Board or after a proposal is submitted by;
- (3) in subsection (e)–
- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting the Board or after a proposal submitted by; and
- (B) in paragraph (3)–
- (i) by striking EXCEPTION- The Secretary shall not be required to implement the recommendations contained in a proposal submitted in a proposal year by and inserting EXCEPTIONS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall not implement the recommendations contained in a proposal submitted in a proposal year by the Board or;
- (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and
- (iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
- (B) LIMITED ADDITIONAL EXCEPTION-
- (i) IN GENERAL- Subject to clause (ii), the Secretary shall not implement the recommendations contained in a proposal submitted by the Board or the President to Congress pursuant to this section in a proposal year (beginning with proposal year 2019) if–
- (I) the Board was required to submit a proposal to Congress under this section in the year preceding the proposal year; and
- (II) the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services makes a determination in the determination year that the growth rate described in subsection (c)(8) exceeds the growth rate described in subsection (c)(6)(A)(i).
- (ii) LIMITED ADDITIONAL EXCEPTION MAY NOT BE APPLIED IN TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS- This subparagraph shall not apply if the recommendations contained in a proposal submitted by the Board or the President to Congress pursuant to this section in the year preceding the proposal year were not required to be implemented by reason of this subparagraph.
- (iii) NO AFFECT ON REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS OR FOR CONGRESSIONAL CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS- Clause (i) and (ii) shall not affect–
- (I) the requirement of the Board or the President to submit a proposal to Congress in a proposal year in accordance with the provisions of this section; or
- (II) Congressional consideration of a legislative proposal (described in subsection (c)(3)(B)(iv)) contained such a proposal in accordance with subsection (d).;
- (4) in subsection (f)(3)(B)–
- (A) by striking or advisory reports to Congress and inserting , advisory reports, or advisory recommendations; and
- (B) by inserting or produce the public report under subsection (n) after this section; and
- (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
- (n) Annual Public Report-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Not later than July 1, 2014, and annually thereafter, the Board shall produce a public report containing standardized information on system-wide health care costs, patient access to care, utilization, and quality-of-care that allows for comparison by region, types of services, types of providers, and both private payers and the program under this title.
- (2) REQUIREMENTS- Each report produced pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include information with respect to the following areas:
- (A) The quality and costs of care for the population at the most local level determined practical by the Board (with quality and costs compared to national benchmarks and reflecting rates of change, taking into account quality measures described in section 1890(b)(7)(B)).
- (B) Beneficiary and consumer access to care, patient and caregiver experience of care, and the cost-sharing or out-of-pocket burden on patients.
- (C) Epidemiological shifts and demographic changes.
- (D) The proliferation, effectiveness, and utilization of health care technologies, including variation in provider practice patterns and costs.
- (E) Any other areas that the Board determines affect overall spending and quality of care in the private sector.
- (o) Advisory Recommendations for Non-Federal Health Care Programs-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Not later than January 15, 2015, and at least once every two years thereafter, the Board shall submit to Congress and the President recommendations to slow the growth in national health expenditures (excluding expenditures under this title and in other Federal health care programs) while preserving or enhancing quality of care, such as recommendations–
- (A) that the Secretary or other Federal agencies can implement administratively;
- (B) that may require legislation to be enacted by Congress in order to be implemented;
- (C) that may require legislation to be enacted by State or local governments in order to be implemented;
- (D) that private sector entities can voluntarily implement; and
- (E) with respect to other areas determined appropriate by the Board.
- (2) COORDINATION- In making recommendations under paragraph (1), the Board shall coordinate such recommendations with recommendations contained in proposals and advisory reports produced by the Board under subsection (c).
- (3) AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC- The Board shall make recommendations submitted to Congress and the President under this subsection available to the public.
- (b) Name Change- Any reference in the provisions of, or amendments made by, section 3403 to the Independent Medicare Advisory Board shall be deemed to be a reference to the Independent Payment Advisory Board.
- (c) Rule of Construction- Nothing in the amendments made by this section shall preclude the Independent Medicare Advisory Board, as established under section 1899A of the Social Security Act (as added by section 3403), from solely using data from public or private sources to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a)(4).
SEC. 10321. REVISION TO COMMUNITY HEALTH TEAMS.
- Section 3502(c)(2)(A) is amended by inserting or other primary care providers after physicians.
SEC. 10322. QUALITY REPORTING FOR PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS.
- (a) In General- Section 1886(s) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3401(f), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (4) QUALITY REPORTING-
- (A) REDUCTION IN UPDATE FOR FAILURE TO REPORT-
- (i) IN GENERAL- Under the system described in paragraph (1), for rate year 2014 and each subsequent rate year, in the case of a psychiatric hospital or psychiatric unit that does not submit data to the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (C) with respect to such a rate year, any annual update to a standard Federal rate for discharges for the hospital during the rate year, and after application of paragraph (2), shall be reduced by 2 percentage points.
- (ii) SPECIAL RULE- The application of this subparagraph may result in such annual update being less than 0.0 for a rate year, and may result in payment rates under the system described in paragraph (1) for a rate year being less than such payment rates for the preceding rate year.
- (B) NONCUMULATIVE APPLICATION- Any reduction under subparagraph (A) shall apply only with respect to the rate year involved and the Secretary shall not take into account such reduction in computing the payment amount under the system described in paragraph (1) for a subsequent rate year.
- (C) SUBMISSION OF QUALITY DATA- For rate year 2014 and each subsequent rate year, each psychiatric hospital and psychiatric unit shall submit to the Secretary data on quality measures specified under subparagraph (D). Such data shall be submitted in a form and manner, and at a time, specified by the Secretary for purposes of this subparagraph.
- (D) QUALITY MEASURES-
- (i) IN GENERAL- Subject to clause (ii), any measure specified by the Secretary under this subparagraph must have been endorsed by the entity with a contract under section 1890(a).
- (ii) EXCEPTION- In the case of a specified area or medical topic determined appropriate by the Secretary for which a feasible and practical measure has not been endorsed by the entity with a contract under section 1890(a), the Secretary may specify a measure that is not so endorsed as long as due consideration is given to measures that have been endorsed or adopted by a consensus organization identified by the Secretary.
- (iii) TIME FRAME- Not later than October 1, 2012, the Secretary shall publish the measures selected under this subparagraph that will be applicable with respect to rate year 2014.
- (E) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF DATA SUBMITTED- The Secretary shall establish procedures for making data submitted under subparagraph (C) available to the public. Such procedures shall ensure that a psychiatric hospital and a psychiatric unit has the opportunity to review the data that is to be made public with respect to the hospital or unit prior to such data being made public. The Secretary shall report quality measures that relate to services furnished in inpatient settings in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units on the Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- (b) Conforming Amendment- Section 1890(b)(7)(B)(i)(I) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3014, is amended by inserting 1886(s)(4)(D), after 1886(o)(2),.
SEC. 10323. MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPOSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS.
- (a) In General- Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1881 the following new section:
SEC. 1881A. MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPOSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS.
- (a) Deeming of Individuals as Eligible for Medicare Benefits-
- (1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of eligibility for benefits under this title, an individual determined under subsection (c) to be an environmental exposure affected individual described in subsection (e)(2) shall be deemed to meet the conditions specified in section 226(a).
- (2) DISCRETIONARY DEEMING- For purposes of eligibility for benefits under this title, the Secretary may deem an individual determined under subsection (c) to be an environmental exposure affected individual described in subsection (e)(3) to meet the conditions specified in section 226(a).
- (3) EFFECTIVE DATE OF COVERAGE- An Individual who is deemed eligible for benefits under this title under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be–
- (A) entitled to benefits under the program under Part A as of the date of such deeming; and
- (B) eligible to enroll in the program under Part B beginning with the month in which such deeming occurs.
- (b) Pilot Program for Care of Certain Individuals Residing in Emergency Declaration Areas-
- (1) PROGRAM; PURPOSE-
- (A) PRIMARY PILOT PROGRAM- The Secretary shall establish a pilot program in accordance with this subsection to provide innovative approaches to furnishing comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective care under this title to individuals described in paragraph (2)(A).
- (B) OPTIONAL PILOT PROGRAMS- The Secretary may establish a separate pilot program, in accordance with this subsection, with respect to each geographic area subject to an emergency declaration (other than the declaration of June 17, 2009), in order to furnish such comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective care to individuals described in subparagraph (2)(B) who reside in each such area.
- (2) INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED- For purposes of paragraph (1), an individual described in this paragraph is an individual who enrolls in part B, submits to the Secretary an application to participate in the applicable pilot program under this subsection, and–
- (A) is an environmental exposure affected individual described in subsection (e)(2) who resides in or around the geographic area subject to an emergency declaration made as of June 17, 2009; or
- (B) is an environmental exposure affected individual described in subsection (e)(3) who–
- (i) is deemed under subsection (a)(2); and
- (ii) meets such other criteria or conditions for participation in a pilot program under paragraph (1)(B) as the Secretary specifies.
- (3) FLEXIBLE BENEFITS AND SERVICES- A pilot program under this subsection may provide for the furnishing of benefits, items, or services not otherwise covered or authorized under this title, if the Secretary determines that furnishing such benefits, items, or services will further the purposes of such pilot program (as described in paragraph (1)).
- (4) INNOVATIVE REIMBURSEMENT METHODOLOGIES- For purposes of the pilot program under this subsection, the Secretary–
- (A) shall develop and implement appropriate methodologies to reimburse providers for furnishing benefits, items, or services for which payment is not otherwise covered or authorized under this title, if such benefits, items, or services are furnished pursuant to paragraph (3); and
- (B) may develop and implement innovative approaches to reimbursing providers for any benefits, items, or services furnished under this subsection.
- (5) LIMITATION- Consistent with section 1862(b), no payment shall be made under the pilot program under this subsection with respect to benefits, items, or services furnished to an environmental exposure affected individual (as defined in subsection (e)) to the extent that such individual is eligible to receive such benefits, items, or services through any other public or private benefits plan or legal agreement.
- (6) WAIVER AUTHORITY- The Secretary may waive such provisions of this title and title XI as are necessary to carry out pilot programs under this subsection.
- (7) FUNDING- For purposes of carrying out pilot programs under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide for the transfer, from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under section 1841, in such proportion as the Secretary determines appropriate, of such sums as the Secretary determines necessary, to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Program Management Account.
- (8) WAIVER OF BUDGET NEUTRALITY- The Secretary shall not require that pilot programs under this subsection be budget neutral with respect to expenditures under this title.
- (c) Determinations-
- (1) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY- For purposes of this section, the Commissioner of Social Security, in consultation with the Secretary, and using the cost allocation method prescribed in section 201(g), shall determine whether individuals are environmental exposure affected individuals.
- (2) BY THE SECRETARY- The Secretary shall determine eligibility for pilot programs under subsection (b).
- (d) Emergency Declaration Defined- For purposes of this section, the term emergency declaration means a declaration of a public health emergency under section 104(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
- (e) Environmental Exposure Affected Individual Defined-
- (1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, the term environmental exposure affected individual means–
- (A) an individual described in paragraph (2); and
- (B) an individual described in paragraph (3).
- (2) INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED-
- (A) IN GENERAL- An individual described in this paragraph is any individual who–
- (i) is diagnosed with 1 or more conditions described in subparagraph (B);
- (ii) as demonstrated in such manner as the Secretary determines appropriate, has been present for an aggregate total of 6 months in the geographic area subject to an emergency declaration specified in subsection (b)(2)(A), during a period ending–
- (I) not less than 10 years prior to such diagnosis; and
- (II) prior to the implementation of all the remedial and removal actions specified in the Record of Decision for Operating Unit 4 and the Record of Decision for Operating Unit 7;
- (iii) files an application for benefits under this title (or has an application filed on behalf of the individual), including pursuant to this section; and
- (iv) is determined under this section to meet the criteria in this subparagraph.
- (B) CONDITIONS DESCRIBED- For purposes of subparagraph (A), the following conditions are described in this subparagraph:
- (i) Asbestosis, pleural thickening, or pleural plaques as established by–
- (I) interpretation by a B Reader qualified physician of a plain chest x-ray or interpretation of a computed tomographic radiograph of the chest by a qualified physician, as determined by the Secretary; or
- (II) such other diagnostic standards as the Secretary specifies,
- except that this clause shall not apply to pleural thickening or pleural plaques unless there are symptoms or conditions requiring medical treatment as a result of these diagnoses.
- (ii) Mesothelioma, or malignancies of the lung, colon, rectum, larynx, stomach, esophagus, pharynx, or ovary, as established by–
- (I) pathologic examination of biopsy tissue;
- (II) cytology from bronchioalveolar lavage; or
- (III) such other diagnostic standards as the Secretary specifies.
- (iii) Any other diagnosis which the Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, determines is an asbestos-related medical condition, as established by such diagnostic standards as the Secretary specifies.
- (3) OTHER INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED- An individual described in this paragraph is any individual who–
- (A) is not an individual described in paragraph (2);
- (B) is diagnosed with a medical condition caused by the exposure of the individual to a public health hazard to which an emergency declaration applies, based on such medical conditions, diagnostic standards, and other criteria as the Secretary specifies;
- (C) as demonstrated in such manner as the Secretary determines appropriate, has been present for an aggregate total of 6 months in the geographic area subject to the emergency declaration involved, during a period determined appropriate by the Secretary;
- (D) files an application for benefits under this title (or has an application filed on behalf of the individual), including pursuant to this section; and
- (E) is determined under this section to meet the criteria in this paragraph.
- (b) Program for Early Detection of Certain Medical Conditions Related to Environmental Health Hazards- Title XX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq.), as amended by section 5507, is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 2009. PROGRAM FOR EARLY DETECTION OF CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS.
- (a) Program Establishment- The Secretary shall establish a program in accordance with this section to make competitive grants to eligible entities specified in subsection (b) for the purpose of–
- (1) screening at-risk individuals (as defined in subsection (c)(1)) for environmental health conditions (as defined in subsection (c)(3)); and
- (2) developing and disseminating public information and education concerning–
- (A) the availability of screening under the program under this section;
- (B) the detection, prevention, and treatment of environmental health conditions; and
- (C) the availability of Medicare benefits for certain individuals diagnosed with environmental health conditions under section 1881A.
- (b) Eligible Entities-
- (1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, an eligible entity is an entity described in paragraph (2) which submits an application to the Secretary in such form and manner, and containing such information and assurances, as the Secretary determines appropriate.
- (2) TYPES OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES- The entities described in this paragraph are the following:
- (A) A hospital or community health center.
- (B) A Federally qualified health center.
- (C) A facility of the Indian Health Service.
- (D) A National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.
- (E) An agency of any State or local government.
- (F) A nonprofit organization.
- (G) Any other entity the Secretary determines appropriate.
- (c) Definitions- In this section:
- (1) AT-RISK INDIVIDUAL- The term at-risk individual means an individual who–
- (A)(i) as demonstrated in such manner as the Secretary determines appropriate, has been present for an aggregate total of 6 months in the geographic area subject to an emergency declaration specified under paragraph (2), during a period ending–
- (I) not less than 10 years prior to the date of such individuals application under subparagraph (B); and
- (II) prior to the implementation of all the remedial and removal actions specified in the Record of Decision for Operating Unit 4 and the Record of Decision for Operating Unit 7; or
- (ii) meets such other criteria as the Secretary determines appropriate considering the type of environmental health condition at issue; and
- (B) has submitted an application (or has an application submitted on the individuals behalf), to an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section, for screening under the program under this section.
- (2) EMERGENCY DECLARATION- The term emergency declaration means a declaration of a public health emergency under section 104(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
- (3) ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONDITION- The term environmental health condition means–
- (A) asbestosis, pleural thickening, or pleural plaques, as established by–
- (i) interpretation by a B Reader qualified physician of a plain chest x-ray or interpretation of a computed tomographic radiograph of the chest by a qualified physician, as determined by the Secretary; or
- (ii) such other diagnostic standards as the Secretary specifies;
- (B) mesothelioma, or malignancies of the lung, colon, rectum, larynx, stomach, esophagus, pharynx, or ovary, as established by–
- (i) pathologic examination of biopsy tissue;
- (ii) cytology from bronchioalveolar lavage; or
- (iii) such other diagnostic standards as the Secretary specifies; and
- (C) any other medical condition which the Secretary determines is caused by exposure to a hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant at a Superfund site to which an emergency declaration applies, based on such criteria and as established by such diagnostic standards as the Secretary specifies.
- (4) HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE; POLLUTANT; CONTAMINANT- The terms hazardous substance, pollutant, and contaminant have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601).
- (5) SUPERFUND SITE- The term Superfund site means a site included on the National Priorities List developed by the President in accordance with section 105(a)(8)(B) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9605(a)(8)(B)).
- (d) Health Coverage Unaffected- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any coverage obligation of a governmental or private health plan or program relating to an at-risk individual.
- (e) Funding-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated to the Secretary, to carry out the program under this section–
- (A) $23,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2010 through 2014; and
- (B) $20,000,000 for each 5-fiscal year period thereafter.
- (2) AVAILABILITY- Funds appropriated under paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
- (f) Nonapplication-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2), the preceding sections of this title shall not apply to grants awarded under this section.
- (2) LIMITATIONS ON USE OF GRANTS- Section 2005(a) shall apply to a grant awarded under this section to the same extent and in the same manner as such section applies to payments to States under this title, except that paragraph (4) of such section shall not be construed to prohibit grantees from conducting screening for environmental health conditions as authorized under this section.
SEC. 10324. PROTECTIONS FOR FRONTIER STATES.
- (a) Floor on Area Wage Index for Hospitals in Frontier States-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Section 1886(d)(3)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(3)(E)) is amended–
- (A) in clause (i), by striking clause (ii) and inserting clause (ii) or (iii); and
- (B) by adding at the end the following new clause:
- (iii) FLOOR ON AREA WAGE INDEX FOR HOSPITALS IN FRONTIER STATES-
- (I) IN GENERAL- Subject to subclause (IV), for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2010, the area wage index applicable under this subparagraph to any hospital which is located in a frontier State (as defined in subclause (II)) may not be less than 1.00.
- (II) FRONTIER STATE DEFINED- In this clause, the term frontier State means a State in which at least 50 percent of the counties in the State are frontier counties.
- (III) FRONTIER COUNTY DEFINED- In this clause, the term frontier county means a county in which the population per square mile is less than 6.
- (IV) LIMITATION- This clause shall not apply to any hospital located in a State that receives a non-labor related share adjustment under paragraph (5)(H).
- (2) WAIVING BUDGET NEUTRALITY- Section 1886(d)(3)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(3)(E)), as amended by subsection (a), is amended in the third sentence by inserting and the amendments made by section 10324(a)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act after 2003.
- (b) Floor on Area Wage Adjustment Factor for Hospital Outpatient Department Services in Frontier States- Section 1833(t) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(t)), as amended by section 3138, is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking the Secretary and inserting subject to paragraph (19), the Secretary; and
- (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (19) FLOOR ON AREA WAGE ADJUSTMENT FACTOR FOR HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT SERVICES IN FRONTIER STATES-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), with respect to covered OPD services furnished on or after January 1, 2011, the area wage adjustment factor applicable under the payment system established under this subsection to any hospital outpatient department which is located in a frontier State (as defined in section 1886(d)(3)(E)(iii)(II)) may not be less than 1.00. The preceding sentence shall not be applied in a budget neutral manner.
- (B) LIMITATION- This paragraph shall not apply to any hospital outpatient department located in a State that receives a non-labor related share adjustment under section 1886(d)(5)(H).
- (c) Floor for Practice Expense Index for Physicians Services Furnished in Frontier States- Section 1848(e)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(e)(1)), as amended by section 3102, is amended–
- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking and (H) and inserting (H), and (I); and
- (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
- (I) FLOOR FOR PRACTICE EXPENSE INDEX FOR SERVICES FURNISHED IN FRONTIER STATES-
- (i) IN GENERAL- Subject to clause (ii), for purposes of payment for services furnished in a frontier State (as defined in section 1886(d)(3)(E)(iii)(II)) on or after January 1, 2011, after calculating the practice expense index in subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary shall increase any such index to 1.00 if such index would otherwise be less that 1.00. The preceding sentence shall not be applied in a budget neutral manner.
- (ii) LIMITATION- This subparagraph shall not apply to services furnished in a State that receives a non-labor related share adjustment under section 1886(d)(5)(H).
SEC. 10325. REVISION TO SKILLED NURSING FACILITY PROSPECTIVE PAYMENT SYSTEM.
- (a) Temporary Delay of RUG-IV- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not, prior to October 1, 2011, implement Version 4 of the Resource Utilization Groups (in this subsection refereed to as RUG-IV) published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2009, entitled Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities for FY 2010; Minimum Data Set, Version 3.0 for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Medicaid Nursing Facilities (74 Fed. Reg. 40288). Beginning on October 1, 2010, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement the change specific to therapy furnished on a concurrent basis that is a component of RUG-IV and changes to the lookback period to ensure that only those services furnished after admission to a skilled nursing facility are used as factors in determining a case mix classification under the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system under section 1888(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)).
- (b) Construction- Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as delaying the implementation of Version 3.0 of the Minimum Data Sets (MDS 3.0) beyond the planned implementation date of October 1, 2010.
SEC. 10326. PILOT TESTING PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS FOR CERTAIN MEDICARE PROVIDERS.
- (a) In General- Not later than January 1, 2016, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the Secretary) shall, for each provider described in subsection (b), conduct a separate pilot program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act to test the implementation of a value-based purchasing program for payments under such title for the provider.
- (b) Providers Described- The providers described in this paragraph are the following:
- (1) Psychiatric hospitals (as described in clause (i) of section 1886(d)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(1)(B))) and psychiatric units (as described in the matter following clause (v) of such section).
- (2) Long-term care hospitals (as described in clause (iv) of such section).
- (3) Rehabilitation hospitals (as described in clause (ii) of such section).
- (4) PPS-exempt cancer hospitals (as described in clause (v) of such section).
- (5) Hospice programs (as defined in section 1861(dd)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(2))).
- (c) Waiver Authority- The Secretary may waive such requirements of titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act as may be necessary solely for purposes of carrying out the pilot programs under this section.
- (d) No Additional Program Expenditures- Payments under this section under the separate pilot program for value based purchasing (as described in subsection (a)) for each provider type described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b) for applicable items and services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for a year shall be established in a manner that does not result in spending more under each such value based purchasing program for such year than would otherwise be expended for such provider type for such year if the pilot program were not implemented, as estimated by the Secretary.
- (e) Expansion of Pilot Program- The Secretary may, at any point after January 1, 2018, expand the duration and scope of a pilot program conducted under this subsection, to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, if–
- (1) the Secretary determines that such expansion is expected to–
- (A) reduce spending under title XVIII of the Social Security Act without reducing the quality of care; or
- (B) improve the quality of care and reduce spending;
- (2) the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services certifies that such expansion would reduce program spending under such title XVIII; and
- (3) the Secretary determines that such expansion would not deny or limit the coverage or provision of benefits under such title XIII for Medicare beneficiaries.
SEC. 10327. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PHYSICIAN QUALITY REPORTING SYSTEM.
- (a) In General- Section 1848(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(m)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (7) ADDITIONAL INCENTIVE PAYMENT-
- (A) IN GENERAL- For 2011 through 2014, if an eligible professional meets the requirements described in subparagraph (B), the applicable quality percent for such year, as described in clauses (iii) and (iv) of paragraph (1)(B), shall be increased by 0.5 percentage points.
- (B) REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED- In order to qualify for the additional incentive payment described in subparagraph (A), an eligible professional shall meet the following requirements:
- (i) The eligible professional shall–
- (I) satisfactorily submit data on quality measures for purposes of paragraph (1) for a year; and
- (II) have such data submitted on their behalf through a Maintenance of Certification Program (as defined in subparagraph (C)(i)) that meets–
(aa) the criteria for a registry (as described in subsection (k)(4)); or
(bb) an alternative form and manner determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (ii) The eligible professional, more frequently than is required to qualify for or maintain board certification status–
- (I) participates in such a Maintenance of Certification program for a year; and
- (II) successfully completes a qualified Maintenance of Certification Program practice assessment (as defined in subparagraph (C)(ii)) for such year.
- (iii) A Maintenance of Certification program submits to the Secretary, on behalf of the eligible professional, information–
- (I) in a form and manner specified by the Secretary, that the eligible professional has successfully met the requirements of clause (ii) (which may be in the form of a structural measure);
- (II) if requested by the Secretary, on the survey of patient experience with care (as described in subparagraph (C)(ii)(II)); and
- (III) as the Secretary may require, on the methods, measures, and data used under the Maintenance of Certification Program and the qualified Maintenance of Certification Program practice assessment.
- (C) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this paragraph:
- (i) The term Maintenance of Certification Program means a continuous assessment program, such as qualified American Board of Medical Specialties Maintenance of Certification program or an equivalent program (as determined by the Secretary), that advances quality and the lifelong learning and self-assessment of board certified specialty physicians by focusing on the competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, interpersonal and communication skills and professionalism. Such a program shall include the following:
- (I) The program requires the physician to maintain a valid, unrestricted medical license in the United States.
- (II) The program requires a physician to participate in educational and self-assessment programs that require an assessment of what was learned.
- (III) The program requires a physician to demonstrate, through a formalized, secure examination, that the physician has the fundamental diagnostic skills, medical knowledge, and clinical judgment to provide quality care in their respective specialty.
- (IV) The program requires successful completion of a qualified Maintenance of Certification Program practice assessment as described in clause (ii).
- (ii) The term qualified Maintenance of Certification Program practice assessment means an assessment of a physicians practice that–
- (I) includes an initial assessment of an eligible professionals practice that is designed to demonstrate the physicians use of evidence-based medicine;
- (II) includes a survey of patient experience with care; and
- (III) requires a physician to implement a quality improvement intervention to address a practice weakness identified in the initial assessment under subclause (I) and then to remeasure to assess performance improvement after such intervention.
- (b) Authority- Section 3002(c) of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
- (3) AUTHORITY- For years after 2014, if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines it to be appropriate, the Secretary may incorporate participation in a Maintenance of Certification Program and successful completion of a qualified Maintenance of Certification Program practice assessment into the composite of measures of quality of care furnished pursuant to the physician fee schedule payment modifier, as described in section 1848(p)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(p)(2)).
- (c) Elimination of MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Section 1858 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-27a) is amended by striking subsection (e).
- (2) TRANSITION- Any amount contained in the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund as of the date of the enactment of this Act shall be transferred to the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund.
SEC. 10328. IMPROVEMENT IN PART D MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT (MTM) PROGRAMS.
- (a) In General- Section 1860D-4(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-104(c)(2)) is amended–
- (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G), respectively; and
- (2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraphs:
- (C) REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS- For plan years beginning on or after the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, prescription drug plan sponsors shall offer medication therapy management services to targeted beneficiaries described in subparagraph (A)(ii) that include, at a minimum, the following to increase adherence to prescription medications or other goals deemed necessary by the Secretary:
- (i) An annual comprehensive medication review furnished person-to-person or using telehealth technologies (as defined by the Secretary) by a licensed pharmacist or other qualified provider. The comprehensive medication review–
- (I) shall include a review of the individuals medications and may result in the creation of a recommended medication action plan or other actions in consultation with the individual and with input from the prescriber to the extent necessary and practicable; and
- (II) shall include providing the individual with a written or printed summary of the results of the review.
- The Secretary, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall develop a standardized format for the action plan under subclause (I) and the summary under subclause (II).
- (ii) Follow-up interventions as warranted based on the findings of the annual medication review or the targeted medication enrollment and which may be provided person-to-person or using telehealth technologies (as defined by the Secretary).
- (D) ASSESSMENT- The prescription drug plan sponsor shall have in place a process to assess, at least on a quarterly basis, the medication use of individuals who are at risk but not enrolled in the medication therapy management program, including individuals who have experienced a transition in care, if the prescription drug plan sponsor has access to that information.
- (E) AUTOMATIC ENROLLMENT WITH ABILITY TO OPT-OUT- The prescription drug plan sponsor shall have in place a process to–
- (i) subject to clause (ii), automatically enroll targeted beneficiaries described in subparagraph (A)(ii), including beneficiaries identified under subparagraph (D), in the medication therapy management program required under this subsection; and
- (ii) permit such beneficiaries to opt-out of enrollment in such program.
- (b) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to modify or broaden requirements for a medication therapy management program under part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act or to study new models for medication therapy management through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation under section 1115A of such Act, as added by section 3021.
SEC. 10329. DEVELOPING METHODOLOGY TO ASSESS HEALTH PLAN VALUE.
- (a) Development- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary), in consultation with relevant stakeholders including health insurance issuers, health care consumers, employers, health care providers, and other entities determined appropriate by the Secretary, shall develop a methodology to measure health plan value. Such methodology shall take into consideration, where applicable–
- (1) the overall cost to enrollees under the plan;
- (2) the quality of the care provided for under the plan;
- (3) the efficiency of the plan in providing care;
- (4) the relative risk of the plans enrollees as compared to other plans;
- (5) the actuarial value or other comparative measure of the benefits covered under the plan; and
- (6) other factors determined relevant by the Secretary.
- (b) Report- Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report concerning the methodology developed under subsection (a).
SEC. 10330. MODERNIZING COMPUTER AND DATA SYSTEMS OF THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES TO SUPPORT IMPROVEMENTS IN CARE DELIVERY.
- (a) In General- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the Secretary) shall develop a plan (and detailed budget for the resources needed to implement such plan) to modernize the computer and data systems of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (in this section referred to as CMS).
- (b) Considerations- In developing the plan, the Secretary shall consider how such modernized computer system could–
- (1) in accordance with the regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, make available data in a reliable and timely manner to providers of services and suppliers to support their efforts to better manage and coordinate care furnished to beneficiaries of CMS programs; and
- (2) support consistent evaluations of payment and delivery system reforms under CMS programs.
- (c) Posting of Plan- By not later than 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall post on the website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services the plan described in subsection (a).
SEC. 10331. PUBLIC REPORTING OF PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.
- (a) In General-
- (1) DEVELOPMENT- Not later than January 1, 2011, the Secretary shall develop a Physician Compare Internet website with information on physicians enrolled in the Medicare program under section 1866(j) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc(j)) and other eligible professionals who participate in the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative under section 1848 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4).
- (2) PLAN- Not later than January 1, 2013, and with respect to reporting periods that begin no earlier than January 1, 2012, the Secretary shall also implement a plan for making publicly available through Physician Compare, consistent with subsection (c), information on physician performance that provides comparable information for the public on quality and patient experience measures with respect to physicians enrolled in the Medicare program under such section 1866(j). To the extent scientifically sound measures that are developed consistent with the requirements of this section are available, such information, to the extent practicable, shall include–
- (A) measures collected under the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative;
- (B) an assessment of patient health outcomes and the functional status of patients;
- (C) an assessment of the continuity and coordination of care and care transitions, including episodes of care and risk-adjusted resource use;
- (D) an assessment of efficiency;
- (E) an assessment of patient experience and patient, caregiver, and family engagement;
- (F) an assessment of the safety, effectiveness, and timeliness of care; and
- (G) other information as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (b) Other Required Considerations- In developing and implementing the plan described in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, include–
- (1) processes to assure that data made public, either by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or by other entities, is statistically valid and reliable, including risk adjustment mechanisms used by the Secretary;
- (2) processes by which a physician or other eligible professional whose performance on measures is being publicly reported has a reasonable opportunity, as determined by the Secretary, to review his or her individual results before they are made public;
- (3) processes by the Secretary to assure that the implementation of the plan and the data made available on Physician Compare provide a robust and accurate portrayal of a physicians performance;
- (4) data that reflects the care provided to all patients seen by physicians, under both the Medicare program and, to the extent practicable, other payers, to the extent such information would provide a more accurate portrayal of physician performance;
- (5) processes to ensure appropriate attribution of care when multiple physicians and other providers are involved in the care of a patient;
- (6) processes to ensure timely statistical performance feedback is provided to physicians concerning the data reported under any program subject to public reporting under this section; and
- (7) implementation of computer and data systems of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that support valid, reliable, and accurate public reporting activities authorized under this section.
- (c) Ensuring Patient Privacy- The Secretary shall ensure that information on physician performance and patient experience is not disclosed under this section in a manner that violates sections 552 or 552a of title 5, United States Code, with regard to the privacy of individually identifiable health information.
- (d) Feedback From Multi-stakeholder Groups- The Secretary shall take into consideration input provided by multi-stakeholder groups, consistent with sections 1890(b)(7) and 1890A of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3014 of this Act, in selecting quality measures for use under this section.
- (e) Consideration of Transition to Value-based Purchasing- In developing the plan under this subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall, as the Secretary determines appropriate, consider the plan to transition to a value-based purchasing program for physicians and other practitioners developed under section 131 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-275).
- (f) Report to Congress- Not later than January 1, 2015, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the Physician Compare Internet website developed under subsection (a)(1). Such report shall include information on the efforts of and plans made by the Secretary to collect and publish data on physician quality and efficiency and on patient experience of care in support of value-based purchasing and consumer choice, together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Secretary determines appropriate.
- (g) Expansion- At any time before the date on which the report is submitted under subsection (f), the Secretary may expand (including expansion to other providers of services and suppliers under title XVIII of the Social Security Act) the information made available on such website.
- (h) Financial Incentives To Encourage Consumers To Choose High Quality Providers- The Secretary may establish a demonstration program, not later than January 1, 2019, to provide financial incentives to Medicare beneficiaries who are furnished services by high quality physicians, as determined by the Secretary based on factors in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of subsection (a)(2). In no case may Medicare beneficiaries be required to pay increased premiums or cost sharing or be subject to a reduction in benefits under title XVIII of the Social Security Act as a result of such demonstration program. The Secretary shall ensure that any such demonstration program does not disadvantage those beneficiaries without reasonable access to high performing physicians or create financial inequities under such title.
- (i) Definitions- In this section:
- (1) ELIGIBLE PROFESSIONAL- The term eligible professional has the meaning given that term for purposes of the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative under section 1848 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4).
- (2) PHYSICIAN- The term physician has the meaning given that term in section 1861(r) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)).
- (3) PHYSICIAN COMPARE- The term Physician Compare means the Internet website developed under subsection (a)(1).
- (4) SECRETARY- The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
SEC. 10332. AVAILABILITY OF MEDICARE DATA FOR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT.
- (a) In General- Section 1874 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395kk) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
- (e) Availability of Medicare Data-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary shall make available to qualified entities (as defined in paragraph (2)) data described in paragraph (3) for the evaluation of the performance of providers of services and suppliers.
- (2) QUALIFIED ENTITIES- For purposes of this subsection, the term qualified entity means a public or private entity that–
- (A) is qualified (as determined by the Secretary) to use claims data to evaluate the performance of providers of services and suppliers on measures of quality, efficiency, effectiveness, and resource use; and
- (B) agrees to meet the requirements described in paragraph (4) and meets such other requirements as the Secretary may specify, such as ensuring security of data.
- (3) DATA DESCRIBED- The data described in this paragraph are standardized extracts (as determined by the Secretary) of claims data under parts A, B, and D for items and services furnished under such parts for one or more specified geographic areas and time periods requested by a qualified entity. The Secretary shall take such actions as the Secretary deems necessary to protect the identity of individuals entitled to or enrolled for benefits under such parts.
- (4) REQUIREMENTS-
- (A) FEE- Data described in paragraph (3) shall be made available to a qualified entity under this subsection at a fee equal to the cost of making such data available. Any fee collected pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be deposited into the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under section 1841.
- (B) SPECIFICATION OF USES AND METHODOLOGIES- A qualified entity requesting data under this subsection shall–
- (i) submit to the Secretary a description of the methodologies that such qualified entity will use to evaluate the performance of providers of services and suppliers using such data;
- (ii)(I) except as provided in subclause (II), if available, use standard measures, such as measures endorsed by the entity with a contract under section 1890(a) and measures developed pursuant to section 931 of the Public Health Service Act; or
- (II) use alternative measures if the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate stakeholders, determines that use of such alternative measures would be more valid, reliable, responsive to consumer preferences, cost-effective, or relevant to dimensions of quality and resource use not addressed by such standard measures;
- (iii) include data made available under this subsection with claims data from sources other than claims data under this title in the evaluation of performance of providers of services and suppliers;
- (iv) only include information on the evaluation of performance of providers and suppliers in reports described in subparagraph (C);
- (v) make available to providers of services and suppliers, upon their request, data made available under this subsection; and
- (vi) prior to their release, submit to the Secretary the format of reports under subparagraph (C).
- (C) REPORTS- Any report by a qualified entity evaluating the performance of providers of services and suppliers using data made available under this subsection shall–
- (i) include an understandable description of the measures, which shall include quality measures and the rationale for use of other measures described in subparagraph (B)(ii)(II), risk adjustment methods, physician attribution methods, other applicable methods, data specifications and limitations, and the sponsors, so that consumers, providers of services and suppliers, health plans, researchers, and other stakeholders can assess such reports;
- (ii) be made available confidentially, to any provider of services or supplier to be identified in such report, prior to the public release of such report, and provide an opportunity to appeal and correct errors;
- (iii) only include information on a provider of services or supplier in an aggregate form as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
- (iv) except as described in clause (ii), be made available to the public.
- (D) APPROVAL AND LIMITATION OF USES- The Secretary shall not make data described in paragraph (3) available to a qualified entity unless the qualified entity agrees to release the information on the evaluation of performance of providers of services and suppliers. Such entity shall only use such data, and information derived from such evaluation, for the reports under subparagraph (C). Data released to a qualified entity under this subsection shall not be subject to discovery or admission as evidence in judicial or administrative proceedings without consent of the applicable provider of services or supplier.
- (b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, 2012.
SEC. 10333. COMMUNITY-BASED COLLABORATIVE CARE NETWORKS.
- Part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new subpart:
Subpart XI–Community-Based Collaborative Care Network Program
SEC. 340H. COMMUNITY-BASED COLLABORATIVE CARE NETWORK PROGRAM.
- (a) In General- The Secretary may award grants to eligible entities to support community-based collaborative care networks that meet the requirements of subsection (b).
- (b) Community-based Collaborative Care Networks-
- (1) DESCRIPTION- A community-based collaborative care network (referred to in this section as a network) shall be a consortium of health care providers with a joint governance structure (including providers within a single entity) that provides comprehensive coordinated and integrated health care services (as defined by the Secretary) for low-income populations.
- (2) REQUIRED INCLUSION- A network shall include the following providers (unless such provider does not exist within the community, declines or refuses to participate, or places unreasonable conditions on their participation):
- (A) A hospital that meets the criteria in section 1923(b)(1) of the Social Security Act; and
- (B) All Federally qualified health centers (as defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act located in the community.
- (3) PRIORITY- In awarding grants, the Secretary shall give priority to networks that include–
- (A) the capability to provide the broadest range of services to low-income individuals;
- (B) the broadest range of providers that currently serve a high volume of low-income individuals; and
- (C) a county or municipal department of health.
- (c) Application-
- (1) APPLICATION- A network described in subsection (b) shall submit an application to the Secretary.
- (2) RENEWAL- In subsequent years, based on the performance of grantees, the Secretary may provide renewal grants to prior year grant recipients.
- (d) Use of Funds-
- (1) USE BY GRANTEES- Grant funds may be used for the following activities:
- (A) Assist low-income individuals to–
- (i) access and appropriately use health services;
- (ii) enroll in health coverage programs; and
- (iii) obtain a regular primary care provider or a medical home.
- (B) Provide case management and care management.
- (C) Perform health outreach using neighborhood health workers or through other means.
- (D) Provide transportation.
- (E) Expand capacity, including through telehealth, after-hours services or urgent care.
- (F) Provide direct patient care services.
- (2) GRANT FUNDS TO HRSA GRANTEES- The Secretary may limit the percent of grant funding that may be spent on direct care services provided by grantees of programs administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration or impose other requirements on such grantees deemed necessary.
- (e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.
SEC. 10334. MINORITY HEALTH.
- (a) Office of Minority Health-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300u-6) is amended–
- (A) in subsection (a), by striking within the Office of Public Health and Science and all that follows through the end and inserting . The Office of Minority Health as existing on the date of enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shall be transferred to the Office of the Secretary in such manner that there is established in the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Minority Health, which shall be headed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health who shall report directly to the Secretary, and shall retain and strengthen authorities (as in existence on such date of enactment) for the purpose of improving minority health and the quality of health care minorities receive, and eliminating racial and ethnic disparities. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary, acting through the Deputy Assistant Secretary, shall award grants, contracts, enter into memoranda of understanding, cooperative, interagency, intra-agency and other agreements with public and nonprofit private entities, agencies, as well as Departmental and Cabinet agencies and organizations, and with organizations that are indigenous human resource providers in communities of color to assure improved health status of racial and ethnic minorities, and shall develop measures to evaluate the effectiveness of activities aimed at reducing health disparities and supporting the local community. Such measures shall evaluate community outreach activities, language services, workforce cultural competence, and other areas as determined by the Secretary.; and
- (B) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
- (h) Authorization of Appropriations- For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016.
- (2) TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS- There are transferred to the Office of Minority Health in the office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, all duties, responsibilities, authorities, accountabilities, functions, staff, funds, award mechanisms, and other entities under the authority of the Office of Minority Health of the Public Health Service as in effect on the date before the date of enactment of this Act, which shall continue in effect according to the terms in effect on the date before such date of enactment, until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President, the Secretary, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
- (3) REPORTS- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the activities carried out under section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act (as amended by this subsection) during the period for which the report is being prepared. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the heads of each of the agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health a report summarizing the minority health activities of each of the respective agencies.
- (b) Establishment of Individual Offices of Minority Health Within the Department of Health and Human Services-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Title XVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300u et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1707 the following section:
SEC. 1707A. INDIVIDUAL OFFICES OF MINORITY HEALTH WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.
- (a) In General- The head of each agency specified in subsection (b)(1) shall establish within the agency an office to be known as the Office of Minority Health. The head of each such Office shall be appointed by the head of the agency within which the Office is established, and shall report directly to the head of the agency. The head of such agency shall carry out this section (as this section relates to the agency) acting through such Director.
- (b) Specified Agencies- The agencies referred to in subsection (a) are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- (c) Director; Appointment- Each Office of Minority Health established in an agency listed in subsection (a) shall be headed by a director, with documented experience and expertise in minority health services research and health disparities elimination.
- (d) References- Except as otherwise specified, any reference in Federal law to an Office of Minority Health (in the Department of Health and Human Services) is deemed to be a reference to the Office of Minority Health in the Office of the Secretary.
- (e) Funding-
- (1) ALLOCATIONS- Of the amounts appropriated for a specified agency for a fiscal year, the Secretary must designate an appropriate amount of funds for the purpose of carrying out activities under this section through the minority health office of the agency. In reserving an amount under the preceding sentence for a minority health office for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce, by substantially the same percentage, the amount that otherwise would be available for each of the programs of the designated agency involved.
- (2) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR STAFFING- The purposes for which amounts made available under paragraph may be expended by a minority health office include the costs of employing staff for such office.
- (2) NO NEW REGULATORY AUTHORITY- Nothing in this subsection and the amendments made by this subsection may be construed as establishing regulatory authority or modifying any existing regulatory authority.
- (3) LIMITATION ON TERMINATION- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a Federal office of minority health or Federal appointive position with primary responsibility over minority health issues that is in existence in an office of agency of the Department of Health and Human Services on the date of enactment of this section shall not be terminated, reorganized, or have any of its power or duties transferred unless such termination, reorganization, or transfer is approved by an Act of Congress.
- (c) Redesignation of National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities-
- (1) REDESIGNATION- Title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281 et seq.) is amended–
- (A) by redesignating subpart 6 of part E as subpart 20;
- (B) by transferring subpart 20, as so redesignated, to part C of such title IV;
- (C) by inserting subpart 20, as so redesignated, after subpart 19 of such part C; and
- (D) in subpart 20, as so redesignated–
- (i) by redesignating sections 485E through 485H as sections 464z-3 through 464z-6, respectively;
- (ii) by striking National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities each place such term appears and inserting National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; and
- (iii) by striking Center each place such term appears and inserting Institute.
- (2) PURPOSE OF INSTITUTE; DUTIES- Section 464z-3 of the Public Health Service Act, as so redesignated, is amended–
- (A) in subsection (h)(1), by striking research endowments at centers of excellence under section 736. and inserting the following: research endowments–
- (1) at centers of excellence under section 736; and
- (2) at centers of excellence under section 464z-4.;
- (B) in subsection (h)(2)(A), by striking average and inserting median; and
- (C) by adding at the end the following:
- (h) Interagency Coordination- The Director of the Institute, as the primary Federal officials with responsibility for coordinating all research and activities conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health on minority health and health disparities, shall plan, coordinate, review and evaluate research and other activities conducted or supported by the Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health.
- (3) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
- (A) Section 401(b)(24) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281(b)(24)) is amended by striking Center and inserting Institute.
- (B) Subsection (d)(1) of section 903 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299a-1(d)(1)) is amended by striking section 485E and inserting section 464z-3.
SEC. 10335. TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO THE HOSPITAL VALUE-BASED PURCHASING PROGRAM.
- Section 1886(o)(2)A) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 3001, is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting , other than measures of readmissions, after shall select measures.
SEC. 10336. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON MEDICARE BENEFICIARY ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY DIALYSIS SERVICES.
- (a) Study-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the impact on Medicare beneficiary access to high-quality dialysis services of including specified oral drugs that are furnished to such beneficiaries for the treatment of end stage renal disease in the bundled prospective payment system under section 1881(b)(14) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395rr(b)(14)) (pursuant to the proposed rule published by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register on September 29, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 49922 et seq.)). Such study shall include an analysis of–
- (A) the ability of providers of services and renal dialysis facilities to furnish specified oral drugs or arrange for the provision of such drugs;
- (B) the ability of providers of services and renal dialysis facilities to comply, if necessary, with applicable State laws (such as State pharmacy licensure requirements) in order to furnish specified oral drugs;
- (C) whether appropriate quality measures exist to safeguard care for Medicare beneficiaries being furnished specified oral drugs by providers of services and renal dialysis facilities; and
- (D) other areas determined appropriate by the Comptroller General.
- (2) SPECIFIED ORAL DRUG DEFINED- For purposes of paragraph (1), the term specified oral drug means a drug or biological for which there is no injectable equivalent (or other non-oral form of administration).
- (b) Report- Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
Subtitle D–Provisions Relating to Title IV
SEC. 10401. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE A.
- (a) Section 4001(h)(4) and (5) of this Act is amended by striking 2010 each place such appears and inserting 2020.
- (b) Section 4002(c) of this Act is amended–
- (1) by striking research and health screenings and inserting research, health screenings, and initiatives; and
- (2) by striking for Preventive and inserting Regarding Preventive.
- (c) Section 4004(a)(4) of this Act is amended by striking a Gateway and inserting an Exchange.
SEC. 10402. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE B.
- (a) Section 399Z-1(a)(1(A) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 4101(b) of this Act, is amended by inserting and vision after oral.
- (b) Section 1861(hhh)(4)(G) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 4103(b), is amended to read as follows:
- (G) A beneficiary shall be eligible to receive only an initial preventive physical examination (as defined under subsection (ww)(1)) during the 12-month period after the date that the beneficiarys coverage begins under part B and shall be eligible to receive personalized prevention plan services under this subsection each year thereafter provided that the beneficiary has not received either an initial preventive physical examination or personalized prevention plan services within the preceding 12-month period.
SEC. 10403. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE C.
- Section 4201 of this Act is amended–
- (1) in subsection (a), by adding before the period the following: , with not less than 20 percent of such grants being awarded to rural and frontier areas;
- (2) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(vii), by striking both urban and rural areas and inserting urban, rural, and frontier areas; and
- (3) in subsection (f), by striking each fiscal years and inserting each of fiscal year.
SEC. 10404. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE D.
- Section 399MM(2) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 4303 of this Act, is amended by striking by ensuring and inserting and ensuring.
SEC. 10405. AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE E.
- Subtitle E of title IV of this Act is amended by striking section 4401.
SEC. 10406. AMENDMENT RELATING TO WAIVING COINSURANCE FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICES.
- Section 4104(b) of this Act is amended to read as follows:
- (b) Payment and Elimination of Coinsurance in All Settings- Section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)), as amended by section 4103(c)(1), is amended–
- (1) in subparagraph (T), by inserting (or 100 percent if such services are recommended with a grade of A or B by the United States Preventive Services Task Force for any indication or population and are appropriate for the individual) after 80 percent;
- (2) in subparagraph (W)–
- (A) in clause (i), by inserting (if such subparagraph were applied, by substituting 100 percent for 80 percent) after subparagraph (D); and
- (B) in clause (ii), by striking 80 percent and inserting 100 percent;
- (3) by striking and before (X); and
- (4) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: , and (Y) with respect to preventive services described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 1861(ddd)(3) that are appropriate for the individual and, in the case of such services described in subparagraph (A), are recommended with a grade of A or B by the United States Preventive Services Task Force for any indication or population, the amount paid shall be 100 percent of (i) except as provided in clause (ii), the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the amount determined under the fee schedule that applies to such services under this part, and (ii) in the case of such services that are covered OPD services (as defined in subsection (t)(1)(B)), the amount determined under subsection (t).
SEC. 10407. BETTER DIABETES CARE.
- (a) Short Title- This section may be cited as the Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2009.
- (b) National Diabetes Report Card-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, in collaboration with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (referred to in this section as the Director), shall prepare on a biennial basis a national diabetes report card (referred to in this section as a Report Card) and, to the extent possible, for each State.
- (2) CONTENTS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Each Report Card shall include aggregate health outcomes related to individuals diagnosed with diabetes and prediabetes including–
- (i) preventative care practices and quality of care;
- (ii) risk factors; and
- (iii) outcomes.
- (B) UPDATED REPORTS- Each Report Card that is prepared after the initial Report Card shall include trend analysis for the Nation and, to the extent possible, for each State, for the purpose of–
- (i) tracking progress in meeting established national goals and objectives for improving diabetes care, costs, and prevalence (including Healthy People 2010); and
- (ii) informing policy and program development.
- (3) AVAILABILITY- The Secretary, in collaboration with the Director, shall make each Report Card publicly available, including by posting the Report Card on the Internet.
- (c) Improvement of Vital Statistics Collection-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in collaboration with appropriate agencies and States, shall–
- (A) promote the education and training of physicians on the importance of birth and death certificate data and how to properly complete these documents, including the collection of such data for diabetes and other chronic diseases;
- (B) encourage State adoption of the latest standard revisions of birth and death certificates; and
- (C) work with States to re-engineer their vital statistics systems in order to provide cost-effective, timely, and accurate vital systems data.
- (2) DEATH CERTIFICATE ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE- In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may promote improvements to the collection of diabetes mortality data, including the addition of a question for the individual certifying the cause of death regarding whether the deceased had diabetes.
- (d) Study on Appropriate Level of Diabetes Medical Education-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall, in collaboration with the Institute of Medicine and appropriate associations and councils, conduct a study of the impact of diabetes on the practice of medicine in the United States and the appropriateness of the level of diabetes medical education that should be required prior to licensure, board certification, and board recertification.
- (2) REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report on the study under paragraph (1) to the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Finance and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
- (e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.
SEC. 10408. GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE WORKPLACE WELLNESS PROGRAMS.
- (a) Establishment- The Secretary shall award grants to eligible employers to provide their employees with access to comprehensive workplace wellness programs (as described under subsection (c)).
- (b) Scope-
- (1) DURATION- The grant program established under this section shall be conducted for a 5-year period.
- (2) ELIGIBLE EMPLOYER- The term eligible employer means an employer (including a non-profit employer) that–
- (A) employs less than 100 employees who work 25 hours or greater per week; and
- (B) does not provide a workplace wellness program as of the date of enactment of this Act.
- (c) Comprehensive Workplace Wellness Programs-
- (1) CRITERIA- The Secretary shall develop program criteria for comprehensive workplace wellness programs under this section that are based on and consistent with evidence-based research and best practices, including research and practices as provided in the Guide to Community Preventive Services, the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, and the National Registry for Effective Programs.
- (2) REQUIREMENTS- A comprehensive workplace wellness program shall be made available by an eligible employer to all employees and include the following components:
- (A) Health awareness initiatives (including health education, preventive screenings, and health risk assessments).
- (B) Efforts to maximize employee engagement (including mechanisms to encourage employee participation).
- (C) Initiatives to change unhealthy behaviors and lifestyle choices (including counseling, seminars, online programs, and self-help materials).
- (D) Supportive environment efforts (including workplace policies to encourage healthy lifestyles, healthy eating, increased physical activity, and improved mental health).
- (d) Application- An eligible employer desiring to participate in the grant program under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require, which shall include a proposal for a comprehensive workplace wellness program that meet the criteria and requirements described under subsection (c).
- (e) Authorization of Appropriation- For purposes of carrying out the grant program under this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $200,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2011 through 2015. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 10409. CURES ACCELERATION NETWORK.
- (a) Short Title- This section may be cited as the Cures Acceleration Network Act of 2009.
- (b) Requirement for the Director of NIH To Establish a Cures Acceleration Network- Section 402(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 282(b)) is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (22), by striking and at the end;
- (2) in paragraph (23), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
- (3) by inserting after paragraph (23), the following:
- (24) implement the Cures Acceleration Network described in section 402C.
- (c) Accepting Gifts To Support the Cures Acceleration Network- Section 499(c)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290b(c)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
- (E) The Cures Acceleration Network described in section 402C.
- (d) Establishment of the Cures Acceleration Network- Part A of title IV of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 402B (42 U.S.C. 282b) the following:
SEC. 402C. CURES ACCELERATION NETWORK.
- (a) Definitions- In this section:
- (1) BIOLOGICAL PRODUCT- The term biological product has the meaning given such term in section 351 of the Public Health Service Act.
- (2) DRUG; DEVICE- The terms drug and device have the meanings given such terms in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
- (3) HIGH NEED CURE- The term high need cure means a drug (as that term is defined by section 201(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, biological product (as that term is defined by section 262(i)), or device (as that term is defined by section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) that, in the determination of the Director of NIH–
- (A) is a priority to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or treat harm from any disease or condition; and
- (B) for which the incentives of the commercial market are unlikely to result in its adequate or timely development.
- (4) MEDICAL PRODUCT- The term medical product means a drug, device, biological product, or product that is a combination of drugs, devices, and biological products.
- (b) Establishment of the Cures Acceleration Network- Subject to the appropriation of funds as described in subsection (g), there is established within the Office of the Director of NIH a program to be known as the Cures Acceleration Network (referred to in this section as CAN), which shall–
- (1) be under the direction of the Director of NIH, taking into account the recommendations of a CAN Review Board (referred to in this section as the Board), described in subsection (d); and
- (2) award grants and contracts to eligible entities, as described in subsection (e), to accelerate the development of high need cures, including through the development of medical products and behavioral therapies.
- (c) Functions- The functions of the CAN are to–
- (1) conduct and support revolutionary advances in basic research, translating scientific discoveries from bench to bedside;
- (2) award grants and contracts to eligible entities to accelerate the development of high need cures;
- (3) provide the resources necessary for government agencies, independent investigators, research organizations, biotechnology companies, academic research institutions, and other entities to develop high need cures;
- (4) reduce the barriers between laboratory discoveries and clinical trials for new therapies; and
- (5) facilitate review in the Food and Drug Administration for the high need cures funded by the CAN, through activities that may include–
- (A) the facilitation of regular and ongoing communication with the Food and Drug Administration regarding the status of activities conducted under this section;
- (B) ensuring that such activities are coordinated with the approval requirements of the Food and Drug Administration, with the goal of expediting the development and approval of countermeasures and products; and
- (C) connecting interested persons with additional technical assistance made available under section 565 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
- (d) CAN Board-
- (1) ESTABLISHMENT- There is established a Cures Acceleration Network Review Board (referred to in this section as the Board), which shall advise the Director of NIH on the conduct of the activities of the Cures Acceleration Network.
- (2) MEMBERSHIP-
- (A) IN GENERAL-
- (i) APPOINTMENT- The Board shall be comprised of 24 members who are appointed by the Secretary and who serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.
- (ii) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON- The Secretary shall designate, from among the 24 members appointed under clause (i), one Chairperson of the Board (referred to in this section as the Chairperson) and one Vice Chairperson.
- (B) TERMS-
- (i) IN GENERAL- Each member shall be appointed to serve a 4-year term, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the members predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term.
- (ii) CONSECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS; MAXIMUM TERMS- A member may be appointed to serve not more than 3 terms on the Board, and may not serve more than 2 such terms consecutively.
- (C) QUALIFICATIONS-
- (i) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall appoint individuals to the Board based solely upon the individuals established record of distinguished service in one of the areas of expertise described in clause (ii). Each individual appointed to the Board shall be of distinguished achievement and have a broad range of disciplinary interests.
- (ii) EXPERTISE- The Secretary shall select individuals based upon the following requirements:
- (I) For each of the fields of–
(aa) basic research;
(bb) medicine;
(cc) biopharmaceuticals;
(dd) discovery and delivery of medical products;
(ee) bioinformatics and gene therapy;
(ff) medical instrumentation; and
(gg) regulatory review and approval of medical products,
- the Secretary shall select at least 1 individual who is eminent in such fields.
- (II) At least 4 individuals shall be recognized leaders in professional venture capital or private equity organizations and have demonstrated experience in private equity investing.
- (III) At least 8 individuals shall represent disease advocacy organizations.
- (3) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS-
- (A) APPOINTMENT- In addition to the 24 Board members described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall appoint as ex-officio members of the Board–
- (i) a representative of the National Institutes of Health, recommended by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services;
- (ii) a representative of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, recommended by the Secretary of Defense;
- (iii) a representative of the Office of the Under Secretary for Health for the Veterans Health Administration, recommended by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
- (iv) a representative of the National Science Foundation, recommended by the Chair of the National Science Board; and
- (v) a representative of the Food and Drug Administration, recommended by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs.
- (B) TERMS- Each ex-officio member shall serve a 3-year term on the Board, except that the Chairperson may adjust the terms of the initial ex-officio members in order to provide for a staggered term of appointment for all such members.
- (4) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD AND THE DIRECTOR OF NIH-
- (A) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD-
- (i) IN GENERAL- The Board shall advise, and provide recommendations to, the Director of NIH with respect to–
- (I) policies, programs, and procedures for carrying out the duties of the Director of NIH under this section; and
- (II) significant barriers to successful translation of basic science into clinical application (including issues under the purview of other agencies and departments).
- (ii) REPORT- In the case that the Board identifies a significant barrier, as described in clause (i)(II), the Board shall submit to the Secretary a report regarding such barrier.
- (B) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF NIH- With respect to each recommendation provided by the Board under subparagraph (A)(i), the Director of NIH shall respond in writing to the Board, indicating whether such Director will implement such recommendation. In the case that the Director of NIH indicates a recommendation of the Board will not be implemented, such Director shall provide an explanation of the reasons for not implementing such recommendation.
- (5) MEETINGS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- The Board shall meet 4 times per calendar year, at the call of the Chairperson.
- (B) QUORUM; REQUIREMENTS; LIMITATIONS-
- (i) QUORUM- A quorum shall consist of a total of 13 members of the Board, excluding ex-officio members, with diverse representation as described in clause (iii).
- (ii) CHAIRPERSON OR VICE CHAIRPERSON- Each meeting of the Board shall be attended by either the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson.
- (iii) DIVERSE REPRESENTATION- At each meeting of the Board, there shall be not less than one scientist, one representative of a disease advocacy organization, and one representative of a professional venture capital or private equity organization.
- (6) COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES-
- (A) COMPENSATION- Members shall receive compensation at a rate to be fixed by the Chairperson but not to exceed a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Board. All members of the Board who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States.
- (B) TRAVEL EXPENSES- Members of the Board shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for persons employed intermittently by the Federal Government under section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Board.
- (e) Grant Program-
- (1) SUPPORTING INNOVATION- To carry out the purposes described in this section, the Director of NIH shall award contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements to the entities described in paragraph (2), to–
- (A) promote innovation in technologies supporting the advanced research and development and production of high need cures, including through the development of medical products and behavioral therapies.
- (B) accelerate the development of high need cures, including through the development of medical products, behavioral therapies, and biomarkers that demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of medical products; or
- (C) help the award recipient establish protocols that comply with Food and Drug Administration standards and otherwise permit the recipient to meet regulatory requirements at all stages of development, manufacturing, review, approval, and safety surveillance of a medical product.
- (2) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES- To receive assistance under paragraph (1), an entity shall–
- (A) be a public or private entity, which may include a private or public research institution, an institution of higher education, a medical center, a biotechnology company, a pharmaceutical company, a disease advocacy organization, a patient advocacy organization, or an academic research institution;
- (B) submit an application containing–
- (i) a detailed description of the project for which the entity seeks such grant or contract;
- (ii) a timetable for such project;
- (iii) an assurance that the entity will submit–
- (I) interim reports describing the entitys–
(aa) progress in carrying out the project; and
(bb) compliance with all provisions of this section and conditions of receipt of such grant or contract; and
- (II) a final report at the conclusion of the grant period, describing the outcomes of the project; and
- (iv) a description of the protocols the entity will follow to comply with Food and Drug Administration standards and regulatory requirements at all stages of development, manufacturing, review, approval, and safety surveillance of a medical product; and
- (C) provide such additional information as the Director of NIH may require.
- (3) AWARDS-
- (A) THE CURES ACCELERATION PARTNERSHIP AWARDS-
- (i) INITIAL AWARD AMOUNT- Each award under this subparagraph shall be not more than $15,000,000 per project for the first fiscal year for which the project is funded, which shall be payable in one payment.
- (ii) FUNDING IN SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEARS- An eligible entity receiving an award under clause (i) may apply for additional funding for such project by submitting to the Director of NIH the information required under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2). The Director may fund a project of such eligible entity in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 for a fiscal year subsequent to the initial award under clause (i).
- (iii) MATCHING FUNDS- As a condition for receiving an award under this subsection, an eligible entity shall contribute to the project non-Federal funds in the amount of $1 for every $3 awarded under clauses (i) and (ii), except that the Director of NIH may waive or modify such matching requirement in any case where the Director determines that the goals and objectives of this section cannot adequately be carried out unless such requirement is waived.
- (B) THE CURES ACCELERATION GRANT AWARDS-
- (i) INITIAL AWARD AMOUNT- Each award under this subparagraph shall be not more than $15,000,000 per project for the first fiscal year for which the project is funded, which shall be payable in one payment.
- (ii) FUNDING IN SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEARS- An eligible entity receiving an award under clause (i) may apply for additional funding for such project by submitting to the Board the information required under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2). The Director of NIH may fund a project of such eligible entity in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 for a fiscal year subsequent to the initial award under clause (i).
- (C) THE CURES ACCELERATION FLEXIBLE RESEARCH AWARDS- If the Director of NIH determines that the goals and objectives of this section cannot adequately be carried out through a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement, the Director of NIH shall have flexible research authority to use other transactions to fund projects in accordance with the terms and conditions of this section. Awards made under such flexible research authority for a fiscal year shall not exceed 20 percent of the total funds appropriated under subsection (g)(1) for such fiscal year.
- (4) SUSPENSION OF AWARDS FOR DEFAULTS, NONCOMPLIANCE WITH PROVISIONS AND PLANS, AND DIVERSION OF FUNDS; REPAYMENT OF FUNDS- The Director of NIH may suspend the award to any entity upon noncompliance by such entity with provisions and plans under this section or diversion of funds.
- (5) AUDITS- The Director of NIH may enter into agreements with other entities to conduct periodic audits of the projects funded by grants or contracts awarded under this subsection.
- (6) CLOSEOUT PROCEDURES- At the end of a grant or contract period, a recipient shall follow the closeout procedures under section 74.71 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
- (7) REVIEW- A determination by the Director of NIH as to whether a drug, device, or biological product is a high need cure (for purposes of subsection (a)(3)) shall not be subject to judicial review.
- (f) Competitive Basis of Awards- Any grant, cooperative agreement, or contract awarded under this section shall be awarded on a competitive basis.
- (g) Authorization of Appropriations-
- (1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, and such sums as may be necessary for subsequent fiscal years. Funds appropriated under this section shall be available until expended.
- (2) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS OTHERWISE APPROPRIATED- No funds appropriated under this Act, other than funds appropriated under paragraph (1), may be allocated to the Cures Acceleration Network.
SEC. 10410. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR DEPRESSION.
- (a) Short Title- This section may be cited as the Establishing a Network of Health-Advancing National Centers of Excellence for Depression Act of 2009 or the ENHANCED Act of 2009.
- (b) Centers of Excellence for Depression- Subpart 3 of part B of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 520A the following:
SEC. 520B. NATIONAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR DEPRESSION.
- (a) Depressive Disorder Defined- In this section, the term depressive disorder means a mental or brain disorder relating to depression, including major depression, bipolar disorder, and related mood disorders.
- (b) Grant Program-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to establish national centers of excellence for depression (referred to in this section as Centers), which shall engage in activities related to the treatment of depressive disorders.
- (2) ALLOCATION OF AWARDS- If the funds authorized under subsection (f) are appropriated in the amounts provided for under such subsection, the Secretary shall allocate such amounts so that–
- (A) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the ENHANCED Act of 2009, not more than 20 Centers may be established; and
- (B) not later than September 30, 2016, not more than 30 Centers may be established.
- (3) GRANT PERIOD-
- (A) IN GENERAL- A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of 5 years.
- (B) RENEWAL- A grant awarded under subparagraph (A) may be renewed, on a competitive basis, for 1 additional 5-year period, at the discretion of the Secretary. In determining whether to renew a grant, the Secretary shall consider the report cards issued under subsection (e)(2).
- (4) USE OF FUNDS- Grant funds awarded under this subsection shall be used for the establishment and ongoing activities of the recipient of such funds.
- (5) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES-
- (A) REQUIREMENTS- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall–
- (i) be an institution of higher education or a public or private nonprofit research institution; and
- (ii) submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, as described in subparagraph (B).
- (B) APPLICATION- An application described in subparagraph (A)(ii) shall include–
- (i) evidence that such entity–
- (I) provides, or is capable of coordinating with other entities to provide, comprehensive health services with a focus on mental health services and subspecialty expertise for depressive disorders;
- (II) collaborates with other mental health providers, as necessary, to address co-occurring mental illnesses;
- (III) is capable of training health professionals about mental health; and
- (ii) such other information, as the Secretary may require.
- (C) PRIORITIES- In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that meet 1 or more of the following criteria:
- (i) Demonstrated capacity and expertise to serve the targeted population.
- (ii) Existing infrastructure or expertise to provide appropriate, evidence-based and culturally and linguistically competent services.
- (iii) A location in a geographic area with disproportionate numbers of underserved and at-risk populations in medically underserved areas and health professional shortage areas.
- (iv) Proposed innovative approaches for outreach to initiate or expand services.
- (v) Use of the most up-to-date science, practices, and interventions available.
- (vi) Demonstrated capacity to establish cooperative and collaborative agreements with community mental health centers and other community entities to provide mental health, social, and human services to individuals with depressive disorders.
- (6) NATIONAL COORDINATING CENTER-
- (A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall designate 1 recipient of a grant under this section to be the coordinating center of excellence for depression (referred to in this section as the coordinating center). The Secretary shall select such coordinating center on a competitive basis, based upon the demonstrated capacity of such center to perform the duties described in subparagraph (C).
- (B) APPLICATION- A Center that has been awarded a grant under paragraph (1) may apply for designation as the coordinating center by submitting an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
- (C) DUTIES- The coordinating center shall–
- (i) develop, administer, and coordinate the network of Centers under this section;
- (ii) oversee and coordinate the national database described in subsection (d);
- (iii) lead a strategy to disseminate the findings and activities of the Centers through such database; and
- (iv) serve as a liaison with the Administration, the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices of the Administration, and any Federal interagency or interagency forum on mental health.
- (7) MATCHING FUNDS- The Secretary may not award a grant or contract under this section to an entity unless the entity agrees that it will make available (directly or through contributions from other public or private entities) non-Federal contributions toward the activities to be carried out under the grant or contract in an amount equal to $1 for each $5 of Federal funds provided under the grant or contract. Such non-Federal matching funds may be provided directly or through donations from public or private entities and may be in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services.
- (c) Activities of the Centers- Each Center shall carry out the following activities:
- (1) GENERAL ACTIVITIES- Each Center shall–
- (A) integrate basic, clinical, or health services interdisciplinary research and practice in the development, implementation, and dissemination of evidence-based interventions;
- (B) involve a broad cross-section of stakeholders, such as researchers, clinicians, consumers, families of consumers, and voluntary health organizations, to develop a research agenda and disseminate findings, and to provide support in the implementation of evidence-based practices;
- (C) provide training and technical assistance to mental health professionals, and engage in and disseminate translational research with a focus on meeting the needs of individuals with depressive disorders; and
- (D) educate policy makers, employers, community leaders, and the public about depressive disorders to reduce stigma and raise awareness of treatments.
- (2) IMPROVED TREATMENT STANDARDS, CLINICAL GUIDELINES, DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOLS, AND CARE COORDINATION PRACTICE- Each Center shall collaborate with other Centers in the network to–
- (A) develop and implement treatment standards, clinical guidelines, and protocols that emphasize primary prevention, early intervention, treatment for, and recovery from, depressive disorders;
- (B) foster communication with other providers attending to co-occurring physical health conditions such as cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, and substance abuse disorders;
- (C) leverage available community resources, develop and implement improved self-management programs, and, when appropriate, involve family and other providers of social support in the development and implementation of care plans; and
- (D) use electronic health records and telehealth technology to better coordinate and manage, and improve access to, care, as determined by the coordinating center.
- (3) TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH THROUGH COLLABORATION OF CENTERS AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS- Each Center shall–
- (A) demonstrate effective use of a public-private partnership to foster collaborations among members of the network and community-based organizations such as community mental health centers and other social and human services providers;
- (B) expand interdisciplinary, translational, and patient-oriented research and treatment; and
- (C) coordinate with accredited academic programs to provide ongoing opportunities for the professional and continuing education of mental health providers.
- (d) National Database-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The coordinating center shall establish and maintain a national, publicly available database to improve prevention programs, evidence-based interventions, and disease management programs for depressive disorders, using data collected from the Centers, as described in paragraph (2).
- (2) DATA COLLECTION- Each Center shall submit data gathered at such center, as appropriate, to the coordinating center regarding–
- (A) the prevalence and incidence of depressive disorders;
- (B) the health and social outcomes of individuals with depressive disorders;
- (C) the effectiveness of interventions designed, tested, and evaluated;
- (D) other information, as the Secretary may require.
- (3) SUBMISSION OF DATA TO THE ADMINISTRATOR- The coordinating center shall submit to the Administrator the data and financial information gathered under paragraph (2).
- (4) PUBLICATION USING DATA FROM THE DATABASE- A Center, or an individual affiliated with a Center, may publish findings using the data described in paragraph (2) only if such center submits such data to the coordinating center, as required under such paragraph.
- (e) Establishment of Standards; Report Cards and Recommendations; Third Party Review-
- (1) ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS- The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall establish performance standards for–
- (A) each Center; and
- (B) the network of Centers as a whole.
- (2) REPORT CARDS- The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall–
- (A) for each Center, not later than 3 years after the date on which such center of excellence is established and annually thereafter, issue a report card to the coordinating center to rate the performance of such Center; and
- (B) not later than 3 years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under subsection (b)(1) and annually thereafter, issue a report card to Congress to rate the performance of the network of centers of excellence as a whole.
- (3) RECOMMENDATIONS- Based upon the report cards described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, not later than September 30, 2015–
- (A) make recommendations to the Centers regarding improvements such centers shall make; and
- (B) make recommendations to Congress for expanding the Centers to serve individuals with other types of mental disorders.
- (4) THIRD PARTY REVIEW- Not later than 3 years after the date on which the first grant is awarded under subsection (b)(1) and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall arrange for an independent third party to conduct an evaluation of the network of Centers to ensure that such centers are meeting the goals of this section.
- (f) Authorization of Appropriations-
- (1) IN GENERAL- To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated–
- (A) $100,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2015; and
- (B) $150,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2016 through 2020.
- (2) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AUTHORIZED- Of the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall determine the allocation of each Center receiving a grant under this section, but in no case may the allocation be more than $5,000,000, except that the Secretary may allocate not more than $10,000,000 to the coordinating center.
SEC. 10411. PROGRAMS RELATING TO CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE.
- (a) Short Title- This subtitle may be cited as the Congenital Heart Futures Act.
- (b) Programs Relating to Congenital Heart Disease-
- (1) NATIONAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM- Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.), as amended by section 5405, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 399V-2. NATIONAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM.
- (a) In General- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may–
- (1) enhance and expand infrastructure to track the epidemiology of congenital heart disease and to organize such information into a nationally-representative, population-based surveillance system that compiles data concerning actual occurrences of congenital heart disease, to be known as the National Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance System; or
- (2) award a grant to one eligible entity to undertake the activities described in paragraph (1).
- (b) Purpose- The purpose of the Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance System shall be to facilitate further research into the types of health services patients use and to identify possible areas for educational outreach and prevention in accordance with standard practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- (c) Content- The Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance System–
- (1) may include information concerning the incidence and prevalence of congenital heart disease in the United States;
- (2) may be used to collect and store data on congenital heart disease, including data concerning–
- (A) demographic factors associated with congenital heart disease, such as age, race, ethnicity, sex, and family history of individuals who are diagnosed with the disease;
- (B) risk factors associated with the disease;
- (C) causation of the disease;
- (D) treatment approaches; and
- (E) outcome measures, such that analysis of the outcome measures will allow derivation of evidence-based best practices and guidelines for congenital heart disease patients; and
- (3) may ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages with congenital heart disease, including infants, young children, adolescents, and adults of all ages.
- (d) Public Access- The Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance System shall be made available to the public, as appropriate, including congenital heart disease researchers.
- (e) Patient Privacy- The Secretary shall ensure that the Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance System is maintained in a manner that complies with the regulations promulgated under section 264 of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
- (f) Eligibility for Grant- To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a)(2), an entity shall–
- (1) be a public or private nonprofit entity with specialized experience in congenital heart disease; and
- (2) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
- (2) CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH- Subpart 2 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285b et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 425. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE.
- (a) In General- The Director of the Institute may expand, intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the Institute with respect to congenital heart disease, which may include congenital heart disease research with respect to–
- (1) causation of congenital heart disease, including genetic causes;
- (2) long-term outcomes in individuals with congenital heart disease, including infants, children, teenagers, adults, and elderly individuals;
- (3) diagnosis, treatment, and prevention;
- (4) studies using longitudinal data and retrospective analysis to identify effective treatments and outcomes for individuals with congenital heart disease; and
- (5) identifying barriers to life-long care for individuals with congenital heart disease.
- (b) Coordination of Research Activities- The Director of the Institute may coordinate research efforts related to congenital heart disease among multiple research institutions and may develop research networks.
- (c) Minority and Medically Underserved Communities- In carrying out the activities described in this section, the Director of the Institute shall consider the application of such research and other activities to minority and medically underserved communities.
- (c) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the amendments made by this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.
SEC. 10412. AUTOMATED DEFIBRILLATION IN ADAMS MEMORY ACT.
- Section 312 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 244) is amended–
- (1) in subsection (c)(6), after clearinghouse insert , that shall be administered by an organization that has substantial expertise in pediatric education, pediatric medicine, and electrophysiology and sudden death,; and
- (2) in the first sentence of subsection (e), by striking fiscal year 2003 and all that follows through 2006 and inserting for each of fiscal years 2003 through 2014.
SEC. 10413. YOUNG WOMENS BREAST HEALTH AWARENESS AND SUPPORT OF YOUNG WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER.
- (a) Short Title- This section may be cited as the Young Womens Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009 or the EARLY Act.
- (b) Amendment- Title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
PART V–PROGRAMS RELATING TO BREAST HEALTH AND CANCER
SEC. 399NN. YOUNG WOMENS BREAST HEALTH AWARENESS AND SUPPORT OF YOUNG WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER.
- (a) Public Education Campaign-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall conduct a national evidence-based education campaign to increase awareness of young womens knowledge regarding–
- (A) breast health in young women of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds;
- (B) breast awareness and good breast health habits;
- (C) the occurrence of breast cancer and the general and specific risk factors in women who may be at high risk for breast cancer based on familial, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds such as Ashkenazi Jewish populations;
- (D) evidence-based information that would encourage young women and their health care professional to increase early detection of breast cancers; and
- (E) the availability of health information and other resources for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
- (2) EVIDENCE-BASED, AGE APPROPRIATE MESSAGES- The campaign shall provide evidence-based, age-appropriate messages and materials as developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee established under paragraph (4).
- (3) MEDIA CAMPAIGN- In conducting the education campaign under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall award grants to entities to establish national multimedia campaigns oriented to young women that may include advertising through television, radio, print media, billboards, posters, all forms of existing and especially emerging social networking media, other Internet media, and any other medium determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (4) ADVISORY COMMITTEE-
- (A) ESTABLISHMENT- Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall establish an advisory committee to assist in creating and conducting the education campaigns under paragraph (1) and subsection (b)(1).
- (B) MEMBERSHIP- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall appoint to the advisory committee under subparagraph (A) such members as deemed necessary to properly advise the Secretary, and shall include organizations and individuals with expertise in breast cancer, disease prevention, early detection, diagnosis, public health, social marketing, genetic screening and counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care, and survivorship in young women.
- (b) Health Care Professional Education Campaign- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in consultation with the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall conduct an education campaign among physicians and other health care professionals to increase awareness–
- (1) of breast health, symptoms, and early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in young women, including specific risk factors such as family history of cancer and women that may be at high risk for breast cancer, such as Ashkenazi Jewish population;
- (2) on how to provide counseling to young women about their breast health, including knowledge of their family cancer history and importance of providing regular clinical breast examinations;
- (3) concerning the importance of discussing healthy behaviors, and increasing awareness of services and programs available to address overall health and wellness, and making patient referrals to address tobacco cessation, good nutrition, and physical activity;
- (4) on when to refer patients to a health care provider with genetics expertise;
- (5) on how to provide counseling that addresses long-term survivorship and health concerns of young women diagnosed with breast cancer; and
- (6) on when to provide referrals to organizations and institutions that provide credible health information and substantive assistance and support to young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
- (c) Prevention Research Activities- The Secretary, acting through–
- (1) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall conduct prevention research on breast cancer in younger women, including–
- (A) behavioral, survivorship studies, and other research on the impact of breast cancer diagnosis on young women;
- (B) formative research to assist with the development of educational messages and information for the public, targeted populations, and their families about breast health, breast cancer, and healthy lifestyles;
- (C) testing and evaluating existing and new social marketing strategies targeted at young women; and
- (D) surveys of health care providers and the public regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to breast health and breast cancer prevention and control in high-risk populations; and
- (2) the Director of the National Institutes of Health, shall conduct research to develop and validate new screening tests and methods for prevention and early detection of breast cancer in young women.
- (d) Support for Young Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall award grants to organizations and institutions to provide health information from credible sources and substantive assistance directed to young women diagnosed with breast cancer and pre-neoplastic breast diseases.
- (2) PRIORITY- In making grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that deal specifically with young women diagnosed with breast cancer and pre-neoplastic breast disease.
- (e) No Duplication of Effort- In conducting an education campaign or other program under subsections (a), (b), (c), or (d), the Secretary shall avoid duplicating other existing Federal breast cancer education efforts.
- (f) Measurement; Reporting- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall–
- (1) measure–
- (A) young womens awareness regarding breast health, including knowledge of family cancer history, specific risk factors and early warning signs, and young womens proactive efforts at early detection;
- (B) the number or percentage of young women utilizing information regarding lifestyle interventions that foster healthy behaviors;
- (C) the number or percentage of young women receiving regular clinical breast exams; and
- (D) the number or percentage of young women who perform breast self exams, and the frequency of such exams, before the implementation of this section;
- (2) not less than every 3 years, measure the impact of such activities; and
- (3) submit reports to the Congress on the results of such measurements.
- (g) Definition- In this section, the term young women means women 15 to 44 years of age.
- (h) Authorization of Appropriations- To carry out subsections (a), (b), (c)(1), and (d), there are authorized to be appropriated $9,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2014.
Subtitle E–Provisions Relating to Title V
SEC. 10501. AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT, THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, AND TITLE V OF THIS ACT.
- (a) Section 5101 of this Act is amended–
- (1) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(i)(II), by inserting , including representatives of small business and self-employed individuals after employers;
- (2) in subsection (d)(4)(A)–
- (A) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and
- (B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
- (iv) An analysis of, and recommendations for, eliminating the barriers to entering and staying in primary care, including provider compensation.; and
- (3) in subsection (i)(2)(B), by inserting optometrists, ophthalmologists, after occupational therapists,.
- (b) Subtitle B of title V of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 5104. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE TO ASSESS AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN THE STATE OF ALASKA.
- (a) Establishment- There is established a task force to be known as the Interagency Access to Health Care in Alaska Task Force (referred to in this section as the Task Force).
- (b) Duties- The Task Force shall–
- (1) assess access to health care for beneficiaries of Federal health care systems in Alaska; and
- (2) develop a strategy for the Federal Government to improve delivery of health care to Federal beneficiaries in the State of Alaska.
- (c) Membership- The Task Force shall be comprised of Federal members who shall be appointed, not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, as follows:
- (1) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall appoint one representative of each of the following:
- (A) The Department of Health and Human Services.
- (B) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- (C) The Indian Health Service.
- (2) The Secretary of Defense shall appoint one representative of the TRICARE Management Activity.
- (3) The Secretary of the Army shall appoint one representative of the Army Medical Department.
- (4) The Secretary of the Air Force shall appoint one representative of the Air Force, from among officers at the Air Force performing medical service functions.
- (5) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall appoint one representative of each of the following:
- (A) The Department of Veterans Affairs.
- (B) The Veterans Health Administration.
- (6) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall appoint one representative of the United States Coast Guard.
- (d) Chairperson- One chairperson of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Secretary at the time of appointment of members under subsection (c), selected from among the members appointed under paragraph (1).
- (e) Meetings- The Task Force shall meet at the call of the chairperson.
- (f) Report- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Task Force shall submit to Congress a report detailing the activities of the Task Force and containing the findings, strategies, recommendations, policies, and initiatives developed pursuant to the duty described in subsection (b)(2). In preparing such report, the Task Force shall consider completed and ongoing efforts by Federal agencies to improve access to health care in the State of Alaska.
- (g) Termination- The Task Force shall be terminated on the date of submission of the report described in subsection (f).
- (c) Section 399V of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 5313, is amended–
- (1) in subsection (b)(4), by striking identify, educate, refer, and enroll and inserting identify and refer; and
- (2) in subsection (k)(1), by striking , as defined by the Department of Labor as Standard Occupational Classification [21-1094].
- (d) Section 738(a)(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 293b(a)(3)) is amended by inserting schools offering physician assistant education programs, after public health,.
- (e) Subtitle D of title V of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 5316. DEMONSTRATION GRANTS FOR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER TRAINING PROGRAMS.
- (a) Establishment of Program- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary) shall establish a training demonstration program for family nurse practitioners (referred to in this section as the program) to employ and provide 1-year training for nurse practitioners who have graduated from a nurse practitioner program for careers as primary care providers in Federally qualified health centers (referred to in this section as FQHCs) and nurse-managed health clinics (referred to in this section as NMHCs).
- (b) Purpose- The purpose of the program is to enable each grant recipient to–
- (1) provide new nurse practitioners with clinical training to enable them to serve as primary care providers in FQHCs and NMHCs;
- (2) train new nurse practitioners to work under a model of primary care that is consistent with the principles set forth by the Institute of Medicine and the needs of vulnerable populations; and
- (3) create a model of FQHC and NMHC training for nurse practitioners that may be replicated nationwide.
- (c) Grants- The Secretary shall award 3-year grants to eligible entities that meet the requirements established by the Secretary, for the purpose of operating the nurse practitioner primary care programs described in subsection (a) in such entities.
- (d) Eligible Entities- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall–
- (1)(A) be a FQHC as defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)); or
- (B) be a nurse-managed health clinic, as defined in section 330A-1 of the Public Health Service Act (as added by section 5208 of this Act); and
- (2) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
- (e) Priority in Awarding Grants- In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that–
- (1) demonstrate sufficient infrastructure in size, scope, and capacity to undertake the requisite training of a minimum of 3 nurse practitioners per year, and to provide to each awardee 12 full months of full-time, paid employment and benefits consistent with the benefits offered to other full-time employees of such entity;
- (2) will assign not less than 1 staff nurse practitioner or physician to each of 4 precepted clinics;
- (3) will provide to each awardee specialty rotations, including specialty training in prenatal care and womens health, adult and child psychiatry, orthopedics, geriatrics, and at least 3 other high-volume, high-burden specialty areas;
- (4) provide sessions on high-volume, high-risk health problems and have a record of training health care professionals in the care of children, older adults, and underserved populations; and
- (5) collaborate with other safety net providers, schools, colleges, and universities that provide health professions training.
- (f) Eligibility of Nurse Practitioners-
- (1) IN GENERAL- To be eligible for acceptance to a program funded through a grant awarded under this section, an individual shall–
- (A) be licensed or eligible for licensure in the State in which the program is located as an advanced practice registered nurse or advanced practice nurse and be eligible or board-certified as a family nurse practitioner; and
- (B) demonstrate commitment to a career as a primary care provider in a FQHC or in a NMHC.
- (2) PREFERENCE- In selecting awardees under the program, each grant recipient shall give preference to bilingual candidates that meet the requirements described in paragraph (1).
- (3) DEFERRAL OF CERTAIN SERVICE- The starting date of required service of individuals in the National Health Service Corps Service program under title II of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 202 et seq.) who receive training under this section shall be deferred until the date that is 22 days after the date of completion of the program.
- (g) Grant Amount- Each grant awarded under this section shall be in an amount not to exceed $600,000 per year. A grant recipient may carry over funds from 1 fiscal year to another without obtaining approval from the Secretary.
- (h) Technical Assistance Grants- The Secretary may award technical assistance grants to 1 or more FQHCs or NMHCs that have demonstrated expertise in establishing a nurse practitioner residency training program. Such technical assistance grants shall be for the purpose of providing technical assistance to other recipients of grants under subsection (c).
- (i) Authorization of Appropriations- To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
- (f)(1) Section 399W of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 5405, is redesignated as section 399V-1.
- (2) Section 399V-1 of the Public Health Service Act, as so redesignated, is amended in subsection (b)(2)(A) by striking and the departments of 1 or more health professions schools in the State that train providers in primary care and inserting and the departments that train providers in primary care in 1 or more health professions schools in the State.
- (3) Section 934 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 3501, is amended by striking 399W each place such term appears and inserting 399V-1.
- (4) Section 935(b) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 3503, is amended by striking 399W and inserting 399V-1.
- (g) Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act 42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.), as amended by section 10411, is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 399V-3. NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM.
- (a) In General- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall establish a national diabetes prevention program (referred to in this section as the program) targeted at adults at high risk for diabetes in order to eliminate the preventable burden of diabetes.
- (b) Program Activities- The program described in subsection (a) shall include–
- (1) a grant program for community-based diabetes prevention program model sites;
- (2) a program within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine eligibility of entities to deliver community-based diabetes prevention services;
- (3) a training and outreach program for lifestyle intervention instructors; and
- (4) evaluation, monitoring and technical assistance, and applied research carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- (c) Eligible Entities- To be eligible for a grant under subsection (b)(1), an entity shall be a State or local health department, a tribal organization, a national network of community-based non-profits focused on health and wellbeing, an academic institution, or other entity, as the Secretary determines.
- (d) Authorization of Appropriations- For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.
- (h) The provisions of, and amendment made by, section 5501(c) of this Act are repealed.
- (i)(1) The provisions of, and amendments made by, section 5502 of this Act are repealed.
- (2)(A) Section 1861(aa)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w(aa)(3)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
- (A) services of the type described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1) and preventive services (as defined in section 1861(ddd)(3)); and.
- (B) The amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2011.
- (3)(A) Section 1834 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m), as amended by section 4105, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
- (o) Development and Implementation of Prospective Payment System-
- (1) DEVELOPMENT-
- (A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall develop a prospective payment system for payment for Federally qualified health center services furnished by Federally qualified health centers under this title. Such system shall include a process for appropriately describing the services furnished by Federally qualified health centers and shall establish payment rates for specific payment codes based on such appropriate descriptions of services. Such system shall be established to take into account the type, intensity, and duration of services furnished by Federally qualified health centers. Such system may include adjustments, including geographic adjustments, determined appropriate by the Secretary.
- (B) COLLECTION OF DATA AND EVALUATION- By not later than January 1, 2011, the Secretary shall require Federally qualified health centers to submit to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require in order to develop and implement the prospective payment system under this subsection, including the reporting of services using HCPCS codes.
- (2) IMPLEMENTATION-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding section 1833(a)(3)(A), the Secretary shall provide, for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2014, for payments of prospective payment rates for Federally qualified health center services furnished by Federally qualified health centers under this title in accordance with the prospective payment system developed by the Secretary under paragraph (1).
- (B) PAYMENTS-
- (i) INITIAL PAYMENTS- The Secretary shall implement such prospective payment system so that the estimated aggregate amount of prospective payment rates (determined prior to the application of section 1833(a)(1)(Z)) under this title for Federally qualified health center services in the first year that such system is implemented is equal to 100 percent of the estimated amount of reasonable costs (determined without the application of a per visit payment limit or productivity screen and prior to the application of section 1866(a)(2)(A)(ii)) that would have occurred for such services under this title in such year if the system had not been implemented.
- (ii) PAYMENTS IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS- Payment rates in years after the year of implementation of such system shall be the payment rates in the previous year increased–
- (I) in the first year after implementation of such system, by the percentage increase in the MEI (as defined in section 1842(i)(3)) for the year involved; and
- (II) in subsequent years, by the percentage increase in a market basket of Federally qualified health center goods and services as promulgated through regulations, or if such an index is not available, by the percentage increase in the MEI (as defined in section 1842(i)(3)) for the year involved.
- (C) PREPARATION FOR PPS IMPLEMENTATION- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may establish and implement by program instruction or otherwise the payment codes to be used under the prospective payment system under this section.
- (B) Section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)), as amended by section 4104, is amended–
- (i) by striking and before (Y); and
- (ii) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: , and (Z) with respect to Federally qualified health center services for which payment is made under section 1834(o), the amounts paid shall be 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge or the amount determined under such section.
- (C) Section 1833(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)) is amended–
- (i) in paragraph (3)(B)(i)–
- (I) by inserting (I) after otherwise been provided; and
- (II) by inserting , or (II) in the case of such services furnished on or after the implementation date of the prospective payment system under section 1834(o), under such section (calculated as if 100 percent were substituted for 80 percent in such section) for such services if the individual had not been so enrolled after been so enrolled; and
- (ii) by adding at the end the following flush sentence:
- Paragraph (3)(A) shall not apply to Federally qualified health center services furnished on or after the implementation date of the prospective payment system under section 1834(0).
- (j) Section 5505 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
- (d) Application- The amendments made by this section shall not be applied in a manner that requires reopening of any settled cost reports as to which there is not a jurisdictionally proper appeal pending as of the date of the enactment of this Act on the issue of payment for indirect costs of medical education under section 1886(d)(5)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(B)) or for direct graduate medical education costs under section 1886(h) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)).
- (k) Subtitle G of title V of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 5606. STATE GRANTS TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS WHO PROVIDE SERVICES TO A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS OR OTHER SPECIAL POPULATIONS.
- (a) In General- A State may award grants to health care providers who treat a high percentage, as determined by such State, of medically underserved populations or other special populations in such State.
- (b) Source of Funds- A grant program established by a State under subsection (a) may not be established within a department, agency, or other entity of such State that administers the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), and no Federal or State funds allocated to such Medicaid program, the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.), or the TRICARE program under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, may be used to award grants or to pay administrative costs associated with a grant program established under subsection (a).
- (l) Part C of title VII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 293k et seq.) is amended–
- (1) after the part heading, by inserting the following:
Subpart I–Medical Training Generally;
- and
- (2) by inserting at the end the following:
Subpart II–Training in Underserved Communities
SEC. 749B. RURAL PHYSICIAN TRAINING GRANTS.
- (a) In General- The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall establish a grant program for the purposes of assisting eligible entities in recruiting students most likely to practice medicine in underserved rural communities, providing rural-focused training and experience, and increasing the number of recent allopathic and osteopathic medical school graduates who practice in underserved rural communities.
- (b) Eligible Entities- In order to be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall–
- (1) be a school of allopathic or osteopathic medicine accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association approved by the Secretary for this purpose, or any combination or consortium of such schools; and
- (2) submit an application to the Secretary that includes a certification that such entity will use amounts provided to the institution as described in subsection (d)(1).
- (c) Priority- In awarding grant funds under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that–
- (1) demonstrate a record of successfully training students, as determined by the Secretary, who practice medicine in underserved rural communities;
- (2) demonstrate that an existing academic program of the eligible entity produces a high percentage, as determined by the Secretary, of graduates from such program who practice medicine in underserved rural communities;
- (3) demonstrate rural community institutional partnerships, through such mechanisms as matching or contributory funding, documented in-kind services for implementation, or existence of training partners with interprofessional expertise in community health center training locations or other similar facilities; or
- (4) submit, as part of the application of the entity under subsection (b), a plan for the long-term tracking of where the graduates of such entity practice medicine.
- (d) Use of Funds-
- (1) ESTABLISHMENT- An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use the funds made available under such grant to establish, improve, or expand a rural-focused training program (referred to in this section as the Program) meeting the requirements described in this subsection and to carry out such program.
- (2) STRUCTURE OF PROGRAM- An eligible entity shall–
- (A) enroll no fewer than 10 students per class year into the Program; and
- (B) develop criteria for admission to the Program that gives priority to students–
- (i) who have originated from or lived for a period of 2 or more years in an underserved rural community; and
- (ii) who express a commitment to practice medicine in an underserved rural community.
- (3) CURRICULA- The Program shall require students to enroll in didactic coursework and clinical experience particularly applicable to medical practice in underserved rural communities, including–
- (A) clinical rotations in underserved rural communities, and in applicable specialties, or other coursework or clinical experience deemed appropriate by the Secretary; and
- (B) in addition to core school curricula, additional coursework or training experiences focused on medical issues prevalent in underserved rural communities.
- (4) RESIDENCY PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE- Where available, the Program shall assist all students of the Program in obtaining clinical training experiences in locations with postgraduate programs offering residency training opportunities in underserved rural communities, or in local residency training programs that support and train physicians to practice in underserved rural communities.
- (5) PROGRAM STUDENT COHORT SUPPORT- The Program shall provide and require all students of the Program to participate in group activities designed to further develop, maintain, and reinforce the original commitment of such students to practice in an underserved rural community.
- (e) Annual Reporting- An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit an annual report to the Secretary on the success of the Program, based on criteria the Secretary determines appropriate, including the residency program selection of graduating students who participated in the Program.
- (f) Regulations- Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall by regulation define underserved rural community for purposes of this section.
- (g) Supplement Not Supplant- Any eligible entity receiving funds under this section shall use such funds to supplement, not supplant, any other Federal, State, and local funds that would otherwise be expended by such entity to carry out the activities described in this section.
- (h) Maintenance of Effort- With respect to activities for which funds awarded under this section are to be expended, the entity shall agree to maintain expenditures of non-Federal amounts for such activities at a level that is not less than the level of such expenditures maintained by the entity for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the entity receives a grant under this section.
- (i) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2013.
- (m)(1) Section 768 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 295c) is amended to read as follows:
SEC. 768. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM.
- (a) Grants- The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration and in consultation with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall award grants to, or enter into contracts with, eligible entities to provide training to graduate medical residents in preventive medicine specialties.
- (b) Eligibility- To be eligible for a grant or contract under subsection (a), an entity shall be–
- (1) an accredited school of public health or school of medicine or osteopathic medicine;
- (2) an accredited public or private nonprofit hospital;
- (3) a State, local, or tribal health department; or
- (4) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in paragraphs (1) through (3).
- (c) Use of Funds- Amounts received under a grant or contract under this section shall be used to–
- (1) plan, develop (including the development of curricula), operate, or participate in an accredited residency or internship program in preventive medicine or public health;
- (2) defray the costs of practicum experiences, as required in such a program; and
- (3) establish, maintain, or improve–
- (A) academic administrative units (including departments, divisions, or other appropriate units) in preventive medicine and public health; or
- (B) programs that improve clinical teaching in preventive medicine and public health.
- (d) Report- The Secretary shall submit to the Congress an annual report on the program carried out under this section.
- (2) Section 770(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 295e(a)) is amended to read as follows:
- (a) In General- For the purpose of carrying out this subpart, there is authorized to be appropriated $43,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2015.
- (n)(1) Subsection (i) of section 331 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254d) of the Public Health Service Act is amended–
- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking In carrying out subpart III and all that follows through the period and inserting In carrying out subpart III, the Secretary may, in accordance with this subsection, issue waivers to individuals who have entered into a contract for obligated service under the Scholarship Program or the Loan Repayment Program under which the individuals are authorized to satisfy the requirement of obligated service through providing clinical practice that is half time.;
- (B) in paragraph (2)–
- (i) in subparagraphs (A)(ii) and (B), by striking less than full time each place it appears and inserting half time;
- (ii) in subparagraphs (C) and (F), by striking less than full-time service each place it appears and inserting half-time service; and
- (iii) by amending subparagraphs (D) and (E) to read as follows:
- (D) the entity and the Corps member agree in writing that the Corps member will perform half-time clinical practice;
- (E) the Corps member agrees in writing to fulfill all of the service obligations under section 338C through half-time clinical practice and either–
- (i) double the period of obligated service that would otherwise be required; or
- (ii) in the case of contracts entered into under section 338B, accept a minimum service obligation of 2 years with an award amount equal to 50 percent of the amount that would otherwise be payable for full-time service; and; and
- (C) in paragraph (3), by striking In evaluating a demonstration project described in paragraph (1) and inserting In evaluating waivers issued under paragraph (1).
- (2) Subsection (j) of section 331 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254d) is amended by adding at the end the following:
- (5) The terms full time and full-time mean a minimum of 40 hours per week in a clinical practice, for a minimum of 45 weeks per year.
- (6) The terms half time and half-time mean a minimum of 20 hours per week (not to exceed 39 hours per week) in a clinical practice, for a minimum of 45 weeks per year.
- (3) Section 337(b)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254j(b)(1)) is amended by striking Members may not be reappointed to the Council.
- (4) Section 338B(g)(2)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l-1(g)(2)(A)) is amended by striking $35,000 and inserting $50,000, plus, beginning with fiscal year 2012, an amount determined by the Secretary on an annual basis to reflect inflation,.
- (5) Subsection (a) of section 338C of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254m), as amended by section 5508, is amended–
- (A) by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: The Secretary may treat teaching as clinical practice for up to 20 percent of such period of obligated service.; and
- (B) by adding at the end the following: Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, with respect to a member of the Corps participating in the teaching health centers graduate medical education program under section 340H, for the purpose of calculating time spent in full-time clinical practice under this section, up to 50 percent of time spent teaching by such member may be counted toward his or her service obligation.
SEC. 10502. INFRASTRUCTURE TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CARE.
- (a) Appropriation- There are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, to remain available for obligation until September 30, 2011, to be used for debt service on, or direct construction or renovation of, a health care facility that provides research, inpatient tertiary care, or outpatient clinical services. Such facility shall be affiliated with an academic health center at a public research university in the United States that contains a States sole public academic medical and dental school.
- (b) Requirement- Amount appropriated under subsection (a) may only be made available by the Secretary of Health and Human Services upon the receipt of an application from the Governor of a State that certifies that–
- (1) the new health care facility is critical for the provision of greater access to health care within the State;
- (2) such facility is essential for the continued financial viability of the States sole public medical and dental school and its academic health center;
- (3) the request for Federal support represents not more than 40 percent of the total cost of the proposed new facility; and
- (4) the State has established a dedicated funding mechanism to provide all remaining funds necessary to complete the construction or renovation of the proposed facility.
SEC. 10503. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS FUND.
- (a) Purpose- It is the purpose of this section to establish a Community Health Center Fund (referred to in this section as the CHC Fund), to be administered through the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for expanded and sustained national investment in community health centers under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act and the National Health Service Corps.
- (b) Funding- There is authorized to be appropriated, and there is appropriated, out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the CHC Fund–
- (1) to be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide enhanced funding for the community health center program under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act–
- (A) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
- (B) $800,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
- (C) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
- (D) $1,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; and
- (E) $2,900,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
- (2) to be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide enhanced funding for the National Health Service Corps–
- (A) $290,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
- (B) $295,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
- (C) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
- (D) $305,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; and
- (E) $310,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.
- (c) Construction- There is authorized to be appropriated, and there is appropriated, out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $1,500,000,000 to be available for fiscal years 2011 through 2015 to be used by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the construction and renovation of community health centers.
- (d) Use of Fund- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall transfer amounts in the CHC Fund to accounts within the Department of Health and Human Services to increase funding, over the fiscal year 2008 level, for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps.
- (e) Availability- Amounts appropriated under subsections (b) and (c) shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 10504. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CARE.
- (a) In General- Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary), acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall establish a 3 year demonstration project in up to 10 States to provide access to comprehensive health care services to the uninsured at reduced fees. The Secretary shall evaluate the feasibility of expanding the project to additional States.
- (b) Eligibility- To be eligible to participate in the demonstration project, an entity shall be a State-based, nonprofit, public-private partnership that provides access to comprehensive health care services to the uninsured at reduced fees. Each State in which a participant selected by the Secretary is located shall receive not more than $2,000,000 to establish and carry out the project for the 3-year demonstration period.
- (c) Authorization- There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
Subtitle F–Provisions Relating to Title VI
SEC. 10601. REVISIONS TO LIMITATION ON MEDICARE EXCEPTION TO THE PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN PHYSICIAN REFERRALS FOR HOSPITALS.
- (a) In General- Section 1877(i) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 6001(a), is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by striking February 1, 2010 and inserting August 1, 2010; and
- (2) in paragraph (3)(A)–
- (A) in clause (iii), by striking August 1, 2011 and inserting February 1, 2012; and
- (B) in clause (iv), by striking July 1, 2011 and inserting January 1, 2012.
- (b) Conforming Amendment- Section 6001(b)(2) of this Act is amended by striking November 1, 2011 and inserting May 1, 2012.
SEC. 10602. CLARIFICATIONS TO PATIENT-CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH.
- Section 1181 of the Social Security Act (as added by section 6301) is amended–
- (1) in subsection (d)(2)(B)–
- (A) in clause (ii)(IV)–
- (i) by inserting , as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), after original research; and
- (ii) by inserting , as long as the researcher enters into a data use agreement with the Institute for use of the data from the original research, as appropriate after publication; and
- (B) by amending clause (iv) to read as follows:
- (iv) SUBSEQUENT USE OF THE DATA- The Institute shall not allow the subsequent use of data from original research in work-for-hire contracts with individuals, entities, or instrumentalities that have a financial interest in the results, unless approved under a data use agreement with the Institute.;
- (2) in subsection (d)(8)(A)(iv), by striking not be construed as mandates for and inserting do not include; and
- (3) in subsection (f)(1)(C), by amending clause (ii) to read as follows:
- (ii) 7 members representing physicians and providers, including 4 members representing physicians (at least 1 of whom is a surgeon), 1 nurse, 1 State-licensed integrative health care practitioner, and 1 representative of a hospital.
SEC. 10603. STRIKING PROVISIONS RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PROVIDER APPLICATION FEES.
- (a) In General- Section 1866(j)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 6401(a), is amended–
- (1) by striking clause (i);
- (2) by redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv), respectively, as clauses (i) through (iii); and
- (3) in clause (i), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking clause (iii) and inserting clause (ii).
- (b) Technical Correction- Section 6401(a)(2) of this Act is amended to read as follows:
- (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (8); and.
SEC. 10604. TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO SECTION 6405.
- Paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 6405(b) are amended to read as follows:
- (1) PART A- Section 1814(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(a)(2)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting , or, in the case of services described in subparagraph (C), a physician enrolled under section 1866(j), after in collaboration with a physician,.
- (2) PART B- Section 1835(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395n(a)(2)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting , or, in the case of services described in subparagraph (A), a physician enrolled under section 1866(j), after a physician.
SEC. 10605. CERTAIN OTHER PROVIDERS PERMITTED TO CONDUCT FACE TO FACE ENCOUNTER FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES.
- (a) Part A- Section 1814(a)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)(2)(C)), as amended by section 6407(a)(1), is amended by inserting , or a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist (as those terms are defined in section 1861(aa)(5)) who is working in collaboration with the physician in accordance with State law, or a certified nurse-midwife (as defined in section 1861(gg)) as authorized by State law, or a physician assistant (as defined in section 1861(aa)(5)) under the supervision of the physician, after himself or herself.
- (b) Part B- Section 1835(a)(2)(A)(iv) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 6407(a)(2), is amended by inserting , or a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist (as those terms are defined in section 1861(aa)(5)) who is working in collaboration with the physician in accordance with State law, or a certified nurse-midwife (as defined in section 1861(gg)) as authorized by State law, or a physician assistant (as defined in section 1861(aa)(5)) under the supervision of the physician, after must document that the physician.
SEC. 10606. HEALTH CARE FRAUD ENFORCEMENT.
- (a) Fraud Sentencing Guidelines-
- (1) DEFINITION- In this subsection, the term Federal health care offense has the meaning given that term in section 24 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by this Act.
- (2) REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS- Pursuant to the authority under section 994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this subsection, the United States Sentencing Commission shall–
- (A) review the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of Federal health care offenses;
- (B) amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of Federal health care offenses involving Government health care programs to provide that the aggregate dollar amount of fraudulent bills submitted to the Government health care program shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amount of the intended loss by the defendant; and
- (C) amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to provide–
- (i) a 2-level increase in the offense level for any defendant convicted of a Federal health care offense relating to a Government health care program which involves a loss of not less than $1,000,000 and less than $7,000,000;
- (ii) a 3-level increase in the offense level for any defendant convicted of a Federal health care offense relating to a Government health care program which involves a loss of not less than $7,000,000 and less than $20,000,000;
- (iii) a 4-level increase in the offense level for any defendant convicted of a Federal health care offense relating to a Government health care program which involves a loss of not less than $20,000,000; and
- (iv) if appropriate, otherwise amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of Federal health care offenses involving Government health care programs.
- (3) REQUIREMENTS- In carrying this subsection, the United States Sentencing Commission shall–
- (A) ensure that the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements–
- (i) reflect the serious harms associated with health care fraud and the need for aggressive and appropriate law enforcement action to prevent such fraud; and
- (ii) provide increased penalties for persons convicted of health care fraud offenses in appropriate circumstances;
- (B) consult with individuals or groups representing health care fraud victims, law enforcement officials, the health care industry, and the Federal judiciary as part of the review described in paragraph (2);
- (C) ensure reasonable consistency with other relevant directives and with other guidelines under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines;
- (D) account for any aggravating or mitigating circumstances that might justify exceptions, including circumstances for which the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, provide sentencing enhancements;
- (E) make any necessary conforming changes to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines; and
- (F) ensure that the Federal Sentencing Guidelines adequately meet the purposes of sentencing.
- (b) Intent Requirement for Health Care Fraud- Section 1347 of title 18, United States Code, is amended–
- (1) by inserting (a) before Whoever knowingly; and
- (2) by adding at the end the following:
- (b) With respect to violations of this section, a person need not have actual knowledge of this section or specific intent to commit a violation of this section.
- (c) Health Care Fraud Offense- Section 24(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended–
- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking the semicolon and inserting or section 1128B of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b); or; and
- (2) in paragraph (2)–
- (A) by inserting 1349, after 1343,; and
- (B) by inserting section 301 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331), or section 501 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1131), after title,.
- (d) Subpoena Authority Relating to Health Care-
- (1) SUBPOENAS UNDER THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996- Section 1510(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended–
- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking to the grand jury; and
- (B) in paragraph (2)–
- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking grand jury subpoena and inserting subpoena for records; and
- (ii) in the matter following subparagraph (B), by striking to the grand jury.
- (2) SUBPOENAS UNDER THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF INSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONS ACT- The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (42 U.S.C. 1997 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 3 the following:
SEC. 3A. SUBPOENA AUTHORITY.
- (a) Authority- The Attorney General, or at the direction of the Attorney General, any officer or employee of the Department of Justice may require by subpoena access to any institution that is the subject of an investigation under this Act and to any document, record, material, file, report, memorandum, policy, procedure, investigation, video or audio recording, or quality assurance report relating to any institution that is the subject of an investigation under this Act to determine whether there are conditions which deprive persons residing in or confined to the institution of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
- (b) Issuance and Enforcement of Subpoenas-
- (1) ISSUANCE- Subpoenas issued under this section–
- (A) shall bear the signature of the Attorney General or any officer or employee of the Department of Justice as designated by the Attorney General; and
- (B) shall be served by any person or class of persons designated by the Attorney General or a designated officer or employee for that purpose.
- (2) ENFORCEMENT- In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena issued under this section, the United States district court for the judicial district in which the institution is located may issue an order requiring compliance. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt that court.
- (c) Protection of Subpoenaed Records and Information- Any document, record, material, file, report, memorandum, policy, procedure, investigation, video or audio recording, or quality assurance report or other information obtained under a subpoena issued under this section–
- (1) may not be used for any purpose other than to protect the rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States of persons who reside, have resided, or will reside in an institution;
- (2) may not be transmitted by or within the Department of Justice for any purpose other than to protect the rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States of persons who reside, have resided, or will reside in an institution; and
- (3) shall be redacted, obscured, or otherwise altered if used in any publicly available manner so as to prevent the disclosure of any personally identifiable information.
SEC. 10607. STATE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS TO EVALUATE ALTERNATIVES TO CURRENT MEDICAL TORT LITIGATION.
- Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
SEC. 399V-4. STATE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS TO EVALUATE ALTERNATIVES TO CURRENT MEDICAL TORT LITIGATION.
- (a) In General- The Secretary is authorized to award demonstration grants to States for the development, implementation, and evaluation of alternatives to current tort litigation for resolving disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations. In awarding such grants, the Secretary shall ensure the diversity of the alternatives so funded.
- (b) Duration- The Secretary may award grants under subsection (a) for a period not to exceed 5 years.
- (c) Conditions for Demonstration Grants-
- (1) REQUIREMENTS- Each State desiring a grant under subsection (a) shall develop an alternative to current tort litigation that–
- (A) allows for the resolution of disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations; and
- (B) promotes a reduction of health care errors by encouraging the collection and analysis of patient safety data related to disputes resolved under subparagraph (A) by organizations that engage in efforts to improve patient safety and the quality of health care.
- (2) ALTERNATIVE TO CURRENT TORT LITIGATION- Each State desiring a grant under subsection (a) shall demonstrate how the proposed alternative described in paragraph (1)(A)–
- (A) makes the medical liability system more reliable by increasing the availability of prompt and fair resolution of disputes;
- (B) encourages the efficient resolution of disputes;
- (C) encourages the disclosure of health care errors;
- (D) enhances patient safety by detecting, analyzing, and helping to reduce medical errors and adverse events;
- (E) improves access to liability insurance;
- (F) fully informs patients about the differences in the alternative and current tort litigation;
- (G) provides patients the ability to opt out of or voluntarily withdraw from participating in the alternative at any time and to pursue other options, including litigation, outside the alternative;
- (H) would not conflict with State law at the time of the application in a way that would prohibit the adoption of an alternative to current tort litigation; and
- (I) would not limit or curtail a patients existing legal rights, ability to file a claim in or access a States legal system, or otherwise abrogate a patients ability to file a medical malpractice claim.
- (3) SOURCES OF COMPENSATION- Each State desiring a grant under subsection (a) shall identify the sources from and methods by which compensation would be paid for claims resolved under the proposed alternative to current tort litigation, which may include public or private funding sources, or a combination of such sources. Funding methods shall to the extent practicable provide financial incentives for activities that improve patient safety.
- (4) SCOPE-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Each State desiring a grant under subsection (a) shall establish a scope of jurisdiction (such as Statewide, designated geographic region, a designated area of health care practice, or a designated group of health care providers or health care organizations) for the proposed alternative to current tort litigation that is sufficient to evaluate the effects of the alternative. No scope of jurisdiction shall be established under this paragraph that is based on a health care payer or patient population.
- (B) NOTIFICATION OF PATIENTS- A State shall demonstrate how patients would be notified that they are receiving health care services that fall within such scope, and the process by which they may opt out of or voluntarily withdraw from participating in the alternative. The decision of the patient whether to participate or continue participating in the alternative process shall be made at any time and shall not be limited in any way.
- (5) PREFERENCE IN AWARDING DEMONSTRATION GRANTS- In awarding grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give preference to States–
- (A) that have developed the proposed alternative through substantive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including patient advocates, health care providers and health care organizations, attorneys with expertise in representing patients and health care providers, medical malpractice insurers, and patient safety experts;
- (B) that make proposals that are likely to enhance patient safety by detecting, analyzing, and helping to reduce medical errors and adverse events; and
- (C) that make proposals that are likely to improve access to liability insurance.
- (d) Application-
- (1) IN GENERAL- Each State desiring a grant under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
- (2) REVIEW PANEL-
- (A) IN GENERAL- In reviewing applications under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with a review panel composed of relevant experts appointed by the Comptroller General.
- (B) COMPOSITION-
- (i) NOMINATIONS- The Comptroller General shall solicit nominations from the public for individuals to serve on the review panel.
- (ii) APPOINTMENT- The Comptroller General shall appoint, at least 9 but not more than 13, highly qualified and knowledgeable individuals to serve on the review panel and shall ensure that the following entities receive fair representation on such panel:
- (I) Patient advocates.
- (II) Health care providers and health care organizations.
- (III) Attorneys with expertise in representing patients and health care providers.
- (IV) Medical malpractice insurers.
- (V) State officials.
- (VI) Patient safety experts.
- (C) CHAIRPERSON- The Comptroller General, or an individual within the Government Accountability Office designated by the Comptroller General, shall be the chairperson of the review panel.
- (D) AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION- The Comptroller General shall make available to the review panel such information, personnel, and administrative services and assistance as the review panel may reasonably require to carry out its duties.
- (E) INFORMATION FROM AGENCIES- The review panel may request directly from any department or agency of the United States any information that such panel considers necessary to carry out its duties. To the extent consistent with applicable laws and regulations, the head of such department or agency shall furnish the requested information to the review panel.
- (e) Reports-
- (1) BY STATE- Each State receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary an annual report evaluating the effectiveness of activities funded with grants awarded under such subsection. Such report shall, at a minimum, include the impact of the activities funded on patient safety and on the availability and price of medical liability insurance.
- (2) BY SECRETARY- The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual compendium of the reports submitted under paragraph (1) and an analysis of the activities funded under subsection (a) that examines any differences that result from such activities in terms of the quality of care, number and nature of medical errors, medical resources used, length of time for dispute resolution, and the availability and price of liability insurance.
- (f) Technical Assistance-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to the States applying for or awarded grants under subsection (a).
- (2) REQUIREMENTS- Technical assistance under paragraph (1) shall include–
- (A) guidance on non-economic damages, including the consideration of individual facts and circumstances in determining appropriate payment, guidance on identifying avoidable injuries, and guidance on disclosure to patients of health care errors and adverse events; and
- (B) the development, in consultation with States, of common definitions, formats, and data collection infrastructure for States receiving grants under this section to use in reporting to facilitate aggregation and analysis of data both within and between States.
- (3) USE OF COMMON DEFINITIONS, FORMATS, AND DATA COLLECTION INFRASTRUCTURE- States not receiving grants under this section may also use the common definitions, formats, and data collection infrastructure developed under paragraph (2)(B).
- (g) Evaluation-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, in consultation with the review panel established under subsection (d)(2), shall enter into a contract with an appropriate research organization to conduct an overall evaluation of the effectiveness of grants awarded under subsection (a) and to annually prepare and submit a report to Congress. Such an evaluation shall begin not later than 18 months following the date of implementation of the first program funded by a grant under subsection (a).
- (2) CONTENTS- The evaluation under paragraph (1) shall include–
- (A) an analysis of the effects of the grants awarded under subsection (a) with regard to the measures described in paragraph (3);
- (B) for each State, an analysis of the extent to which the alternative developed under subsection (c)(1) is effective in meeting the elements described in subsection (c)(2);
- (C) a comparison among the States receiving grants under subsection (a) of the effectiveness of the various alternatives developed by such States under subsection (c)(1);
- (D) a comparison, considering the measures described in paragraph (3), of States receiving grants approved under subsection (a) and similar States not receiving such grants; and
- (E) a comparison, with regard to the measures described in paragraph (3), of–
- (i) States receiving grants under subsection (a);
- (ii) States that enacted, prior to the date of enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, any cap on non-economic damages; and
- (iii) States that have enacted, prior to the date of enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a requirement that the complainant obtain an opinion regarding the merit of the claim, although the substance of such opinion may have no bearing on whether the complainant may proceed with a case.
- (3) MEASURES- The evaluations under paragraph (2) shall analyze and make comparisons on the basis of–
- (A) the nature and number of disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations;
- (B) the nature and number of claims in which tort litigation was pursued despite the existence of an alternative under subsection (a);
- (C) the disposition of disputes and claims, including the length of time and estimated costs to all parties;
- (D) the medical liability environment;
- (E) health care quality;
- (F) patient safety in terms of detecting, analyzing, and helping to reduce medical errors and adverse events;
- (G) patient and health care provider and organization satisfaction with the alternative under subsection (a) and with the medical liability environment; and
- (H) impact on utilization of medical services, appropriately adjusted for risk.
- (4) FUNDING- The Secretary shall reserve 5 percent of the amount appropriated in each fiscal year under subsection (k) to carry out this subsection.
- (h) MedPAC and MACPAC Reports-
- (1) MEDPAC- The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall conduct an independent review of the alternatives to current tort litigation that are implemented under grants under subsection (a) to determine the impact of such alternatives on the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, and its beneficiaries.
- (2) MACPAC- The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission shall conduct an independent review of the alternatives to current tort litigation that are implemented under grants under subsection (a) to determine the impact of such alternatives on the Medicaid or CHIP programs under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act, and their beneficiaries.
- (3) REPORTS- Not later than December 31, 2016, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission shall each submit to Congress a report that includes the findings and recommendations of each respective Commission based on independent reviews conducted under paragraphs (1) and (2), including an analysis of the impact of the alternatives reviewed on the efficiency and effectiveness of the respective programs.
- (i) Option To Provide for Initial Planning Grants- Of the funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (k), the Secretary may use a portion not to exceed $500,000 per State to provide planning grants to such States for the development of demonstration project applications meeting the criteria described in subsection (c). In selecting States to receive such planning grants, the Secretary shall give preference to those States in which State law at the time of the application would not prohibit the adoption of an alternative to current tort litigation.
- (j) Definitions- In this section:
- (1) HEALTH CARE SERVICES- The term health care services means any services provided by a health care provider, or by any individual working under the supervision of a health care provider, that relate to–
- (A) the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any human disease or impairment; or
- (B) the assessment of the health of human beings.
- (2) HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION- The term health care organization means any individual or entity which is obligated to provide, pay for, or administer health benefits under any health plan.
- (3) HEALTH CARE PROVIDER- The term health care provider means any individual or entity–
- (A) licensed, registered, or certified under Federal or State laws or regulations to provide health care services; or
- (B) required to be so licensed, registered, or certified but that is exempted by other statute or regulation.
- (k) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $50,000,000 for the 5-fiscal year period beginning with fiscal year 2011.
- (l) Current State Efforts To Establish Alternative To Tort Litigation- Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any prior, current, or future efforts of any State to establish any alternative to tort litigation.
- (m) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting states authority over or responsibility for their state justice systems.
SEC. 10608. EXTENSION OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE COVERAGE TO FREE CLINICS.
- (a) In General- Section 224(o)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 233(o)(1)) is amended by inserting after to an individual the following: , or an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of a free clinic shall in providing services for the free clinic,.
- (b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and apply to any act or omission which occurs on or after that date.
SEC. 10609. LABELING CHANGES.
- Section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
- (10)(A) If the proposed labeling of a drug that is the subject of an application under this subsection differs from the listed drug due to a labeling revision described under clause (i), the drug that is the subject of such application shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, be eligible for approval and shall not be considered misbranded under section 502 if–
- (i) the application is otherwise eligible for approval under this subsection but for expiration of patent, an exclusivity period, or of a delay in approval described in paragraph (5)(B)(iii), and a revision to the labeling of the listed drug has been approved by the Secretary within 60 days of such expiration;
- (ii) the labeling revision described under clause (i) does not include a change to the Warnings section of the labeling;
- (iii) the sponsor of the application under this subsection agrees to submit revised labeling of the drug that is the subject of such application not later than 60 days after the notification of any changes to such labeling required by the Secretary; and
- (iv) such application otherwise meets the applicable requirements for approval under this subsection.
- (B) If, after a labeling revision described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary determines that the continued presence in interstate commerce of the labeling of the listed drug (as in effect before the revision described in subparagraph (A)(i)) adversely impacts the safe use of the drug, no application under this subsection shall be eligible for approval with such labeling.
Subtitle G–Provisions Relating to Title VIII
SEC. 10801. PROVISIONS RELATING TO TITLE VIII.
- (a) Title XXXII of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 8002(a)(1), is amended–
- (1) in section 3203–
- (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking subparagraph (E);
- (B) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(i), by striking for enrollment and inserting for reenrollment; and
- (C) in subsection (c)(1), by striking , as part of their automatic enrollment in the CLASS program,; and
- (2) in section 3204–
- (A) in subsection (c)(2), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
- (A) receives wages or income on which there is imposed a tax under section 3101(a) or 3201(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or;
- (B) in subsection (d), by striking subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (c)(1) and inserting subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (c)(2);
- (C) in subsection (e)(2)(A), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting paragraph (1); and
- (D) in subsection (g)(1), by striking has elected to waive enrollment and inserting has not enrolled.
- (b) Section 8002 of this Act is amended in the heading for subsection (d), by striking Information on Supplemental Coverage and inserting CLASS Program Information.
- (c) Section 6021(d)(2)(A)(iv) of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, as added by section 8002(d) of this Act, is amended by striking and coverage available and all that follows through that program,.
Subtitle H–Provisions Relating to Title IX
SEC. 10901. MODIFICATIONS TO EXCISE TAX ON HIGH COST EMPLOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH COVERAGE.
- (a) Longshore Workers Treated as Employees Engaged in High-risk Professions- Paragraph (3) of section 4980I(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 9001 of this Act, is amended by inserting individuals whose primary work is longshore work (as defined in section 258(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1288(b)), determined without regard to paragraph (2) thereof), before and individuals engaged in the construction, mining.
- (b) Exemption From High-cost Insurance Tax Includes Certain Additional Excepted Benefits- Clause (i) of section 4980I(d)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 9001 of this Act, is amended by striking section 9832(c)(1)(A) and inserting section 9832(c)(1) (other than subparagraph (G) thereof).
- (c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012.
SEC. 10902. INFLATION ADJUSTMENT OF LIMITATION ON HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ARRANGEMENTS UNDER CAFETERIA PLANS.
- (a) In General- Subsection (i) of section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 9005 of this Act, is amended to read as follows:
- (i) Limitation on Health Flexible Spending Arrangements-
- (1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, if a benefit is provided under a cafeteria plan through employer contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement, such benefit shall not be treated as a qualified benefit unless the cafeteria plan provides that an employee may not elect for any taxable year to have salary reduction contributions in excess of $2,500 made to such arrangement.
- (2) ADJUSTMENT FOR INFLATION- In the case of any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2011, the dollar amount in paragraph (1) shall be increased by an amount equal to–
- (A) such amount, multiplied by
- (B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins by substituting calendar year 2010 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
- If any increase determined under this paragraph is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.
- (b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.
SEC. 10903. MODIFICATION OF LIMITATION ON CHARGES BY CHARITABLE HOSPITALS.
- (a) In General- Subparagraph (A) of section 501(r)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 9007 of this Act, is amended by striking the lowest amounts charged and inserting the amounts generally billed.
- (b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 10904. MODIFICATION OF ANNUAL FEE ON MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS.
- (a) In General- Section 9009 of this Act is amended–
- (1) by striking 2009 in subsection (a)(1) and inserting 2010,
- (2) by inserting ($3,000,000,000 after 2017) after $2,000,000,000, and
- (3) by striking 2008 in subsection (i) and inserting 2009.
- (b) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 9009.
SEC. 10905. MODIFICATION OF ANNUAL FEE ON HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDERS.
- (a) Determination of Fee Amount- Subsection (b) of section 9010 of this Act is amended to read as follows:
- (b) Determination of Fee Amount-
- (1) IN GENERAL- With respect to each covered entity, the fee under this section for any calendar year shall be equal to an amount that bears the same ratio to the applicable amount as–
- (A) the covered entitys net premiums written with respect to health insurance for any United States health risk that are taken into account during the preceding calendar year, bears to
- (B) the aggregate net premiums written with respect to such health insurance of all covered entities that are taken into account during such preceding calendar year.
- (2) AMOUNTS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT- For purposes of paragraph (1), the net premiums written with respect to health insurance for any United States health risk that are taken into account during any calendar year with respect to any covered entity shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
With respect to a covered entitys net premiums written during the calendar year that are: The percentage of net premiums written that are taken into account is:
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Not more than $25,000,000 0 percent
More than $25,000,000 but not more than $50,000,000 50 percent
More than $50,000,000 100 percent.
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- (3) SECRETARIAL DETERMINATION- The Secretary shall calculate the amount of each covered entitys fee for any calendar year under paragraph (1). In calculating such amount, the Secretary shall determine such covered entitys net premiums written with respect to any United States health risk on the basis of reports submitted by the covered entity under subsection (g) and through the use of any other source of information available to the Secretary.
- (b) Applicable Amount- Subsection (e) of section 9010 of this Act is amended to read as follows:
- (e) Applicable Amount- For purposes of subsection (b)(1), the applicable amount shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
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Calendar year Applicable amount
2011 $2,000,000,000
2012 $4,000,000,000
2013 $7,000,000,000
2014, 2015 and 2016 $9,000,000,000
2017 and thereafter $10,000,000,000.
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- (c) Exemption From Annual Fee on Health Insurance for Certain Nonprofit Entities- Section 9010(c)(2) of this Act is amended by striking or at the end of subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting a comma, and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
- (C) any entity–
- (i)(I) which is incorporated as, is a wholly owned subsidiary of, or is a wholly owned affiliate of, a nonprofit corporation under a State law, or
- (II) which is described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the activities of which consist of providing commercial-type insurance (within the meaning of section 501(m) of such Code),
- (ii) the premium rate increases of which are regulated by a State authority,
- (iii) which, as of the date of the enactment of this section, acts as the insurer of last resort in the State and is subject to State guarantee issue requirements, and
- (iv) for which the medical loss ratio (determined in a manner consistent with the determination of such ratio under section 2718(b)(1)(A) of the Public Health Service Act) with respect to the individual insurance market for such entity for the calendar year is not less than 100 percent,
- (D) any entity–
- (i)(I) which is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under a State law, or
- (II) which is described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the activities of which consist of providing commercial-type insurance (within the meaning of section 501(m) of such Code), and
- (ii) for which the medical loss ratio (as so determined)–
- (I) with respect to each of the individual, small group, and large group insurance markets for such entity for the calendar year is not less than 90 percent, and
- (II) with respect to all such markets for such entity for the calendar year is not less than 92 percent, or
- (E) any entity–
- (i) which is a mutual insurance company,
- (ii) which for the period reported on the 2008 Accident and Health Policy Experience Exhibit of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners had–
- (I) a market share of the insured population of a State of at least 40 but not more than 60 percent, and
- (II) with respect to all markets described in subparagraph (D)(ii)(I), a medical loss ratio of not less than 90 percent, and
- (iii) with respect to annual payment dates in calendar years after 2011, for which the medical loss ratio (determined in a manner consistent with the determination of such ratio under section 2718(b)(1)(A) of the Public Health Service Act) with respect to all such markets for such entity for the preceding calendar year is not less than 89 percent (except that with respect to such annual payment date for 2012, the calculation under 2718(b)(1)(B)(ii) of such Act is determined by reference to the previous year, and with respect to such annual payment date for 2013, such calculation is determined by reference to the average for the previous 2 years).
- (d) Certain Insurance Exempted From Fee- Paragraph (3) of section 9010(h) of this Act is amended to read as follows:
- (3) HEALTH INSURANCE- The term health insurance shall not include–
- (A) any insurance coverage described in paragraph (1)(A) or (3) of section 9832(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
- (B) any insurance for long-term care, or
- (C) any medicare supplemental health insurance (as defined in section 1882(g)(1) of the Social Security Act).
- (e) Anti-avoidance Guidance- Subsection (i) of section 9010 of this Act is amended by inserting and shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary or appropriate to prevent avoidance of the purposes of this section, including inappropriate actions taken to qualify as an exempt entity under subsection (c)(2) after section.
- (f) Conforming Amendments-
- (1) Section 9010(a)(1) of this Act is amended by striking 2009 and inserting 2010.
- (2) Section 9010(c)(2)(B) of this Act is amended by striking (except and all that follows through 1323).
- (3) Section 9010(c)(3) of this Act is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: If any entity described in subparagraph (C)(i)(I), (D)(i)(I), or (E)(i) of paragraph (2) is treated as a covered entity by reason of the application of the preceding sentence, the net premiums written with respect to health insurance for any United States health risk of such entity shall not be taken into account for purposes of this section.
- (4) Section 9010(g)(1) of this Act is amended by striking and third party administration agreement fees.
- (5) Section 9010(j) of this Act is amended–
- (A) by striking 2008 and inserting 2009, and
- (B) by striking , and any third party administration agreement fees received after such date.
- (g) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 9010.
SEC. 10906. MODIFICATIONS TO ADDITIONAL HOSPITAL INSURANCE TAX ON HIGH-INCOME TAXPAYERS.
- (a) FICA- Section 3101(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 9015(a)(1) of this Act, is amended by striking 0.5 percent and inserting 0.9 percent.
- (b) SECA- Section 1401(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 9015(b)(1) of this Act, is amended by striking 0.5 percent and inserting 0.9 percent.
- (c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to remuneration received, and taxable years beginning, after December 31, 2012.
SEC. 10907. EXCISE TAX ON INDOOR TANNING SERVICES IN LIEU OF ELECTIVE COSMETIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES.
- (a) In General- The provisions of, and amendments made by, section 9017 of this Act are hereby deemed null, void, and of no effect.
- (b) Excise Tax on Indoor Tanning Services- Subtitle D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 49–COSMETIC SERVICES
- Sec. 5000B. Imposition of tax on indoor tanning services.
SEC. 5000B. IMPOSITION OF TAX ON INDOOR TANNING SERVICES.
- (a) In General- There is hereby imposed on any indoor tanning service a tax equal to 10 percent of the amount paid for such service (determined without regard to this section), whether paid by insurance or otherwise.
- (b) Indoor Tanning Service- For purposes of this section–
- (1) IN GENERAL- The term indoor tanning service means a service employing any electronic product designed to incorporate 1 or more ultraviolet lamps and intended for the irradiation of an individual by ultraviolet radiation, with wavelengths in air between 200 and 400 nanometers, to induce skin tanning.
- (2) EXCLUSION OF PHOTOTHERAPY SERVICES- Such term does not include any phototherapy service performed by a licensed medical professional.
- (c) Payment of Tax-
- (1) IN GENERAL- The tax imposed by this section shall be paid by the individual on whom the service is performed.
- (2) COLLECTION- Every person receiving a payment for services on which a tax is imposed under subsection (a) shall collect the amount of the tax from the individual on whom the service is performed and remit such tax quarterly to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as provided by the Secretary.
- (3) SECONDARY LIABILITY- Where any tax imposed by subsection (a) is not paid at the time payments for indoor tanning services are made, then to the extent that such tax is not collected, such tax shall be paid by the person who performs the service.
- (c) Clerical Amendment- The table of chapter for subtitle D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by this Act, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 48 the following new item:
Chapter 49–Cosmetic Services.
- (d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to services performed on or after July 1, 2010.
SEC. 10908. EXCLUSION FOR ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS IN STATE STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR CERTAIN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.
- (a) In General- Paragraph (4) of section 108(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:
- (4) PAYMENTS UNDER NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM AND CERTAIN STATE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS- In the case of an individual, gross income shall not include any amount received under section 338B(g) of the Public Health Service Act, under a State program described in section 338I of such Act, or under any other State loan repayment or loan forgiveness program that is intended to provide for the increased availability of health care services in underserved or health professional shortage areas (as determined by such State).
- (b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts received by an individual in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.
SEC. 10909. EXPANSION OF ADOPTION CREDIT AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
- (a) Increase in Dollar Limitation-
- (1) ADOPTION CREDIT-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Paragraph (1) of section 23(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to dollar limitation) is amended by striking `$10,000′ and inserting `$13,170′.
- (B) CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS- Paragraph (3) of section 23(a) of such Code (relating to $10,000 credit for adoption of child with special needs regardless of expenses) is amended–
- (i) in the text by striking `$10,000′ and inserting `$13,170′, and
- (ii) in the heading by striking `$10,000′ and inserting `$13,170′.
- (C) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO INFLATION ADJUSTMENT- Subsection (h) of section 23 of such Code (relating to adjustments for inflation) is amended to read as follows:
- `(h) Adjustments for Inflation-
- `(1) DOLLAR LIMITATIONS- In the case of a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2010, each of the dollar amounts in subsections (a)(3) and (b)(1) shall be increased by an amount equal to–
- `(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
- `(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2009′ for `calendar year 1992′ in subparagraph (B) thereof.
- If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.
- `(2) INCOME LIMITATION- In the case of a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2002, the dollar amount in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) shall be increased by an amount equal to–
- `(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
- `(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2001′ for `calendar year 1992′ in subparagraph (B) thereof.
- If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.’.
- (2) ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS-
- (A) IN GENERAL- Paragraph (1) of section 137(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to dollar limitation) is amended by striking `$10,000′ and inserting `$13,170′.
- (B) CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS- Paragraph (2) of section 137(a) of such Code (relating to $10,000 exclusion for adoption of child with special needs regardless of expenses) is amended–
- (i) in the text by striking `$10,000′ and inserting `$13,170′, and
- (ii) in the heading by striking `$10,000′ and inserting `$13,170′.
- (C) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO INFLATION ADJUSTMENT- Subsection (f) of section 137 of such Code (relating to adjustments for inflation) is amended to read as follows:
- `(f) Adjustments for Inflation-
- `(1) DOLLAR LIMITATIONS- In the case of a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2010, each of the dollar amounts in subsections (a)(2) and (b)(1) shall be increased by an amount equal to–
- `(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
- `(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2009′ for `calendar year 1992′ in subparagraph (B) thereof.
- If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.
- `(2) INCOME LIMITATION- In the case of a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2002, the dollar amount in subsection (b)(2)(A) shall be increased by an amount equal to–
- `(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
- `(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2001′ for `calendar year 1992′ in subparagraph thereof.
- If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.’.
- (b) Credit Made Refundable-
- (1) CREDIT MOVED TO SUBPART RELATING TO REFUNDABLE CREDITS- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended–
- (A) by redesignating section 23, as amended by subsection (a), as section 36C, and
- (B) by moving section 36C (as so redesignated) from subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 to the location immediately before section 37 in subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1.
- (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
- (A) Section 24(b)(3)(B) of such Code is amended by striking `23,’.
- (B) Section 25(e)(1)(C) of such Code is amended by striking `23,’ both places it appears.
- (C) Section 25A(i)(5)(B) of such Code is amended by striking `23, 25D,’ and inserting `25D’.
- (D) Section 25B(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking `23,’.
- (E) Section 26(a)(1) of such Code is amended by striking `23,’.
- (F) Section 30(c)(2)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by striking `23, 25D,’ and inserting `25D’.
- (G) Section 30B(g)(2)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by striking `23,’.
- (H) Section 30D(c)(2)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by striking `sections 23 and’ and inserting `section’.
- (I) Section 36C of such Code, as so redesignated, is amended–
- (i) by striking paragraph (4) of subsection (b), and
- (ii) by striking subsection (c).
- (J) Section 137 of such Code is amended–
- (i) by striking `section 23(d)’ in subsection (d) and inserting `section 36C(d)’, and
- (ii) by striking `section 23′ in subsection (e) and inserting `section 36C’.
- (K) Section 904(i) of such Code is amended by striking `23,’.
- (L) Section 1016(a)(26) is amended by striking `23(g)’ and inserting `36C(g)’.
- (M) Section 1400C(d) of such Code is amended by striking `23,’.
- (N) Section 6211(b)(4)(A) of such Code is amended by inserting `36C,’ before `53(e)’.
- (O) The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code of 1986 is amended by striking the item relating to section 23.
- (P) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is amended by inserting `36C,’ after `36B,’.
- (Q) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by this Act, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36B the following new item:
- `Sec. 36C. Adoption expenses.’.
- (c) Application and Extension of EGTRRA Sunset- Notwithstanding section 901 of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, such section shall apply to the amendments made by this section and the amendments made by section 202 of such Act by substituting `December 31, 2011′ for `December 31, 2010′ in subsection (a)(1) thereof.
- (d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.