HR 2626 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To provide for incentives to encourage health insurance coverage, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

June 7, 2007

Mr. PRICE of Georgia introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To provide for incentives to encourage health insurance coverage, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Comprehensive Health Coverage And Reform Enhancement Act of 2007' or as the `Comprehensive HealthCARE Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Findings- Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Americans are best served by a health care system that thrives on and rewards competition, choice, personal control, affordability, accessibility, and quality. Now is the time to initiate new policies that allow innovation to excel and that respond best to patient's demands, needs, and preferences.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) In 2005, health care spending in the United States reached $2 trillion, and it is projected to reach $2.9 trillion in 2009. Health care spending is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2015.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) In 2005, the total national health expenditures rose 6.9 percent--two times the rate of inflation. Total health care spending represented 16 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Census data show that 46.6 million Americans were uninsured at some point in 2005, an increase of 1.3 million from the comparable number of uninsured in 2004 (45.3 million). This percentage rose from 15.6 percent in 2004 to 15.9 percent in 2005.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Lack of insurance is much more common among people with low incomes. Some 24.4 percent of people with incomes below $25,000 were uninsured in 2005, almost triple the rate of 8.5 percent among people with incomes over $75,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) National surveys show that the primary reason people are uninsured is the high cost of health insurance coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) The percentage of Americans who are uninsured continues to rise due to a decrease of employees with employer-sponsored coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) Premiums for employer-based health insurance rose by 7.7 percent in 2006. Small employers saw their premiums, on average, increase 8.8 percent. Firms with less than 24 workers, experienced an increase of 10.5 percent.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) The average employee contribution to company-provided health insurance has increased more than 143 percent since 2000. Average out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-payments for medications, and co-insurance for physician and hospital visits rose 115 percent during the same period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) With our current defined benefit model, employers determine health benefits, dictate costs for individuals and families, and hold the contract with the insurance company.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) Employer-sponsored defined benefit health insurance plans have led employees to believe they are receiving free coverage, while economists have shown that workers forgo higher wages in lieu of health benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) Americans pay higher prices for fewer choices under our current defined benefit model.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) With both government and employer provided health care, there is a lack of individual ownership and personal choice for patients.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) There are 18 million Americans who purchase health insurance on their own and currently, these individuals pay higher taxes than those who get insurance through their employer, due to the tax deductibility allowed to the employer for the purchase pf health insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) Most of the incentives in our current system are wrong, causing patients to frequently receive more tests and procedures than neededCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) Health insurers would be more responsive to individuals and families if health insurance policies were owned by the person most directly affected by the coverage--the patient.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) Providing individuals and families with various options to help them secure and maintain personal, defined contribution coverage of their choice, would make health care coverage more affordable and accessible for all Americans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(18) It is appropriate to encourage increased efficiency in the offering of health insurance coverage through a collaborative approach by the States in regulating this coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(19) Individual health insurance coverage is increasingly offered through the Internet, other electronic means, and by mail; all of which are inherently part of interstate commerce.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(20) The application of numerous and significant variations in State law impacts the ability of insurers to offer, and individuals to obtain, affordable individual health insurance coverage, thereby impeding commerce in individual health insurance coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(21) Our current civil justice system is adversely affecting patient access to health care services, better patient care, and cost-efficient health care. The health care liability system is a costly and ineffective mechanism for resolving claims of health care liability and appropriately compensating injured patients, and is a deterrent to the sharing of information among health care professionals which impedes efforts to improve patient safety and quality health care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(22) Permitting health care professionals to negotiate collectively with health care plans will create a more equal balance of negotiating power, will promote competition, and will enhance the quality of patient care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(23) The benefits of an electronic healthcare information system include improved quality of care, reduced costs associated with medication errors, more accurate and complete medical documentation, more accurate capture of codes and charges, and improved communication among providers enabling them to respond more quickly to patients' needs and increase health care quality.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(24) To secure access to quality health care it is essential to have well trained and an appropriate number of physicians and surgeons to administer that care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(25) Data shows that median private medical school tuition and fees has increased by 50 percent (in real dollars) in the 20 years between 1984 and 2004. Median public medical school tuition and fees increased by 133 percent over the same time period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(26) The cost of tuition may prevent students from low-income or minority populations and those with other financial responsibilities from attending medical school.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(27) Students with high debt are less likely to pursue family practice and primary care specialties and instead seek specialties with potentially higher income or more leisure time, which contributes to the physician shortages all over the country.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(28) Emergency medical care is an essential element of the health care safety net.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(29) The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (`EMTALA') requires that all patients who come to an emergency department be evaluated and their emergency medical conditions be stabilized, regardless of the patient's ability to pay.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(30) Nationally, more than 35 percent of emergency department patients are uninsured or are Medicaid or SCHIP enrollees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(31) Strain on emergency departments is due to multiple factors, including the shortage of nurses and on-call physicians, a decrease in the total number of community hospitals, and high levels of bad debt incurred as a result of providing care to indigent patients.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(32) With the decline in physicians, surgeons, hospitals, emergency rooms, employer-sponsored health insurance, and the rising number of uninsured, the imperative for comprehensive health system reform is readily apparent.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(33) Patient access to quality care has been harmed by decreasing compensation to physicians through a flawed Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) system that fails to appropriately account for severity of illness, intensity of treatment, medical inflation, or costs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(34) Decisions regarding health care are often the most personal and important made in an individual's life, however these decisions are increasingly being made without appropriate input by either patients or health care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(35) Fundamental reform throughout a wide array of our health care system is required in order to achieve a 21st century system that is innovative, responsive, affordable, accessible, accountable, of the highest quality, and, above all, patient-centered.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title; findings; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--TAX INCENTIVES FOR MAINTAINING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Sec. 101. Refundable tax credit for health insurance costs of low-income individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 102. Advance payment of credit as premium payment for qualified health insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 103. Deduction for qualified health insurance costs of individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 104. Limitation on employer deduction for group health plan expenses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 105. Equal employer contribution rule to promote choice.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--QUALITY HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS COALITION ACT

Sec. 201. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 202. Application of the antitrust laws to health care professionals negotiating with health plans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--INTERSTATE MARKET FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

Sec. 301. Cooperative governing of individual health insurance coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT OF 2007

Sec. 401. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 402. Findings and purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 403. Encouraging speedy resolution of claims.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 404. Compensating patient injury.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 405. Maximizing patient recovery.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 406. Additional HEALTH benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 407. Punitive damages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 408. Authorization of payment of future damages to claimants in HEALTH care lawsuits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 409. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 410. Effect on other laws.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 411. State flexibility and protection of States' rights.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 412. Applicability; effective date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 413. Sense of Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 414. State grants to create administrative health care tribunals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE V--TAX CREDIT FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 501. Purchase of qualified health care information technology.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 502. Telecommunications credit for qualified medical care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 503. Development of health care information technology standards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE VI--MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORMS

Sec. 601. Constitutional authority.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 602. Protection against legal liability for emergency and related services furnished to any individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE VII--TAX DEDUCTION FOR UNCOMPENSATED CARE IN EMERGENCY ROOMS

Sec. 701. Bad debt deduction for doctors to partially offset the cost of providing uncompensated care required to be provided under amendments made by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE VIII--ADDITIONAL CHANGES

Sec. 801. Application of section 1115 waivers by other States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 802. HIPAA Technical Advisory Group.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 803. Medicare physician payment update reform.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 804. Removing limitations on balance billing with beneficiary notice for highest income beneficiaries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 805. Election of tax credit instead of alternative government benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 806. Use of private contracts by medicare beneficiaries for professional services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 807. EMTALA Technical Advisory Group.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 808. Federally-Supported Student Loan Funds for Medical Students.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 809. Establishment of performance-based quality measures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--TAX INCENTIVES FOR MAINTAINING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

SEC. 101. REFUNDABLE TAX CREDIT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS OF LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS.

(a) In General- Subpart C of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by redesignating section 36 as section 37 and by inserting after section 35 the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 36. HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS OF LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS.

`(a) In General- In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by subtitle A the aggregate amount paid by the taxpayer for coverage of the taxpayer and the taxpayer's qualifying family members under qualified health insurance for eligible coverage months beginning in the taxable year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Limitations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The amount allowable as a credit under subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed the sum of the monthly limitations for months during such taxable year that the taxpayer or the taxpayer's qualifying family members is an eligible individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) MONTHLY LIMITATION- The monthly limitation for any month is the credit percentage of 1/12 of the sum of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) $4,000 for coverage of the taxpayer,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) in the case of a joint return, $4,000 for coverage of the taxpayer's spouse, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) $2,000 for coverage of each dependent of the taxpayer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) CREDIT PERCENTAGE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, the term `credit percentage' means 90 percent reduced by 1 percentage point for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for the taxable year exceeds the threshold amount.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) THRESHOLD AMOUNT- For purposes of this paragraph, the term `threshold amount' means, with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year, the sum of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) $20,000,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) in the case of a joint return, $6,000, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) $5,000 for each dependent of the taxpayer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) ONLY 2 DEPENDENTS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT- Not more than 2 dependents of the taxpayer may be taken into account under paragraphs (2)(C) and (3)(B)(iii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT- In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2009, each dollar amount contained in paragraph (2) or (3) shall be increased by an amount equal to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) such dollar amount, multiplied byCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(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 2008' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Any increase determined under the preceding sentence shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $50.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Eligible Coverage Month- For purposes of this section, the term `eligible coverage month' means, with respect to any individual, any month if, as of the first day of such month, the individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) is covered by qualified health insurance,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) does not have other specified coverage, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) is not imprisoned under Federal, State, or local authority.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Qualifying Family Member- For purposes of this section, the term `qualifying family member' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) in the case of a joint return, the taxpayer's spouse, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) any dependent of the taxpayer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Qualified Health Insurance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, the term `qualified health insurance' means any insurance which constitutes medical care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) EXCEPTIONS- Such term does not include insurance--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) substantially all of the coverage of which is of excepted benefits described in section 9832(c); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) offered in the individual market (as defined in paragraph (1) of section 2791(e) of the Public Health Service Act) or small group market (as defined in paragraph (5) of such section) unless the insurance meets the requirements of paragraph (3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS- For purposes of paragraph (2)(B), the requirements of this paragraph with respect to insurance are the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) The issuer of the insurance may not decline to offer the insurance, or deny enrollment, of any individual based on any factor described in section 9802(a)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The insurance conforms to standards (established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in consultation with insurance companies and recognized by the Secretary) relating to each of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Limitation on application of preexisting condition exclusions (as defined in section 9801(b)(1)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) Guaranteed renewability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) Premium ratings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) Risk-spreading.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) Consumer disclosures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) Information provided to States and the Federal Government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Other Specified Coverage- For purposes of this section, an individual has other specified coverage for any month if, as of the first day of such month--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) COVERAGE UNDER MEDICARE, MEDICAID, OR SCHIP- Such individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) is entitled to benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act or is enrolled under part B of such title, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) is enrolled in the program under title XIX or XXI of such Act (other than under section 1928 of such Act).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CERTAIN OTHER COVERAGE- Such individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) is enrolled in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) is entitled to receive benefits under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Special Rules-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) COORDINATION WITH ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF CREDIT; RECAPTURE OF EXCESS ADVANCE PAYMENTS- With respect to any taxable year--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the amount which would (but for this subsection) be allowed as a credit to the taxpayer under subsection (a) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the aggregate amount paid on behalf of such taxpayer under section 7529 for months beginning in such taxable year, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the tax imposed by section 1 for such taxable year shall be increased by the excess (if any) of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the aggregate amount paid on behalf of such taxpayer under section 7529 for months beginning in such taxable year, overCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the amount which would (but for this subsection) be allowed as a credit to the taxpayer under subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) COORDINATION WITH OTHER DEDUCTIONS- Amounts taken into account under subsection (a) shall not be taken into account in determining--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) any deduction allowed under section 162(l), 213, or 224, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) any credit allowed under section 35.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) MEDICAL AND HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS- Amounts distributed from an Archer MSA (as defined in section 220(d)) or from a health savings account (as defined in section 223(d)) shall not be taken into account under subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) DENIAL OF CREDIT TO DEPENDENTS AND NONPERMANENT RESIDENT ALIEN INDIVIDUALS - No credit shall be allowed under this section to any individual who is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) a dependent with respect to another taxpayer for a taxable year beginning in the calendar year in which such individual's taxable year begins.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) INSURANCE WHICH COVERS OTHER INDIVIDUALS- For purposes of this section, rules similar to the rules of section 213(d)(6) shall apply with respect to any contract for qualified health insurance under which amounts are payable for coverage of an individual other than the taxpayer and qualifying family members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) TREATMENT OF PAYMENTS- For purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) PAYMENTS BY SECRETARY- Payments made by the Secretary on behalf of any individual under section 7529 (relating to advance payment of credit for health insurance costs of low-income individuals) shall be treated as having been made by the taxpayer on the first day of the month for which such payment was made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) PAYMENTS BY TAXPAYER- Payments made by the taxpayer for eligible coverage months shall be treated as having been made by the taxpayer on the first day of the month for which such payment was made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) REGULATIONS- The Secretary may prescribe such regulations and other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this section, section 6050W, and section 7529.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Conforming Amendments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting `or section 36' after `section 35'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating the item relating to section 36 as an item relating to section 37 and by inserting after the item relating to section 35 the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`Sec. 36. Health insurance costs of low-income individuals.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 102. ADVANCE PAYMENT OF CREDIT AS PREMIUM PAYMENT FOR QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE.

(a) In General- Chapter 77 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to miscellaneous provisions) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 7529. ADVANCE PAYMENT OF CREDIT AS PREMIUM PAYMENT FOR QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE.

`Not later than January 1, 2009, the Secretary shall establish a program for making payments to providers of qualified health insurance (as defined in section 36(e)) on behalf of taxpayers eligible for the credit under section 36. Except as otherwise provided by the Secretary, such payments shall be made on the basis of the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the preceding taxable year.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Disclosure of Return Information for Purposes of Advance Payment of Credit as Premiums for Qualified Health Insurance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Subsection (l) of section 6103 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(21) DISCLOSURE OF RETURN INFORMATION FOR PURPOSES OF ADVANCE PAYMENT OF CREDIT AS PREMIUMS FOR QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE- The Secretary may, on behalf of taxpayers eligible for the credit under section 36, disclose to a provider of qualified health insurance (as defined in section 36(e)), and persons acting on behalf of such provider, return information with respect to any such taxpayer only to the extent necessary (as prescribed by regulations issued by the Secretary) to carry out the program established by section 7529 (relating to advance payment of credit as premium payment for qualified health insurance).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION- Paragraph (3) of section 6103(a) of such Code is amended by striking `or (20)' and inserting `(20), or (21)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE- Paragraph (2) of section 7213(a) of such Code is amended by striking `or (20)' and inserting `(20), or (21)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Information Reporting-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Subpart B of part III of subchapter A of chapter 61 of such Code (relating to information concerning transactions with other persons) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 6050W. RETURNS RELATING TO CREDIT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS OF LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS.

`(a) Requirement of Reporting- Every person who is entitled to receive payments for any month of any calendar year under section 7529 (relating to advance payment of credit as premium payment for qualified health insurance) with respect to any individual shall, at such time as the Secretary may prescribe, make the return described in subsection (b) with respect to each such individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Form and Manner of Returns- A return is described in this subsection if such return--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) is in such form as the Secretary may prescribe, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) contains--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the name, address, and TIN of each individual referred to in subsection (a),CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the number of months for which amounts were entitled to be received with respect to such individual under section 7529 (relating to advance payment of credit as premium payment for qualified health insurance),CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) the amount entitled to be received for each such month, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) such other information as the Secretary may prescribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Statements To Be Furnished to Individuals With Respect to Whom Information Is Required- Every person required to make a return under subsection (a) shall furnish to each individual whose name is required to be set forth in such return a written statement showing--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the name and address of the person required to make such return and the phone number of the information contact for such person, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) the information required to be shown on the return with respect to such individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The written statement required under the preceding sentence shall be furnished on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for which the return under subsection (a) is required to be made.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ASSESSABLE PENALTIES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) Subparagraph (B) of section 6724(d)(1) of such Code (relating to definitions) is amended by striking `or' at the end of clause (xix), by striking `and' at the end of clause (xx) and inserting `or', and by inserting after clause (xx) the following new clause:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xxi) section 6050W (relating to returns relating to credit for health insurance costs of low-income individuals), and'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Paragraph (2) of section 6724(d) of such Code is amended by striking `or' at the end of subparagraph (BB), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (CC) and inserting `, or', and by adding after subparagraph (CC) the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(DD) section 6050W (relating to returns relating to credit for health insurance costs of low-income individuals).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Clerical Amendments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The table of sections for chapter 77 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`Sec. 7529. Advance payment of credit as premium payment for qualified health insurance.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The table of sections for subpart B of part III of subchapter A of chapter 61 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`Sec. 6050W. Returns relating to credit for health insurance costs of low-income individuals.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 103. DEDUCTION FOR QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS OF INDIVIDUALS.

(a) In General- Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions) is amended by redesignating section 224 as section 225 and by inserting after section 223 the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 224. COSTS OF QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE.

`(a) In General- In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the amount paid during the taxable year for coverage for the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents under qualified health insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Qualified Health Insurance- For purposes of this section, the term `qualified health insurance' means insurance which constitutes medical care; except that such term shall not include any insurance if substantially all of its coverage is of excepted benefits described in section 9832(c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Special Rules-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) COORDINATION WITH MEDICAL DEDUCTION, ETC- Any amount paid by a taxpayer for insurance to which subsection (a) applies shall not be taken into account in computing the amount allowable to the taxpayer as a deduction under section 162(l) or 213(a). Any amount taken into account in determining the credit allowed under section 35 shall not be taken into account for purposes of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) DEDUCTION NOT ALLOWED FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAX PURPOSES- The deduction allowable by reason of this section shall not be taken into account in determining an individual's net earnings from self-employment (within the meaning of section 1402(a)) for purposes of chapter 2.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Deduction Allowed in Computing Adjusted Gross Income- Subsection (a) of section 62 of such Code is amended by inserting before the last sentence the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(22) COSTS OF QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE- The deduction allowed by section 224.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by redesignating the item relating to section 224 as an item relating to section 225 and inserting before such item the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`Sec. 224. Costs of qualified health insurance.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 104. LIMITATION ON EMPLOYER DEDUCTION FOR GROUP HEALTH PLAN EXPENSES.

(a) In General- Section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating subsection (q) as subsection (r) and by inserting after subsection (o) the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(q) Limitation on Deduction for Group Health Plan Expenses- The deduction allowed for any taxable year under this section for any amount paid or incurred in connection with a group health plan (as defined in subsection (n)(3)) shall not exceed the sum of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) $15,000 for each contract for family coverage under such plan, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) $7,500 for each contract for self-only coverage under such plan.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 105. EQUAL EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION RULE TO PROMOTE CHOICE.

(a) Excise Tax for Failure To Provide Contribution Election-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Chapter 47 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 5000 the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 5000A. HEALTH CARE CONTRIBUTION ELECTION.

`(a) Imposition of Tax- There is hereby imposed on any employer or employee organization that contributes to a group health plan and fails to meet the requirement of subsection (b) with respect to any individual eligible to participate in such plan (determined under the terms of the plan and without regard to the election described in subsection (b)) a tax equal to 3 times the contribution amount with respect to the individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Contribution Election- The requirement of this subsection is met with respect to any individual if such individual may elect to have the employer or employee organization pay an amount which is not less than the contribution amount to any provider of insurance (other than insurance described in section 36(e)(2)) which constitutes medical care of the individual or individual's spouse or dependents in lieu of any group health plan coverage otherwise provided or contributed to by the employer with respect to such individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Contribution Amount- For purposes of this section, the term `contribution amount' means, with respect to an individual under a group health plan, the portion of the applicable premium of such individual under such plan (as determined under section 4980B(f)(4)) which is not paid by the individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Group Health Plan- For purpose of this section, the term `group health plan' has the meaning given to such term by section 5000(b)(1) and determined without regard to section 5000(d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Application to FEHBP- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Office of Personnel Management shall carry out the health benefits program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, consistent with the requirements of this section.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections for chapter 47 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5000 the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`Sec. 5000A. Health care contribution election.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Requirement of Equal Contributions to All FEHBP Plans- Section 8906 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(j) Notwithstanding the previous provisions of this section the Office of Personnel Management shall revise the amount of the Government contribution made under this section in a manner so that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the amount of such contribution does not change based on the health benefits plan in which the individual is enrolled; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) the aggregate amount of such contributions is estimated to be equal to the aggregate amount of such contributions if this subsection did not apply.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) ERISA Conforming Amendment- Section 404 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1104) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) An employer which provides benefits to employees consisting of health insurance coverage, benefits otherwise consisting of medical care, or both, shall not be treated as breaching any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this title in the case of one or more of such employees solely because of the extent to which the employer elects to provide, in the case of such one or more employees, some or all of such benefits by means of contributions made under an arrangement which is not a group health plan, irrespective of the extent to which the employer otherwise provides such benefits to employees under a group health plan. For purposes of this subsection, terms used in this subsection which are defined in section 733 shall have the definitions provided such terms in such section.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--QUALITY HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS COALITION ACT

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the `Quality Health-Care Coalition Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 202. APPLICATION OF THE ANTITRUST LAWS TO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS NEGOTIATING WITH HEALTH PLANS.

(a) In General- Any health care professionals who are engaged in negotiations with a health plan regarding the terms of any contract under which the professionals provide health care items or services for which benefits are provided under such plan shall, in connection with such negotiations, be entitled to the same treatment under the antitrust laws as the treatment to which bargaining units which are recognized under the National Labor Relations Act are entitled in connection with such collective bargaining. Such a professional shall, only in connection with such negotiations, be treated as an employee engaged in concerted activities and shall not be regarded as having the status of an employer, independent contractor, managerial employee, or supervisor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Protection for Good Faith Actions- Actions taken in good faith reliance on subsection (a) shall not be the subject under the antitrust laws of criminal sanctions nor of any civil damages, fees, or penalties beyond actual damages incurred.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Limitation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) NO NEW RIGHT FOR COLLECTIVE CESSATION OF SERVICE- The exemption provided in subsection (a) shall not confer any new right to participate in any collective cessation of service to patients not already permitted by existing law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) NO CHANGE IN NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT- This section applies only to health care professionals excluded from the National Labor Relations Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed as changing or amending any provision of the National Labor Relations Act, or as affecting the status of any group of persons under that Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) 5-Year Sunset- The exemption provided in subsection (a) shall only apply to conduct occurring during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall continue to apply for 1 year after the end of such period to contracts entered into before the end of such period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Limitation on Exemption- Nothing in this section shall exempt from the application of the antitrust laws any agreement or otherwise unlawful conspiracy that excludes, limits the participation or reimbursement of, or otherwise limits the scope of services to be provided by any health care professional or group of health care professionals with respect to the performance of services that are within their scope of practice as defined or permitted by relevant law or regulation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) No Effect on Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the application of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) No Application to Federal Programs- Nothing in this section shall apply to negotiations between health care professionals and health plans pertaining to benefits provided under any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The Medicare Program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The Medicaid Program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The SCHIP program under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code (relating to medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code (relating to Veterans' medical care).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code (relating to the Federal employees' health benefits program).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Exemption of Abortion and Abortion Services- Nothing in this section shall apply to negotiations specifically relating to requiring a health plan to cover abortion or abortion services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) General Accounting Office Study and Report- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the impact of enactment of this section during the 12-month period beginning with the fifth year of the 5-year period described in subsection (d). Not later than the end of such 12-month period the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on such study and shall include in the report such recommendations on the extension of this section (and changes that should be made in making such extension) as the Comptroller General deems appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(j) Definitions- For purposes of this section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ANTITRUST LAWS- The term `antitrust laws'--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) has the meaning given it in subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)), except that such term includes section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the extent such section 5 applies to unfair methods of competition; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) includes any State law similar to the laws referred to in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) HEALTH PLAN AND RELATED TERMS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- The term `health plan' means a group health plan or a health insurance issuer that is offering health insurance coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE; HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUER- The terms `health insurance coverage' and `health insurance issuer' have the meanings given such terms under paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, of section 733(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1191b(b)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) GROUP HEALTH PLAN- The term `group health plan' has the meaning given that term in section 733(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1191b(a)(1)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL- The term `health care professional' means an individual who provides health care items or services, treatment, assistance with activities of daily living, or medications to patients and who, to the extent required by State or Federal law, possesses specialized training that confers expertise in the provision of such items or services, treatment, assistance, or medications.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(k) Sense of the Congress- It is the sense of the Congress that decisions regarding medical care and treatment should be made by the physician or health care professional in consultation with the patient.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--INTERSTATE MARKET FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

SEC. 301. COOPERATIVE GOVERNING OF INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE.

(a) In General- Title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new part:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`PART D--COOPERATIVE GOVERNING OF INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

`SEC. 2795. DEFINITIONS.

`In this part:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) PRIMARY STATE- The term `primary State' means, with respect to individual health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer, the State designated by the issuer as the State whose covered laws shall govern the health insurance issuer in the sale of such coverage under this part. An issuer, with respect to a particular policy, may only designate one such State as its primary State with respect to all such coverage it offers. Such an issuer may not change the designated primary State with respect to individual health insurance coverage once the policy is issued, except that such a change may be made upon renewal of the policy. With respect to such designated State, the issuer is deemed to be doing business in that State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) SECONDARY STATE- The term `secondary State' means, with respect to individual health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer, any State that is not the primary State. In the case of a health insurance issuer that is selling a policy in, or to a resident of, a secondary State, the issuer is deemed to be doing business in that secondary State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUER- The term `health insurance issuer' has the meaning given such term in section 2791(b)(2), except that such an issuer must be licensed in the primary State and be qualified to sell individual health insurance coverage in that State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE- The term `individual health insurance coverage' means health insurance coverage offered in the individual market, as defined in section 2791(e)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) APPLICABLE STATE AUTHORITY- The term `applicable State authority' means, with respect to a health insurance issuer in a State, the State insurance commissioner or official or officials designated by the State to enforce the requirements of this title for the State with respect to the issuer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) HAZARDOUS FINANCIAL CONDITION- The term `hazardous financial condition' means that, based on its present or reasonably anticipated financial condition, a health insurance issuer is unlikely to be able--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to meet obligations to policyholders with respect to known claims and reasonably anticipated claims; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to pay other obligations in the normal course of business.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) COVERED LAWS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The term `covered laws' means the laws, rules, regulations, agreements, and orders governing the insurance business pertaining to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) individual health insurance coverage issued by a health insurance issuer;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the offer, sale, rating (including medical underwriting), renewal, and issuance of individual health insurance coverage to an individual;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) the provision to an individual in relation to individual health insurance coverage of health care and insurance related services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) the provision to an individual in relation to individual health insurance coverage of management, operations, and investment activities of a health insurance issuer; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) the provision to an individual in relation to individual health insurance coverage of loss control and claims administration for a health insurance issuer with respect to liability for which the issuer provides insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) EXCEPTION- Such term does not include any law, rule, regulation, agreement, or order governing the use of care or cost management techniques, including any requirement related to provider contracting, network access or adequacy, health care data collection, or quality assurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) STATE- The term `State' means only the 50 States and the District of Columbia.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(9) UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES- The term `unfair claims settlement practices' means only the following practices:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) Knowingly misrepresenting to claimants and insured individuals relevant facts or policy provisions relating to coverage at issue.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Failing to acknowledge with reasonable promptness pertinent communications with respect to claims arising under policies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) Failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation and settlement of claims arising under policies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) Failing to effectuate prompt, fair, and equitable settlement of claims submitted in which liability has become reasonably clear.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) Refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) Failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable period of time after having completed an investigation related to those claims.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) A pattern or practice of compelling insured individuals or their beneficiaries to institute suits to recover amounts due under its policies by offering substantially less than the amounts ultimately recovered in suits brought by them.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) A pattern or practice of attempting to settle or settling claims for less than the amount that a reasonable person would believe the insured individual or his or her beneficiary was entitled by reference to written or printed advertising material accompanying or made part of an application.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) Attempting to settle or settling claims on the basis of an application that was materially altered without notice to, or knowledge or consent of, the insured.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(J) Failing to provide forms necessary to present claims within 15 calendar days of a requests with reasonable explanations regarding their use.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(K) Attempting to cancel a policy in less time than that prescribed in the policy or by the law of the primary State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(10) FRAUD AND ABUSE- The term `fraud and abuse' means an act or omission committed by a person who, knowingly and with intent to defraud, commits, or conceals any material information concerning, one or more of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) Presenting, causing to be presented or preparing with knowledge or belief that it will be presented to or by an insurer, a reinsurer, broker or its agent, false information as part of, in support of or concerning a fact material to one or more of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) An application for the issuance or renewal of an insurance policy or reinsurance contract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The rating of an insurance policy or reinsurance contract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) A claim for payment or benefit pursuant to an insurance policy or reinsurance contract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) Premiums paid on an insurance policy or reinsurance contract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) Payments made in accordance with the terms of an insurance policy or reinsurance contract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) A document filed with the commissioner or the chief insurance regulatory official of another jurisdiction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) The financial condition of an insurer or reinsurer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) The formation, acquisition, merger, reconsolidation, dissolution or withdrawal from one or more lines of insurance or reinsurance in all or part of a State by an insurer or reinsurer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ix) The issuance of written evidence of insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(x) The reinstatement of an insurance policy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Solicitation or acceptance of new or renewal insurance risks on behalf of an insurer reinsurer or other person engaged in the business of insurance by a person who knows or should know that the insurer or other person responsible for the risk is insolvent at the time of the transaction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) Transaction of the business of insurance in violation of laws requiring a license, certificate of authority or other legal authority for the transaction of the business of insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) Attempt to commit, aiding or abetting in the commission of, or conspiracy to commit the acts or omissions specified in this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2796. APPLICATION OF LAW.

`(a) In General- The covered laws of the primary State shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the primary State and in any secondary State, but only if the coverage and issuer comply with the conditions of this section with respect to the offering of coverage in any secondary State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Exemptions From Covered Laws in a Secondary State- Except as provided in this section, a health insurance issuer with respect to its offer, sale, rating (including medical underwriting), renewal, and issuance of individual health insurance coverage in any secondary State is exempt from any covered laws of the secondary State (and any rules, regulations, agreements, or orders sought or issued by such State under or related to such covered laws) to the extent that such laws would--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) make unlawful, or regulate, directly or indirectly, the operation of the health insurance issuer operating in the secondary State, except that any secondary State may require such an issuer--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to pay, on a nondiscriminatory basis, applicable premium and other taxes (including high risk pool assessments) which are levied on insurers and surplus lines insurers, brokers, or policyholders under the laws of the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to register with and designate the State insurance commissioner as its agent solely for the purpose of receiving service of legal documents or process;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) to submit to an examination of its financial condition by the State insurance commissioner in any State in which the issuer is doing business to determine the issuer's financial condition, if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the State insurance commissioner of the primary State has not done an examination within the period recommended by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) any such examination is conducted in accordance with the examiners' handbook of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and is coordinated to avoid unjustified duplication and unjustified repetition;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) to comply with a lawful order issued--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) in a delinquency proceeding commenced by the State insurance commissioner if there has been a finding of financial impairment under subparagraph (C); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) in a voluntary dissolution proceeding;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) to comply with an injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, upon a petition by the State insurance commissioner alleging that the issuer is in hazardous financial condition;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) to participate, on a nondiscriminatory basis, in any insurance insolvency guaranty association or similar association to which a health insurance issuer in the State is required to belong;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) to comply with any State law regarding fraud and abuse (as defined in section 2795(10)), except that if the State seeks an injunction regarding the conduct described in this subparagraph, such injunction must be obtained from a court of competent jurisdiction;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) to comply with any State law regarding unfair claims settlement practices (as defined in section 2795(9)); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) to comply with the applicable requirements for independent review under section 2798 with respect to coverage offered in the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) require any individual health insurance coverage issued by the issuer to be countersigned by an insurance agent or broker residing in that Secondary State; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) otherwise discriminate against the issuer issuing insurance in both the primary State and in any secondary State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Clear and Conspicuous Disclosure- A health insurance issuer shall provide the following notice, in 12-point bold type, in any insurance coverage offered in a secondary State under this part by such a health insurance issuer and at renewal of the policy, with the 5 blank spaces therein being appropriately filled with the name of the health insurance issuer, the name of primary State, the name of the secondary State, the name of the secondary State, and the name of the secondary State, respectively, for the coverage concerned:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





This policy is issued by XXXXX and is governed by the laws and regulations of the State of XXXXX, and it has met all the laws of that State as determined by that State's Department of Insurance. This policy may be less expensive than others because it is not subject to all of the insurance laws and regulations of the State of XXXXX, including coverage of some services or benefits mandated by the law of the State of XXXXX. Additionally, this policy is not subject to all of the consumer protection laws or restrictions on rate changes of the State of XXXXX. As with all insurance products, before purchasing this policy, you should carefully review the policy and determine what health care services the policy covers and what benefits it provides, including any exclusions, limitations, or conditions for such services or benefits.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Prohibition on Certain Reclassifications and Premium Increases-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, a health insurance issuer that provides individual health insurance coverage to an individual under this part in a primary or secondary State may not upon renewal--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) move or reclassify the individual insured under the health insurance coverage from the class such individual is in at the time of issue of the contract based on the health-status related factors of the individual; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) increase the premiums assessed the individual for such coverage based on a health status-related factor or change of a health status-related factor or the past or prospective claim experience of the insured individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to prohibit a health insurance issuer--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) from terminating or discontinuing coverage or a class of coverage in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of section 2742;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) from raising premium rates for all policy holders within a class based on claims experience;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) from changing premiums or offering discounted premiums to individuals who engage in wellness activities at intervals prescribed by the issuer, if such premium changes or incentives--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) are disclosed to the consumer in the insurance contract;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) are based on specific wellness activities that are not applicable to all individuals; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) are not obtainable by all individuals to whom coverage is offered;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) from reinstating lapsed coverage; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) from retroactively adjusting the rates charged an insured individual if the initial rates were set based on material misrepresentation by the individual at the time of issue.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Prior Offering of Policy in Primary State- A health insurance issuer may not offer for sale individual health insurance coverage in a secondary State unless that coverage is currently offered for sale in the primary State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Licensing of Agents or Brokers for Health Insurance Issuers- Any State may require that a person acting, or offering to act, as an agent or broker for a health insurance issuer with respect to the offering of individual health insurance coverage obtain a license from that State, with commissions or other compensation subject to the provisions of the laws of that State, except that a State may not impose any qualification or requirement which discriminates against a nonresident agent or broker.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Documents for Submission to State Insurance Commissioner- Each health insurance issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary States shall submit--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) to the insurance commissioner of each State in which it intends to offer such coverage, before it may offer individual health insurance coverage in such State--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study or any similar statement of the policy being offered and its coverage (which shall include the name of its primary State and its principal place of business);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) written notice of any change in its designation of its primary State; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) written notice from the issuer of the issuer's compliance with all the laws of the primary State; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) to the insurance commissioner of each secondary State in which it offers individual health insurance coverage, a copy of the issuer's quarterly financial statement submitted to the primary State, which statement shall be certified by an independent public accountant and contain a statement of opinion on loss and loss adjustment expense reserves made by--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) a member of the American Academy of Actuaries; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) a qualified loss reserve specialist.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Power of Courts To Enjoin Conduct- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of any Federal or State court to enjoin--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the solicitation or sale of individual health insurance coverage by a health insurance issuer to any person or group who is not eligible for such insurance; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) the solicitation or sale of individual health insurance coverage that violates the requirements of the law of a secondary State which are described in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of section 2796(b)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Power of Secondary States To Take Administrative Action- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of any State to enjoin conduct in violation of that State's laws described in section 2796(b)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(j) State Powers To Enforce State Laws-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Subject to the provisions of subsection (b)(1)(G) (relating to injunctions) and paragraph (2), nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of any State to make use of any of its powers to enforce the laws of such State with respect to which a health insurance issuer is not exempt under subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) COURTS OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION- If a State seeks an injunction regarding the conduct described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (h), such injunction must be obtained from a Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(k) States' Authority To Sue- Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of any State to bring action in any Federal or State court.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(l) Generally Applicable Laws- Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the applicability of State laws generally applicable to persons or corporations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(m) Guaranteed Availability of Coverage to HIPAA Eligible Individuals- To the extent that a health insurance issuer is offering coverage in a primary State that does not accommodate residents of secondary States or does not provide a working mechanism for residents of a secondary State, and the issuer is offering coverage under this part in such secondary State which has not adopted a qualified high risk pool as its acceptable alternative mechanism (as defined in section 2744(c)(2)), the issuer shall, with respect to any individual health insurance coverage offered in a secondary State under this part, comply with the guaranteed availability requirements for eligible individuals in section 2741.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2797. PRIMARY STATE MUST MEET FEDERAL FLOOR BEFORE ISSUER MAY SELL INTO SECONDARY STATES.

`A health insurance issuer may not offer, sell, or issue individual health insurance coverage in a secondary State if the State insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all health insurance issuers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2798. INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL APPEALS PROCEDURES.

`(a) Right to External Appeal- A health insurance issuer may not offer, sell, or issue individual health insurance coverage in a secondary State under the provisions of this title unless----CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) both the secondary State and the primary State have legislation or regulations in place establishing an independent review process for individuals who are covered by individual health insurance coverage, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) in any case in which the requirements of subparagraph (A) are not met with respect to the either of such States, the issuer provides an independent review mechanism substantially identical (as determined by the applicable State authority of such State) to that prescribed in the `Health Carrier External Review Model Act' of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for all individuals who purchase insurance coverage under the terms of this part, except that, under such mechanism, the review is conducted by an independent medical reviewer, or a panel of such reviewers, with respect to whom the requirements of subsection (b) are met.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Qualifications of Independent Medical Reviewers- In the case of any independent review mechanism referred to in subsection (a)(2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- In referring a denial of a claim to an independent medical reviewer, or to any panel of such reviewers, to conduct independent medical review, the issuer shall ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) each independent medical reviewer meets the qualifications described in paragraphs (2) and (3);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) with respect to each review, each reviewer meets the requirements of paragraph (4) and the reviewer, or at least 1 reviewer on the panel, meets the requirements described in paragraph (5); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) compensation provided by the issuer to each reviewer is consistent with paragraph (6).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) LICENSURE AND EXPERTISE- Each independent medical reviewer shall be a physician (allopathic or osteopathic) or health care professional who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) is appropriately credentialed or licensed in 1 or more States to deliver health care services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) typically treats the condition, makes the diagnosis, or provides the type of treatment under review.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) INDEPENDENCE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), each independent medical reviewer in a case shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) not be a related party (as defined in paragraph (7));CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) not have a material familial, financial, or professional relationship with such a party; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) not otherwise have a conflict of interest with such a party (as determined under regulations).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) EXCEPTION- Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be construed to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) prohibit an individual, solely on the basis of affiliation with the issuer, from serving as an independent medical reviewer if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) a non-affiliated individual is not reasonably available;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the affiliated individual is not involved in the provision of items or services in the case under review;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) the fact of such an affiliation is disclosed to the issuer and the enrollee (or authorized representative) and neither party objects; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) the affiliated individual is not an employee of the issuer and does not provide services exclusively or primarily to or on behalf of the issuer;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) prohibit an individual who has staff privileges at the institution where the treatment involved takes place from serving as an independent medical reviewer merely on the basis of such affiliation if the affiliation is disclosed to the issuer and the enrollee (or authorized representative), and neither party objects; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) prohibit receipt of compensation by an independent medical reviewer from an entity if the compensation is provided consistent with paragraph (6).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) PRACTICING HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL IN SAME FIELD-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- In a case involving treatment, or the provision of items or services--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) by a physician, a reviewer shall be a practicing physician (allopathic or osteopathic) of the same or similar specialty, as a physician who, acting within the appropriate scope of practice within the State in which the service is provided or rendered, typically treats the condition, makes the diagnosis, or provides the type of treatment under review; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) by a non-physician health care professional, the reviewer, or at least 1 member of the review panel, shall be a practicing non-physician health care professional of the same or similar specialty as the non-physician health care professional who, acting within the appropriate scope of practice within the State in which the service is provided or rendered, typically treats the condition, makes the diagnosis, or provides the type of treatment under review.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) PRACTICING DEFINED- For purposes of this paragraph, the term `practicing' means, with respect to an individual who is a physician or other health care professional, that the individual provides health care services to individual patients on average at least 2 days per week.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) PEDIATRIC EXPERTISE- In the case of an external review relating to a child, a reviewer shall have expertise under paragraph (2) in pediatrics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) LIMITATIONS ON REVIEWER COMPENSATION- Compensation provided by the issuer to an independent medical reviewer in connection with a review under this section shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) not exceed a reasonable level; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) not be contingent on the decision rendered by the reviewer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) RELATED PARTY DEFINED- For purposes of this section, the term `related party' means, with respect to a denial of a claim under a coverage relating to an enrollee, any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) The issuer involved, or any fiduciary, officer, director, or employee of the issuer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The enrollee (or authorized representative).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) The health care professional that provides the items or services involved in the denial.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) The institution at which the items or services (or treatment) involved in the denial are provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) The manufacturer of any drug or other item that is included in the items or services involved in the denial.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) Any other party determined under any regulations to have a substantial interest in the denial involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) ENROLLEE- The term `enrollee' means, with respect to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer, an individual enrolled with the issuer to receive such coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL- The term `health care professional' means an individual who is licensed, accredited, or certified under State law to provide specified health care services and who is operating within the scope of such licensure, accreditation, or certification.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2799. ENFORCEMENT.

`(a) In General- Subject to subsection (b), with respect to specific individual health insurance coverage the primary State for such coverage has sole jurisdiction to enforce the primary State's covered laws in the primary State and any secondary State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Secondary State's Authority- Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to affect the authority of a secondary State to enforce its laws as set forth in the exception specified in section 2796(b)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Court Interpretation- In reviewing action initiated by the applicable secondary State authority, the court of competent jurisdiction shall apply the covered laws of the primary State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Notice of Compliance Failure- In the case of individual health insurance coverage offered in a secondary State that fails to comply with the covered laws of the primary State, the applicable State authority of the secondary State may notify the applicable State authority of the primary State.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered, issued, or sold after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) GAO Ongoing Study and Reports-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) STUDY- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an ongoing study concerning the effect of the amendment made by subsection (a) on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the number of uninsured and under-insured;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the availability and cost of health insurance policies for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the availability and cost of health insurance policies generally;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the elimination or reduction of different types of benefits under health insurance policies offered in different States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) cases of fraud or abuse relating to health insurance coverage offered under such amendment and the resolution of such cases.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ANNUAL REPORTS- The Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an annual report, after the end of each of the 5 years following the effective date of the amendment made by subsection (a), on the ongoing study conducted under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Severability- If any provision of the section or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this section and the application of the provisions of such to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE IV--HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT OF 2007

SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the `Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 402. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

(a) Findings-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) EFFECT ON HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND COSTS- Congress finds that our current civil justice system is adversely affecting patient access to health care services, better patient care, and cost-efficient health care, in that the health care liability system is a costly and ineffective mechanism for resolving claims of health care liability and compensating injured patients, and is a deterrent to the sharing of information among health care professionals which impedes efforts to improve patient safety and quality of care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) EFFECT ON INTERSTATE COMMERCE- Congress finds that the health care and insurance industries are industries affecting interstate commerce and the health care liability litigation systems existing throughout the United States are activities that affect interstate commerce by contributing to the high costs of health care and premiums for health care liability insurance purchased by health care system providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) EFFECT ON FEDERAL SPENDING- Congress finds that the health care liability litigation systems existing throughout the United States have a significant effect on the amount, distribution, and use of Federal funds because of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the large number of individuals who receive health care benefits under programs operated or financed by the Federal Government;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the large number of individuals who benefit because of the exclusion from Federal taxes of the amounts spent to provide them with health insurance benefits; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the large number of health care providers who provide items or services for which the Federal Government makes payments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purpose- It is the purpose of this title to implement reasonable, comprehensive, and effective health care liability reforms designed to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) improve the availability of health care services in cases in which health care liability actions have been shown to be a factor in the decreased availability of services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) reduce the incidence of `defensive medicine' and lower the cost of health care liability insurance, all of which contribute to the escalation of health care costs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) ensure that persons with meritorious health care injury claims receive fair and adequate compensation, including reasonable noneconomic damages;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) improve the fairness and cost-effectiveness of our current health care liability system to resolve disputes over, and provide compensation for, health care liability by reducing uncertainty in the amount of compensation provided to injured individuals; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) provide an increased sharing of information in the health care system which will reduce unintended injury and improve patient care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 403. ENCOURAGING SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF CLAIMS.

The time for the commencement of a health care lawsuit shall be 3 years after the date of manifestation of injury or 1 year after the claimant discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first. In no event shall the time for commencement of a health care lawsuit exceed 3 years after the date of manifestation of injury unless tolled for any of the following--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) upon proof of fraud;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) intentional concealment; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the presence of a foreign body, which has no therapeutic or diagnostic purpose or effect, in the person of the injured person. Actions by a minor shall be commenced within 3 years from the date of the alleged manifestation of injury except that actions by a minor under the full age of 6 years shall be commenced within 3 years of manifestation of injury or prior to the minor's 8th birthday, whichever provides a longer period. Such time limitation shall be tolled for minors for any period during which a parent or guardian and a health care provider or health care organization have committed fraud or collusion in the failure to bring an action on behalf of the injured minorCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 404. COMPENSATING PATIENT INJURY.

(a) Unlimited Amount of Damages for Actual Economic Losses in Health Care Lawsuits- In any health care lawsuit, nothing in this title shall limit a claimant's recovery of the full amount of the available economic damages, notwithstanding the limitation in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Additional Noneconomic Damages- In any health care lawsuit, the amount of noneconomic damages, if available, may be as much as $250,000, regardless of the number of parties against whom the action is brought or the number of separate claims or actions brought with respect to the same injury.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) No Discount of Award for Noneconomic Damages- For purposes of applying the limitation in subsection (b), future noneconomic damages shall not be discounted to present value. The jury shall not be informed about the maximum award for noneconomic damages. An award for noneconomic damages in excess of $250,000 shall be reduced either before the entry of judgment, or by amendment of the judgment after entry of judgment, and such reduction shall be made before accounting for any other reduction in damages required by law. If separate awards are rendered for past and future noneconomic damages and the combined awards exceed $250,000, the future noneconomic damages shall be reduced first.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Fair Share Rule- In any health care lawsuit, each party shall be liable for that party's several share of any damages only and not for the share of any other person. Each party shall be liable only for the amount of damages allocated to such party in direct proportion to such party's percentage of responsibility. Whenever a judgment of liability is rendered as to any party, a separate judgment shall be rendered against each such party for the amount allocated to such party. For purposes of this section, the trier of fact shall determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 405. MAXIMIZING PATIENT RECOVERY.

(a) Court Supervision of Share of Damages Actually Paid to Claimants- In any health care lawsuit, the court shall supervise the arrangements for payment of damages to protect against conflicts of interest that may have the effect of reducing the amount of damages awarded that are actually paid to claimants. In particular, in any health care lawsuit in which the attorney for a party claims a financial stake in the outcome by virtue of a contingent fee, the court shall have the power to restrict the payment of a claimant's damage recovery to such attorney, and to redirect such damages to the claimant based upon the interests of justice and principles of equity. In no event shall the total of all contingent fees for representing all claimants in a health care lawsuit exceed the following limits:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) 40 percent of the first $50,000 recovered by the claimant(s).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) 33 1/3 percent of the next $50,000 recovered by the claimant(s).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) 25 percent of the next $500,000 recovered by the claimant(s).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) 15 percent of any amount by which the recovery by the claimant(s) is in excess of $600,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Applicability- The limitations in this section shall apply whether the recovery is by judgment, settlement, mediation, arbitration, or any other form of alternative dispute resolution. In a health care lawsuit involving a minor or incompetent person, a court retains the authority to authorize or approve a fee that is less than the maximum permitted under this section. The requirement for court supervision in the first two sentences of subsection (a) applies only in civil actions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 406. ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS.

In any health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death, any party may introduce evidence of collateral source benefits. If a party elects to introduce such evidence, any opposing party may introduce evidence of any amount paid or contributed or reasonably likely to be paid or contributed in the future by or on behalf of the opposing party to secure the right to such collateral source benefits. No provider of collateral source benefits shall recover any amount against the claimant or receive any lien or credit against the claimant's recovery or be equitably or legally subrogated to the right of the claimant in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. This section shall apply to any health care lawsuit that is settled as well as a health care lawsuit that is resolved by a fact finder. This section shall not apply to section 1862(b) (42 U.S.C. 1395y(b)) or section 1902(a)(25) (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(25)) of the Social Security Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 407. PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

(a) In General- Punitive damages may, if otherwise permitted by applicable State or Federal law, be awarded against any person in a health care lawsuit only if it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that such person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant, or that such person deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury that such person knew the claimant was substantially certain to suffer. In any health care lawsuit where no judgment for compensatory damages is rendered against such person, no punitive damages may be awarded with respect to the claim in such lawsuit. No demand for punitive damages shall be included in a health care lawsuit as initially filed. A court may allow a claimant to file an amended pleading for punitive damages only upon a motion by the claimant and after a finding by the court, upon review of supporting and opposing affidavits or after a hearing, after weighing the evidence, that the claimant has established by a substantial probability that the claimant will prevail on the claim for punitive damages. At the request of any party in a health care lawsuit, the trier of fact shall consider in a separate proceeding--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) whether punitive damages are to be awarded and the amount of such award; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the amount of punitive damages following a determination of punitive liability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





If a separate proceeding is requested, evidence relevant only to the claim for punitive damages, as determined by applicable State law, shall be inadmissible in any proceeding to determine whether compensatory damages are to be awarded.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Determining Amount of Punitive Damages-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) FACTORS CONSIDERED- In determining the amount of punitive damages, if awarded, in a health care lawsuit, the trier of fact shall consider only the following--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the severity of the harm caused by the conduct of such party;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the duration of the conduct or any concealment of it by such party;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the profitability of the conduct to such party;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the number of products sold or medical procedures rendered for compensation, as the case may be, by such party, of the kind causing the harm complained of by the claimant;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) any criminal penalties imposed on such party, as a result of the conduct complained of by the claimant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) the amount of any civil fines assessed against such party as a result of the conduct complained of by the claimant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) MAXIMUM AWARD- The amount of punitive damages, if awarded, in a health care lawsuit may be as much as $250,000 or as much as two times the amount of economic damages awarded, whichever is greater. The jury shall not be informed of this limitation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) No Punitive Damages for Products That Comply With FDA Standards-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) No punitive damages may be awarded against the manufacturer or distributor of a medical product, or a supplier of any component or raw material of such medical product, based on a claim that such product caused the claimant's harm where--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i)(I) such medical product was subject to premarket approval, clearance, or licensure by the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of the formulation or performance of the aspect of such medical product which caused the claimant's harm or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling of such medical product; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) such medical product was so approved, cleared, or licensed; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) such medical product is generally recognized among qualified experts as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by the Food and Drug Administration and applicable Food and Drug Administration regulations, including without limitation those related to packaging and labeling, unless the Food and Drug Administration has determined that such medical product was not manufactured or distributed in substantial compliance with applicable Food and Drug Administration statutes and regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Subparagraph (A) may not be construed as establishing the obligation of the Food and Drug Administration to demonstrate affirmatively that a manufacturer, distributor, or supplier referred to in such subparagraph meets any of the conditions described in such subparagraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) LIABILITY OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS- A health care provider who prescribes, or who dispenses pursuant to a prescription, a medical product approved, licensed, or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration shall not be named as a party to a product liability lawsuit involving such product and shall not be liable to a claimant in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of such product. Nothing in this paragraph prevents a court from consolidating cases involving health care providers and cases involving products liability claims against the manufacturer, distributor, or product seller of such medical product.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) PACKAGING- In a health care lawsuit for harm which is alleged to relate to the adequacy of the packaging or labeling of a drug which is required to have tamper-resistant packaging under regulations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (including labeling regulations related to such packaging), the manufacturer or product seller of the drug shall not be held liable for punitive damages unless such packaging or labeling is found by the trier of fact by clear and convincing evidence to be substantially out of compliance with such regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) EXCEPTION- Paragraph (1) shall not apply in any health care lawsuit in which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a person, before or after premarket approval, clearance, or licensure of such medical product, knowingly misrepresented to or withheld from the Food and Drug Administration information that is required to be submitted under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) or section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262) that is material and is causally related to the harm which the claimant allegedly suffered; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a person made an illegal payment to an official of the Food and Drug Administration for the purpose of either securing or maintaining approval, clearance, or licensure of such medical product.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 408. AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENT OF FUTURE DAMAGES TO CLAIMANTS IN HEALTH CARE LAWSUITS.

(a) In General- In any health care lawsuit, if an award of future damages, without reduction to present value, equaling or exceeding $50,000 is made against a party with sufficient insurance or other assets to fund a periodic payment of such a judgment, the court shall, at the request of any party, enter a judgment ordering that the future damages be paid by periodic payments. In any health care lawsuit, the court may be guided by the Uniform Periodic Payment of Judgments Act promulgated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Applicability- This section applies to all actions which have not been first set for trial or retrial before the effective date of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 409. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEM; ADR- The term `alternative dispute resolution system' or `ADR' means a system that provides for the resolution of health care lawsuits in a manner other than through a civil action brought in a State or Federal court.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CLAIMANT- The term `claimant' means any person who brings a health care lawsuit, including a person who asserts or claims a right to legal or equitable contribution, indemnity or subrogation, arising out of a health care liability claim or action, and any person on whose behalf such a claim is asserted or such an action is brought, whether deceased, incompetent, or a minor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) COLLATERAL SOURCE BENEFITS- The term `collateral source benefits' means any amount paid or reasonably likely to be paid in the future to or on behalf of the claimant, or any service, product or other benefit provided or reasonably likely to be provided in the future to or on behalf of the claimant, as a result of the injury or wrongful death, pursuant to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) any State or Federal health, sickness, income-disability, accident, or workers' compensation law;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) any health, sickness, income-disability, or accident insurance that provides health benefits or income-disability coverage;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) any contract or agreement of any group, organization, partnership, or corporation to provide, pay for, or reimburse the cost of medical, hospital, dental, or income disability benefits; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) any other publicly or privately funded program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) COMPENSATORY DAMAGES- The term `compensatory damages' means objectively verifiable monetary losses incurred as a result of the provision of, use of, or payment for (or failure to provide, use, or pay for) health care services or medical products, such as past and future medical expenses, loss of past and future earnings, cost of obtaining domestic services, loss of employment, and loss of business or employment opportunities, damages for physical and emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium (other than loss of domestic service), hedonic damages, injury to reputation, and all other nonpecuniary losses of any kind or nature. The term `compensatory damages' includes economic damages and noneconomic damages, as such terms are defined in this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) CONTINGENT FEE- The term `contingent fee' includes all compensation to any person or persons which is payable only if a recovery is effected on behalf of one or more claimants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) ECONOMIC DAMAGES- The term `economic damages' means objectively verifiable monetary losses incurred as a result of the provision of, use of, or payment for (or failure to provide, use, or pay for) health care services or medical products, such as past and future medical expenses, loss of past and future earnings, cost of obtaining domestic services, loss of employment, and loss of business or employment opportunities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) HEALTH CARE LAWSUIT- The term `health care lawsuit' means any health care liability claim concerning the provision of health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce, or any health care liability action concerning the provision of health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce, brought in a State or Federal court or pursuant to an alternative dispute resolution system, against a health care provider, a health care organization, or the manufacturer, distributor, supplier, marketer, promoter, or seller of a medical product, regardless of the theory of liability on which the claim is based, or the number of claimants, plaintiffs, defendants, or other parties, or the number of claims or causes of action, in which the claimant alleges a health care liability claim. Such term does not include a claim or action which is based on criminal liability; which seeks civil fines or penalties paid to Federal, State, or local government; or which is grounded in antitrust.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) HEALTH CARE LIABILITY ACTION- The term `health care liability action' means a civil action brought in a State or Federal Court or pursuant to an alternative dispute resolution system, against a health care provider, a health care organization, or the manufacturer, distributor, supplier, marketer, promoter, or seller of a medical product, regardless of the theory of liability on which the claim is based, or the number of plaintiffs, defendants, or other parties, or the number of causes of action, in which the claimant alleges a health care liability claim.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) HEALTH CARE LIABILITY CLAIM- The term `health care liability claim' means a demand by any person, whether or not pursuant to ADR, against a health care provider, health care organization, or the manufacturer, distributor, supplier, marketer, promoter, or seller of a medical product, including, but not limited to, third-party claims, cross-claims, counter-claims, or contribution claims, which are based upon the provision of, use of, or payment for (or the failure to provide, use, or pay for) health care services or medical products, regardless of the theory of liability on which the claim is based, or the number of plaintiffs, defendants, or other parties, or the number of causes of action.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION- The term `health care organization' means any person or entity which is obligated to provide or pay for health benefits under any health plan, including any person or entity acting under a contract or arrangement with a health care organization to provide or administer any health benefit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) HEALTH CARE PROVIDER- The term `health care provider' means any person or entity required by State or Federal laws or regulations to be licensed, registered, or certified to provide health care services, and being either so licensed, registered, or certified, or exempted from such requirement by other statute or regulation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) HEALTH CARE GOODS OR SERVICES- The term `health care goods or services' means any goods or services provided by a health care organization, provider, or by any individual working under the supervision of a health care provider, that relates to the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any human disease or impairment, or the assessment or care of the health of human beings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) MALICIOUS INTENT TO INJURE- The term `malicious intent to injure' means intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury other than providing health care goods or services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) MEDICAL PRODUCT- The term `medical product' means a drug, device, or biological product intended for humans, and the terms `drug', `device', and `biological product' have the meanings given such terms in sections 201(g)(1) and 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) and section 351(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262(a)), respectively, including any component or raw material used therein, but excluding health care services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) NONECONOMIC DAMAGES- The term `noneconomic damages' means damages for physical and emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium (other than loss of domestic service), hedonic damages, injury to reputation, and all other nonpecuniary losses of any kind or nature.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) PUNITIVE DAMAGES- The term `punitive damages' means damages awarded, for the purpose of punishment or deterrence, and not solely for compensatory purposes, against a health care provider, health care organization, or a manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of a medical product. Punitive damages are neither economic nor noneconomic damages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) RECOVERY- The term `recovery' means the net sum recovered after deducting any disbursements or costs incurred in connection with prosecution or settlement of the claim, including all costs paid or advanced by any person. Costs of health care incurred by the plaintiff and the attorneys' office overhead costs or charges for legal services are not deductible disbursements or costs for such purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(18) STATE- The term `State' means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States, or any political subdivision thereof.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 410. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.

(a) Vaccine Injury-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) To the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act establishes a Federal rule of law applicable to a civil action brought for a vaccine-related injury or death--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) this title does not affect the application of the rule of law to such an action; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) any rule of law prescribed by this title in conflict with a rule of law of such title XXI shall not apply to such action.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) If there is an aspect of a civil action brought for a vaccine-related injury or death to which a Federal rule of law under title XXI of the Public Health Service Act does not apply, then this title or otherwise applicable law (as determined under this title) will apply to such aspect of such action.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Other Federal Law- Except as provided in this section, nothing in this title shall be deemed to affect any defense available to a defendant in a health care lawsuit or action under any other provision of Federal law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 411. STATE FLEXIBILITY AND PROTECTION OF STATES' RIGHTS.

(a) Health Care Lawsuits- The provisions governing health care lawsuits set forth in this title preempt, subject to subsections (b) and (c), State law to the extent that State law prevents the application of any provisions of law established by or under this title. The provisions governing health care lawsuits set forth in this title supersede chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, to the extent that such chapter--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) provides for a greater amount of damages or contingent fees, a longer period in which a health care lawsuit may be commenced, or a reduced applicability or scope of periodic payment of future damages, than provided in this title; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) prohibits the introduction of evidence regarding collateral source benefits, or mandates or permits subrogation or a lien on collateral source benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Protection of States' Rights and Other Laws- (1) Any issue that is not governed by any provision of law established by or under this title (including State standards of gross negligence) shall be governed by otherwise applicable State or Federal law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) This title shall not preempt or supersede any State or Federal law that imposes greater procedural or substantive protections for health care providers and health care organizations from liability, loss, or damages than those provided by this title or create a cause of action.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) State Flexibility- No provision of this title shall be construed to preempt--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) any State law (whether effective before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this title) that specifies a particular monetary amount of compensatory or punitive damages (or the total amount of damages) that may be awarded in a health care lawsuit, regardless of whether such monetary amount is greater or lesser than is provided for under this title, notwithstanding section 4(a); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) any defense available to a party in a health care lawsuit under any other provision of State or Federal law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 412. APPLICABILITY; EFFECTIVE DATE.

The previous provisions of this title shall apply to any health care lawsuit brought in a Federal or State court, or subject to an alternative dispute resolution system, that is initiated on or after the date of the enactment of this title, except that any health care lawsuit arising from an injury occurring prior to the date of the enactment of this title shall be governed by the applicable statute of limitations provisions in effect at the time the injury occurred.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 413. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

It is the sense of Congress that a health insurer should be liable for damages for harm caused when it makes a decision as to what care is medically necessary and appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 414. STATE GRANTS TO CREATE ADMINISTRATIVE HEALTH CARE TRIBUNALS.

Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 399R. STATE GRANTS TO CREATE ADMINISTRATIVE HEALTH CARE TRIBUNALS.

`(a) In General- The Secretary may award grants to States for the development, implementation, and evaluation of administrative health care tribunals that comply with this section, for the resolution of disputes concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Conditions for Demonstration Grants- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as may be required by the Secretary. A grant shall be awarded under this section on such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Representation by Counsel- A State that receives a grant under this section may not preclude any party to a dispute before an administrative health care tribunal operated under such grant from obtaining legal representation during any review by the expert panel under subsection (d), the administrative health care tribunal under subsection (e), or a State court under subsection (f).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Expert Panel Review and Early Offer Guidelines-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Prior to the submission of any dispute concerning injuries allegedly caused by health care providers to an administrative health care tribunal under this section, such allegations shall first be reviewed by an expert panel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) COMPOSITION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The members of each expert panel under this subsection appointed by the head of the State agency responsible for health. At least one-half of such members shall be medical experts (either physicians or health care professionals).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) LICENSURE AND EXPERTISE- Each physician or health care professional appointed to an expert panel under subparagraph (A) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) be appropriately credentialed or licensed in 1 or more States to deliver health care services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) typically treat the condition, make the diagnosis, or provide the type of treatment that is under review.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) INDEPENDENCE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) IN GENERAL- Subject to clause (ii), each individual appointed to an expert panel under this paragraph shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) not have a material familial, financial, or professional relationship with a party involved in the dispute reviewed by the panel; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) not otherwise have a conflict of interest with such a party.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) EXCEPTION- Nothing in clause (i) shall be construed to prohibit an individual who has staff privileges at an institution where the treatment involved in the dispute was provided from serving as a member of an expert panel merely on the basis of such affiliation, if the affiliation is disclosed to the parties and neither party objects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) PRACTICING HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL IN SAME FIELD-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) IN GENERAL- In a dispute before an expert panel that involves treatment, or the provision of items or services--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) by a physician, the medical experts on the expert panel shall be practicing physicians (allopathic or osteopathic) of the same or similar specialty as a physician who typically treats the condition, makes the diagnosis, or provides the type of treatment under review; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) by a health care professional other than a physician, at least two medical experts on the expert panel shall be practicing physicians (allopathic or osteopathic) of the same or similar specialty as the health care professional who typically treats the condition, makes the diagnosis, or provides the type of treatment under review, and, if determined appropriate by the State agency, the third medical expert shall be a practicing health care professional (other than such a physician) of such a same or similar specialty.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) PRACTICING DEFINED- In this paragraph, the term `practicing' means, with respect to an individual who is a physician or other health care professional, that the individual provides health care services to individual patients on average at least 2 days a week.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) PEDIATRIC EXPERTISE- In the case of dispute relating to a child, at least 1 medical expert on the expert panel shall have expertise described in subparagraph (D)(i) in pediatrics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) DETERMINATION- After a review under paragraph (1), an expert panel shall make a determination as to the liability of the parties involved and compensation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) ACCEPTANCE- If the parties to a dispute before an expert panel under this subsection accept the determination of the expert panel concerning liability and compensation, such compensation shall be paid to the claimant and the claimant shall agree to forgo any further action against the health care providers involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) FAILURE TO ACCEPT- If any party decides not to accept the expert panel's determination, the matter shall be referred to an administrative health care tribunal created pursuant to this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Administrative Health Care Tribunals-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Upon the failure of any party to accept the determination of an expert panel under subsection (d), the parties shall have the right to request a hearing concerning the liability or compensation involved by an administrative health care tribunal established by the State involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REQUIREMENTS- In establishing an administrative health care tribunal under this section, a State shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) ensure that such tribunals are presided over by special judges with health care expertise;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) provide authority to such judges to make binding rulings, rendered in written decisions, on standards of care, causation, compensation, and related issues with reliance on independent expert witnesses commissioned by the tribunal;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) establish gross negligence as the legal standard for the tribunal;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) allow the admission into evidence of the recommendation made by the expert panel under subsection (d); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) provide for an appeals process to allow for review of decisions by State courts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Review by State Court After Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) RIGHT TO FILE- If any party to a dispute before a health care tribunal under subsection (e) is not satisfied with the determinations of the tribunal, the party shall have the right to file their claim in a State court of competent jurisdiction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) FORFEIT OF AWARDS- Any party filing an action in a State court in accordance with paragraph (1) shall forfeit any compensation award made under subsection (e).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ADMISSIBILITY- The determinations of the expert panel and the administrative health care tribunal pursuant to subsections (d) and (e) with respect to a State court proceeding under paragraph (1) shall be admissible into evidence in any such State court proceeding.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Definition- In this section, the term `health care provider' has the meaning given such term for purposes of part A of title VII.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Funding-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) ONE-TIME INCREASE IN MEDICAID PAYMENT- In the case of a State awarded a grant to carry out this section, the total amount of Federal payments made to the State under section 1903(a) of the Social Security Act or section 1939(b)of such Act (in the case of fiscal year 2010 or any fiscal year thereafter) for the first fiscal year for which such grant is awarded shall be increased by an amount equal to 1 percent of of the total amount of such payments made to the State for the preceding fiscal year under such 1903(a) or 1939(b) (as applicable) for purposes of carrying out this section. Amounts paid to a State pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until expended.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year such sums as may be necessary for purposes of making payments to States pursuant to paragraph (1).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE V--TAX CREDIT FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SEC. 501. PURCHASE OF QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

(a) In General- Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to election to expense certain depreciable assets) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Health Care Information Technology-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- In the case of qualified health care information technology purchased by a medical care provider and placed in service during a taxable year--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) subsection (b)(1) shall be applied by substituting `$300,000' for `$100,000',CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) subsection (b)(2) shall be applied by substituting `$600,000' for `$400,000', andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) subsection (b)(5)(A) shall be applied by substituting `$300,000 and $600,000' for `$100,000 and $400,000'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this subsection--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY- The term `qualified health care information technology' means section 179 property which is used primarily for the electronic creation, maintenance, and exchange of medical care information to improve the quality or efficiency of medical care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER- The term `medical care provider' means any person engaged in the trade or business of providing medical care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) MEDICAL CARE- The term `medical care' has the meaning given such term by section 213(d).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2006.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 502. TELECOMMUNICATIONS CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED MEDICAL CARE PROVIDERS.

(a) In General- Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business related credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 45N. TELECOMMUNICATIONS CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED MEDICAL CARE PROVIDERS.

`(a) General Rule- For purposes of section 38, in the case of a qualified medical care provider, the telecommunications credit determined under this section for a taxable year is an amount equal to 50 percent of the applicable telecommunications charges paid or incurred by such provider during the taxable year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Dollar Limitation- In the case of a qualified medical care provider, the credit determined under subsection (a) for a taxable year shall not exceed $12,500.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Definitions- For purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) APPLICABLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CHARGES- The term `applicable telecommunications charges' means expenses paid or incurred for the purpose of installing or maintaining a communications network that supports interoperability of electronic medical record systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) QUALIFIED MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER- The term `qualified medical care provider' means any person engaged in the trade or business of providing medical care (as defined in section 213(d)) who has purchased qualified health care information technology (as defined in section 179(e)).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Conforming Amendments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Section 38(b) of such Code is amended by striking `plus' at the end of paragraph (25), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (26) and inserting `, plus', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(27) the telecommunications credit determined under section 45N.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`Sec. 45N. Telecommunications credit for qualified medical care providers.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to expenses paid or incurred after December 31, 2006.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 503. DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS.

Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall develop standards for health information technology, including for qualified health care information technology (as defined in section 179(e)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 501(a)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE VI--MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORMS

SEC. 601. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY.

The constitutional authority upon which this title rests is the power of the Congress to provide for the general welfare, to regulate commerce, and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution Federal powers, as enumerated in section 8 of article I of the Constitution of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 602. PROTECTION AGAINST LEGAL LIABILITY FOR EMERGENCY AND RELATED SERVICES FURNISHED TO ANY INDIVIDUAL.

Section 224(g) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 233(g)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (4), by striking `An entity' and inserting in lieu thereof `Subject to paragraph (6), an entity'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6)(A) For purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) an entity described in subparagraph (B) shall be considered to be an entity described in paragraph (4); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the provisions of this section shall apply to an entity described in subparagraph (B) in the same manner as such provisions apply to an entity described in paragraph (4), except that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) notwithstanding paragraph (1)(B), the deeming of any entity described in subparagraph (B), or of an officer, governing board member, employee, or contractor of such an entity, to be an employee of the Public Health Service for purposes of this section shall apply only with respect to items and services that are furnished to an individual pursuant to section 1867 of the Social Security Act and to post-stabilization services (as defined in subparagraph (C)) furnished to such an individual;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) nothing in paragraph (1)(D) shall be construed as preventing a physician or physician group described in subparagraph (B)(ii) from making the application referred to in such paragraph or as conditioning the deeming of a physician or physician group that makes such an application upon receipt by the Secretary of an application from the hospital or emergency department that employs or contracts with the physician or group;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) notwithstanding paragraph (3), this paragraph shall apply only with respect to causes of action arising from acts or omissions that occur on or after January 1, 2008;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) paragraph (5) shall not apply to a physician or physician group described in subparagraph (B)(ii);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(V) the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary, shall make separate estimates under subsection (k)(1) with respect to entities described in subparagraph (B) and entities described in paragraph (4) (other than those described in subparagraph (B)), and the Secretary shall establish separate funds under subsection (k)(2) with respect to such groups of entities, and any appropriations under this subsection for entities described in subparagraph (B) shall be separate from the amounts authorized by subsection (k)(2);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VI) notwithstanding subsection (k)(2), the amount of the fund established by the Secretary under such subsection with respect to entities described in subparagraph (B) may exceed a total of $10,000,000 for a fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VII) subsection (m) shall not apply to entities described in subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) An entity described in this subparagraph is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a hospital or an emergency department to which section 1867 of the Social Security Act applies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a physician or physician group that is employed by, or under contract with, such hospital or department to furnish items and services to individuals under such section, including so-called `on call physicians' .CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `post-stabilization services' means, with respect to an individual who has been treated by an entity described in subparagraph (B) for purposes of complying with section 1867 of the Social Security Act, services that are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) related to the condition that was so treated; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) provided after the individual is stabilized in order to maintain the stabilized condition or to improve or resolve the individual's condition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D)(i) Nothing in this paragraph (or in any other provision of this section as such provision applies to entities described in subparagraph (B) by operation of subparagraph (A)) shall be construed as authorizing or requiring the Secretary to make payments to such entities, the budget authority for which is not provided in advance by appropriation Acts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The Secretary shall limit the total amount of payments under this paragraph for a fiscal year to the total amount appropriated in advance by appropriation Acts for such purpose for such fiscal year. If the total amount of payments that would otherwise be made under this paragraph for a fiscal year exceeds such total amount appropriated, the Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the total amount of payments under this paragraph for such fiscal year does not exceed such total amount appropriated.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE VII--TAX DEDUCTION FOR UNCOMPENSATED CARE IN EMERGENCY ROOMS

SEC. 701. BAD DEBT DEDUCTION FOR DOCTORS TO PARTIALLY OFFSET THE COST OF PROVIDING UNCOMPENSATED CARE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED UNDER AMENDMENTS MADE BY THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT AND LABOR ACT.

(a) In General- Section 166 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to bad debts) is amended by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g) and by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Bad Debt Treatment for Doctors To Partially Offset Cost of Providing Uncompensated Care Required To Be Provided-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) AMOUNT OF DEDUCTION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- For purposes of subsection (a), the basis for determining the amount of any deduction for an eligible EMTALA debt shall be treated as being equal to the Medicare payment amount.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) MEDICARE PAYMENT AMOUNT- For purposes of subparagraph (A), the Medicare payment amount with respect to an eligible EMTALA debt is the fee schedule amount established under section 1848 of the Social Security Act for the physicians' service (to which such debt relates) as if the service were provided to an individual enrolled under part B of title XVIIII of such Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ELIGIBLE EMTALA DEBT- For purposes of this section, the term `eligible EMTALA debt' means any debt if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) such debt arose as a result of physicians' services--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) which were performed in an EMTALA hospital by a board-certified physician (whether as part of medical screening or necessary stabilizing treatment and whether as an emergency department physician, as an on-call physician, or otherwise), andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) which were required to be provided under section 1867 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395dd), andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) such debt is owed--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) to such physician, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) to an entity if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) such entity is a corporation and the sole shareholder of such corporation is such physician, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) such entity is a partnership and any deduction under this subsection with respect to such debt is allocated to such physician or to an entity described in subclause (I).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) BOARD-CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN- For purposes of this subsection, the term `board-certified physician' means any physician (as defined in section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)) who is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine or other appropriate medical specialty board for the specialty in which the physician practices, or who meets comparable requirements, as identified by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with Secretary of Health and Human Services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) OTHER DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this subsection--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) EMTALA HOSPITAL- The term `EMTALA hospital' means any hospital having a hospital emergency department which is required to comply with section 1867 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395dd) (relating to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Physicians' SERVICES- The term `physicians' services' has the meaning given such term in section 1861(q) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(q)).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to debts arising from services performed in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE VIII--ADDITIONAL CHANGES

SEC. 801. APPLICATION OF SECTION 1115 WAIVERS BY OTHER STATES.

Section 1115 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) If the Secretary has waived under subsection (a) compliance with one or more requirements of title XIX in connection with a project of a State and such waiver has not been terminated, the Secretary shall also waive compliance with such requirements in connection with a project conducted by another State that is consistent with the terms and conditions for the original project.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 802. HIPAA TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP.

(a) Establishment- The Secretary shall establish a Technical Advisory Group (in this section referred to as the `Advisory Group') to review issues related to the HIPAA regulations and their implementation. In this section, the term `HIPAA regulations' refers to the regulations promulgated pursuant to section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d-1 note).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Membership- The Advisory Group shall be composed of 19 members, including the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and of which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) 2 shall be representatives of hospitals, including at least one public hospital, that have experience with the application of HIPAA regulations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) 9 shall be practicing physicians drawn from the fields of emergency medicine, cardiology or cardiothoracic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery with expertise in trauma, internal medicine, pediatrics or a pediatric subspecialty, obstetrics-gynecology, and psychiatry, with not more than one physician from any particular field;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) 2 shall be non-physician representatives from private medical practices with significant patient volume;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) 2 shall represent patients;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) 2 shall be staff involved in HIPAA regulations investigations from different regional offices of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) 1 shall be from a State survey office involved in HIPAA regulations investigations and 1 shall be from a peer review organization, both of whom shall be from areas other than the regions represented under paragraph (5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





In selecting members described in paragraphs (1) through (4), the Secretary shall consider qualified individuals nominated by organizations representing providers and patients.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) General Responsibilities- The Advisory Group--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) shall review HIPAA regulations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) may provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary with respect to those regulations and their application to hospitals, medical practices, outpatient services and physicians;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) shall solicit comments and recommendations from hospitals, physicians, and the public regarding the implementation of such regulations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) may disseminate information on the application of such regulations to hospitals, physicians, and the public; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) shall make recommendations to Congress regarding any reforms recommended that may ease the regulatory burden on those caring for patients.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Administrative Matters-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) CHAIRPERSON- The members of the Advisory Group shall elect a member to serve as chairperson of the Advisory Group for the life of the Advisory Group.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) MEETINGS- The Advisory Group shall first meet at the direction of the Secretary. The Advisory Group shall then meet twice per year and at such other times as the Advisory Group may provide.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Termination- The Advisory Group shall terminate 30 months after the date of its first meeting.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Waiver of Administrative Limitation- The Secretary shall establish the Advisory Group notwithstanding any limitation that may apply to the number of advisory committees that may be established (within the Department of Health and Human Services or otherwise).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 803. MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENT UPDATE REFORM.

(a) Substitution of MEI Increase for SGR Adjustments- Section 1848(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(d)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting `and before 2008' after `beginning with 2001';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting before the period at the end the following: `, and for years beginning with 2008, multiplied by the update established under paragraph (7) applicable to the year involved'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in paragraph (4)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in the heading by striking `YEARS BEGINNING WITH 2001' and inserting `2001, 2002, AND 2003'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting `and ending with 2003' after `beginning with 2001'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) UPDATE BEGINNING WITH 2008- The update to the single conversion factor established in paragraph (1)(C) for 2008 and each succeeding year shall be the percentage increase in the MEI (as defined in section 1842(i)(3)) for the year involved.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Ending Application of Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR)- Section 1848(f)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(f)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting `(and before 2007)' after `each succeeding year'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to payment for services furnished on or after January 1, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink