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H.R.2723
Sponsor: Rep Norwood, Charlie (introduced 8/5/1999)
Related Bills: H.RES.323, H.R.2990
Latest Major Action: 10/7/1999 Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 323, H.R. 2723 is laid on the table. (The text of H.R. 2723 was added as new matter to H.R. 2990.) (CR D1107)
Title: To amend title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect consumers in managed care plans and other health coverage.
Jump to: Titles, Status, Committees, Related Bill Details, Amendments, Cosponsors, Summary
TITLE(S):  (italics indicate a title for a portion of a bill)
STATUS: (color indicates Senate actions) (Floor Actions/Congressional Record Page References)
8/5/1999:
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, and Ways and Means, 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 concerned.
8/5/1999:
Referred to House Commerce
9/15/1999:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
8/5/1999:
Referred to House Education and the Workforce
9/10/1999:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.
8/5/1999:
Referred to House Ways and Means
8/17/1999:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
10/5/1999 10:07pm:
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 323 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2990 and H.R. 2723. Provides two hours of debate on H.R. 2990 and waives all points of order against the bill. Provides one motion to recommit the bill. Provides three hours of debate on H.R. 2723 and waives all points of order against the bill. The amendments to H.R. 2723, printed in Part A of H. Rept. 106-366 shall be considered as adopted. Further provides for consideration of amendments printed in Part B of H. Rept. 106-366 and waives all points of order against them except that the adoption of an amendment in the nature of a substitute shall constitute the conclusion of the bill for amendment. In the engrossment of H.R. 2990, the Clerk shall add the text of H.R. 2723, as passed by the House, as a new matter at the end of H.R. 2990, and then lay H.R. 2723 on the table.
10/6/1999 2:04pm:
Rule H. Res. 323 passed House.
10/6/1999 5:24pm:
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 323.
10/6/1999 5:24pm:
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 323 and Rule XXIII.
10/6/1999 5:24pm:
The Speaker designated the Honorable Doc Hastings to act as Chairman of the Committee.
10/6/1999 9:02pm:
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2723 as unfinished business.
10/7/1999 11:06am:
Considered as unfinished business.
10/7/1999 11:06am:
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
10/7/1999 11:07am:
Pursuant to H. Res. 323, the amendments printed in Part A of H. Rept. 106-366 were considered as adopted. The amendments make technical changes and clarify provisions to ensure that employers cannot be held liable unless they are making medical decisions.
10/7/1999 11:09am:
H.AMDT.513 Amendment (A001) in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Boehner.
Amendment in the nature of a substitute sought to prohibit gag rules, ensure access to emergency medical care, direct access to an OB/GYN, access to a pediatrician as a primary care provider, establish continuity of care, make health care lawsuit reform with limits on "non-economic damages", and require a patient choice of provider option.
10/7/1999 12:46pm:
H.AMDT.513 On agreeing to the Boehner amendment (A001) Failed by recorded vote: 145 - 284 (Roll no. 487).
10/7/1999 12:47pm:
H.AMDT.514 Amendment (A002) in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Goss.
Amendment in the nature of a substitute sought to establish utilization review procedures, require a timely appeals process and external review of benefit disputes, allow patients to sue for denials that cause harm, provide protection for employers, allow choice of medical professionals, prohibit gag clauses, and expand access to clinical trials.
10/7/1999 2:39pm:
H.AMDT.514 On agreeing to the Goss amendment (A002) Failed by recorded vote: 193 - 238 (Roll no. 488).
10/7/1999 2:39pm:
H.AMDT.515 Amendment (A003) in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Houghton.
Amendment sought to allow lawsuits in Federal court, rather than State court, against the final decision-maker who fails to exercise ordinary care decisions including employers, cap non-economic damages and prohibit punitive damages.
10/7/1999 4:22pm:
H.AMDT.515 On agreeing to the Houghton amendment (A003) Failed by recorded vote: 160 - 269 (Roll no. 489).
10/7/1999 4:22pm:
H.AMDT.516 Amendment (A004) offered by the Committee on Rules.
Pursuant to H. Res. 323, the amendments printed in Part A of H. Rept. 106-366 were considered as adopted. The amendments make technical changes and clarify provisions to ensure that employers cannot be held liable unless they are making medical decisions.
10/7/1999 4:22pm:
H.AMDT.516 On agreeing to the Rules amendment (A004) Agreed to without objection.
10/7/1999 4:22pm:
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2723.
10/7/1999 4:22pm:
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10/7/1999 4:40pm:
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 275 - 151 (Roll no. 490).
10/7/1999 4:40pm:
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10/7/1999 4:41pm:
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
10/7/1999 4:41pm:
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 323, H.R. 2723 is laid on the table. (The text of H.R. 2723 was added as new matter to H.R. 2990.) (CR D1107)
COMMITTEE(S):
RELATED BILL DETAILS:  (additional related bills may be indentified in Status)

AMENDMENT(S):

1. H.AMDT.513 to H.R.2723 Amendment in the nature of a substitute sought to prohibit gag rules, ensure access to emergency medical care, direct access to an OB/GYN, access to a pediatrician as a primary care provider, establish continuity of care, make health care lawsuit reform with limits on "non-economic damages", and require a patient choice of provider option.
Sponsor: Rep Boehner, John A. - Latest Major Action: 10/7/1999 House amendment not agreed to

2. H.AMDT.514 to H.R.2723 Amendment in the nature of a substitute sought to establish utilization review procedures, require a timely appeals process and external review of benefit disputes, allow patients to sue for denials that cause harm, provide protection for employers, allow choice of medical professionals, prohibit gag clauses, and expand access to clinical trials.
Sponsor: Rep Goss, Porter J. - Latest Major Action: 10/7/1999 House amendment not agreed to

3. H.AMDT.515 to H.R.2723 Amendment sought to allow lawsuits in Federal court, rather than State court, against the final decision-maker who fails to exercise ordinary care decisions including employers, cap non-economic damages and prohibit punitive damages.
Sponsor: Rep Houghton, Amo - Latest Major Action: 10/7/1999 House amendment not agreed to

4. H.AMDT.516 to H.R.2723 Pursuant to H. Res. 323, the amendments printed in Part A of H. Rept. 106-366 were considered as adopted. The amendments make technical changes and clarify provisions to ensure that employers cannot be held liable unless they are making medical decisions.
Sponsor: House Rules - Latest Major Action: 10/7/1999 House amendment agreed to
Committees: House Rules

COSPONSORS(155), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]:     (Sort: by date)

Rep Abercrombie, Neil - 9/28/1999 Rep Allen, Thomas H. - 9/28/1999
Rep Andrews, Robert E. - 8/5/1999 Rep Baird, Brian - 9/28/1999
Rep Baldacci, John Elias - 8/5/1999 Rep Baldwin, Tammy - 9/28/1999
Rep Barr, Bob - 8/5/1999 Rep Barrett, Thomas M. - 8/5/1999
Rep Becerra, Xavier - 9/30/1999 Rep Bentsen, Ken - 9/28/1999
Rep Berkley, Shelley - 8/5/1999 Rep Berry, Marion - 8/5/1999
Rep Bishop, Sanford D. Jr. - 9/28/1999 Rep Blumenauer, Earl - 9/28/1999
Rep Boehlert, Sherwood L. - 8/5/1999 Rep Bonior, David E. - 8/5/1999
Rep Borski, Robert A. - 10/5/1999 Rep Boswell, Leonard L. - 9/28/1999
Rep Boucher, Rick - 8/5/1999 Rep Brady, Robert - 8/5/1999
Rep Brown, Sherrod - 8/5/1999 Rep Capps, Lois - 8/5/1999
Rep Capuano, Michael E. - 9/28/1999 Rep Cardin, Benjamin L. - 8/5/1999
Rep Christensen, Donna MC - 9/28/1999 Rep Clay, William (Bill) - 8/5/1999
Rep Clayton, Eva M. - 8/5/1999 Rep Clement, Bob - 9/28/1999
Rep Clyburn, James E. - 9/28/1999 Rep Cooksey, John - 8/5/1999
Rep Costello, Jerry F. - 9/28/1999 Rep Coyne, William J. - 9/28/1999
Rep Crowley, Joseph - 9/28/1999 Rep Cubin, Barbara - 8/5/1999
Rep Cummings, Elijah E. - 9/30/1999 Rep Davis, Jim - 9/28/1999
Rep DeGette, Diana - 9/28/1999 Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. - 9/28/1999
Rep Dicks, Norman D. - 8/5/1999 Rep Dingell, John D. - 8/5/1999
Rep Dixon, Julian C. - 9/28/1999 Rep Doyle, Michael F. - 8/5/1999
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. - 8/5/1999 Rep Evans, Lane - 9/28/1999
Rep Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. - 9/30/1999 Rep Farr, Sam - 9/28/1999
Rep Filner, Bob - 9/28/1999 Rep Foley, Mark - 8/5/1999
Rep Forbes, Michael P. - 8/5/1999 Rep Ford, Harold, Jr. - 8/5/1999
Rep Franks, Bob - 10/5/1999 Rep Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. - 8/5/1999
Rep Frost, Martin - 8/5/1999 Rep Ganske, Greg - 8/5/1999
Rep Gephardt, Richard A. - 8/5/1999 Rep Gibbons, Jim - 8/5/1999
Rep Gilchrest, Wayne T. - 8/5/1999 Rep Gilman, Benjamin A. - 8/5/1999
Rep Gonzalez, Charles A. - 10/5/1999 Rep Gordon, Bart - 9/28/1999
Rep Graham, Lindsey O. - 8/5/1999 Rep Green, Gene - 9/28/1999
Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. - 10/5/1999 Rep Hall, Ralph M. - 8/5/1999
Rep Hall, Tony P. - 10/5/1999 Rep Hilliard, Earl F. - 9/30/1999
Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. - 9/28/1999 Rep Hoeffel, Joseph M. - 9/28/1999
Rep Holden, Tim - 9/30/1999 Rep Holt, Rush D. - 8/5/1999
Rep Horn, Stephen - 8/5/1999 Rep Houghton, Amo - 8/5/1999
Rep Hoyer, Steny H. - 9/28/1999 Rep Inslee, Jay - 9/28/1999
Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila - 9/28/1999 Rep Jefferson, William J. - 10/5/1999
Rep John, Christopher - 8/5/1999 Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice - 9/28/1999
Rep Jones, Stephanie Tubbs - 9/28/1999 Rep Kanjorski, Paul E. - 9/28/1999
Rep Kaptur, Marcy - 9/28/1999 Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. - 9/28/1999
Rep Kildee, Dale E. - 9/28/1999 Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. - 8/5/1999
Rep Kind, Ron - 9/30/1999 Rep Kleczka, Gerald D. - 9/28/1999
Rep Klink, Ron - 8/5/1999 Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. - 9/28/1999
Rep LaFalce, John J. - 9/28/1999 Rep Lampson, Nick - 10/5/1999
Rep LaTourette, Steve C. - 8/5/1999 Rep Leach, James A. - 8/5/1999
Rep Lee, Barbara - 9/28/1999 Rep Levin, Sander M. - 9/28/1999
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. - 8/5/1999 Rep Lowey, Nita M. - 9/28/1999
Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. - 9/28/1999 Rep Maloney, James H. - 9/28/1999
Rep Mascara, Frank - 9/28/1999 Rep Matsui, Robert T. - 9/28/1999
Rep McCarthy, Carolyn - 8/5/1999 Rep McCarthy, Karen - 9/28/1999
Rep McDermott, Jim - 8/5/1999 Rep McGovern, James P. - 9/28/1999
Rep McNulty, Michael R. - 9/30/1999 Rep Meeks, Gregory W. - 9/28/1999
Rep Menendez, Robert - 9/28/1999 Rep Moore, Dennis - 9/28/1999
Rep Morella, Constance A. - 8/5/1999 Rep Murtha, John P. - 8/5/1999
Rep Owens, Major R. - 9/28/1999 Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. - 8/5/1999
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. - 8/5/1999 Rep Pastor, Ed - 9/28/1999
Rep Pelosi, Nancy - 9/28/1999 Rep Phelps, David D. - 8/5/1999
Rep Price, David E. - 9/30/1999 Rep Rahall, Nick J., II - 9/28/1999
Rep Rangel, Charles B. - 8/5/1999 Rep Rivers, Lynn N. - 9/28/1999
Rep Rodriguez, Ciro - 9/30/1999 Rep Romero-Barcelo, Carlos A. - 9/28/1999
Rep Rothman, Steve R. - 9/28/1999 Rep Roukema, Marge - 8/5/1999
Rep Rush, Bobby L. - 8/5/1999 Rep Sabo, Martin Olav - 9/28/1999
Rep Sandlin, Max - 8/5/1999 Rep Sawyer, Tom - 9/30/1999
Rep Saxton, Jim - 9/30/1999 Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. - 8/5/1999
Rep Scott, Robert C. - 10/5/1999 Rep Shaw, E. Clay, Jr. - 8/5/1999
Rep Shays, Christopher - 8/5/1999 Rep Sherman, Brad - 9/28/1999
Rep Smith, Christopher H. - 9/30/1999 Rep Snyder, Vic - 8/5/1999
Rep Spratt, John M., Jr. - 9/28/1999 Rep Stabenow, Debbie - 8/5/1999
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete - 8/5/1999 Rep Strickland, Ted - 9/28/1999
Rep Stupak, Bart - 9/28/1999 Rep Tanner, John S. - 8/5/1999
Rep Thompson, Mike - 9/30/1999 Rep Thurman, Karen L. - 8/5/1999
Rep Tierney, John F. - 9/28/1999 Rep Turner, Jim - 8/5/1999
Rep Vento, Bruce F. - 9/30/1999 Rep Visclosky, Peter J. - 9/28/1999
Rep Waxman, Henry A. - 8/5/1999 Rep Weiner, Anthony D. - 9/28/1999
Rep Wexler, Robert - 9/28/1999 Rep Weygand, Robert A. - 8/5/1999
Rep Wise, Robert E., Jr. - 9/28/1999 Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. - 9/28/1999
Rep Wynn, Albert Russell - 8/5/1999

SUMMARY AS OF:
10/7/1999--Passed House, amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Improvement Act of 1999 - Title I: Improving Managed Care - Subtitle A: Grievances and Appeals - Requires a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer that provides health insurance coverage, to conduct utilization review activities that monitor or evaluate the use or coverage, clinical necessity, appropriateness, efficacy, or efficiency of health care services, procedures, or settings.

(Sec. 102) Requires a plan and an issuer to provide appropriate notices to the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee for benefit claims it has denied that include reasons for denial and instructions for initiating specified internal appeals procedures, which must include procedures for an expedited review process in emergency situations.

(Sec. 103) Outlines external appeals procedures for the timely resolution of certain denied claims through the use of qualified external appeal entities, which shall determine whether the plan's or issuer's decision is in accordance with the patient's medical needs. Declares that an external appeal entity's determination is binding on the plan and issuer involved.

Provides for court-imposed civil monetary penalties and cease and desist orders against authorized officials of plan or issuers who refuse to timely follow the determination of an external appeal entity to provide a benefit.

(Sec. 104) Requires a plan and an issuer to establish a system featuring specified components for the presentation and resolution of grievances brought by participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees, or health care providers or other individuals acting on behalf of an individual either with the individual's consent or without it if the individual is medically unable to provide it. Declares that grievances are not subject to appeal under this subtitle.

Subtitle B: Access to Care - Provides that if an issuer offers coverage of services only if they are furnished through members of a network of health care professionals and providers contracting with the issuer, the issuer shall also offer the option of coverage of such services which are not furnished through members of such a network, unless enrollees are offered such non-network coverage through another plan or issuer in the group market. Makes the enrollee bear the cost of any additional premium the issuer charges for such option, and the amount of any additional cost sharing, unless it is paid by the health plan sponsor through agreement with the issuer.

(Sec. 112) States that if a plan or an issuer requires or provides for designation of a participating primary care provider by a participant, a beneficiary, or an enrollee, then the plan or issuer shall permit each such person to designate any participating primary care provider available to accept such individual.

Requires a plan and an issuer to permit each participant, beneficiary, or enrollee to receive medically necessary or appropriate speciality care, pursuant to appropriate referral procedures, from any qualified participating health care professional available to accept such individual. Waives such requirement in the case of specialty care if the plan or issuer clearly informs each participant, beneficiary, and enrollee of the limitations on choice of participating professionals with respect to such care.

(Sec. 113) Requires a plan or an issuer providing any emergency hospital benefits to cover emergency services: (1) without the need for any prior authorization determination; (2) whether or not the health care provider furnishing such services is a participating health care provider; and (3) without regard to any other term or condition of such coverage (other than exclusion or coordination of benefits, or an affiliation or waiting period, permitted under the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), or the Internal Revenue Code, and other than applicable cost-sharing).

Requires such coverage in a manner so that, if the emergency services are provided by a nonparticipating health care provider with or without prior authorization or by a participating provider without such authorization, the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee is not liable for amounts exceeding the liability that would be incurred if the services were provided by a participating provider with prior authorization.

Prescribes the same coverage for maintenance care or post-stabilization care (subject to certain guidelines) by nonparticipating health care providers.

(Sec. 114) Requires plans and issuers to refer participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees who have a serious disease or condition requiring treatment by a specialist to an appropriate specialist who is available and accessible (regardless of whether the specialist is participating or nonparticipating), provided the benefits for such treatment are covered by the plan or issuer. Sets forth rules governing referrals and specialists.

(Sec. 115) Prohibits a plan or an issuer that requires or provides for designation of a participating primary care professional from requiring authorization or a referral by such primary care professional for gynecological care and pregnancy-related services provided by a participating health care professional (including a specialist). Requires the plan or issuer to treat the ordering of other obstetrical or gynecological care by such a participating professional as the authorization of the primary care professional.

(Sec. 116) Requires certain plans and issuers to permit an enrollee to designate a pediatrician as a primary care provider for the enrollee's child.

(Sec. 117) Prescribes requirements for continuity of care during a transition period for participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees undergoing treatment for an ongoing special condition in the event of a termination of: (1) a contract between the plan or an issuer and a health care provider; or (2) a contract between a plan and an issuer that results in the termination of coverage of services of a health care provider. Prescribes a 90-day basic transition period, with specified extensions in the case of scheduled surgery and organ transplantation, pregnancy, or terminal illness.

(Sec. 118) Provides that a plan or issuer restricting prescription drug benefits to drugs included in a formulary to: (1) ensure participation of participating physicians in development of the formulary; (2) disclose to providers, and upon request to participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees, the nature of the formulary restrictions; and (3) consistent with the standards for a utilization review program, provide for exceptions from the formulary limitation when a non-formulary alternative is medically indicated.

(Sec. 119) Prohibits a plan or issuer from: (1) denying individual participation in an approved clinical trial; (2) denying or limiting or imposing additional conditions on the coverage of routine patient costs for items and services furnished in connection with participation in the trial; and (3) discriminating against the individual on the basis of the enrollee's participation in such trial.

Subtitle C: Access to Information - Specifies benefits, access, emergency coverage, prior authorization, grievance and appeals, and other pertinent information which plans and issuers shall provide to participants and beneficiaries at the time of initial coverage, annually, within a reasonable period before or after the date of significant changes, and upon request.

Subtitle D: Protecting the Doctor-Patient Relationship - Prohibits any contract or agreement between a plan or issuer and a health care provider from prohibiting or otherwise restricting a health care professional from advising a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee who is the professional's patient about his or her health status or medical care or treatment for his or her condition or disease, regardless of whether benefits for such care or treatment are provided under the plan or coverage, if the professional is acting within the lawful scope of practice. Declares null and void any such contract or agreement provisions.

(Sec. 132) Prohibits a plan or issuer from discriminating with respect to participation or indemnification as to any provider acting within the scope of the provider's license or certification, solely on the basis of such license or certification.

(Sec. 133) Prohibits any plan or issuer from operating any physician incentive plan that does not meet certain requirements under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.

(Sec. 134) Requires a plan or issuer to provide for prompt payment of claims in a manner consistent with Medicare clean claims requirements.

(Sec. 135) Sets forth prohibitions and requirements for protection of: (1) participants, beneficiaries, enrollees, and health care providers in their use of a utilization review or grievance process; and (2) health care professionals for good faith disclosure of information to an appropriate agency or body in the interest of quality advocacy.

Subtitle E: Definitions - Sets forth definitions.

Title II: Application of Quality Care Standards to Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage Under The Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of this Act.

(Sec. 202) Requires each health insurance issuer to comply with such requirements with respect to individual health insurance coverage.

Title III: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends ERISA to: (1) require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of this Act; and (2) deem a plan in compliance with subtitle A of title I of this Act to be in compliance with ERISA's claim procedure requirement with respect to claims denial.

(Sec. 302) Declares that nothing in ERISA shall be construed to invalidate, impair, or supersede any cause of action under State law by a participant or beneficiary (or by his or her estate) to recover damages resulting from personal injury or wrongful death against any person (except employers and other plan sponsors) in connection with the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by that person to or for a group health plan, or that arises out of the arrangement by that person for the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by other persons.

Declares that no person shall be liable for punitive damages (unless with respect to wrongful death State law provides for damages which are only punitive or exemplary in nature) in any cause of action relating to an externally appealable decision when: (1) the appeal has been completed; and (2) the plan or issuer has complied with the determination of the external appeal entity.

Allows an action against an employer or other plan sponsor (or an employee of one or the other acting within the scope of employment) if it is based on the employer's or sponsor's exercise of discretionary authority to decide a claim for covered benefits, and such exercise has resulted in personal injury or wrongful death.

(Sec. 303) Places limitations on actions seeking relief (other than any brought by the Secretary) based on certain provisions of title I of this Act. Allows a participant or beneficiary to seek relief with respect to utilization review activities, access to emergency care, access to specialty care, access to obstetrical and gynecological care, access to pediatric care, continuity of care, access to non-formulary alternative prescription drugs, or coverage of participation in clinical trials, subject to certain conditions. Prohibits a class action for such relief. Limits relief in any individual action to the provision or payment of benefits, items, or services denied to the individual participant or beneficiary involved (and, at the court's discretion, attorney's fees and court costs). Prohibits any other relief to the participant or beneficiary, and any relief to any other person.

Title IV: Application to Group Health Plans Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to comply with this Act. Deems the requirements of this Act to be incorporated into the Internal Revenue Code.

Title V: Effective Dates; Coordination in Implementation - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this Act.

(Sec. 502) Requires the Secretaries of Labor, of Health and Human Services, and of the Treasury to ensure coordination in the implementation of this Act.

Title VI: Health Care Paperwork Simplification - Establishes the Health Care Panel to Devise a Uniform Explanation of Benefits to devise a single form for use by third-party health care payers for the remittance of claims to providers.