H.R. 1400/S699, the Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 2001. Introduced by Representative Tom Allen (D-ME) and Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD). This legislation would require each participating manufacturer of a covered out patient drug to make it available for purchase by each pharmacy in an amount equal to the aggregate amount sold or distributed by the pharmacy to Medicare beneficiaries; and at each price no greater than the manufacturer's average foreign price. As of August 17, 2001, H.R. 1400 has 119 co-sponsors and S699 has 2 co-sponsors. Referred to the House Subcommittee on Health and also the Senate Committee on Finance.

H.R. 664/S611, Government Pension Offset Reform Act. Introduced by Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD). This bill eliminates the Government Pension Offset for combined benefits up to $1,200 per month. The two-thirds offset would only apply beyond this threshold, which in subsequent years would be indexed for inflation. As of August 17, 2001, H.R. 664 has 274 co-sponsors and S611 has 25 co-sponsors. Referred to the House Subcommittee on Health and also the Senate Committee on Finance. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committee.

H.R. 831/ S627, The Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act. Introduced by Representative Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Representative Jim McCreary (R-LA), Representative Karen Thurman (D-FL) and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA). This legislation would make certain long-term care insurance premiums fully tax deductible. As of August 17, 2001, H.R. 831 has 147 co-sponsors and S627 has 16 co-sponsors. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Finance.

H.R. 2058/S982, Medicare Wellness Act of 2001. Introduced by Representative Sander Levin (D-MI) and Senator Bob Graham (D-FL). This legislation will promote primary and secondary health promotion and disease prevention services and activities among the elderly. As of August 17, 2001, H.R. 2058 has 32 co-sponsors and S.982 has 12 co-sponsors. Referred to the House Rules and Senate Finance.

S.775, Geriatric Care Act of 2001. Introduced by Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). This legislation will provide reimbursement of care coordination and assessment services provided under the Medicare program. As of August 17, 2001, S.775 has 6 co-sponsors. Referred to Senate Finance.

H.R. 1436/S.706, The Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2001. Introduced by Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) and Senator John Kerry (D-MA). This legislation will establish programs to alleviate the nursing profession shortage, and for other purposes. As of August 17, 2001, H.R. 1436 has 170 co-sponsors and S.706 has 36 co-sponsors. Referred to House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health and Senate Finance.

H.RES. 128, Strengthen Social Security Benefits for Women. Introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CA). This resolution recognizes the unique effects that proposals to reform Social Security may have on women. As of August 17, 2001, H.RES.128 has 83 co-sponsors. Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R. 1089/S.544, Access for Innovation Medicare Patients Act of 2001. Introduced by Representative Jennifer Dunn (R-WA) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). This legislation will expand Medicare coverage of certain self-injected biologicals. As of August 17, 2001, H.R. 1089 has 74 co-sponsors and S.544 has 11 co-sponsors. Referred to House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health and Senate Finance.

H.R. 1522/S.690, Mental Health and Medicare Modernization Act of 2001. Introduced by Representative Fortney Stark (D-CA) and Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN). This legislation will expand and improve coverage of mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries by: eliminating the 190 day lifetime cap on psychiatric services, reduce the current 50% co pay for outpatient mental health services to the same 20% charged for other outpatient care, and expand the pool of mental health providers and services within the community. As of August 17, 2001, H.R. 1522 has 58 co-sponsors and S.690 has 4 co-sponsors. Referred to House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health and Senate Finance.


Updated September, 2001