Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2009

H.R. 3590: the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act H.R. 4872: the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 S. 534: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 647: A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the transparency of information on skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities and to clarify and improve the trageting of the enforcement of requirements with respect to such facilities. S.1110: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure ofr delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. S. 683: A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older American with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. S. 46: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. S. 750: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to attract and retain trained health care professionals and direct care workers dedicated to providing quality care to the growing population of older Americans. H.R. 2006: To amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuing adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute edler abuse, neglect and exploitation, and for other purposes. H.R. 43: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. H.R. 448: Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009. H.R. 3200: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. H.R. 1407: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under Part D of such title of certain non-instutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 702: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow long-term care insurance to be offered under Cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements and to provide additional consumer protections for long-term care insurance. H.R. 1255: To protect the interests of each resident of intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded in class action lawsuits on behalf of such resident. H.R. 1457: To amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, and for other purposes. H.R. 3962: To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. S. 1679: An original bill to make quality, affordable health care available to all Americans, reduce costs, improve health care quality, enhance disease prevention, and strengthen the health care workforce. H.R. 2223: To provide for nationwide expansion of the pilot program for national and State background checks on direct patient access employees of long-term care facilities or providers. S. 1131: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide certain high cost Medicare beneficiaries suffering from multiple chronic conditions with access to coordinated, primary care medical services in lower cost treatment settings, such as their residences, under a plan of care developed by a team of qualified and experiences health care professionals. S.1004: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to geriatric assessments and chronic care management and coordination services, and for other purposes. H.R. 2: To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 795: A bill to amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and for other purposes. S.631: A bill to provide for nationwide expansion of the pilot program for national and State background checks on direct patient access employees of long-term care facilities or providers. S. 458: A bill to amend the False Claims Act. H.R. 2043: To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize capitation grants to increase the number of nursing faculty and students, and for other purposes. H.R. 1642: To provide loans and grants for fire sprinkler retrofitting in nursing facilities. H.R. 1494: To ensure that a private for-profit nursing home affected by a major disaster receives the same rreimbursement as a public nursing home affected by a major disaster. H.R. 448: To protect seniors in the United States from elder abuse by establishing specialized elder abuse prosecution and research programs and activities to aid victims of elder abuse, to provide training to prosecutors and other law enforcement related to elder abuse prevention and protection, to establish programs that provide for emergency crisis response teams to combat elder abuse, and for other purposes. H.R. 3191: To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment outreach teams, and for other purposes. S. 386: A bill to improve enforcement of mortgage fraud, securities fraud, financial institutional fraud, and other frauds related to federal assistance and relief programs, for the recovery of funds lost to these frauds, and for other purposes.

Client expense: $460,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), SENATE

Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, medicare cost plans, medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes, eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3962, America's Affordable Health Choices Act. Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3590, An act entitled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Changes to Medicare Advantage funding, Medicare Part D coverage gap, Medicaid funding - HR 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. *Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes, eligibility expansion, Medigap open enrollment, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3200, To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes; proposed legislation re this issue; HR 3590, An act entitled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. *Part D reforms - HR 684, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program; HR 1832, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the increase in premium costs for beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug program to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries; S 75, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the use of generic drugs under the Medicare part D prescription drug program when available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary; S 266, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under part D of such title based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices; S 330, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare program; S 534, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals; HR 2860, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare operated prescription drug plan option to deliver a meaningful drug benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program. *Medicaid drug costs - HR 904, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations; S 547, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations. *Part D cost sharing - HR 1407, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals. *Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes and eligibility expansion, Medigap open enrollment, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act. *Medicare physician payments - HR 3961, Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009; HR 4691, Temporary Extension Act of 2010; HR 4851, Continuing Extension Act of 2010; S 3153, Continuing Extension Act of 2010. *MA special needs plans, cost plans, Medicare physician payments, Medicaid FMAP - HR 4213, American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. *Medicaid FMAP extension - HR 4263, State Medicaid Assistance Extension Act of 2009; S 3000, A bill to extend the increase in the FMAP provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for an additional 6 months. *Medicaid coverage - HR 1670, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes; S 683, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. *Means-testing Part D premiums - S 677, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require wealthy beneficiaries to pay a greater share of their premiums under the Medicare prescription drug program. *Medicare cost plans - HR 2501, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under Medicare; S 1079, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under the Medicare program. *Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments - HR 2686, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with VA medical centers and for certain contiguous areas. *Low-income assistance under Medicare Part D - HR 2700, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assist low-income individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes. *Implementation of Medicare payment policies - HR 2718, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy.; S 1380, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. *Medicare Advantage special needs plans - HR 2758, To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes; S 1307, A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes. *Home and community-based services under Medicaid - HR 2688, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program, and for other purposes. *Part D enrollment - HR 3152, To amend titles XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that low-income beneficiaries have improved access to prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. *Part D exceptions process, HR 3418, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply the exceptions process for tiered formulary drugs to specialty tier drugs. *Part B premiums - HR 3631, To amend title XVIII to provide for the application of a consistent Medicare part B premium for all Medicare beneficiaries in a budget neutral manner for 2010. *Government-operated Part D plan, dual eligibles - S 1634, A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to protect and improve the benefits provided to dual eligible individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. *Guaranteed-issue MediGap, Medicare Advantage enrollment - S 1669, A bill to provide all Medicare beneficiaries with the right to guaranteed issue of a Medicare supplemental policy. *Medicaid FMAP - HR 2847, Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. *Medicare physician payments - S 1776, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the update under the Medicare physician fee schedule for years beginning with 2010 and to sunset the application of the sustainable growth rate formula, and for other purposes. *Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug rebates, Medigap restrictions, Medicare FFS payment reform - S 1796, An original bill to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. *HHS Secretary's role in negotiating Part D drug prices - HR 4752, Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2010. *Medicare Part D formulary changes - HR 4917, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit mid-year changes in the formularies of Medicare Part D plans. *Medicare physician payment, pay-as-you-go budget rules - HJRes 45, Increasing the statutory limit on the public debt. *Medicaid QI Program funding - S 2949, Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act.

Medicare/Part B Premium Hold Harmless. H.R. 3631: Provisions extending the current "hold harmless" policy to all Medicare enrollees to ensure 2010 Part B monthly premiums remain at the current rate. Comprehensive Health Care Reform. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590: provisions related to reducing Medicare Advantage plan payments, reducing the coverage gap in Part D, requiring wealthier Medicare beneficiaries to pay a greater share of the cost of their premiums under Medicare Parts B and D, permitting the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices for the Part D program, simplifying plan benefit designs under Part C, expanding benefits for low-income beneficiaries under the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), improving the process for reassigning LIS beneficiaries to new plans, expanding coverage of prevention services establishing a Medicare Commission, providing expanded Medicaid coverage for home and community-based services, expanding Medicaid coverage of attendant and other home services and supports, establishing a new national insurance program for long-term supports and services, authorizing funding to provide language services to limited English proficiency beneficiaries, authorizing the collection of data regarding disparities in the provision of care, providing safeguards and subsidies to assure affordability of health coverage for seniors, preserving state benefit laws and requirements, reducing permitted age rating ratio for insurance premiums, inclusion of patient-centered quality reporting requirements for providers, creating new claims reviews processes and provider certification, requiring reporting by practitioners of gifts received from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. Medicare/Commission. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872: creating an independent commission authorized to establish Medicare payment and policy designed to reduce Medicare spending growth. Medicare/Prescription Drug Plan. S. 330, H.R. 684: authorizing the establishment of a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan; S. 266: authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Medicare/Part D Generics. S. 75: requiring the use of generics where available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary. Medicare/Part D cost-sharing. S. 1630: establishing limits on required beneficiary cost-sharing under Part D drug plans. Medicare/Part D dual eligibles. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, S. 1634: removing enrollment barriers for low-income beneficiaries and establishing a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan. Medicare/Combating Waste, Fraud, Abuse. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 27: relating to provisions to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare; H.R. 203: increasing civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse and increasing the surety bond amount for suppliers of durable medical equipment. Medicare/Therapy Caps. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590, H.R. 43, S. 46: repealing or extending exceptions to outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. Medicare/Private Contracts. H.R. 164: prohibiting denial of Social Security benefits to persons who elect not to participate in Medicare. Medicare/Hearing Coverage. H.R. 504: authorizing coverage of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B. Medicare/Dental Coverage. H.R. 870: authorizing coverage under Part B for medically necessary dental procedures. Medicare/Rural Improvements. H.R. 902/S. 382: provision authorizing improvements to services provided to beneficiaries residing in rural areas. Medicare/Shingles Vaccine. H.R. 1038: extending Part B coverage to the shingles vaccine. Medicare/Home Health. H.R. 1094: authorizing home health care agencies to assign the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for rehabilitation services. Medicare/Health Care Vouchers. H.R. 1118: authorizing Medicare-eligible seniors to elect to receive vouchers for a health savings account, premiums for a high deductible health insurance plan, or both, in lieu of regular Medicare benefits and suspending Medicare late enrollment penalties between ages 65 and 70. Medicare/Skilled Nursing Facilities. H.R. 1125, S. 647: provisions related to requiring the reporting of expenditures for nursing services at skilled nursing facilities and requiring disclosure of corporate ownership. Medicare/Prevention. H.R. 1213: provisions authorizing ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms to at-risk Medicare beneficiaries between the ages of 65 and 75 without the requirement of a prior initial preventive physical examination; H.R. 1894, S. 769: expanding access to bone mass measurement benefits under Part B. Medicare/Part B Drug Payments. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590, H.R. 1392: relating to appropriate Part B payment amounts for drugs and biologicals. Medicare/Low Income Prescription Drug Benefits. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590, H.R. 1407, S. 534: authorizing a reduction in cost-sharing under Part D for non-institutionalized, full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicare/Disability Benefits. S. 700, H.R. 1708, H.R. 2881: phasing-out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits and eliminating the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions. Medicare/Prescription Drugs for kidney transplants. H.R. 1458, S. 565: provision related to continued coverage for immunosuppressive drugs furnished to beneficiaries that have received kidney transplants and whose entitlement to coverage would otherwise expire. Medicare/Intravenous Drugs. H.R. 1765, S.701: relating to the payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for the treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases in a patient's home and for certain disposable pumps as durable medical equipment in place of non-disposable pumps. Medicare/Home Infusion Therapy. H.R. 574, S.254: extending Medicare coverage to home infusion therapy. Medicare/Physical Therapy Services. H.R. 1829: authorizing physical therapists to evaluate and treat Medicare beneficiaries without physician referral. Medicare/Part D Premiums. H.R. 1832: limiting Part D premium increases to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Medicare/Cancer Hospice and Palliative Care. H.R. 1844: provisions authorizing coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning, establishing a Medicare hospice care demonstration, and authorizing grant programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management, provider education, and related research. Medicare/Hospice and Advanced Care Planning. S. 1150, H.R. 2911: provisions related to changing hospice payments and providing advance care planning resources. Medicare/Physician-Manufacturer Transparency. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590, S. 301: increasing the transparency of the relationship between physicians and the manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies. Medicare/Care Coordination Services. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590, S. 1131, H.R. 2560: provisions establishing pilot care coordination programs. Medicaid/Home and Community-based Long Term Care. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590, S. 434, S.1257, H.R. 28552: provisions to remove barriers to providing home and community-based services including providing a state option to provide home and community-based services to individuals for whom such services are likely to prevent, delay, or decrease the likelihood of an individual's need for institutionalized care and authorizing the implementation of assistance grants for states electing to provide home and community-based services under Medicaid; provisions to provide a single point of entry to long term services; provisions to support nursing home diversion programs. Medicaid/Community-based Attendant Services and Supports. P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152, H.R. 4872, H.R. 3590, S. 683, H.R. 1670: authorizing coverage of community-based attendant services and supports under Medicaid, increasing funding and establishing a demonstration program for beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. P.L. 110-275, P.L. 108-173: implementation of regulations and guidance relating to beneficiary eligibility, enrollment, and effectiveness of exceptions and appeals processes under Medicare Parts C and D.

Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes, eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3962, To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes, eligibility expansion, Medigap open enrollment, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3200, To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes; proposed legislation re this issue; HR 3590, An act entitled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3590, An act entitled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Part D reforms - HR 684, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program; HR 1832, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the increase in premium costs for beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug program to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries; S 75, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the use of generic drugs under the Medicare part D prescription drug program when available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary; S 266, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under part D of such title based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices; S 330, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare program; S 534, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals; HR 2860, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare operated prescription drug plan option to deliver a meaningful drug benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program. Medicaid drug costs - HR 904, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations; S 547, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations. Part D cost sharing - HR 1407, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicaid coverage - HR 1670, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes; S 683, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. Means-testing Part D premiums - S 677, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require wealthy beneficiaries to pay a greater share of their premiums under the Medicare prescription drug program. Medicare cost plans - HR 2501, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under Medicare; S 1079, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under the Medicare program. Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments - HR 2686, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with VA medical centers and for certain contiguous areas. Low-income assistance under Medicare Part D - HR 2700, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assist low-income individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes. Implementation of Medicare payment policies - HR 2718, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy.; S 1380, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. Medicare Advantage special needs plans - HR 2758, To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes; S 1307, A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes. Home and community-based services under Medicaid - HR 2688, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program, and for other purposes. Part D enrollment - HR 3152, To amend titles XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that low-income beneficiaries have improved access to prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Part D exceptions process, HR 3418, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply the exceptions process for tiered formulary drugs to specialty tier drugs. Part B premiums - HR 3631, To amend title XVIII to provide for the application of a consistent Medicare part B premium for all Medicare beneficiaries in a budget neutral manner for 2010. Government-operated Part D plan, dual eligibles - S 1634, A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to protect and improve the benefits provided to dual eligible individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Guaranteed-isse MediGap, Medicare Advantage enrollment - S 1669, A bill to provide all Medicare beneficiaries with the right to guaranteed issue of a Medicare supplemental policy. Medicaid FMAP - HR 2847, Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Medicare physician payments - HR 3326, Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes; S 1776, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the update under the Medicare physician fee schedule for years beginning with 2010 and to sunset the application of the sustainable growth rate formula, and for other purposes. Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug rebates, Medigap restrictions, Medicare FFS payment reform - S 1796, An original bill to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.

H.R. 684, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Berry) Part D reforms; H.R. 904, Medicaid Prescription Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Stupak) Medicaid drug costs; H.R. 1407, Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Doggett) Part D cost sharing; H.R. 1670, Community Choice Act (Davis) Medicaid coverage; H.R. 1832, Medicare Prescription Drug Affordability Act (Wexler) Part D reforms; H.R. 2501, Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act (Pomeroy) Medicare cost plans; H.R. 2686, Medicare Advantage Payments (Israel) Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments; H.R. 2688, Empowered at Home Act (Pallone) home and community-based services under Medicaid; H.R. 2700, Prescription Coverage Now Act (Doggett) low-income assistance under Medicare Part D; H.R. 2718, MedPAC Reform Act (Cooper) implementation of Medicare payment policies; H.R. 2758, Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act (Kind) Medicare Advantage special needs plans; H.R. 2847, Jobs for Main Street Act (Mollohan) Medicaid FMAP; H.R. 2860, Medicare Drug Savings Through Choice Act (Murphy) Part D reforms; H.R. 3152, Helping Seniors Choose their Medicare Drug Plan Act (Holt) Part D enrollment; H.R. 3200, Americas Affordable Health Choices Act (Dingell) Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes and eligibility expansion, Medigap open enrollment, Medicare FFS payment reform; H.R. 3326, Defense Appropriations Act (Murtha) Medicare physician payment; H.R. 3418, Medicare Prescription Drug Cost Equalization Act (Ellsworth) Part D exceptions process; H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Reid) Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform; H.R. 3631, Medicare Premium Fairness Act (Titus) Part B premiums; H.R. 3962, Americas Affordable Health Choices Act (Dingell) Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes, eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform; S. 75, Generics First Act (Kohl) Part D reforms; S. 266, Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 330, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Durbin) Part D reforms; S. 534, Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 547, Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Bingaman) Medicaid drug costs; S. 677, REPAIR Act (Ensign) means-testing Part D premiums; S. 683, Community Choice Act (Harkin) Medicaid coverage; S. 960, Medicare Early Access Act (Rockefeller) Medicare buy-in option; S. 1079, Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act (Klobuchar) Medicare cost plans; S. 1307, Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act (Feingold) Medicare Advantage special needs plans; S. 1380, MedPAC Reform Act (Rockefeller) implementation of Medicare payment policies; S. 1634, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Improvement Act (Rockefeller) government operated Part D plan, dual eligibles; S. 1669, Equal Access to Medicare Options Act (Kerry) guaranteed issue Medigap, Medicare Advantage enrollment; S. 1776, Medicare Physician Fairness Act (Stabenow) Medicare physician payment; S. 1796, Americas Healthy Future Act (Baucus) Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug rebates, Medigap restrictions, Medicare FFS payment reform MMM (Regulatory Issues) Ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs, including risk adjustment methodology, data, and audit issues, bidding and payment issues (including MA rate assumptions, MA coding intensity, MA Secondary Payer issues, Part D reinsurance, Part D low income subsidies, and audits), application process, audits to evaluate compliance with MA and Part D program rules, benefit design rules, SSA and CMS premium withhold processing issues, enrollment rules, marketing materials review and approval, marketing activities, including conduct and compensation of brokers and agents and plan sponsor marketing staff, measurement and oversight of plan performance including Special Needs Plans (SNPs); quality measures, grievance and appeals processes, compliance/fraud and abuse training, and Medicare/Medicaid integration and contracting issues for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (SNPs); Federal preemption of State authority under MA and Part D programs, Part D prescription drug event data reporting, Part D formulary rules, Part D pharmacy access standards, and other operational issues; Medicare creditable drug coverage reporting requirements; implementation issues for the Medicare Retiree Drug Subsidy program; functionality of the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and Drug Plan Finder; National Medicare Education program; ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare cost plan program including enrollment, marketing materials review and approval and other operational issues, MA and Part D systems issues affecting enrollment and disenrollment processing and payment and other operational issues; Medicare demonstration program on performance-based payments for physician groups; physician quality reporting initiative; issues relating to Medicare coverage policy and national coverage decisions; Medicare clinical trials; Medicaid managed care regulations and policies, including the Medicaid managed care actuarial soundness standard, quality oversight, Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), grievance and appeals processes, beneficiary information requirements, treatment of Medicaid health plan member hospital days in the upper payment limit calculation; policies affecting State Medicaid funding, including intergovernmental transfers (IGTs); coordination of benefits with state Medicaid programs; Medicaid prescription drug cost/rebate issues affecting Medicaid health plans; health plan-related Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) issues, including eligibility and outreach issues; implementation of Medicaid changes made in Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, including documentation of citizenship requirements, state benefit flexibility options, and Medicaid managed care organization provider tax issues; standards for electronic prescribing; and health information technology standards and policies.

Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes, eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3962, To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes, eligibility expansion, Medigap open enrollment, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3200, To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes; proposed legislation re this issue; HR 3590, An act entitled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug pricing, Medigap changes, Medicare FFS payment reform - HR 3590, An act entitled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Part D reforms - HR 684, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program; HR 1832, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the increase in premium costs for beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug program to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries; S 75, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the use of generic drugs under the Medicare part D prescription drug program when available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary; S 266, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under part D of such title based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices; S 330, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare program; S 534, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals; HR 2860, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare operated prescription drug plan option to deliver a meaningful drug benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program. Medicaid drug costs - HR 904, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations; S 547, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations. Part D cost sharing - HR 1407, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicaid coverage - HR 1670, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes; S 683, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. Means-testing Part D premiums - S 677, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require wealthy beneficiaries to pay a greater share of their premiums under the Medicare prescription drug program. Medicare cost plans - HR 2501, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under Medicare; S 1079, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under the Medicare program. Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments - HR 2686, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with VA medical centers and for certain contiguous areas. Low-income assistance under Medicare Part D - HR 2700, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assist low-income individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes. Implementation of Medicare payment policies - HR 2718, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy.; S 1380, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. Medicare Advantage special needs plans - HR 2758, To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes; S 1307, A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes. Home and community-based services under Medicaid - HR 2688, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program, and for other purposes. Part D enrollment - HR 3152, To amend titles XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that low-income beneficiaries have improved access to prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Part D exceptions process, HR 3418, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply the exceptions process for tiered formulary drugs to specialty tier drugs. Part B premiums - HR 3631, To amend title XVIII to provide for the application of a consistent Medicare part B premium for all Medicare beneficiaries in a budget neutral manner for 2010. Government-operated Part D plan, dual eligibles - S 1634, A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to protect and improve the benefits provided to dual eligible individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Guaranteed-isse MediGap, Medicare Advantage enrollment - S 1669, A bill to provide all Medicare beneficiaries with the right to guaranteed issue of a Medicare supplemental policy. Medicaid FMAP - HR 2847, Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Medicare physician payments - HR 3326, Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes; S 1776, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the update under the Medicare physician fee schedule for years beginning with 2010 and to sunset the application of the sustainable growth rate formula, and for other purposes. Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicare cost plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug rebates, Medigap restrictions, Medicare FFS payment reform - S 1796, An original bill to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1407: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under Part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 534: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 647: A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the transparency of information on skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities and to clarify and improve the targeting of the enforcement of requirements with respect to such facilities. S. 1110: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. S. 683: A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. S. 46: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. S. 750: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to attract and retain trained health care professionals and direct care workers dedicated to providing quality care to the growing population of older Americans. H.R. 1: Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. H.R. 2: The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, establishing a Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). This new Commission will provide Congress with a new, credible forum to discuss specific ways to strengthen the nation's Medicaid payment system, and ensure the growing needs of America's most vulnerable, frail, elderly and the disabled beneficiaries are met and in the years ahead. H.R. 2006: To amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and for other purposes. H.R. 43: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. H.R. 1255: A bill which protects the interests of each resident of intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or developmentally disabled (ICFs/MRDD) in related class action lawsuits. H.R. 448: Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009. H.R. 3200: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. S. 1796: America's Healthy Future Act of 2009. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. H.R. 632: To encourage, enhance, and integrate Silver Alert plans throughout the United States, to authorize grants for the assistance of organizations to find missing adults, and for other purpose. S. 1131: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide certain high cost Medicare beneficiaries suffering from multiple chronic conditions with access to coordinated, primary care medical services in lower cost treatment settings, such as their residences, under a plan of care developed by a team of qualified and experienced health care professionals. S. 1004: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to geriatric assessments and chronic care management and coordination services, and for other purposes. S. 702: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow long-term care insurance to be offered under Cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements and to provide additional consumer protections for long-term care insurance. H.R. 1255: To protect the interests of each resident of intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded in class action lawsuits on behalf of such resident. H.R. 632: To encourage, enhance, and integrate Silver Alert plans throughout the United States, to authorize grants for the assistance of organizations to find missing adults, and for other purposes. H.R. 1457: To amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, and for other purposes. H.R. 3191: To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment outreach teams, and for other purposes. H.R. 3962: To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. H.R. 3590: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. S. 1679 An original bill to make quality, affordable health care available to all Americans, reduce costs, improve health care quality, enhance disease prevention, and strengthen the health care workforce. H.R. 2223: To provide for nationwide expansion of the pilot program for national and State background checks on direct patient access employees of long-term care facilities or providers.

Medicare/Part B Premium Hold Harmless. H.R. 3631: Provisions extending the current "hold harmless" policy to all Medicare enrollees to ensure 2010 Part B monthly premiums remain at the current rate. Comprehensive Health Care Reform. H.R. 3590, H.R. 3962, H.R. 3200, S. 1679: provisions related to reducing Medicare Advantage plan payments, reducing the coverage gap in Part D, requiring wealthier Medicare beneficiaries to pay a greater share of the cost of their premiums under Medicare Parts B and D, permitting the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices for the Part D program, simplifying plan benefit designs under Part C, expanding benefits for low-income beneficiaries under the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), improving the process for reassigning LIS beneficiaries to new plans, expanding coverage of prevention services establishing a Medicare Commission, providing expanded Medicaid coverage for home and community-based services, expanding Medicaid coverage of attendant and other home services and supports, establishing a new national insurance program for long-term supports and services, authorizing funding to provide language services to limited English proficiency beneficiaries, authorizing the collection of data regarding disparities in the provision of care, providing safeguards and subsidies to assure affordability of health coverage for seniors, preserving state benefit laws and requirements, reducing permitted age rating ratio for insurance premiums, inclusion of patient-centered quality reporting requirements for providers, creating new claims reviews processes and provider certification, requiring reporting by practitioners of gifts received from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. Medicare/Commission. S. 1110 and S. 1380: authorizing an enhanced MedPAC as an executive branch commission with authority to implement Medicare payment and policy designed to reduce Medicare spending growth. Medicare/Prescription Drug Plan. S. 330/H.R. 684: authorizing the establishment of a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan; S. 266: authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices and to use the savings to reduce the coverage gap. Medicare/Part D Generics. S. 75: requiring the use of generics where available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary. Medicare/Part D cost-sharing. S. 1630: establishing limits on required beneficiary cost-sharing under Part D drug plans. Medicare/Part D dual eligibles. S. 1634: removing enrollment barriers for low-income beneficiaries and establishing a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan. Medicare/Combating Waste, Fraud, Abuse. H.R. 27: relating to additional provisions to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare; H.R. 203: increasing civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse and increasing the surety bond amount for suppliers of durable medical equipment. Medicare/Therapy Caps. H.R. 43/S. 46: repealing outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. Medicare/Private Contracts. H.R. 164: prohibiting denial of Social Security benefits to persons who elect not to participate in Medicare. Medicare/Hearing Coverage. H.R. 504: authorizing coverage of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B. Medicare/Dental Coverage. H.R. 870: authoring coverage under Part B for medically necessary dental procedures. Medicare/Rural Improvements. H.R. 902/S. 382: provision authorizing improvements to services provided to beneficiaries residing in rural areas. Medicare/Shingles Vaccine. H.R. 1038: extending Part B coverage to the shingles vaccine. Medicare/Home Health. H.R. 1094: authorizing home health care agencies to assign the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for rehabilitation services. Medicare/Health Care Vouchers. H.R. 1118: authorizing Medicare-eligible seniors to elect to receive vouchers for a health savings account, premiums for a high deductible health insurance plan, or both, in lieu of regular Medicare benefits and suspending Medicare late enrollment penalties between ages 65 and 70. Medicare/Skilled Nursing Facilities. H.R. 1125, S. 647: provisions related to requiring the reporting of expenditures for nursing services at skilled nursing facilities and requiring disclosure of corporate ownership. Medicare/Prevention. H.R. 1213: provisions authorizing ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms to at-risk Medicare beneficiaries between the ages of 65 and 75 without the requirement of a prior initial preventive physical examination; H.R. 1894/S. 769: expanding access to bone mass measurement benefits under Part B. Medicare/Part B Drug Payments. H.R. 1392: relating to appropriate Part B payment amounts for drugs and biologicals. Medicare/Low Income Prescription Drug Benefits. H.R. 1407/S. 534: authorizing a reduction in cost-sharing under Part D for non-institutionalized, full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicare/Disability Benefits. S. 700/H.R. 1708, H.R. 2881: phasing-out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits and eliminating the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions. Medicare/Prescription Drugs for kidney transplants. H.R. 1458/S. 565: provision related to continued coverage for immunosuppressive drugs furnished beneficiaries that have received kidney transplants and whose entitlement to coverage would otherwise expire. Medicare/Intravenous Drugs. H.R. 1765/S.701: relating to the payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for the treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases in a patient's home and for certain disposable pumps as durable medical equipment in place of non-disposable pumps. Medicare/Home Infusion Therapy. H.R. 574/S.254: extending Medicare coverage to home infusion therapy. Medicare/Physical Therapy Services. H.R. 1829: authorizing physical therapists to evaluate and treat Medicare beneficiaries without physician referral. Medicare/Part D Premiums. H.R. 1832: limiting Part D premium increases to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Medicare/Cancer Hospice and Palliative Care. H.R. 1844: provisions authorizing coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning, establishing a Medicare hospice care demonstration, and authorizing grant programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management, provider education, and related research. Medicare/Hospice and Advanced Care Planning. S. 1150, H.R. 2911: provisions related to changing hospice payments and providing advance care planning resources. Medicare/Physician-Manufacturer Transparency. S. 301: increasing the transparency of the relationship between physicians and the manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies. Medicare/Care Coordination Services. S. 1131, H.R. 2560: provisions establishing pilot care coordination program.

Medicare Advantage program - HR 3200, To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes; proposed legislation re this issue. Part D reforms - HR 684, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program; HR 1832, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the increase in premium costs for beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug program to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries; S 75, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the use of generic drugs under the Medicare part D prescription drug program when available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary; S 266, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under part D of such title based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices; S 330, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare program; S 534, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals; HR 2860, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare operated prescription drug plan option to deliver a meaningful drug benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program. Medicaid drug costs - HR 904, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations; S 547, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations. Part D cost sharing - HR 1407, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicaid coverage - HR 1670, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes; S 683, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. Means-testing Part D premiums - S 677, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require wealthy beneficiaries to pay a greater share of their premiums under the Medicare prescription drug program. Medicare cost plans - HR 2501, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under Medicare; S 1079, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under the Medicare program. Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments - HR 2686, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with VA medical centers and for certain contiguous areas. Low-income assistance under Medicare Part D - HR 2700, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assist low-income individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes. Implementation of Medicare payment policies - HR 2718, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy.; S 1380, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. Medicare Advantage special needs plans - HR 2758, To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes; S 1307, A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes. Home and community-based services under Medicaid - HR 2688, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program, and for other purposes. Part D enrollment - HR 3152, To amend titles XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that low-income beneficiaries have improved access to prescription drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Part D exceptions process, HR 3418, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply the exceptions process for tiered formulary drugs to specialty tier drugs. Part B premiums - HR 3631, To amend title XVIII to provide for the application of a consistent Medicare part B premium for all Medicare beneficiaries in a budget neutral manner for 2010. Government-operated Part D plan, dual eligibles - S 1634, A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to protect and improve the benefits provided to dual eligible individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Guaranteed-isse MediGap, Medicare Advantage enrollment - S 1669, A bill to provide all Medicare beneficiaries with the right to guaranteed issue of a Medicare supplemental policy.

Americas Healthy Future Act (Baucus) Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicaid issues including eligibility expansion and prescription drug rebates, Medigap restrictions, Medicare FFS payment reform; H.R. 684, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Berry) Part D reforms (cont.) H.R. 904, Medicaid Prescription Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Stupak) Medicaid drug costs; H.R. 1407, Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Doggett) Part D cost sharing; H.R. 1670, Community Choice Act (Davis) Medicaid coverage; H.R. 1832, Medicare Prescription Drug Affordability Act (Wexler) Part D reforms; H.R. 2501, Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act (Pomeroy) Medicare cost plans; H.R. 2686, Medicare Advantage Payments (Israel) Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments; H.R. 2688, Empowered at Home Act (Pallone) home and community-based services under Medicaid; H.R. 2700, Prescription Coverage Now Act (Doggett) low-income assistance under Medicare Part D; H.R. 2718, MedPAC Reform Act (Cooper) implementation of Medicare payment policies; H.R. 2758, Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act (Kind) Medicare Advantage special needs plans; H.R. 2860, Medicare Drug Savings Through Choice Act (Murphy) Part D reforms; H.R. 3152, Helping Seniors Choose their Medicare Drug Plan Act (Holt) Part D enrollment; H.R. 3200, Americas Affordable Health Choices Act (Dingell) Medicare Advantage, Part D, special needs plans, Medicaid issues including MCO provider taxes and eligibility expansion, Medigap open enrollment, Medicare FFS payment reform; H.R. 3418, Medicare Prescription Drug Cost Equalization Act (Ellsworth) Part D exceptions process; H.R. 3631, Medicare Premium Fairness Act (Titus) Part B premiums; S. 75, Generics First Act (Kohl) Part D reforms; S. 266, Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 330, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Durbin) Part D reforms; S. 534, Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 547, Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Bingaman) Medicaid drug costs; S. 677, REPAIR Act (Ensign) means-testing Part D premiums; S. 683, Community Choice Act (Harkin) Medicaid coverage; S. 960, Medicare Early Access Act (Rockefeller) Medicare buy-in option; S. 1079, Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act (Klobuchar) Medicare cost plans; S. 1307, Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act (Feingold) Medicare Advantage special needs plans;S. 1380, MedPAC Reform Act (Rockefeller) implementation of Medicare payment policies; S. 1634, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Improvement Act (Rockefeller) government operated Part D plan, dual eligibles; S. 1669, Equal Access to Medicare Options Act (Kerry) guaranteed issue Medigap, Medicare Advantage enrollment MMM (Regulatory Issues) Ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs, including risk adjustment methodology and data issues, (including audit and encounter data issues), bidding and payment issues (including MA rate assumptions, MA coding intensity, MA Secondary Payer issues, Part D reinsurance, Part D low income subsidies, and audits), application process, audits to evaluate compliance with MA and Part D program rules, benefit design rules, SSA and CMS premium withhold processing issues, enrollment rules, marketing materials review and approval, marketing activities, including conduct and compensation of brokers and agents and plan sponsor marketing staff, measurement and oversight of plan performance including Special Needs Plans (SNPs); quality measures, grievance and appeals processes, compliance/fraud and abuse training, and Medicare/Medicaid integration and contracting issues for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (SNPs); Federal preemption of State authority under MA and Part D programs, Part D prescription drug event data reporting, Part D formulary rules, Part D pharmacy access standards, and other operational issues; Medicare creditable drug coverage reporting requirements; implementation issues for the Medicare Retiree Drug Subsidy program; functionality of the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and Drug Plan Finder; National Medicare Education program; ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare cost plan program including enrollment, marketing materials review and approval and other operational issues, MA and Part D systems issues affecting enrollment and disenrollment processing and payment and other operational issues; Medicare demonstration program on performance-based payments for physician groups; physician quality reporting initiative; issues relating to Medicare coverage policy and national coverage decisions; Medicare clinical trials; Medicaid managed care regulations and policies, including the Medicaid managed care actuarial soundness standard, quality oversight, grievance and appeals processes, beneficiary information requirements, treatment of Medicaid health plan member hospital days in the upper payment limit calculation; policies affecting State Medicaid funding, including intergovernmental transfers (IGTs); coordination of benefits with state Medicaid programs; Medicaid prescription drug cost/rebate issues affecting Medicaid health plans; health plan-related State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) issues, including eligibility and outreach issues; implementation of Medicaid changes made in Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, including documentation of citizenship requirements, state benefit flexibility options, and Medicaid managed care organization provider tax issues; standards for electronic prescribing; and health information technology standards and policies.

H.R. 1407: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under Part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 534: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 647: A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the transparency of information on skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities and to clarify and improve the targeting of the enforcement of requirements with respect to such facilities. S. 1110: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. S. 683: A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. S. 46: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. S. 750: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to attract and retain trained health care professionals and direct care workers dedicated to providing quality care to the growing population of older Americans. H.R. 1: Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. H.R. 2: The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, establishing a Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). This new Commission will provide Congress with a new, credible forum to discuss specific ways to strengthen the nation's Medicaid payment system, and ensure the growing needs of America's most vulnerable, frail, elderly and the disabled beneficiaries are met and in the years ahead. H.R. 2006: To amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and for other purposes. H.R. 43: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. H.R. 1255: A bill which protects the interests of each resident of intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or developmentally disabled (ICFs/MRDD) in related class action lawsuits. H.R. 448: Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009. H.R. 3200: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. S. 1796: America's Healthy Future Act of 2009. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. H.R. 632: To encourage, enhance, and integrate Silver Alert plans throughout the United States, to authorize grants for the assistance of organizations to find missing adults, and for other purpose. S. 1131: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide certain high cost Medicare beneficiaries suffering from multiple chronic conditions with access to coordinated, primary care medical services in lower cost treatment settings, such as their residences, under a plan fo care developed by a team of qualified and experienced health care professionals. S. 1004: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to geriatric assessments and chronic care management and coordination services, and for other purposes. S. 702: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow long-term care insurance to be offered under Cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements and to provide additional consumer protections for long-term care insurance.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Copayments for Medicare & Medicaid Beneficiaries in Home & Community-Based Settings S.534, H.R. 1407 Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act) S.697 H.R. 1721

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Medicare/Part B Premium Hold Harmless. H.R. 3631: Provisions extending the current "hold harmless" policy to all Medicare enrollees to ensure 2010 Part B monthly premiums remain at the current rate. Comprehensive Health Care Reform. H.R. 3200, S. 1679, Senate Finance Committee Mark of Americas Healthy Futures Act: provisions related to reducing Medicare Advantage plan payments, reducing the coverage gap in Part D, requiring wealthier Medicare beneficiaries to pay a greater share of the cost of their premiums under Medicare Part D, reducing the Part A deductible, establishing an out-of-pocket maximum under Medicare, establishing a voluntary comprehensive benefit option under Medicare, authorizing a Medicare-operated Part D drug plan, permitting the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices for the Part D program, simplifying plan benefit designs under Parts D and C, expanding benefits for low-income beneficiaries under the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), improving the process for reassigning LIS beneficiaries to new plans, expanding coverage of prevention services, integrating mental health services in primary care and community settings, eliminating the 45 percent funding trigger provision, establishing a Medicare Commission, providing Medicaid coverage for home and community-based services, establishing a new national insurance program for long-term supports and services, authorizing funding to provide language services to limited English proficiency beneficiaries, authorizing the collection of data regarding disparities in the provision of care, providing safeguards and subsidies to assure affordability of health coverage for seniors, preserving state benefit laws and requirements, reducing permitted age rating ratio and clarifying the Medicare Secondary Payer statute. Medicare/Commission. S. 1110 and S. 1380: authorizing an enhanced MedPAC as an executive branch commission with authority to implement Medicare payment and policy designed to reduce Medicare spending growth. Medicare/Prescription Drug Plan. S. 330/H.R. 684: authorizing the establishment of a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan; S. 266: authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices and to use the savings to reduce the coverage gap. Medicare/Part D Generics. S. 75: requiring the use of generics where available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary. Medicare/Part D cost-sharing. S. 1630: establishing limits on required beneficiary cost-sharing under Part D drug plans. Medicare/Part D dual eligibles. S. 1634: removing enrollment barriers for low-income beneficiaries and establishing a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan. Medicare/Combating Waste, Fraud, Abuse. H.R. 27: relating to additional provisions to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare; H.R. 203: increasing civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse and increasing the surety bond amount for suppliers of durable medical equipment. Medicare/Therapy Caps. H.R. 43/S. 46: repealing outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. Medicare/Private Contracts. H.R. 164: prohibiting denial of Social Security benefits to persons who elect not to participate in Medicare. Medicare/Hearing Coverage. H.R. 504: authorizing coverage of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B. Medicare/Dental Coverage. H.R. 870: authoring coverage under Part B for medically necessary dental procedures. Medicare/Rural Improvements. H.R. 902/S. 382: provision authorizing improvements to services provided to beneficiaries residing in rural areas. Medicare/Shingles Vaccine. H.R. 1038: extending Part B coverage to the shingles vaccine. Medicare/Home Health. H.R. 1094: authorizing home health care agencies to assign the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for rehabilitation services. Medicare/Health Care Vouchers. H.R. 1118: authorizing Medicare-eligible seniors to elect to receive vouchers for a health savings account, premiums for a high deductible health insurance plan, or both, in lieu of regular Medicare benefits and suspending Medicare late enrollment penalties between ages 65 and 70. Medicare/Skilled Nursing Facilities. H.R. 1125, S. 647: provisions related to requiring the reporting of expenditures for nursing services at skilled nursing facilities and requiring disclosure of corporate ownership. Medicare/Prevention. H.R. 1213: provisions authorizing ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms to at-risk Medicare beneficiaries between the ages of 65 and 75 without the requirement of a prior initial preventive physical examination; H.R. 1894/S. 769: expanding access to bone mass measurement benefits under Part B. Medicare/Part B Drug Payments. H.R. 1392: relating to appropriate Part B payment amounts for drugs and biologicals. Medicare/Low Income Prescription Drug Benefits. H.R. 1407/S. 534: authorizing a reduction in cost-sharing under Part D for non-institutionalized, full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicare/Disability Benefits. S. 700/H.R. 1708, H.R. 2881: phasing-out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits and eliminating the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions. Medicare/Prescription Drugs for kidney transplants. H.R. 1458/S. 565: provision related to continued coverage for immunosuppressive drugs furnished beneficiaries that have received kidney transplants and whose entitlement to coverage would otherwise expire. Medicare/Intravenous Drugs. H.R. 1765/S.701: relating to the payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for the treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases in a patient's home and for certain disposable pumps as durable medical equipment in place of non-disposable pumps. Medicare/Home Infusion Therapy. H.R. 574/S.254: extending Medicare coverage to home infusion therapy. Medicare/Physical Therapy Services. H.R. 1829: authorizing physical therapists to evaluate and treat Medicare beneficiaries without physician referral. Medicare/Part D Premiums. H.R. 1832: limiting Part D premium increases to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Medicare/Cancer Hospice and Palliative Care. H.R. 1844: provisions authorizing coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning, establishing a Medicare hospice care demonstration, and authorizing grant programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management, provider education, and related research. Medicare/Hospice and Advanced Care Planning. S. 1150, H.R. 2911: provisions related to changing hospice payments and providing advance care planning resources. Medicare/Physician-Manufacturer Transparency. S. 301: increasing the transparency of the relationship between physicians and the manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies. Medicare/Care Coordination Services. S. 1131, H.R. 2560: provisions establishing pilot care coordination program. Medicaid/Home and Community-based Long Term Care. S. 434, S.1257, H.R. 28552: provisions to remove barriers to providing home and community-based services including providing a state option to provide home and community-based services to individuals for whom such services are likely to prevent, delay, or decrease the likelihood of an individual's need for institutionalized care and authorizing the implementation of assistance grants for states electing to provide home and community-based services under Medicaid; provisions to provide a single point of entry to long term services; provisions to support nursing home diversion programs. Medicaid/Community-based Attendant Services and Supports. S. 683, H.R. 1670: authorizing coverage of community-based attendant services and supports under Medicaid, increasing funding and establishing a demonstration program for beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

Supported all provisions unless indicated otherwise: S. 958, MediKids Health Insurance Act S. 1185, Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009 S.726/H.R. 1427, Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicines Act Supported all provisions unless indicated otherwise: H.R. 1407, Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2009 H.R. 2496, Children's Health Insurance Accessibility Act of 2009 H.R. 2700, Prescription Coverage Now Act of 2009 H.R. 2716, Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2009

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Copayments for Medicare & Medicaid Beneficiaries in Home & Community Based Settings S.534 H.R. 1407

Client expense: $49,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: SENATE

Supported all provisions unless indicated otherwise: S. 958, MediKids Health Insurance Act S. 1185, Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009 Supported all provisions unless indicated otherwise: Senate Finance Committee White Paper Expanding Health Care Coverage: Proposals to Provide Affordable Coverage - supported/recommended provision to end two-year wait for Medicare; expand Medicaid; provide adequate benefits packages for low- and moderate-income people; include caps on out-of-pocket costs; protect low-income Medicare beneficiaries; and address health disparities S.726/H.R. 1427, Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicines Act H.R. 1407, Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2009 H.R. 2496, Children's Health Insurance Accessibility Act of 2009 H.R. 2700, Prescription Coverage Now Act of 2009 H.R. 2716, Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2009

Client expense: $15,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Senate Finance Committee Draft Policy Options (Baucus-Grassley) Medicare Advantage funding, special needs plans, Medicaid eligibility expansion, Medigap restrictions, Medicare FFS payment reform, Medicaid prescription drug rebates (cont.) House Tri-Committee Discussion Draft for Health Reform (Waxman, Rangel, Miller) Medicare Advantage funding, special needs plans, Medicaid eligibility expansion, Medigap open enrollment; Medicaid prescription drug rebates; S.Con.Res. 13 Budget Resolution (Conrad) Medicare Advantage funding; H.R. 684, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Berry) Part D reforms; H.R. 904, Medicaid Prescription Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Stupak) Medicaid drug costs; H.R. 1407, Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Doggett) Part D cost sharing; H.R. 1670, Community Choice Act (Davis) Medicaid coverage; H.R. 1832, Medicare Prescription Drug Affordability Act (Wexler) Part D reforms; H.R. 2501, Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act (Pomeroy) Medicare cost plans; H.R. 2686, Medicare Advantage Payments (Israel) Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments; H.R. 2688, Empowered at Home Act (Pallone) home and community-based services under Medicaid; H.R. 2700, Prescription Coverage Now Act (Doggett) low-income assistance under Medicare Part D; H.R. 2718, MedPAC Reform Act (Cooper) implementation of Medicare payment policies; H.R. 2758, Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act (Kind) Medicare Advantage special needs plans; H.R. 2860, Medicare Drug Savings Through Choice Act (Murphy) Part D reforms; S. 75, Generics First Act (Kohl) Part D reforms; S. 266, Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 330, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Durbin) Part D reforms; S. 534, Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 547, Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Bingaman) Medicaid drug costs; S. 677, REPAIR Act (Ensign) means-testing Part D premiums; S. 683, Community Choice Act (Harkin) Medicaid coverage; S. 960, Medicare Early Access Act (Rockefeller) Medicare buy-in option; S. 1079, Medicare Cost Contract Extension and Refinement Act (Klobuchar) Medicare cost plans; S. 1307, Medicare Specialty Care Improvement and Protection Act (Feingold) Medicare Advantage special needs plans; S. 1380, MedPAC Reform Act (Rockefeller) implementation of Medicare payment policies MMM (Regulatory Issues) Ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs, including risk adjustment methodology and data issues, (including audit and encounter data issues), bidding and payment issues (including MA rate assumptions, MA coding intensity, MA Secondary Payer issues, Part D reinsurance, Part D low income subsidies, and audits), application process, audits to evaluate compliance with MA and Part D program rules, benefit design rules, SSA and CMS premium withhold processing issues, enrollment rules, marketing materials review and approval, marketing activities, including conduct and compensation of brokers and agents and plan sponsor marketing staff, measurement and oversight of plan performance including Special Needs Plans (SNPs); quality measures, grievance and appeals processes, compliance/fraud and abuse training, and Medicare/Medicaid integration and contracting issues for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (SNPs); Federal preemption of State authority under MA and Part D programs, Part D prescription drug event data reporting, Part D formulary rules, Part D pharmacy access standards, and other operational issues; Medicare creditable drug coverage reporting requirements; implementation issues for the Medicare Retiree Drug Subsidy program; functionality of the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and Drug Plan Finder; National Medicare Education program; ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare cost plan program including enrollment, marketing materials review and approval and other operational issues, MA and Part D systems issues affecting enrollment and disenrollment processing and payment and other operational issues; Medicare demonstration program on performance-based payments for physician groups; physician quality reporting initiative; issues relating to Medicare coverage policy and national coverage decisions; Medicare clinical trials; Medicaid managed care regulations and policies, including the Medicaid managed care actuarial soundness standard, quality oversight, grievance and appeals processes, beneficiary information requirements, treatment of Medicaid health plan member hospital days in the upper payment limit calculation; policies affecting State Medicaid funding, including intergovernmental transfers (IGTs); coordination of benefits with state Medicaid programs; Medicaid prescription drug cost/rebate issues affecting Medicaid health plans; health plan-related State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) issues, including eligibility and outreach issues; implementation of Medicaid changes made in Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, including documentation of citizenship requirements, state benefit flexibility options, and Medicaid managed care organization provider tax issues; standards for electronic prescribing; and health information technology standards and policies.

Changes to Medicare Advantage program - Proposed legislation re this issue; the Administration's budget. Changes to Medicare Advantage program - potential legislation; Administration's budget outline. SCHIP - HR 2, To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. Medicare Advantage funding - SConRes 13, An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2010, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2011 through 2014. Part D reforms - HR 684, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program; HR 1832, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the increase in premium costs for beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug program to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries; S 75, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the use of generic drugs under the Medicare part D prescription drug program when available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary; S 266, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under part D of such title based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices; S 330, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare program; S 534, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals; HR 2860, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare operated prescription drug plan option to deliver a meaningful drug benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program. Medicaid drug costs - HR 904, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations; S 547, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations. Part D cost sharing - HR 1407, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicaid coverage - HR 1670, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes; S 683, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. CHIP expansion - S 275, An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. Means-testing Part D premiums - S 677, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require wealthy beneficiaries to pay a greater share of their premiums under the Medicare prescription drug program. Medicare cost plans - HR 2501, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under Medicare; S 1079, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend reasonable cost contracts under the Medicare program. Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustments - HR 2686, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a Medicare Advantage benchmark adjustment for certain local areas with VA medical centers and for certain contiguous areas. Low-income assistance under Medicare Part D - HR 2700, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assist low-income individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes. Implementation of Medicare payment policies - HR 2718, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy.; S 1380, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. Medicare Advantage special needs plans - HR 2758, To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes; S 1307, A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dually eligible individuals, and for other purposes. Home and community-based services under Medicaid - HR 2688, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1407: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under Part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 534: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 647: A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the transparency of information on skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities and to clarify and improve the targeting of the enforcement of requirements with respect to such facilities. S. 1110: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sensible infrastructure for delivery system reform by renaming the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, making the Commission an executive branch agency, and providing the Commission new resources and authority to implement Medicare payment policy. S. 683: A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. S. 46: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. S. 750: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to attract and retain trained health care professionals and direct care workers dedicated to providing quality care to the growing population of older Americans. H.R. 1: Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. H.R. 2: The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, establishing a Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). This new Commission will provide Congress with a new, credible forum to discuss specific ways to strengthen the nation's Medicaid payment system, and ensure the growing needs of America's most vulnerable, frail, elderly and the disabled beneficiaries are met and in the years ahead. H.R. 2006: To amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and for ther purposes. H.R. 43: To amend title XVIII ofthe Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. H.R. 1255: A bill which protects the interests of each resident of intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or developmentally disabled (ICFs/MRDD) in related class action lawsuits. H.R. 448: Elder Abuse Victims ACt of 2009.

Comprehensive Health Care Reform. House Tri-Committee Discussion Draft, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee draft bill, Senate Finance Committee Description of Policy Options (No bill numbers as of this date): provisions related to reducing Medicare Advantage plan payments, reducing the coverage gap in Part D, reducing the Part A deductible, establishing an out-of-pocket maximum under Medicare, establishing a voluntary comprehensive benefit option under Medicare, authorizing a Medicare-operated Part D drug plan, expanding benefits for low-income beneficiaries under the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), improvement of the process for reassigning LIS beneficiaries to new plans, expanding coverage of prevention services, elimination of the 45 percent funding trigger provision, providing Medicaid coverage for home and community-based services, establishing a new national insurance program for long-term supports and services, authorizing funding to provide language services to limited English proficiency beneficiaries, authorizing the collection of data regarding disparities in the provision of care, providing safeguards and subsidies to assure affordability of health coverage for seniors, preserving state benefit laws and requirements, reducing permitted age rating ratio and clarifying the Medicare Secondary Payer statute. Medicare/Prescription Drug Plan. S.330/H.R. 684: authorizing the establishment of a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan; S. 266: authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices and to use the savings to reduce the coverage gap. Medicare/Part D Means Testing. S. Amdt. 805 (to S. Con. Res. 13), S. 677: requiring wealthier Medicare beneficiaries to pay a greater share of the cost of their premiums under Medicare Part D. Medicare/Part D Generics. S. 75: requiring the use of generics where available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary. Medicare/Combating Waste, Fraud, Abuse. H.R. 27: relating to additional provisions to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare; H.R. 203: increasing civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse and increasing the surety bond amount for suppliers of durable medical equipment. Medicare/Therapy Caps. H.R. 43/S. 46: repealing outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. Medicare/Private Contracts. H.R. 164: prohibiting denial of Social Security benefits to persons who elect not to participate in Medicare. Medicare/Hearing Coverage. H.R. 504: authorizing coverage of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B. Medicare/Dental Coverage. H.R. 870: authoring coverage under Part B for medically necessary dental procedures. Medicare/Rural Improvements. H.R. 902/S. 382: provision authorizing improvements to services provided to beneficiaries residing in rural areas. Medicare/Shingles Vaccine. H.R. 1038: extending Part B coverage to the shingles vaccine. Medicare/Home Health. H.R. 1094: authorizing home health care agencies to assign the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for rehabilitation services. Medicare/Health Care Vouchers. H.R. 1118: authorizing Medicare-eligible seniors to elect to receive vouchers for a health savings account, premiums for a high deductible health insurance plan, or both, in lieu of regular Medicare benefits and suspending Medicare late enrollment penalties between ages 65 and 70. Medicare/Skilled Nursing Facilities. H.R. 1125, S. 647: provisions related to requiring the reporting of expenditures for nursing services at skilled nursing facilities and requiring disclosure of corporate ownership. Medicare/Prevention. H.R. 1213: provisions authorizing ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms to at-risk Medicare beneficiaries between the ages of 65 and 75 without the requirement of a prior initial preventive physical examination; H.R. 1894/S. 769: expanding access to bone mass measurement benefits under Part B. Medicare/Part B Drug Payments. H.R. 1392: relating to appropriate Part B payment amounts for drugs and biologicals. Medicare/Low Income Prescription Drug Benefits. H.R. 1407/S. 534: authorizing a reduction in cost-sharing under Part D for non-institutionalized, full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicare/Disability Benefits. S. 700/H.R. 1708, H.R. 2881: phasing-out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits and eliminating the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions. Medicare/Prescription Drugs for kidney transplants. H.R. 1458/S. 565: provision related to continued coverage for immunosuppressive drugs furnished beneficiaries that have received kidney transplants and whose entitlement to coverage would otherwise expire. Medicare/Intravenous Drugs. H.R. 1765/S. 701: relating to the payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for the treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases in a patient's home and for certain disposable pumps as durable medical equipment in place of non-disposable pumps. Medicare/Home Infusion Therapy. H.R. 574/S. 254: extending Medicare coverage to home infusion therapy. Medicare/Physical Therapy Services. H.R. 1829: authorizing physical therapists to evaluate and treat Medicare beneficiaries without physician referral. Medicare/Part D Premiums. H.R. 1832: limiting Part D premium increases to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Medicare/Cancer Hospice and Palliative Care. H.R. 1844: provisions authorizing coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning, establishing a Medicare hospice care demonstration, and authorizing grant programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management, provider education, and related research. Medicare/Hospice and Advanced Care Planning. S. 1150, H.R. 2911: provisions related to changing hospice payments and providing advance care planning resources. Medicare/Physician-Manufacturer Transparency. S. 301: increasing the transparency of the relationship between physicians and the manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies. Medicare/Comparative Effectiveness. S. Amdt. 793 (to S. Con. Res. 13): prohibiting research information comparing the effectiveness of different treatments to deny coverage of products or services under federal health care programs including Medicare. Medicare/Care Coordination Services. S. 1131, H.R. 2560: provisions establishing pilot care coordination program. Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement. S. Amdt. 799 (to S. Con. Res. 13): addressing the systemic inequities of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement in rural areas. Medicaid/Home and Community-based Long Term Care. S. 434, S.1257, H.R. 28552: provisions to remove barriers to providing home and community-based services including providing a state option to provide home and community-based services to individuals for whom such services are likely to prevent, delay, or decrease the likelihood of an individual's need for institutionalized care and authorizing the implementation of assistance grants for states electing to provide home and community-based services under Medicaid; provisions to provide a single point of entry to long term services; provisions to support nursing home diversion programs. Medicaid/Community-based Attendant Services and Supports. S. 683, H.R. 1670: authorizing coverage of community-based attendant services and supports under Medicaid, increasing funding and establishing a demonstration program for beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

HR 1407, Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2009 - Issues related to low income subsidy.

Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Reserve System, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Natl Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of, White House Office

H.R. 1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Obey) Medicaid FMAP; H.R. 2, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (Pallone) CHIP expansion; H.R. 629, Economic Recovery Provisions (Waxman) Medicaid FMAP, Medicaid option for unemployed; H.R. 684, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Berry) Part D reforms (continued) H.R. 904, Medicaid Prescription Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Stupak) Medicaid drug costs; H.R. 1407, Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Doggett) Part D cost sharing; H.R. 1670, Community Choice Act (Davis) Medicaid coverage; H.R. 1832, Medicare Prescription Drug Affordability Act (Wexler) Part D reforms; S.Con.Res. 13 Budget Resolution (Conrad) Medicare Advantage funding; S. 75, Generics First Act (Kohl) Part D reforms; S. 266, Medicare Prescription Drug Gap Reduction Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 275, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (Baucus) CHIP expansion; S. 330, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act (Durbin) Part D reforms; S. 350, Economic Recovery Provisions (Baucus) Medicaid FMAP; S. 534, Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act (Nelson) Part D reforms; S. 547, Drug Rebate Equalization Act (Bingaman) Medicaid drug costs; S. 677, REPAIR Act (Ensign) means-testing Part D premiums; S. 683, Community Choice Act (Harkin) Medicaid coverage MMM (Regulatory Issues) Ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs, including risk adjustment methodology and data issues, (including audit and encounter data issues), bidding and payment issues (including MA rate assumptions, MA coding intensity, Part D reinsurance, Part D low income subsidies, and audits), application process, audits to evaluate compliance with MA and Part D program rules, benefit design rules, SSA and CMS premium withhold processing issues, enrollment rules, marketing materials review and approval, marketing activities, including conduct and compensation of brokers and agents and plan sponsor marketing staff, measurement and oversight of plan performance including Special Needs Plans (SNPs); quality measures, grievance and appeals processes, compliance/fraud and abuse training, and Medicare/Medicaid integration issues for Special Needs Plans (SNPs); Federal preemption of State authority under MA and Part D programs, Part D prescription drug event data reporting, Part D formulary rules, Part D pharmacy access standards, and other operational issues; Medicare creditable drug coverage reporting requirements; implementation issues for the Medicare Retiree Drug Subsidy program; functionality of the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and Drug Plan Finder; National Medicare Education program; ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare cost plan program including enrollment, marketing materials review and approval and other operational issues, MA and Part D systems issues affecting enrollment and disenrollment processing and payment and other operational issues; Medicare demonstration program on performance-based payments for physician groups; physician quality reporting initiative; issues relating to Medicare coverage policy and national coverage decisions; Medicare clinical trials; Medicaid managed care regulations and policies, including the Medicaid managed care actuarial soundness standard, quality oversight, grievance and appeals processes, beneficiary information requirements, treatment of Medicaid health plan member hospital days in the upper payment limit calculation; policies affecting State Medicaid funding, including intergovernmental transfers (IGTs); coordination of benefits with state Medicaid programs; Medicaid prescription drug cost/rebate issues affecting Medicaid health plans; health plan-related State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) issues, including eligibility and outreach issues; implementation of Medicaid changes made in Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, including documentation of citizenship requirements, state benefit flexibility options, and Medicaid managed care organization provider tax issues; standards for electronic prescribing; and health information technology standards and policies.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Copayments for Medicare & Medicaid Beneficiaries in Home & Community-Based Settings S.534 H.R. 1407 Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act (CLASS Act) S.697 H.R. 1721

Client expense: $49,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 1407: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under Part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 534: A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutional full-benefit dual eligible individuals. S. 647: A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the transparency of information on skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities and to clarify and improve the targeting of the enforcement of requirements with respect to such facilities. H.R. 1: Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. H.R. 2: The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, establishing a Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). This new Commission will provide Congress with a new, credible forum to discuss specific ways to strengthen the nation's Medicaid payment system, and ensure the growing needs of America's most vulnerable, frail, elderly and the disabled beneficiaries are met and in the years ahead.

Client expense: $400,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Supported all provisions unless otherwise indicated: S.330/H.R.684 - Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 - both Senate and House S.534/H.R.1407 - Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2009/Medicare Part D Home and Community Services Copayment Equity Act of 2009 - both Senate and House Supported all provisions unless otherwise indicated: H.R.2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - both Senate and House S.700/H.R.1708 - Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 - both Senate and House S.301 - Physician Payments Sunshine Act of 2009 - Senate only H.R.1725 - Voluntary State Discount Prescription Drug Plan Act of 2009 - House only

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Changes to Medicare Advantage program - potential legislation; Administration's budget outline. SCHIP - HR 2, To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. Medicare Advantage funding - SConRes 13, An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2010, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2011 through 2014. Mediacaid FMAP - HR 1, Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes; S 350, An original bill to provide for a portion of the economic recovery package relating to revenue measures, unemployment, and health. Medicaid FMAP, Medicaid option for unemployed - economic recovery provisions of HR 629, To provide energy and commerce provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Part D reforms - HR 684, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program; HR 1832, To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the increase in premium costs for beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug program to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries; S 75, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the use of generic drugs under the Medicare part D prescription drug program when available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary; S 266, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the coverage gap in prescription drug coverage under part D of such title based on savings to the Medicare program resulting from the negotiation of prescription drug prices; S 330, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare program; S 534, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicaid drug costs - HR 904, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations; S 547, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations by extending the discounts offered under fee-for-service Medicaid to such organizations. Part D cost sharing - HR 1407, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce cost-sharing under part D of such title for certain non-institutionalized full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicaid coverage - HR 1670, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes; S 683, A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide individuals with disabilities and older Americans with equal access to community-based attendant services and supports, and for other purposes. CHIP expansion - S 275, An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. Means-testing Part D premiums - S 677, A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require wealthy beneficiaries to pay a greater share of their premiums under the Medicare prescription drug program.

Medicare/Prescription Drug Plan. S.330/H.R. 684: authorizing the establishment of a Medicare-operated prescription drug plan; S. 266: authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices and to use the savings to reduce the coverage gap. Medicare/Part D Means Testing. S. Amdt. 805 (to S. Con. Res. 13), S. 677: requiring wealthier Medicare beneficiaries to pay a greater share of the cost of their premiums under Medicare Part D. Medicare/Part D Generics. S. 75: requiring the use of generics where available unless the brand name drug is determined to be medically necessary. Medicare/Combating Waste, Fraud, Abuse. H.R. 27: relating to additional provisions to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare; H.R. 203: increasing civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse and increasing the surety bond amount for suppliers of durable medical equipment. Medicare/Therapy Caps. H.R. 43, S. 46: repealing outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. Medicare/Private Contracts. H.R. 164: prohibiting denial of Social Security benefits to persons who elect not to participate in Medicare. Medicare/Hearing Coverage. H.R. 504: authorizing coverage of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation services under Medicare Part B. Medicare/Dental Coverage. H.R. 870: authorizing coverage under Part B for medically necessary dental procedures. Medicare/Rural Improvements. H.R. 902, S. 382: provision authorizing improvements to services provided to beneficiaries residing in rural areas. Medicare/Shingles Vaccine. H.R. 1038: extending Part B coverage to the shingles vaccine. Medicare/Home Health. H.R. 1094: authorizing home health care agencies to assign the most appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for rehabilitation services. Medicare/Health Care Vouchers. H.R. 1118: authorizing Medicare-eligible seniors to elect to receive vouchers for a health savings account, premiums for a high deductible health insurance plan, or both, in lieu of regular Medicare benefits and suspending Medicare late enrollment penalties between ages 65 and 70. Medicare/Skilled Nursing Facilities. H.R. 1125: requiring the reporting of expenditures for nursing services at skilled nursing facilities. Medicare/Prevention. H.R. 1213: provisions authorizing ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms to at-risk Medicare beneficiaries between the ages of 65 and 75 without the requirement of a prior initial preventive physical examination; H.R. 1894/S. 769: expanding access to bone mass measurement benefits under Part B. Medicare/Part B Drug Payments. H.R. 1392: relating to appropriate Part B payment amounts for drugs and biologicals. Medicare/Low Income Prescription Drug Benefits. H.R. 1407, S. 534: authorizing a reduction in cost-sharing under Part D for non-institutionalized, full-benefit dual eligible individuals. Medicare/Disability Benefits. S. 700, H.R. 1708: phasing-out the 24-month waiting period for disabled individuals to become eligible for Medicare benefits and eliminating the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions. Medicare/Prescription Drugs for Kidney Transplants. H.R. 1458, S. 565: provision related to continued coverage for immunosuppressive drugs furnished beneficiaries that have received kidney transplants and whose entitlement to coverage would otherwise expire. Medicare/Intravenous Drugs. H.R. 1765, S.701: relating to the payment for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for the treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases in a patient's home and for certain disposable pumps as durable medical equip- ment in place of non-disposable pumps. Medicare/Home Infusion Therapy. H.R. 574, S. 254: extending Medicare coverage to home infusion therapy. Medicare/Physical Therapy Services. H.R. 1829: authorizing physical therapists to evaluate and treat Medicare beneficiaries without physician referral. Medicare/Part D Premiums. H.R. 1832: limiting Part D premium increases to no more than the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Medicare/Cancer Hospice and Palliative Care. H.R. 1844: provisions authorizing coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning, establishing a Medicare hospice care demonstration, and authorizing grant programs for cancer palliative care and symptom management, provider education, and related research. Medicare/Physician-Manufacturer Transparency. S. 301: increasing the transparency of the relationship between physicians and the manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies. Medicare/Comparative Effectiveness. S. Amdt. 793 (to S. Con. Res. 13): prohibiting research information comparing the effectiveness of different treatments to deny coverage of products or services under federal health care programs including Medicare. Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement. S. Amdt. 799 (to S. Con. Res. 13): addressing the systemic inequities of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement in rural areas. Medicaid/Home and Community-based Long Term Care. S. 434: provision to remove barriers to providing home and community-based services including providing a state option to provide home and community-based services to individuals for whom such services are likely to prevent, delay, or decrease the likelihood of an individual's need for institutionalized care and authorizing the implementation of assistance grants for states electing to provide home and community-based services under Medicaid. Medicaid/Community-based Attendant Services and Supports. S. 683, H.R. 1670: authorizing coverage of community-based attendant services and supports under Medicaid, increasing funding and establishing a demonstration program for beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.