mr THOMAS (BURKE) BALCH

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an "excessive or unjustified" amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to "shared decisionmaking" because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an "excessive or unjustified" amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to "shared decisionmaking" because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 5) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding potential legislation related to strengthening Federal policy against physician assisted suicide. Contacts in the U.S. House regarding potential CMS action in regards to the advance care planning services that have been recently added to the list of services in the Physician Fee Schedule payment rule.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an "excessive or unjustified" amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to "shared decisionmaking" because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 5) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding potential legislation related to strengthening Federal policy against physician assisted suicide. Contacts in the U.S. House regarding potential CMS action in regards to the advance care planning services that have been recently added to the list of services in the Physician Fee Schedule payment rule.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 5) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding potential legislation related to strengthening Federal policy against physician assisted suicide. Contacts in the U.S. House regarding potential CMS action in regards to the advance care planning services that have been recently added to the list of services in the Physician Fee Schedule payment rule.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an "excessive or unjustified" amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to "shared decisionmaking" because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information. Contacts regarding H.R. 3119, the "Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act" as to whether provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act would be revoked.

See abortion-related policy issues as reported under FAM (Family Issues/Abortion/Adoption). In addition: Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding legislation, not introduced to 1) ensure advance care planning legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, and 3) ensuring that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act. Contacts in regard to potential health reform legislation (not introduced) over concerns related to 1) the authority of any sort of health care commissions ability to restrict access to life-saving care, 2) premium price controls that might reduce the ability of insurance to cover life-saving care, 3) tax increases on health care or health insurance that create incentives for employers to significantly reduce health insurance plans, 4) efforts to prevent private health care spending from keeping up with medical inflation, and 5) malpractice limits being made applicable to intentional denial of treatment for discriminatory reasons. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding advance planning to ensure process of explaining, discussing, completing, or assisting in completing an advance directive is not used to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment, nutrition and hydration. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) in the U.S. Senate because it would 1) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 2) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment. Contacts regarding H.R.1559 Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act of 2015 to indicate that it was unobjectionable.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1)it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1)it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1)it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information.

See abortion-related policy issues as reported under FAM (Family Issues/Abortion/Adoption). In addition: Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts in regard to potential health reform legislation (not introduced) over concerns related to 1) the authority of any sort of health care commissions ability to restrict access to life-saving care, 2) premium price controls that might reduce the ability of insurance to cover life-saving care, 3) tax increases on health care or health insurance that create incentives for employers to significantly reduce health insurance plans, 4) efforts to prevent private health care spending from keeping up with medical inflation, and 5) malpractice limits being made applicable to intentional denial of treatment for discriminatory reasons. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1) it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) in the U.S. House and Senate regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) in the U.S. Senate because it would 1) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 2) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1)it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1)it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information.

Contacts in support of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, because repeal would 1) eliminate the excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage which would discourage businesses from offering plans less likely to deny life-saving medical treatment, 2) eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Boards duty to make recommendations to limit growth in private, nongovernmental spending on health to below the rate of medical inflation, 3) eliminate the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement those recommendations by imposing quality and efficiency measures on health care providers, limiting the circumstances in which treatments can be given to their patients, 4) eliminate the authority of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services effectively to limit the amount of funds senior citizens may voluntarily add on top of the government contribution in order to obtain Medicare Advantage private-fee-for-service health insurance less likely to deny care and more likely to offer health care providers reimbursement rates high enough to induce them to accept Medicare patients, 5) eliminate the requirement that state health insurance exchanges administrators exclude from their exchanges insurance plans offered by any insurers the administrators believe allow their policyholders inside or outside the exchange to spend what the administrators consider an excessive or unjustified amount on their own health care, thereby restricting the medical treatment, and 6) eliminate the provisions related to shared decisionmaking because they are likely to be used, on balance, to dissuade patients from choosing life-saving treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts regarding S. 1549, the Care Planning Act of 2015 because 1)it fails to contain proper safeguards against dissuading patients to reject life-saving treatment they would otherwise want both to cut costs, and also due to a pervasive quality of life ethic 2) it authorizes health care providers to deny life-preserving treatment against the express will of a patient or surrogate invalidating several state protective laws and 3) advance planning documents that may have been filled out in other states are to be implemented removing state power over informed consent requirements surrounding choosing life-saving measures, food and fluids. Contacts in the U.S. Senate in support of S.2297, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 4059, the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act, which would Give Medicare beneficiaries and others online access to a website with state-specific model advance directives that choose life-saving treatment, food and fluids equally with those that reject them. Contacts regarding advance care planning legislation (not introduced) 1) ensure the legislation provides for adequate oversight regarding the creation of advance planning materials, websites, etc. in order to protect against the materials being crafted in a way that persuades patients to reject treatment they might otherwise choose, 2) ensure that there are not Federally funded unmonitored practitioner consultations could lead to patients forgoing treatment they would otherwise have wanted, 3) ensure that there are not adverse changes to the Assisted Suicide Funding and Restriction Act 4) include oversight for grant approval for physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and 5) protect the right of states to ensure informed consent in choosing and rejecting treatment. Contacts regarding legislation (not introduced) regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, provision related to the excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally-imposed limit that does not allow for medical inflation because the excess benefits tax will have its intended result of effectively imposing a price control on health insurance premiums. Contacts in the U.S. House in support of H.R. 3251 which would prohibit the coverage of advance care planning services under the Medicare Program because unmonitored advance care planning services can in practice be used to nudge patients to agree to forego life-saving treatment and even assisted feeding through the use of unbalanced, distorted, and even inaccurate information.

Contacts in opposition to Parental Rights Amendment ("PRA") as initially introduced (H.J. Res. 3), unless it is revised to prevent certain anti-life legal effects; contacts in support of specific proposed clarifying language to prevent the PRA from having unintended anti-life effects. Contacts on revised Parental Rights Amendment, H.J. Res. 107 (NRLC currently neutral regarding this resolution).

Contacts in support of H.R. 5111/S. 3723 (popularly known as the "Protect Life Act"), to override authorizations for abortion subsidies created by PL 111-148). Contacts in support of H.R. 5939 (No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act), to establish permanent government-wide prohibition on abortion subsidies, and inclusion of support for H.R. 5939 in agenda for action for the 112th Congress. Contacts on general organizational matters (continued) pertaining to House Energy & Commerce Committee for 112th Congress. Contacts regarding abortion-related policy issues pertaining to H.R. 4529 (Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2010). Contacts regarding legal and policy issues raised by providing of "telemed abortions" by federally funded entities.

Contacts in support of H.R. 5111/S. 3723 (popularly known as the "Protect Life Act"), to override authorizations for abortion subsidies created by PL 111-148). Contacts in support of H.R. 5939 (No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act), to establish permanent government-wide prohibition on abortion subsidies, and inclusion of support for H.R. 5939 in agenda for action for the 112th Congress. Contacts on general organizational matters (continued) pertaining to House Energy & Commerce Committee for 112th Congress. Contacts regarding abortion-related policy issues pertaining to H.R. 4529 (Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2010). Contacts regarding legal and policy issues raised by providing of "telemed abortions" by federally funded entities.

Contacts in support of amendments to remove pro-abortion mandates and abortion subsidies from health care reform bills. (continued) Opposed "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (H.R. 3590), as passed by the Senate on December 24, 2009. In the House, advocated multiple revisions to correct pro-abortion provisions, including addition of language similar to the Stupak-Pitts Amendment added by the House to H.R. 3962 on November 7, 2009), to correct provisions that would otherwise allow or require funding of abortion, subsidies for health plans that cover abortion, and/or pro-abortion administrative mandates, such as language found in H. Con. Res. 254. Also contacts in support of the addition of "Hyde-Weldon" provision from H.R. 3962 (Section 259) to H.R. 3590. Contacts to House and Senate offices to explain that revisions proposed on February 22, 2010, by President Obama, would correct none of the abortion-related problems and make some worse. Contacts to House members pointing out that that no executive order could correct the objectionable provisions of the bill. Opposed concurrence in the Senate-passed bill (approved 219-212, March 21, 2010); signed into law March 23, 2010. Provided analysis of revisions needed to H.R. 4529, Roadmap for America's Future Act, to prevent pro-abortion effects. (continued) U.S. Senate Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. U.S. House of Representatives Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. Contacts expressing general concerns about denial of treatment and rationing provisions in H.R. 4529, the "Roadmap for America's Future Act" including the inconsistency in rejection of premium price controls and the clarification that malpractice reform limitations ought not to apply to intentional discriminatory denial of life-preserving treatment.

U.S. Senate Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care; supported the addition of a variable financing method to avoid rationing. (continued) On potential merger of Senate H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with H.B. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of the Senates anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. Contacts in support of extending the Senates comparative effectiveness anti-discrimination language to other places in the legislation where the Secretary is given authority to determine quality and efficiency. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of either the House or Senate Advance Care planning provisions which contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, and lacks continuing oversight. Contacts to oppose further changes relating to advance care planning which would make changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts in support of conscience protection that does not extend to protecting providers against denial of medical care to an individual because of the individuals age, disability, or other characteristic. Contacts to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support of fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts in opposition to the Senate Independent Medicare Advisory Boards power to recommend, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose, requirements for insurance plans in the exchanges that would have the effect of limiting Americans right to spend their own money, if they choose, to save their own lives. Contacts in opposition to the Senate bills Independent Payment Advisory Board authority to make cuts in Medicare. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care). Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. (continued) U.S. House of Representatives Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care; supported the addition of a variable financing method to avoid rationing. On potential merger of Senate H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with H.B. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of the Senates anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. Contacts in support of extending the Senates comparative effectiveness anti-discrimination language to other places in the legislation where the Secretary is given authority to determine quality and efficiency. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of either the House or Senate Advance Care planning provisions which contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, and lacks continuing oversight. Contacts to oppose further changes relating to advance care planning which would make changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts in support of conscience protection that does not extend to protecting providers against denial of medical care to an individual because of the individuals age, disability, or other characteristic. Contacts to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support of fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts in opposition to the Senate Independent Medicare Advisory Boards power to recommend, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose, requirements for insurance plans in the exchanges that would have the effect of limiting Americans right to spend their own money, if they choose, to save their own lives. Contacts in opposition to the Senate bills Independent Payment Advisory Board authority to make cuts in Medicare. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care). Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal, which would have imposed premium price controls on private plans and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. Contacts expressing general concerns about denial of treatment and rationing provisions in H.R. 4529, the "Roadmap for America's Future Act" including: 1. The possibility of the health care services commissions dictation of the practice of medicine, 2. The inadequate protection of the use of discriminatory criteria in comparative effectiveness research, 3. The inconsistency in rejection of premium price controls, and 4. clarification that malpractice reform limitations ought not to apply to intentional discriminatory denial of life-preserving treatment.

Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding the Independent Payment Advisory Boards authority to make recommendations, both in regards to government funded and private insurance, to slow the growth in national health expenditures below the rate of medical inflation. (continued) Oppose the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services or other Federal agencies to impose quality and efficiency measures that may be designed to limit what people spend in health care. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding the authority of CMS to refuse to allow Medicare participants the choice of private-fee-for-service plans, which allow seniors to voluntarily add their own funds on top of the government contribution to obtain a plan less likely to deny care. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding the authority of state health insurance exchanges administrators to limit premiums and plan values that insurers may offer inside and outside of the exchange should the insurer participate, having the effect of limiting what can be charged for health insurance, therefore restricting what people are allowed to pay for medical treatment. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding shared decisionmaking due to lack of oversight, lack of balance in the materials and decision aids, and lack of safeguards in the creation of disseminating organization, which may lead to discouraging patients from seeking treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of Public Law 111-148 related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding Medicare regulation, CMS-2010-0205-1983, which would provide for end-of-life counseling during annual visits. U.S. House of Representatives only: Contacts in regards to H.R. 4529 (111th Cong.), Roadmap for Americas Future Act, regarding concerns over authority of a Health Care Services Commissions ability to restrict access to life-saving care; regarding concerns over premium price controls that might reduce the ability of insurance to cover expensive life-saving care; and regarding malpractice limits being made applicable to intentional denial of treatment, denied for discriminatory reasons.

Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding the Independent Payment Advisory Boards authority to make recommendations, both in regards to government funded and private insurance, to slow the growth in national health expenditures below the rate of medical inflation. (continued) Oppose the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services or other Federal agencies to impose quality and efficiency measures that may be designed to limit what people spend in health care. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding the authority of CMS to refuse to allow Medicare participants the choice of private-fee-for-service plans, which allow seniors to voluntarily add their own funds on top of the government contribution to obtain a plan less likely to deny care. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding the authority of state health insurance exchanges administrators to limit premiums and plan values that insurers may offer inside and outside of the exchange should the insurer participate, having the effect of limiting what can be charged for health insurance, therefore restricting what people are allowed to pay for medical treatment. Contacts in support of legislation (not introduced) to repeal or revise certain components of Public Law 111-148 regarding shared decisionmaking due to lack of oversight, lack of balance in the materials and decision aids, and lack of safeguards in the creation of disseminating organization, which may lead to discouraging patients from seeking treatment. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding implementation of certain elements of Public Law 111-148 related to the denial of life-saving medical treatments. Contacts in response to inquiries regarding Medicare regulation, CMS-2010-0205-1983, which would provide for end-of-life counseling during annual visits. U.S. House of Representatives only: Contacts in regards to H.R. 4529 (111th Cong.), Roadmap for Americas Future Act, regarding concerns over authority of a Health Care Services Commissions ability to restrict access to life-saving care; regarding concerns over premium price controls that might reduce the ability of insurance to cover expensive life-saving care; and regarding malpractice limits being made applicable to intentional denial of treatment, denied for discriminatory reasons.

Contacts in support of amendments to remove pro-abortion mandates and abortion subsidies from health care reform bills. (continued) Opposed "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (H.R. 3590), as passed by the Senate on December 24, 2009. In the House, advocated multiple revisions to correct pro-abortion provisions, including addition of language similar to the Stupak-Pitts Amendment added by the House to H.R. 3962 on November 7, 2009), to correct provisions that would otherwise allow or require funding of abortion, subsidies for health plans that cover abortion, and/or pro-abortion administrative mandates, such as language found in H. Con. Res. 254. Also contacts in support of the addition of "Hyde-Weldon" provision from H.R. 3962 (Section 259) to H.R. 3590. Contacts to House and Senate offices to explain that revisions proposed on February 22, 2010, by President Obama, would correct none of the abortion-related problems and make some worse. Contacts to House members pointing out that that no executive order could correct the objectionable provisions of the bill. Opposed concurrence in the Senate-passed bill (approved 219-212, March 21, 2010); signed into law March 23, 2010. Provided analysis of revisions needed to H.R. 4529, Roadmap for America's Future Act, to prevent pro-abortion effects. (continued) U.S. Senate Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. U.S. House of Representatives Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. Contacts expressing general concerns about denial of treatment and rationing provisions in H.R. 4529, the "Roadmap for America's Future Act" including the inconsistency in rejection of premium price controls and the clarification that malpractice reform limitations ought not to apply to intentional discriminatory denial of life-preserving treatment.

Contacts in support of H.R. 5111/S. 3723 (popularly known as the "Protect Life Act"), to override authorizations for abortion subsidies created by PL 111-148). Contacts in support of H.R. 5939 (No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act), to establish permanent government-wide prohibition on abortion subsidies, and inclusion of support for H.R. 5939 in agenda for action for the 112th Congress. Contacts on general organizational matters (continued) pertaining to House Energy & Commerce Committee for 112th Congress. Contacts regarding abortion-related policy issues pertaining to H.R. 4529 (Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2010). Contacts regarding legal and policy issues raised by providing of "telemed abortions" by federally funded entities.

Contacts in support of H.R. 5111/S. 3723 (popularly known as the "Protect Life Act"), to override authorizations for abortion subsidies created by PL 111-148). Contacts in support of H.R. 5939 (No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act), to establish permanent government-wide prohibition on abortion subsidies, and inclusion of support for H.R. 5939 in agenda for action for the 112th Congress. Contacts on general organizational matters (continued) pertaining to House Energy & Commerce Committee for 112th Congress. Contacts regarding abortion-related policy issues pertaining to H.R. 4529 (Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2010). Contacts regarding legal and policy issues raised by providing of "telemed abortions" by federally funded entities.

Contacts in support of H.R. 5111/S. 3723 (popularly known as the "Protect Life Act"), to override authorizations for abortion subsidies created by PL 111-148). Contacts in support of H.R. 5939 (No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act), to establish permanent government-wide prohibition on abortion subsidies, and inclusion of support for H.R. 5939 in agenda for action for the 112th Congress. Contacts on general organizational matters (continued) pertaining to House Energy & Commerce Committee for 112th Congress. Contacts regarding abortion-related policy issues pertaining to H.R. 4529 (Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2010). Contacts regarding legal and policy issues raised by providing of "telemed abortions" by federally funded entities.

Contacts in support of amendments to remove pro-abortion mandates and abortion subsidies from health care reform bills. (continued) Opposed "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (H.R. 3590), as passed by the Senate on December 24, 2009. In the House, advocated multiple revisions to correct pro-abortion provisions, including addition of language similar to the Stupak-Pitts Amendment added by the House to H.R. 3962 on November 7, 2009), to correct provisions that would otherwise allow or require funding of abortion, subsidies for health plans that cover abortion, and/or pro-abortion administrative mandates, such as language found in H. Con. Res. 254. Also contacts in support of the addition of "Hyde-Weldon" provision from H.R. 3962 (Section 259) to H.R. 3590. Contacts to House and Senate offices to explain that revisions proposed on February 22, 2010, by President Obama, would correct none of the abortion-related problems and make some worse. Contacts to House members pointing out that that no executive order could correct the objectionable provisions of the bill. Opposed concurrence in the Senate-passed bill (approved 219-212, March 21, 2010); signed into law March 23, 2010. Provided analysis of revisions needed to H.R. 4529, Roadmap for America's Future Act, to prevent pro-abortion effects. (continued) U.S. Senate Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. U.S. House of Representatives Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. Contacts expressing general concerns about denial of treatment and rationing provisions in H.R. 4529, the "Roadmap for America's Future Act" including the inconsistency in rejection of premium price controls and the clarification that malpractice reform limitations ought not to apply to intentional discriminatory denial of life-preserving treatment.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Contacts regarding H.R.3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act disincentives for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, which lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, and which lacks continuing oversight. (continued) SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Opposition to the confirmation of Donald Berwick as the Director of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services due to his views favoring strong government limits on the implementation of lifesaving medical technology, support of price caps, and the expressed view that some individuals ought to be prevented from being able to obtain better health care than others.

Contacts in support of amendments to remove pro-abortion mandates and abortion subsidies from health care reform bills. (continued) Opposed "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (H.R. 3590), as passed by the Senate on December 24, 2009. In the House, advocated multiple revisions to correct pro-abortion provisions, including addition of language similar to the Stupak-Pitts Amendment added by the House to H.R. 3962 on November 7, 2009), to correct provisions that would otherwise allow or require funding of abortion, subsidies for health plans that cover abortion, and/or pro-abortion administrative mandates, such as language found in H. Con. Res. 254. Also contacts in support of the addition of "Hyde-Weldon" provision from H.R. 3962 (Section 259) to H.R. 3590. Contacts to House and Senate offices to explain that revisions proposed on February 22, 2010, by President Obama, would correct none of the abortion-related problems and make some worse. Contacts to House members pointing out that that no executive order could correct the objectionable provisions of the bill. Opposed concurrence in the Senate-passed bill (approved 219-212, March 21, 2010); signed into law March 23, 2010. Provided analysis of revisions needed to H.R. 4529, Roadmap for America's Future Act, to prevent pro-abortion effects. (continued) U.S. Senate Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. U.S. House of Representatives Contacts in effort to oppose measures that could enable the rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in opposition to the Senate provisions wherein Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges are given discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to H.B. 3962s section 3209s grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of concepts from the February 22, 2010 Obama Administration health care proposal which would have imposed premium price controls on private plan and denied senior citizens their current right to add their own money on top of the government Medicare contribution to get health insurance less likely to deny treatment through tightly controlled managed care. Contacts expressing general concerns about denial of treatment and rationing provisions in H.R. 4529, the "Roadmap for America's Future Act" including the inconsistency in rejection of premium price controls and the clarification that malpractice reform limitations ought not to apply to intentional discriminatory denial of life-preserving treatment.

U.S. Senate On the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of the Chairmans mark anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. (continued) Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness style anti-discrimination language to other portions of the mark. Contacts in support of Sen. Kyl amendment D2-125 and Sen. Roberts amendment D1-137 which would eliminate the 5% penalty for Medicare physicians in the top 10% of spending. Contacts in support of Kyl amendment 152 which would allow senior citizens to opt out of Medicare. Contacts to oppose Rockefeller amendments 207, 208, and 210, relating to advance care planning because: contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, lacks continuing oversight and evaluation of created board, lacks protections for portability of advanced directives across states, lacked conscience protections, and made changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts to support Bunning Amendment D3-135 or Bunning Amendment D1-130 to require a Congressional vote in order to implement recommendations of the Medicare Commission. On S.1679, the Affordable Health Choices Act, contacts in support of the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 210 to prohibit the community health insurance option from denying patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 271 to prohibit regulation that preclude plan or issuer from providing payment for a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 272 to prevent denial of care based on patient age, disability, medical dependency or quality of life. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 273 to prohibit regulations that preclude providers from providing or prescribing any treatment or diagnostic procedure that has not been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 274 to prohibit the Exchange from excluding qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 279 which would preserve the option of fee-for-service healthcare. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 280 which would prevent the denial of end of life care and which would prohibit the Exchange from excluding plans that choose not to limit access to therapies and treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 283 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from setting payment rates for items and services that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 284 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to any therapies or treatments that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 285 to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to end of life care by allowing the public option to employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts regarding Sen. Hatch amendment 229 to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support or fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn Amendment 237 that would ensure healthcare providers are not forced to participate in assisted suicide or discriminated against because they choose not to participate in assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn amendment 220 for general conscience protection and protection against discrimination. On S. 1213, The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On S. 1133, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory council of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. On S.1263 Senior Navigation and Planning Act of 2009, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory board of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. Urged continuing oversight and evaluation by created board. Urged changes to provisions regarding portability of advanced directives across states. Urged the inclusion of conscience protections. On Senate 1150 Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2009, urged that a qualified oversight body make recommendations concerning various informational elements of the legislation. Opposed provision that would repeal provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. Sought the inclusion of protective language that would safeguard state modifications when they had adopted the Uniformed Health Care Decisions Act. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. U.S. House of Representatives On H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, contacts in support of language to exclude rationing of health care. Contacts in support of language to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs. Contacts in support of the inclusion of Comparative Effectiveness panel members that represent disability rights organizations as well as represent organizations that advocate for the rights of patients to obtain treatment without regard to the patients quality of life. Contacts in support of prohibiting Commissioner from terminating qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of prohibiting the Commissioner from implementing premium price controls. Contacts to support striking a section that would incent Medicare providers to limit treatment utilization. Contacts to support language that would ensure that neither the Exchange or the public insurance option employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts to support language to ensure that health benefits established as essential not be subject to denial to patients against their wishes on the basis of patients' age or expected length of life or of patients' present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life. Contacts to support language that no health plan or health insurance issuer shall be forced to deny patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health and no plan or issuer shall be prohibited from providing a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe, dangerous, or capable neither of preventing the patient's death nor of preserving or restoring the patient's health. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Executive Office of the President U.S. Senate Contacts in support of introduction of language into the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs.

U.S. Senate On the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of the Chairmans mark anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. (continued) Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness style anti-discrimination language to other portions of the mark. Contacts in support of Sen. Kyl amendment D2-125 and Sen. Roberts amendment D1-137 which would eliminate the 5% penalty for Medicare physicians in the top 10% of spending. Contacts in support of Kyl amendment 152 which would allow senior citizens to opt out of Medicare. Contacts to oppose Rockefeller amendments 207, 208, and 210, relating to advance care planning because: contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, lacks continuing oversight and evaluation of created board, lacks protections for portability of advanced directives across states, lacked conscience protections, and made changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts to support Bunning Amendment D3-135 or Bunning Amendment D1-130 to require a Congressional vote in order to implement recommendations of the Medicare Commission. On S.1679, the Affordable Health Choices Act, contacts in support of the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 210 to prohibit the community health insurance option from denying patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 271 to prohibit regulation that preclude plan or issuer from providing payment for a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 272 to prevent denial of care based on patient age, disability, medical dependency or quality of life. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 273 to prohibit regulations that preclude providers from providing or prescribing any treatment or diagnostic procedure that has not been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 274 to prohibit the Exchange from excluding qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 279 which would preserve the option of fee-for-service healthcare. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 280 which would prevent the denial of end of life care and which would prohibit the Exchange from excluding plans that choose not to limit access to therapies and treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 283 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from setting payment rates for items and services that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 284 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to any therapies or treatments that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 285 to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to end of life care by allowing the public option to employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts regarding Sen. Hatch amendment 229 to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support or fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn Amendment 237 that would ensure healthcare providers are not forced to participate in assisted suicide or discriminated against because they choose not to participate in assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn amendment 220 for general conscience protection and protection against discrimination. On S. 1213, The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On S. 1133, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory council of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. On S.1263 Senior Navigation and Planning Act of 2009, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory board of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. Urged continuing oversight and evaluation by created board. Urged changes to provisions regarding portability of advanced directives across states. Urged the inclusion of conscience protections. On Senate 1150 Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2009, urged that a qualified oversight body make recommendations concerning various informational elements of the legislation. Opposed provision that would repeal provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. Sought the inclusion of protective language that would safeguard state modifications when they had adopted the Uniformed Health Care Decisions Act. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. U.S. House of Representatives On H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, contacts in support of language to exclude rationing of health care. Contacts in support of language to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs. Contacts in support of the inclusion of Comparative Effectiveness panel members that represent disability rights organizations as well as represent organizations that advocate for the rights of patients to obtain treatment without regard to the patients quality of life. Contacts in support of prohibiting Commissioner from terminating qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of prohibiting the Commissioner from implementing premium price controls. Contacts to support striking a section that would incent Medicare providers to limit treatment utilization. Contacts to support language that would ensure that neither the Exchange or the public insurance option employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts to support language to ensure that health benefits established as essential not be subject to denial to patients against their wishes on the basis of patients' age or expected length of life or of patients' present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life. Contacts to support language that no health plan or health insurance issuer shall be forced to deny patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health and no plan or issuer shall be prohibited from providing a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe, dangerous, or capable neither of preventing the patient's death nor of preserving or restoring the patient's health. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Executive Office of the President U.S. Senate Contacts in support of introduction of language into the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs.

U.S. Senate On the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of the Chairmans mark anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. (continued) Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness style anti-discrimination language to other portions of the mark. Contacts in support of Sen. Kyl amendment D2-125 and Sen. Roberts amendment D1-137 which would eliminate the 5% penalty for Medicare physicians in the top 10% of spending. Contacts in support of Kyl amendment 152 which would allow senior citizens to opt out of Medicare. Contacts to oppose Rockefeller amendments 207, 208, and 210, relating to advance care planning because: contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, lacks continuing oversight and evaluation of created board, lacks protections for portability of advanced directives across states, lacked conscience protections, and made changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts to support Bunning Amendment D3-135 or Bunning Amendment D1-130 to require a Congressional vote in order to implement recommendations of the Medicare Commission. On S.1679, the Affordable Health Choices Act, contacts in support of the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 210 to prohibit the community health insurance option from denying patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 271 to prohibit regulation that preclude plan or issuer from providing payment for a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 272 to prevent denial of care based on patient age, disability, medical dependency or quality of life. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 273 to prohibit regulations that preclude providers from providing or prescribing any treatment or diagnostic procedure that has not been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 274 to prohibit the Exchange from excluding qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 279 which would preserve the option of fee-for-service healthcare. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 280 which would prevent the denial of end of life care and which would prohibit the Exchange from excluding plans that choose not to limit access to therapies and treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 283 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from setting payment rates for items and services that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 284 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to any therapies or treatments that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 285 to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to end of life care by allowing the public option to employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts regarding Sen. Hatch amendment 229 to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support or fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn Amendment 237 that would ensure healthcare providers are not forced to participate in assisted suicide or discriminated against because they choose not to participate in assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn amendment 220 for general conscience protection and protection against discrimination. On S. 1213, The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On S. 1133, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory council of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. On S.1263 Senior Navigation and Planning Act of 2009, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory board of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. Urged continuing oversight and evaluation by created board. Urged changes to provisions regarding portability of advanced directives across states. Urged the inclusion of conscience protections. On Senate 1150 Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2009, urged that a qualified oversight body make recommendations concerning various informational elements of the legislation. Opposed provision that would repeal provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. Sought the inclusion of protective language that would safeguard state modifications when they had adopted the Uniformed Health Care Decisions Act. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. U.S. House of Representatives On H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, contacts in support of language to exclude rationing of health care. Contacts in support of language to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs. Contacts in support of the inclusion of Comparative Effectiveness panel members that represent disability rights organizations as well as represent organizations that advocate for the rights of patients to obtain treatment without regard to the patients quality of life. Contacts in support of prohibiting Commissioner from terminating qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of prohibiting the Commissioner from implementing premium price controls. Contacts to support striking a section that would incent Medicare providers to limit treatment utilization. Contacts to support language that would ensure that neither the Exchange or the public insurance option employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts to support language to ensure that health benefits established as essential not be subject to denial to patients against their wishes on the basis of patients' age or expected length of life or of patients' present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life. Contacts to support language that no health plan or health insurance issuer shall be forced to deny patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health and no plan or issuer shall be prohibited from providing a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe, dangerous, or capable neither of preventing the patient's death nor of preserving or restoring the patient's health. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Executive Office of the President U.S. Senate Contacts in support of introduction of language into the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs.

U.S. Senate On the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of the Chairmans mark anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. (continued) Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness style anti-discrimination language to other portions of the mark. Contacts in support of Sen. Kyl amendment D2-125 and Sen. Roberts amendment D1-137 which would eliminate the 5% penalty for Medicare physicians in the top 10% of spending. Contacts in support of Kyl amendment 152 which would allow senior citizens to opt out of Medicare. Contacts to oppose Rockefeller amendments 207, 208, and 210, relating to advance care planning because: contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, lacks continuing oversight and evaluation of created board, lacks protections for portability of advanced directives across states, lacked conscience protections, and made changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts to support Bunning Amendment D3-135 or Bunning Amendment D1-130 to require a Congressional vote in order to implement recommendations of the Medicare Commission. On S.1679, the Affordable Health Choices Act, contacts in support of the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 210 to prohibit the community health insurance option from denying patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 271 to prohibit regulation that preclude plan or issuer from providing payment for a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 272 to prevent denial of care based on patient age, disability, medical dependency or quality of life. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 273 to prohibit regulations that preclude providers from providing or prescribing any treatment or diagnostic procedure that has not been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 274 to prohibit the Exchange from excluding qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 279 which would preserve the option of fee-for-service healthcare. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 280 which would prevent the denial of end of life care and which would prohibit the Exchange from excluding plans that choose not to limit access to therapies and treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 283 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from setting payment rates for items and services that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 284 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to any therapies or treatments that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 285 to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to end of life care by allowing the public option to employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts regarding Sen. Hatch amendment 229 to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support or fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn Amendment 237 that would ensure healthcare providers are not forced to participate in assisted suicide or discriminated against because they choose not to participate in assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn amendment 220 for general conscience protection and protection against discrimination. On S. 1213, The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On S. 1133, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory council of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. On S.1263 Senior Navigation and Planning Act of 2009, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory board of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. Urged continuing oversight and evaluation by created board. Urged changes to provisions regarding portability of advanced directives across states. Urged the inclusion of conscience protections. On Senate 1150 Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2009, urged that a qualified oversight body make recommendations concerning various informational elements of the legislation. Opposed provision that would repeal provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. Sought the inclusion of protective language that would safeguard state modifications when they had adopted the Uniformed Health Care Decisions Act. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. U.S. House of Representatives On H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, contacts in support of language to exclude rationing of health care. Contacts in support of language to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs. Contacts in support of the inclusion of Comparative Effectiveness panel members that represent disability rights organizations as well as represent organizations that advocate for the rights of patients to obtain treatment without regard to the patients quality of life. Contacts in support of prohibiting Commissioner from terminating qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of prohibiting the Commissioner from implementing premium price controls. Contacts to support striking a section that would incent Medicare providers to limit treatment utilization. Contacts to support language that would ensure that neither the Exchange or the public insurance option employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts to support language to ensure that health benefits established as essential not be subject to denial to patients against their wishes on the basis of patients' age or expected length of life or of patients' present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life. Contacts to support language that no health plan or health insurance issuer shall be forced to deny patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health and no plan or issuer shall be prohibited from providing a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe, dangerous, or capable neither of preventing the patient's death nor of preserving or restoring the patient's health. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Executive Office of the President U.S. Senate Contacts in support of introduction of language into the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs.

U.S. Senate On the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of the Chairmans mark anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. (continued) Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness style anti-discrimination language to other portions of the mark. Contacts in support of Sen. Kyl amendment D2-125 and Sen. Roberts amendment D1-137 which would eliminate the 5% penalty for Medicare physicians in the top 10% of spending. Contacts in support of Kyl amendment 152 which would allow senior citizens to opt out of Medicare. Contacts to oppose Rockefeller amendments 207, 208, and 210, relating to advance care planning because: contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, lacks continuing oversight and evaluation of created board, lacks protections for portability of advanced directives across states, lacked conscience protections, and made changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts to support Bunning Amendment D3-135 or Bunning Amendment D1-130 to require a Congressional vote in order to implement recommendations of the Medicare Commission. On S.1679, the Affordable Health Choices Act, contacts in support of the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 210 to prohibit the community health insurance option from denying patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 271 to prohibit regulation that preclude plan or issuer from providing payment for a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 272 to prevent denial of care based on patient age, disability, medical dependency or quality of life. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 273 to prohibit regulations that preclude providers from providing or prescribing any treatment or diagnostic procedure that has not been determined to be unsafe or dangerous. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 274 to prohibit the Exchange from excluding qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 279 which would preserve the option of fee-for-service healthcare. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 280 which would prevent the denial of end of life care and which would prohibit the Exchange from excluding plans that choose not to limit access to therapies and treatment. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 283 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from setting payment rates for items and services that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 284 which would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to any therapies or treatments that are medically necessary. Contacts in support of Enzi Amendment 285 to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from limiting access to end of life care by allowing the public option to employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts regarding Sen. Hatch amendment 229 to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support or fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn Amendment 237 that would ensure healthcare providers are not forced to participate in assisted suicide or discriminated against because they choose not to participate in assisted suicide. Contacts regarding Sen. Coburn amendment 220 for general conscience protection and protection against discrimination. On S. 1213, The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On S. 1133, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory council of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. On S.1263 Senior Navigation and Planning Act of 2009, supported the removal of language which creates an unacceptable disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged the inclusion on advisory board of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. Urged continuing oversight and evaluation by created board. Urged changes to provisions regarding portability of advanced directives across states. Urged the inclusion of conscience protections. On Senate 1150 Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2009, urged that a qualified oversight body make recommendations concerning various informational elements of the legislation. Opposed provision that would repeal provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. Sought the inclusion of protective language that would safeguard state modifications when they had adopted the Uniformed Health Care Decisions Act. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. U.S. House of Representatives On H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, contacts in support of language to exclude rationing of health care. Contacts in support of language to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs. Contacts in support of the inclusion of Comparative Effectiveness panel members that represent disability rights organizations as well as represent organizations that advocate for the rights of patients to obtain treatment without regard to the patients quality of life. Contacts in support of prohibiting Commissioner from terminating qualified plans by: using premium price controls, excluding fee-for-service plans, or requiring plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in support of prohibiting the Commissioner from implementing premium price controls. Contacts to support striking a section that would incent Medicare providers to limit treatment utilization. Contacts to support language that would ensure that neither the Exchange or the public insurance option employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts to support language to ensure that health benefits established as essential not be subject to denial to patients against their wishes on the basis of patients' age or expected length of life or of patients' present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life. Contacts to support language that no health plan or health insurance issuer shall be forced to deny patients medical care needed to prevent their deaths or preserve or restore their health and no plan or issuer shall be prohibited from providing a treatment or diagnostic procedure it chooses to cover, unless such treatment or procedure has been determined to be unsafe, dangerous, or capable neither of preventing the patient's death nor of preserving or restoring the patient's health. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care and support the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Executive Office of the President U.S. Senate Contacts in support of introduction of language into the Senate Finance Committees Chairmans Mark, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, to prevent comparative effectiveness research from being used in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs in ways that discriminatorily deny or limit health care based on age, present or predicted disability, or expected length of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs.

U.S. Senate: On the Senate Finance Committees Bill, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. (continued) Contacts in support of the anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness anti-discrimination language to other places of the mark where the Secretary is given authority to determine quality. Contacts in support of Sen. Kyl amendment D2-125. Contacts to oppose Rockefeller amendments 207, 208, and 210, relating to advance care planning because: contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, lacks continuing oversight and evaluation of created board, lacks protections for portability of advanced directives across states, lacked conscience protections, and made changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts in support of conscience protection that does not extend to protecting providers against denial of medical care to an individual because of the individuals age, disability, or other characteristic. On the process of merging S.1679, the Affordable Health Choices Act, with the Senate Finance Committees Bill, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of elimination of 5% penalty for top 10% of Medicare outliers. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of Advance Care planning which contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, and lacks continuing oversight. Contacts in opposition to inclusion of language which would preclude providers from providing or prescribing any treatment or diagnostic procedure. Contacts to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support or fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness anti-discrimination language to other places of the mark where the Secretary is given authority to determine quality. On "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (substitute amendment to H.R. 3590), contacts in opposition to Senator Rockefeller, Lieberman, and Whitehouse Amendment 3240 which would empower the Independent Medicare Advisory Board to recommend, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose, requirements for insurance plans in the exchanges that would have the effect of limiting Americans right to spend their own money, if they choose, to save their own lives. Contacts in opposition to Shared Decisionmaking, Section 3506, due to lack of safeguards against pressure to reject costly life-saving treatment. Opposed cloture due to: 1)The Independent Payment Advisory Boards authority to make cuts in Medicare and charge to make recommendations to limit non-federal health expenditures thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. 2) The Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. 3) Section 3209 grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. 4) Multiple provisions in the bill which could be used to establish quality and efficiency standards that would result in the denial of lifesaving medical care based upon degree of disability, age, or quality of life. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. U.S. House of Representatives: On H.R. 3962, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, contacts in support of language to exclude rationing of health care. Contacts in opposition to the Commissioners of the Health Insurance Exchanges discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums, exclude fee-for-service plans, or require plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in opposition to the grant of discretion to CMS to deny those in Medicare the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high, or by imposing Section 1165s local requirements, thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts to support language that would ensure that neither the Exchange or the public insurance option employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts in opposition to Section 2401 which creates a Center for Quality Improvement which is to promote best practices in health care where quality-adjusted life year measures or any other methodologies that can be used to deny benefits to a beneficiary against the beneficiarys wishes on the basis of the beneficiarys age, life expectancy, present or predicted disability, or expected quality of life may be used in several of its duties. Contacts in opposition to Section 1401, which creates a Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research (continued) and 1159's provisions commissioning the Institute of Medicine to develop new Medicare reimbursement standards to create incentives for high value care which do not protect against discrimination based on age, life expectancy, present or predicted disability, or expected quality of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs. Contacts in support of the inclusion of Comparative Effectiveness panel members that represent disability rights organizations as well as represent organizations that advocate for the rights of patients to obtain treatment without regard to the patients quality of life. Contacts in opposition to Section 1233 advance care planning provisions that could be used to encourage Medicare patients to accept the denial of treatment as a means of cost control, and despite apparent prohibitions, could include assisted suicide. Contacts in opposition to Section 240 which requires health insurers participating in the exchange to provide beneficiaries with the option to establish advance directives and disseminate imbalanced information about end-of-life planning. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing.

On Senator Max Baucuss Call to Action: Health Reform 2009 [commonly known as the Baucus White Paper on Health Reform], opposed rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. (continued) On the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Chairmans Mark titled, Affordable Health Choices Act, Opposed rationing of health care. Supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Urged that the secretary be precluded from rejecting plans based on: their having a fee-for service structure, or by imposing premium price controls, or by placing treatment limits. Urged against the incentivizing the denial of treatments deemed to be cost-ineffective on quality of life grounds. Urged against reimbursement methods which give broad authority to the Secretary to prohibit reimbursement to providers on safe treatments or procedures they wish to prescribe. Urged the support of Sen. Enzi amendments, 7 and 8, which would prohibit use of comparative effectiveness research to ration healthcare based on the governments assessment of whether elderly, disabled or medically dependent individuals merit treatment by preventing treatment denial. On potential Finance Committee Health Care legislation, opposed rationing of health care. Supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Urged that there be a prohibition of any standard that discounts the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life. Urged that provisions be added to Comparative Effectiveness elements of any bill that would ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On the Healthy Americans Act (S. 391), opposed rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Discussions generally on potential health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. On the tri-committee House draft, H. R. __, titled To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes, opposed rationing of health care. Supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. Urged that the secretary be precluded from rejecting plans based on: their having a fee-for service structure, or by imposing premium price controls, or by placing treatment limits. Urged that there be a prohibition of any standard that discounts the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life. Urged the removal of elements that incentivize denial of treatment. Urged against the incentivizing the denial of treatments deemed to be cost-ineffective on quality of life grounds. Urged against reimbursement methods which give broad authority to the Secretary to prohibit reimbursement to providers on safe treatments or procedures they wish to prescribe. Urged that provisions be added to Comparative Effectiveness elements of any bill that would ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. Discussion generally on potential Comparative Effectiveness elements of health reform bills, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On Senate 1213, The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act of 2009, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patients competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On Senate 1133, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act, supported the removal of language which creates an disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged for the inclusion of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. (continued) On Senate 1263 Senior Navigation and Planning Act of 2009, supported the removal of language which creates a disincentive for balanced counseling and assistance that genuinely attempts to elucidate patients values and preferences, and an incentive to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment. Urged for the inclusion of representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life. Urged for continuing oversight and evaluation of created board. Urged for changes to provisions regarding portability of advanced directives across states. Urged for the inclusion of conscience protections. On Senate 1150 Advance Planning and Compassionate Care Act of 2009, urged for a qualified oversight body to make recommendations concerning various informational elements of the legislation. Strongly opposed provisions that would repeal provisions of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act. Sought the inclusion of protective language that would safeguard state modifications when a state had adopted the Uniformed Health Care Decisions Act.

On Senator Max Baucus's "Call to Action: Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as the "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S. 391), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. (continued) On American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1), answered inquiries to provide assurances we were not opposing the bill. Attempted to discourage the use of phrases in Title XXX - HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND QUALITY, Sec. 3001: "inappropriate care", "reducing health disparities" in order to alleviate the potential for "quality of life" judgments. Discussions generally on potential "Comparative Effectiveness" legislation, regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. Discussions regarding a possible federal bill to create a national registry for advanced directives (no such legislation introduced).

U.S. Senate: On the Senate Finance Committees Bill, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. (continued) Contacts in support of the anti-discrimination language as it related to Comparative Effectiveness Research. Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness anti-discrimination language to other places of the mark where the Secretary is given authority to determine quality. Contacts in support of Sen. Kyl amendment D2-125. Contacts to oppose Rockefeller amendments 207, 208, and 210, relating to advance care planning because: contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, lacks continuing oversight and evaluation of created board, lacks protections for portability of advanced directives across states, lacked conscience protections, and made changes to Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997. Contacts in support of conscience protection that does not extend to protecting providers against denial of medical care to an individual because of the individuals age, disability, or other characteristic. On the process of merging S.1679, the Affordable Health Choices Act, with the Senate Finance Committees Bill, Americas Healthy Future Act of 2009, contacts in support of elimination of 5% penalty for top 10% of Medicare outliers. Contacts in opposition to the inclusion of Advance Care planning which contains disincentive for balanced counseling and incentives to steer them toward rejection of treatment, including life-preserving treatment, lacks representatives of disability rights groups and groups who advocate for treatment without regard to patients quality of life, and lacks continuing oversight. Contacts in opposition to inclusion of language which would preclude providers from providing or prescribing any treatment or diagnostic procedure. Contacts to ensure that taxpayer funds do not support or fund physician assisted suicide. Contacts in support of extending the comparative effectiveness anti-discrimination language to other places of the mark where the Secretary is given authority to determine quality. On "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (substitute amendment to H.R. 3590), contacts in opposition to Senator Rockefeller, Lieberman, and Whitehouse Amendment 3240 which would empower the Independent Medicare Advisory Board to recommend, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose, requirements for insurance plans in the exchanges that would have the effect of limiting Americans right to spend their own money, if they choose, to save their own lives. Contacts in opposition to Shared Decisionmaking, Section 3506, due to lack of safeguards against pressure to reject costly life-saving treatment. Opposed cloture due to: 1)The Independent Payment Advisory Boards authority to make cuts in Medicare and charge to make recommendations to limit non-federal health expenditures thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. 2) The Commissioners of the State Health Insurance Exchanges discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums under Section 1003 thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. 3) Section 3209 grant of discretion to CMS to deny older Americans the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. 4) Multiple provisions in the bill which could be used to establish quality and efficiency standards that would result in the denial of lifesaving medical care based upon degree of disability, age, or quality of life. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing. U.S. House of Representatives: On H.R. 3962, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, contacts in support of language to exclude rationing of health care. Contacts in opposition to the Commissioners of the Health Insurance Exchanges discretion to impose price controls on insurance premiums, exclude fee-for-service plans, or require plans to deny policyholders life-saving medical treatment. Contacts in opposition to the grant of discretion to CMS to deny those in Medicare the choice of plans whose premiums CMS deems too high, or by imposing Section 1165s local requirements, thus limiting access to plans able to provide unrationed care. Contacts to support language that would ensure that neither the Exchange or the public insurance option employ a pattern or practice of discrimination based on the age, disability or purported "quality of life" of the patient. Contacts in opposition to Section 2401 which creates a Center for Quality Improvement which is to promote best practices in health care where quality-adjusted life year measures or any other methodologies that can be used to deny benefits to a beneficiary against the beneficiarys wishes on the basis of the beneficiarys age, life expectancy, present or predicted disability, or expected quality of life may be used in several of its duties. Contacts in opposition to Section 1401, which creates a Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research (continued) and 1159's provisions commissioning the Institute of Medicine to develop new Medicare reimbursement standards to create incentives for high value care which do not protect against discrimination based on age, life expectancy, present or predicted disability, or expected quality of life. Contacts in support of prohibition of using quality adjusted life years (or other standards that discount the value of a period of life based on the patients present or predicted disability or quality of life) being employed in making coverage decisions, determining reimbursement rates, or establishing incentive programs. Contacts in support of the inclusion of Comparative Effectiveness panel members that represent disability rights organizations as well as represent organizations that advocate for the rights of patients to obtain treatment without regard to the patients quality of life. Contacts in opposition to Section 1233 advance care planning provisions that could be used to encourage Medicare patients to accept the denial of treatment as a means of cost control, and despite apparent prohibitions, could include assisted suicide. Contacts in opposition to Section 240 which requires health insurers participating in the exchange to provide beneficiaries with the option to establish advance directives and disseminate imbalanced information about end-of-life planning. On health care reform generally, contacts in effort to oppose rationing of health care, supported the addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing.

On contemplated legislation restructuring Medicare Advantage, opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and possible revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. Analysis of National Health Care Decisions Day (SJ Res. 29, HJ Res. 77). (continued) On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program: In the House of Representatives, analysis and opposition to Lantos drafts of January 18 and January 31, 2008. Analysis and opposition to anticipated pro-abortion amendments to successor bill HR 5501 (Berman-Ros-Lehtinen); such amendments were not offered in the House. In the Senate, analysis and opposition on Biden draft legislation, opposition to Boxer Amendment to Biden draft (not offered), lobbying in support of inclusion of elements of House-passed bill into final Senate bill. Supported Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). On legislation (HR 1424) to establish certain parity requirements for mental health treatment benefits, provided analysis regarding possible abortion-related implications (took no position on House passage of bill); subsequent contacts regarding treatment of abortion-related concerns in possible conference with narrower Senate-passed bill (S. 558).

Supported Discharge Petition No. 3 on HR 2905, to prohibit reimposition of so-called "Fairness Doctrine." Supported HR 618, responded to inquiries regarding legal effects of HR 1094, HR 2597. Supported civil rights of medically dependent and disabled, and related legal principles.

Supported Discharge Petition No. 3 on HR 2905, to prohibit reimposition of so-called "Fairness Doctrine." Supported HR 618, responded to inquiries regarding legal effects of HR 1094, HR 2597. Supported civil rights of medically dependent and disabled, and related legal principles.

Supported Discharge Petition No. 3 on HR 2905, to prohibit reimposition of so-called "Fairness Doctrine." Supported HR 618, responded to inquiries regarding legal effects of HR 1094, HR 2597. Supported civil rights of medically dependent and disabled, and related legal principles.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act. Provided analysis of H.R. 6357, medical records legislation; opposed possible Markey Amendment unless revised (but Markey Amendment was not offered at mark up), no position on bill as reported by Energy & Commerce Committee.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. (continued) On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House on April 2, 2008, but opposed some provisions of S. 2731 as approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and urged revisions to inhibit exploitation of the program by abortion-promoting groups.

On contemplated legislation restructuring Medicare Advantage, opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and possible revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. Analysis of National Health Care Decisions Day (SJ Res. 29, HJ Res. 77). (continued) On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program: In the House of Representatives, analysis and opposition to Lantos drafts of January 18 and January 31, 2008. Analysis and opposition to anticipated pro-abortion amendments to successor bill HR 5501 (Berman-Ros-Lehtinen); such amendments were not offered in the House. In the Senate, analysis and opposition on Biden draft legislation, opposition to Boxer Amendment to Biden draft (not offered), lobbying in support of inclusion of elements of House-passed bill into final Senate bill. Supported Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). On legislation (HR 1424) to establish certain parity requirements for mental health treatment benefits, provided analysis regarding possible abortion-related implications (took no position on House passage of bill); subsequent contacts regarding treatment of abortion-related concerns in possible conference with narrower Senate-passed bill (S. 558).

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Senator Max Baucus's "Call to Action[:] Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On Comprehensive Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 (S. 3408), regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act.

Supported Discharge Petition No. 3 on HR 2905, to prohibit reimposition of so-called "Fairness Doctrine." Supported HR 618, responded to inquiries regarding legal effects of HR 1094, HR 2597. Supported civil rights of medically dependent and disabled, and related legal principles.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. (continued) On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. (continued) We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. (continued) On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House on April 2, 2008, but opposed some provisions of S. 2731 as approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and urged revisions to inhibit exploitation of the program by abortion-promoting groups.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Senator Max Baucus's "Call to Action[:] Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On Comprehensive Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 (S. 3408), regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act. Provided analysis of H.R. 6357, medical records legislation; opposed possible Markey Amendment unless revised (but Markey Amendment was not offered at mark up), no position on bill as reported by Energy & Commerce Committee.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Senator Max Baucus' "Call to Action [:] Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S> 334), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates (continued) and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 [S. 3408), ation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act. Provided analysis of H.R. 6357, medical records legislation; opposed possible Markey Amendment unless revised (but Markey Amendment was not offered at mark up), no position on bill as reported by Energy & Commerce Committee.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Senator Max Baucus's "Call to Action[:] Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On Comprehensive Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 (S. 3408), regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act. Provided analysis of H.R. 6357, medical records legislation; opposed possible Markey Amendment unless revised (but Markey Amendment was not offered at mark up), no position on bill as reported by Energy & Commerce Committee.

On contemplated legislation restructuring Medicare Advantage, opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and possible revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. Analysis of National Health Care Decisions Day (SJ Res. 29, HJ Res. 77). (continued) On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program: In the House of Representatives, analysis and opposition to Lantos drafts of January 18 and January 31, 2008. Analysis and opposition to anticipated pro-abortion amendments to successor bill HR 5501 (Berman-Ros-Lehtinen); such amendments were not offered in the House. In the Senate, analysis and opposition on Biden draft legislation, opposition to Boxer Amendment to Biden draft (not offered), lobbying in support of inclusion of elements of House-passed bill into final Senate bill. Supported Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). On legislation (HR 1424) to establish certain parity requirements for mental health treatment benefits, provided analysis regarding possible abortion-related implications (took no position on House passage of bill); subsequent contacts regarding treatment of abortion-related concerns in possible conference with narrower Senate-passed bill (S. 558).

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. (continued) On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House on April 2, 2008, but opposed some provisions of S. 2731 as approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and urged revisions to inhibit exploitation of the program by abortion-promoting groups.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. (continued) We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. (continued) On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House on April 2, 2008, but opposed some provisions of S. 2731 as approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and urged revisions to inhibit exploitation of the program by abortion-promoting groups.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. (continued) We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Senator Max Baucus's "Call to Action[:] Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On Comprehensive Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 (S. 3408), regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act.

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act. Provided analysis of H.R. 6357, medical records legislation; opposed possible Markey Amendment unless revised (but Markey Amendment was not offered at mark up), no position on bill as reported by Energy & Commerce Committee.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (S. 3101), opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing the private fee-for-service option. We worked to modify Section 163s provision relating to quality reporting to make it feasible for private fee-for-service plans. (continued) On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition. On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House on April 2, 2008, but opposed some provisions of S. 2731 as approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and urged revisions to inhibit exploitation of the program by abortion-promoting groups.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. (continued) On contemplated legislation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. On potential legislation to require the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs in Medicare, explained our opposition.

On contemplated legislation restructuring Medicare Advantage, opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and possible revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. Analysis of National Health Care Decisions Day (SJ Res. 29, HJ Res. 77). (continued) On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program: In the House of Representatives, analysis and opposition to Lantos drafts of January 18 and January 31, 2008. Analysis and opposition to anticipated pro-abortion amendments to successor bill HR 5501 (Berman-Ros-Lehtinen); such amendments were not offered in the House. In the Senate, analysis and opposition on Biden draft legislation, opposition to Boxer Amendment to Biden draft (not offered), lobbying in support of inclusion of elements of House-passed bill into final Senate bill. Supported Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). On legislation (HR 1424) to establish certain parity requirements for mental health treatment benefits, provided analysis regarding possible abortion-related implications (took no position on House passage of bill); subsequent contacts regarding treatment of abortion-related concerns in possible conference with narrower Senate-passed bill (S. 558).

On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program, provided analysis of various provisions and contemplated amendments; did not oppose HR 5501 as passed by the House or as ultimately amended by the Senate. On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. (continued) On Senator Max Baucus's "Call to Action[:] Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On Comprehensive Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 (S. 3408), regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes. Support for S. 1810, Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Act.

On Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), Section 162, answered inquiries to provide assurance we were not opposing the bill. On Senator Max Baucus' "Call to Action [:] Health Reform 2009" [commonly known as "Baucus White Paper on Health Reform"], Healthy Americans Act (S> 334), and health care reform generally, opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates (continued) and revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. On Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 [S. 3408), ation regarding comparative effectiveness standards in Medicare, worked to ensure that patient's competence, age, expected length of life, present or predicted disability, degree of medical dependency, or quality of life will not be used as the basis for denial of Medicare benefits to patients against their wishes.

On contemplated legislation restructuring Medicare Advantage, opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and possible revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. Analysis of National Health Care Decisions Day (SJ Res. 29, HJ Res. 77). (continued) On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program: In the House of Representatives, analysis and opposition to Lantos drafts of January 18 and January 31, 2008. Analysis and opposition to anticipated pro-abortion amendments to successor bill HR 5501 (Berman-Ros-Lehtinen); such amendments were not offered in the House. In the Senate, analysis and opposition on Biden draft legislation, opposition to Boxer Amendment to Biden draft (not offered), lobbying in support of inclusion of elements of House-passed bill into final Senate bill. Supported Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). On legislation (HR 1424) to establish certain parity requirements for mental health treatment benefits, provided analysis regarding possible abortion-related implications (took no position on House passage of bill); subsequent contacts regarding treatment of abortion-related concerns in possible conference with narrower Senate-passed bill (S. 558).

On contemplated legislation restructuring Medicare Advantage, opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and possible revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. Analysis of National Health Care Decisions Day (SJ Res. 29, HJ Res. 77). (continued) On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program: In the House of Representatives, analysis and opposition to Lantos drafts of January 18 and January 31, 2008. Analysis and opposition to anticipated pro-abortion amendments to successor bill HR 5501 (Berman-Ros-Lehtinen); such amendments were not offered in the House. In the Senate, analysis and opposition on Biden draft legislation, opposition to Boxer Amendment to Biden draft (not offered), lobbying in support of inclusion of elements of House-passed bill into final Senate bill. Supported Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). On legislation (HR 1424) to establish certain parity requirements for mental health treatment benefits, provided analysis regarding possible abortion-related implications (took no position on House passage of bill); subsequent contacts regarding treatment of abortion-related concerns in possible conference with narrower Senate-passed bill (S. 558).

On contemplated legislation restructuring Medicare Advantage, opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option. On Healthy Americans Act (S. 334), opposed rationing of health care, supported addition of variable withhold financing method to avoid rationing, analysis of abortion mandates and possible revisions to avoid enactment of abortion mandates. Analysis of National Health Care Decisions Day (SJ Res. 29, HJ Res. 77). (continued) On legislation to reauthorize "global AIDS" (PEPFAR) program: In the House of Representatives, analysis and opposition to Lantos drafts of January 18 and January 31, 2008. Analysis and opposition to anticipated pro-abortion amendments to successor bill HR 5501 (Berman-Ros-Lehtinen); such amendments were not offered in the House. In the Senate, analysis and opposition on Biden draft legislation, opposition to Boxer Amendment to Biden draft (not offered), lobbying in support of inclusion of elements of House-passed bill into final Senate bill. Supported Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). On legislation (HR 1424) to establish certain parity requirements for mental health treatment benefits, provided analysis regarding possible abortion-related implications (took no position on House passage of bill); subsequent contacts regarding treatment of abortion-related concerns in possible conference with narrower Senate-passed bill (S. 558).

Supported HR 1063 (Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act), S. 2075 (Ultrasound Informed Consent Act). Supported S. 356 and HR 3442 (Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act). Supported S. 350 (Abortion Non-Discrimination Act). Supported veto and sustaining of veto of any bill that weakens any existing pro-life policy. Opposed S. 1173, HR 1964 ("Freedom of Choice Act"). Advised re: abortion-related (cont.)

Supported HR 1063 (Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act). Advisory discussions re: legislation consistent with Supreme Court ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart. Supported for the civil rights of medically dependent and disabled persons, and related legal principles. Advisory discussions regarding amendments or potential amendments to HR 137, S. 261 (Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act)(took no position on the bill).

legislation consistent with Supreme Court ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart. Supported HR 457 (to promote research into post-abortion depression, etc.), and supported proposal to add comparable provisions to HR 20. Supported HR 223 (Informed Choice Act), and advised re: formulation of additional ultrasound-related legislation. Supported HR 1063 (Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act), S. 356 and HR 3442 (Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act). Supported S. 350 (Abortion Non-Discrimination Act). Supported S. 351 (Title X reform). Supported veto and sustaining of veto of any bill that weakens any existing pro-life policy. Opposed S. 1173, HR 1964 ("Freedom of Choice Act"). Advised re: abortion-related (cont.)

Supported HR 1063 (Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act). Advisory discussions re: legislation consistent with Supreme Court ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart. Supported the civil rights of medically dependent and disabled persons, and related legal principles. Supported Coleman Amendment (Innocent Child Protection Amendment) to HR 1585 and HR 2669.

legislation consistent with Supreme Court ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart. Supported HR 457 (to promote research into post-abortion depression, etc.), and supported proposal to add comparable provisions to HR 20. Supported HR 223 (Informed Choice Act), and advised re: formulation of additional ultrasound-related legislation. Supported HR 1063 (Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act), S. 356 and HR 3442 (Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act). Supported S. 350 (Abortion Non-Discrimination Act). Supported S. 351 (Title X reform). Supported veto and sustaining of veto of any bill that weakens any existing pro-life policy. Opposed S. 1173, HR 1964 ("Freedom of Choice Act"). Advised re: abortion-related (cont.)

Supported HR 1063 (Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act). Advisory discussions re: legislation consistent with Supreme Court ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart. Supported for the civil rights of medically dependent and disabled persons, and related legal principles. Advisory discussions regarding amendments or potential amendments to HR 137, S. 261 (Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act)(took no position on the bill).

On SCHIP reauthorization (HR 3162, Senate Finance Committee substitute to HR 976, other substitutes): (1) opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option; (2) supported codification of regulation allowing states to cover "unborn child." Responded to inquiries on HR 1074 (Ryan-DeLauro); opposed language undermining SCHIP "unborn child" rule and certain other provisions. Technical discussion of HR 211 provisions. Opposed S. 3/HR 4 due to provisions imposing price controls (cont.) that would limit access to and discourage the development of innovative life-saving medicines.

On SCHIP reauthorization (HR 3162, Senate Finance Committee substitute to HR 976, other substitutes): (1) opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option; (2) supported codification of regulation allowing states to cover "unborn child." Responded to inquiries on HR 1074 (Ryan-DeLauro); opposed language undermining SCHIP "unborn child" rule and certain other provisions. Technical discussion of HR 211 provisions. Opposed S. 3/HR 4 due to provisions imposing price controls (cont.) that would limit access to and discourage the development of innovative life-saving medicines.

On SCHIP reauthorization bills (HR 976, HR 3162, HR 3963, S. 2499) and related drafts, substitutes, and amendments: (1) opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option; and (2) supported codification of regulation allowing states to cover "unborn child" (Allard Amendment No. 2535, Pitts Amendment). Responded to inquiries on HR 1074 (Ryan-DeLauro); opposed language undermining SCHIP "unborn child" rule and certain other provisions.

On SCHIP reauthorization bills (HR 976, HR 3162, HR 3963, S. 2499) and related drafts, substitutes, and amendments: (1) opposed rationing of Medicare through curtailing private fee-for-service option; and (2) supported codification of regulation allowing states to cover "unborn child" (Allard Amendment No. 2535, Pitts Amendment). Responded to inquiries on HR 1074 (Ryan-DeLauro); opposed language undermining SCHIP "unborn child" rule and certain other provisions. Analysis (continued)

Supproted HR 1088, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Students Act.

Supported HR 1088 and S. 915, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act.

Supproted HR 1088, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Students Act.

Opposed proposals to place restrictions on communications to the public about events in Congress; supported Bennett Amendment to S. 1; opposed H.R. 2093 (Meeehan-Shays) and Meehan Amendment to H.R. 2316. Opposed proposals to amend H.R. 2316/S.1 to require reporting of donors/members. Opposed H.R. 984, "Executive Branch Reform Act," a proposal to require reporting into government database of communications from the public to political appointees. (continued) Supported Broadcaster Freedom Act (HR. 2905, S. 1742), and Pence Amendment to H.R. 2829, to prohibit enforcement of "Fairness Doctrine." Regarding Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (HR 493), supported revisions to prevent discrimination against unborn children and adoptive families. Supported HR 618. Responded to inquiries regarding HR 1094.

Opposed proposals to place restrictions on communications to the public about events in Congress; supported Bennett Amendment to S. 1; opposed H.R. 2093 (Meeehan-Shays) and Meehan Amendment to H.R. 2316. Opposed proposals to amend H.R. 2316/S.1 to require reporting of donors/members. Opposed H.R. 984, "Executive Branch Reform Act," a proposal to require reporting into government database of communications from the public to political appointees. (continued) Supported Broadcaster Freedom Act (HR. 2905, S. 1742), and Pence Amendment to H.R. 2829, to prohibit enforcement of "Fairness Doctrine." Regarding Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (HR 493), supported revisions to prevent discrimination against unborn children and adoptive families. Supported HR 618. Responded to inquiries regarding HR 1094.

Supported Vitter Amendment to S. 1200 and Pitts Amendment to HR 1328, Indian health reauthorization bills, to codify prohibition on coverage of abortion in federal Indian health programs (except in cases of life of the mother, rape, and incest).

Supported prohibition on funding of abortion by D.C. city government in HR 2829 (Financial Services Appropriations bill), and opposed HR 733, a bill that would nullify this limitation amendment, unless revised by adoption of Jordan Amendment to H.R. 733. Discussion of constitutional implications of HR 1433 and S. 1257 (granting voting status to non-State federal enclave).

Supported civil rights of medically dependent and disabled, and related legal principles. Opposed proposals to place restrictions on communications to the public about events in Congress; supported Bennett Amendment to S. 1; opposed H.R. 2093 (Meehan-Shays) and Meehan Amendment to H.R. 2316. Opposed proposals to amend H.R. 2316/S.1 to require reporting of donors/members. (continued) Opposed HR 984, "Executive Branch Reform Act," a proposal to require reporting into government database of communications from the public to political appointees. Supported Broadcaster Freedom Act (HR 2905, S. 1742), and Pence Amendment to H.R. 2829, to prohibit enforcement of "Fairness Doctrine." Offered technical comments regarding HR 170. Opposed HR 733 (DC budget autonomy) unless revised with Jordan Amendment to bar funding of abortion. Discussed constitutional implications of HR 1433/S. 1257, purporting to grant voting status to non-State federal enclave.

Supported civil rights of medically dependent and disabled, and related legal principles. Opposed proposals to place restrictions on communications to the public about events in Congress; supported Bennett Amendment to S. 1; opposed H.R. 2093 (Meehan-Shays) and Meehan Amendment to H.R. 2316. Opposed proposals to amend H.R. 2316/S.1 to require reporting of donors/members. (continued) Opposed HR 984, "Executive Branch Reform Act," a proposal to require reporting into government database of communications from the public to political appointees. Supported Broadcaster Freedom Act (HR 2905, S. 1742), and Pence Amendment to H.R. 2829, to prohibit enforcement of "Fairness Doctrine." Offered technical comments regarding HR 170. Opposed HR 733 (DC budget autonomy) unless revised with Jordan Amendment to bar funding of abortion. Discussed constitutional implications of HR 1433/S. 1257, purporting to grant voting status to non-State federal enclave.

Supported prohibition on funding of abortion by D.C. city government in HR 2829 (Financial Services Appropriations bill), and opposed HR 733, a bill that would nullify this limitation amendment, unless revised by adoption of Jordan Amendment to HR 733. Discussion of constitutional implications of HR 1433 and S. 1257 (granting voting status to non-State federal enclave) and possible amendments thereto relating to abortion funding policy.

Supported prohibition on funding of abortion by D.C. city government in HR 2829 (Financial Services Appropriations bill), and opposed HR 733, a bill that would nullify this limitation amendment, unless revised by adoption of Jordan Amendment to H.R. 733. Discussion of constitutional implications of HR 1433 and S. 1257 (granting voting status to non-State federal enclave).