Federal Legislation to Watch in the 113th Congress

The bills below are pieces of legislation introduced in the 113th Congress that affect senior living providers.

 

Fostering Independence Through Technology Act of 2013

(S596) If passed, the Fostering Independence Through Technology Act of 2013 would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement remote monitoring pilot projects within Medicare to provide incentives to home health agencies to use home monitoring and communications technologies.

Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education for Alzheimer's Act

(HR1507/S709) If passed, the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education for Alzheimer's Act would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia diagnosis and services in order to improve care and outcomes for Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias by improving detection, diagnosis, and care planning.

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2013

(S569/HR1179) If passed, the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2013 would allow observation stays to be counted as part of the 3-day mandatory inpatient stay, which is required for Medicare to cover rehabilitation costs post-hospital visit.

Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2013

(HR713/S367) If passed, the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2013 would amend title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the caps on Medicare outpatient rehabilitation physical therapy services.

Preventing Greater Uncertainty in Labor-Management Relations Act

(HR1120) If passed, the Preventing Greater Uncertainty in Labor-Management Relations Act would prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from taking any action that requires a quorum of the members until all members of the board are confirmed by the Senate.

Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act

(HR1517) If passed, the Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act would amend titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Social Security Surplus Protection Account in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund to hold the Social Security surplus and a Medicare Surplus Protection Account in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to hold the Medicare surplus.

To Provide For The Issuance Of An Alzheimer's Disease Research Semipostal Stamp

(HR1508) If passed, HR1508 would afford a convenient way for members of the public to contribute to funding for medical research relating to Alzheimer's disease through a semipostal stamp.

Veterans Pension Protection Act

(S748) If passed, the Veterans Pension Protection Act would amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consider resources that were recently disposed of for less than fair market value when determining the eligibility of individuals for pensions.

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013

(S47 - Became Public Law No: 113-4) The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 provides grants to assist in the detection and prosecution of elder abuse as well as the improvement of services for victims of elder abuse.