Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that restructures the current Medicare program and provides other medical reforms.

Highlights:

• Allows individuals to choose between the traditional "fee-for-service" program or the MedicarePlus program, which may be either a medical savings account (MSA) or a plan through the MedicarePlus organization.

• Defines a MedicarePlus MSA as a tax-exempt trust designed exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified medical expenses of the account holder.

• Increases Medicare part B premiums for individuals earning over $75,000 per year and couples earning over $125,000 per year.

• Sets a statute of limitations for health care liability actions of 2 years from the date the alleged injury was discovered, or up to 5 years from the date the alleged injury occurred.

• Limits non-economic damages to $25,000 and limits punitive damages to either 3 times the economic liability losses, or $250,000, whichever is greater.

• Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include all organizations that own and operate a hospital as tax-exempt.

• Allows pay per visit home health services under Medicare.

• Establishes the Commission on the Effect of the Baby Boom Generation on the Medicare Program.

• Imposes a punishment of up to 20 years in prison, a fine, or both for individuals who defraud, or attempt to defraud any health care benefit program.

• $15.8 billion to the newly-created Teaching Hospital and Graduate Medical Education Trust Fund for fiscal years 1997 - 2002.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text