Medicare Venipuncture Assessment Act of 1998
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (28 Jan 1998): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
What this bill does
This bill would create an 18-month pause on a Medicare rule that stopped payments for home health services if the only service provided was drawing blood. During this pause, Medicare would continue to cover these specific venipuncture services.
The legislation affects Medicare beneficiaries who receive home health services, particularly those whose only qualifying service is having their blood drawn. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the provision of venipuncture as a home health service. The study would examine costs, instances of venipuncture as the sole service versus when it's combined with other services, and potential impacts on beneficiaries and states if these services are not covered.
This bill was introduced in the Senate in January 1998 and was referred to the Committee on Finance. The Committee would review the bill, and if it moves forward, it would require approval from both the Senate and the House of Representatives before being sent to the President to be signed into law. The bill also mandates a report to Congress on the study findings within one year of enactment.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Medicare Venipuncture Assessment Act of 1998 - Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to place an 18-month moratorium on the prohibition against payment for home health services consisting of venipuncture solely for purposes of obtaining a blood sample. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress with respect to the provision of home health services consisting of venipuncture under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the report on the definition of homebound to include specific legislative recommendations to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse (if any) in the determination of whether an individual is homebound without jeopardizing the Medicare services provided to beneficiaries with serious medical conditions.
Timeline
28 Jan 1998
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Common questions
- What does S. 1580 do?
- This bill would create an 18-month pause on a Medicare rule that stopped payments for home health services if the only service provided was drawing blood. During this pause, Medicare would continue to cover these specific venipuncture services. The legislation affects Medicare beneficiaries who receive home health services, particularly those whose only qualifying service is having their blood drawn. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the provision of venipuncture as a home health service. The study would examine costs, instances of venipuncture as the sole service versus when it's combined with other services, and potential impacts on beneficiaries and states if these services are not covered. This bill was introduced in the Senate in January 1998 and was referred to the Committee on Finance. The Committee would review the bill, and if it moves forward, it would require approval from both the Senate and the House of Representatives before being sent to the President to be signed into law. The bill also mandates a report to Congress on the study findings within one year of enactment.
- Has S. 1580 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1580. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1580?
- S. 1580 was sponsored by Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [R-AL] (R-AL), with 17 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1580?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (28 Jan 1998).
Related bills in Health
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act
Access to Medical Supplies Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.