Rep. Brian Higgins

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Medicare to cover FDA-approved blood tests that screen for multiple cancers simultaneously (like breast, lung, or colorectal cancer) for beneficiaries. It directly affects Medicare recipients aged 65+ who could access these new screenings once per year, without prior authorization. The key provision adds "multi-cancer early detection screening tests" to Medicare's covered services under Part B, defining them as blood tests analyzing cell-free DNA, while maintaining existing coverage for standard screenings like mammograms. The bill does not change current coverage for individual cancer screenings but ensures Medicare keeps pace with new medical technology.

Maddy summaryThe Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023 amends Medicare rules to allow physical therapists to use temporary replacement providers (locum tenens) for outpatient physical therapy services, aligning with existing provisions for physicians. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries receiving physical therapy and physical therapy practices needing temporary staffing solutions during provider shortages. The bill updates the Social Security Act to extend the current physician locum tenens rule to physical therapists, ensuring continuity of care without requiring separate approval for temporary coverage. It applies to services furnished after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 1610 would modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic care by removing the current restriction that limited beneficiaries to one chiropractic service per visit. It expands coverage to include all services provided by licensed chiropractors within their state-authorized scope, aligning Medicare with VA, military, and private insurance practices. The bill requires chiropractors to complete a Secretary-approved educational webinar to cover non-spinal services, while still allowing payment for spinal manipulation treatments without this requirement. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking chiropractic care and chiropractors seeking Medicare reimbursement for their services.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage for hereditary cancer prevention and management. It requires Medicare to cover genetic testing for individuals with a personal or family history of hereditary cancer mutations, as defined by evidence-based guidelines from organizations like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The bill also mandates coverage for risk-reducing surgeries (like mastectomies or oophorectomies) when medically appropriate, and increases the frequency of recommended cancer screenings (such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and breast MRI) to at least annually for those with confirmed hereditary cancer gene mutations. These changes apply to Medicare beneficiaries with specific hereditary cancer risk factors, effective upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Stop the Wait Act of 2023 eliminates the current 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits by phasing it out: applications filed in 2023-2025 would face a 3-month wait, 2026 a 2-month wait, and 2027 a 1-month wait, with full elimination by January 2028. It also changes Medicare rules to allow individuals without minimum essential health coverage to receive Medicare benefits retroactively from the first month of SSDI eligibility, rather than waiting 24 months. This directly affects people under 65 applying for SSDI who lack other health insurance, ensuring they have coverage during the waiting period. The bill amends the Social Security Act to implement these changes, effective January 1, 2028.

Maddy summary# Summary of Proposed Election Reform Legislation This document outlines a comprehensive federal election reform bill with multiple titles addressing various aspects of voting rights, election administration, and election integrity. ## Key Provisions: ### 1. Democracy Restoration (Title I) - Restores voting rights to citizens with felony convictions who are not serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution - Requires states to notify individuals of restored voting rights upon release from prison, completion of probation, or sentencing - Prohibits states from conditioning voting rights on payment of fines or fees - Requires states to provide notification of voting rights to citizens with criminal convictions ### 2. Voter Identification Requirements (Title II) - Establishes a broad definition of acceptable identification documents (including utility bills, bank statements, student IDs, etc.) - Requires states to provide free identification to voters who lack one - Authorizes $5 million annually for 5 years to cover costs of providing identification - Sets procedures for provisional voting when identification is not presented ### 3. Voter List Maintenance (Title III) - Prohibits "voter caging" (using undeliverable mail to challenge voter registration) - Bans use of unverified match lists to remove voters from registration lists - Sets strict conditions for removing voters from registration lists - Requires states to provide notice to voters removed from registration lists ### 4. Election Integrity Measures (Title V) - Prohibits hindering or interfering with voter registration (Section 2001) - Restricts removal of local election administrators (Section 3001) - Prohibits harassment of election workers (Section 3101) - Bans deceptive practices in elections (Section 3201), including false statements about voting locations, eligibility, or endorsements ### 5. Additional Provisions - Requires states to provide notice of voting rights restoration to citizens - Establishes private rights of action for violations of the law - Sets criminal penalties for violations (up to $100,000 fines and 5 years imprisonment) - Includes provisions for federal funding to be contingent on compliance with voting rights restoration This legislation represents a significant overhaul of voting rights and election administration procedures across the United States, with a focus on expanding voting access, protecting voter rights, and ensuring fair election administration.

Maddy summaryHR 549, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, removes waiting periods for disability and Medicare coverage for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, it amends Social Security Act sections to allow immediate eligibility for disability insurance benefits (eliminating the standard waiting period) and immediate Medicare coverage (waiving the 24-month waiting period) for these patients. The bill directly affects individuals with metastatic breast cancer who would otherwise face delays in accessing critical benefits. These changes apply to applications filed or benefits beginning after the bill's enactment date. The law makes no other policy changes beyond these specific eligibility adjustments.

Maddy summaryThe EACH Act of 2023 would require federal health programs - including Medicaid, Medicare, the Indian Health Service, and TRICARE - to cover abortion services without restrictions. It repeals a provision in the Affordable Care Act that allowed states to limit abortion coverage in health insurance plans sold through state marketplaces. The bill also prohibits the federal government from restricting abortion coverage in private health insurance plans. This would directly affect millions of people, particularly low-income individuals and people of color, who are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid and currently face barriers to abortion care due to coverage restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe Assuring Medicare’s Promise Act of 2023 directs that taxes collected under the net investment income tax (a tax on investment income for high earners) be added to the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, which helps finance Medicare Part A benefits. It modifies the tax code to include certain business income of high-income individuals (with modified adjusted gross income over $400,000 for single filers or $500,000 for joint filers) in the tax base, but includes a phase-in mechanism to limit immediate tax increases. This bill primarily affects high-income taxpayers and aims to strengthen Medicare’s financial stability by increasing trust fund revenue.

Maddy summaryHR 33 would expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing services for beneficiaries, which are currently not covered under Medicare. The bill provides 100% coverage for preventive dental services in 2024, with basic dental services gradually increasing to 80% coverage by 2027. Vision coverage would include routine eye exams and corrective lenses at 80% coverage, while hearing services would cover hearing exams and hearing aids at 80% coverage. The bill includes specific limitations, such as two dental cleanings per year and one pair of glasses every 24 months, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services having authority to apply additional limitations or modify coverage based on medical recommendations. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2024.