Rep. Steve Cohen

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 6860, protects patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) who require dialysis by preventing health insurance plans from discriminating against them. It amends Medicare rules to prohibit plans from treating dialysis coverage differently than other medical services based on a patient’s ESRD diagnosis, need for dialysis, or any other factor. The bill clarifies that plans can still choose which dialysis providers to include in their networks but cannot deny or limit coverage for dialysis services solely because of the patient’s condition. It ensures Medicare remains the secondary payer for these services as intended, without forcing plans to cover specific providers.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy MOM Act (HR 6716) would require health insurance plans to provide a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals beginning when pregnancy is reported to the insurer. It would mandate that group health plans cover maternity care for all dependents, including young women who might otherwise lack coverage due to plan exclusions. The bill would extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals and infants to a full 12 months postpartum, rather than the current 60-day period. These provisions aim to improve access to comprehensive maternity care, which the bill states could prevent 3 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths by addressing coverage gaps that disproportionately affect women of color.

Maddy summaryThe FOREST Act of 2023 prohibits U.S. imports of products made from commodities (palm oil, soybeans, cocoa, cattle, and rubber) produced on land where illegal deforestation occurred after the law's enactment. Importers must file declarations demonstrating they've assessed supply chain risks of illegal deforestation, with stricter requirements for products from countries identified in action plans. The law establishes a process to identify countries without adequate deforestation protections and requires them to develop action plans with specific benchmarks for compliance. It creates a fund using import penalty revenue to provide foreign assistance to help countries eliminate illegal deforestation and includes procurement preferences for federal contracts with suppliers demonstrating deforestation-free supply chains.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the U.S. government to seize assets from Russian and Belarusian entities linked to Ukraine aggression without court trials, using expanded definitions of eligible property under existing sanctions. It targets assets belonging to sanctioned individuals, property involved in violating export controls (like military equipment transfers), or assets tied to Russia/Belarus's invasion of Ukraine. Seized assets would fund Ukraine's reconstruction, with the law set to expire three years after enactment. The process requires presidential emergency declarations and Attorney General certifications to ensure assets qualify under the defined criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds audiology services to Medicare's covered benefits under Section 1861(s)(2)(KK), effective January 1, 2025. It allows qualified audiologists to provide hearing and balance assessments and diagnostic/treatment services without requiring a physician referral or supervision, directly affecting Medicare beneficiaries seeking these services and audiologists practicing under state law. Payment will be 80% of the lower of actual charge or the Medicare fee schedule. The bill does not expand the types of audiology services covered but changes how they are accessed and paid for under Medicare.

Maddy summaryHR 6417 amends the existing "Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act" to ban imports of energy products (classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule chapter 27) produced at any refinery using crude oil originating in Russia. This directly affects U.S. importers and companies bringing in such refined petroleum products. The key provision prohibits these imports regardless of where the refinery is located, targeting oil that has been "laundered" through foreign processing. The bill updates the existing law by adding this origin-based import ban as a new section.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a framework for states to develop their own universal health care systems by applying for waivers from certain federal health care requirements. States must demonstrate they can provide comprehensive coverage meeting or exceeding current federal standards (like Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP) for at least 95% of residents within 5 years, with the federal government redirecting funds that would have gone to federal programs to support state systems. States must include specific protections like reproductive health care coverage and submit regular reports on coverage rates, affordability, and quality. The bill includes special provisions to protect Indian health care services and ensure they remain accessible under state plans. States that fail to meet coverage goals may face consequences, including potential termination of their waiver.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance rules to improve coverage for drugs treating rare diseases (defined as conditions affecting 200,000 or fewer people in the U.S.). It requires coverage for rare disease drug uses supported by peer-reviewed medical literature and not listed as contraindicated in FDA labeling or medical reference guides. Private insurers must provide expedited review processes for denials of such drugs. The changes apply 30 days after enactment, affecting insurers and patients seeking coverage for rare disease treatments.

Maddy summaryThe Medicare Advantage Consumer Protection and Transparency Act requires Medicare Advantage plans to submit detailed, standardized data about supplemental benefits, healthcare services provided (encounter data), coverage denials, prior authorization requirements, quality measures, and provider networks. Plans must submit this information annually in standardized formats, with penalties of up to 10% in reduced payments for incomplete submissions. The data will be publicly reported, increasing transparency for beneficiaries and oversight officials. This law directly affects Medicare Advantage plans and beneficiaries by providing clearer information about plan offerings and performance. It focuses on concrete data collection and reporting requirements rather than altering benefit structures.

Maddy summaryHR 5840, the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024, simplifies the process for transportation workers to obtain multiple TSA security credentials. It requires the TSA to allow individuals to apply for and renew programs like the TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) and HAZMAT Endorsement through a single enrollment at any TSA center, with a combined fee lower than separate applications. The bill mandates coordinated expiration dates for all credentials and ensures state-issued commercial driver's licenses reflect the correct HAZMAT endorsement validity. These changes aim to reduce duplication and costs for workers needing multiple security clearances. The TSA must implement these changes within two years and publish details online.