AARP for AARP

Medicare/Medicaid MMM

Provided information on the need for nursing education capacity and the retention of newer and older nurses in the workplace (no bill). Pub.Law 111-148 & 111-152 - Discussed implementation of health care law that would reform the health care system to provide affordable quality health care, reduce drug costs and expand access to long-term services and supports. Discussed transitional care demonstration program. Discussed how to implement Medicaid provisions of Affordable Care Act. (PL. 111-148) Lobbied in support of draft legislation that would grant individuals whose COBRA has expired the same Medicare Part B enrollment rights as those who have group coverage. (no bill) S. 374, Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act - Lobbied in support of this legislation to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on Medicare coverage for in-patient psychiatric hospital services. Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2012, H.R. 2055, H.R. 3671, H.R. 2017, Consolidated and Further Appropriations Continuing Appropriations Act, H.R. 2112, Continuing Resolution, FY 2012, H.R. 2608 and H.J. Res. 79, 94 and 95 - Lobbied for funding for agencies and programs within jurisdiction of the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 3055/S. 1599), including Social Security Administration operations, Older Americans Act nutrition, health care delivery reform, CLASS, LIHEAP, Older Americans Act caregiver programs, high risk pool subsidies to states and Medicaid. Discussed improving access to care for underserved population. (no bill) Discussed importance of maintaining low income subsididies and supports in Medicare. (no bill) Discussed the importance of coordinating services for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid in order to ensure that beneficiaries receive all needed benefits but there is no duplication. (no bill) Discussed whether, and under what circumstances, managed care could effectively be used to provide benefits to dual eligible beneficiaries. (no bill) Discussed implementation of Anti-Fraud Measures of Affordable Care Act (PL. 111-148), including coordination between HHS, DOJ and state Attorneys General. Discussed additional methods for fighting fraud and waste in Health Care. (no bill) Discussed Medigap and need for guaranteed issue for all populations and need to increase medical loss ratio. Discussed medicare physician payment issues. (no bill) Discussed durable medical equipment bidding. (no bill) H.R. 1654, Medicare Enrollment Protection Act - Lobbied for legislation to provide Medicare beneficiaries with additional opportunities to enroll in Medicare Part B. H.R. 978, To amend Title II of the Social Security Act - Lobbied against the use of the Social Security account number on Government-issued identification cards issued in connection with Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP benefits and for other purposes. S. 1206/H.R. 2190, The Medicare Drug Savings Act of 2011 - Discussed legislation to require prescription drug manufacturers to provide rebates for drugs provided to Medicare Part D low-income subsidy beneficiaries, including those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. S. 1251, Medicare and Medicaid Fighting Fraud and Abuse to Save Taxpayers' Dollars Act - Discussed support to curb waste and fraud from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. S. 1275, The Medicare and Medicaid FAST Act - Lobbied on legislation to prevent fraud and abuse within the federal health programs. S. 1206/H.R. 2190, The Medicare Drug Savings Act - Discussed legislation that would establish Medicaid drug rebates for the duals. Medicare physician reimbursement issues. (no bill) H.R. 3630, Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 - Discussed the legislation as it pertained to SGR. Discussed Medicare Graduate Nursing Education pilot design. (no bill) Discussed Medicare Physician Payment Reform. (no bill) Discussed Prescription Drug Affordability. (no bill) Discussed Prescription Drug Shortages. (no bill) H.R. 3342, Affordable Medicines Utilization Act of 2011 - Lobbied to encourage state Medicaid programs to use safe, effective generic medications. H.R. 2576 - Discussion to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the calculation of modified adjusted gross income for purposes of determining eligibility for certain healthcare-related programs. Discussed opposition to caps on dual eligibles; discussed managed care and dual eligibles. (no bill) Discussed Senior Navigation and Planning Act. (no bill) Discussed with CMS demonstration programs for dual eligibles and process related to the demonstrations, as well as other work of the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office, discussed opposition to Florida medicaid waivers (including letter), discussed home and community setting issue in Medicaid, discussed focus groups on dual eligibles; discussed implementation of some Medicaid HCBS provisions. Discussed Medicaid managed care and long-term services and supports broadly, discussed CLASS Program. Discussed Fair Labor Standards Act and companionship exemption. Discussed Hospital & Critical Access Hospitals Conditions of Participation proposed regulations; requested that advanced practice registered nurses and physicians assistants be allowed the full scope of services in hospital admitting and visiting privileges. (no bill) Discussed Hospital Outpatient Therapeutic Services Final Rule underscoring that advanced practice registered nurses and physicians should be allowed to supervise such outpatient service clinics without physician oversight as long as in line with state scope of practice laws. (no bill) Discussed inviting FTC to participate in a webinar on how they are and can be engaged on state scope of practice issues. Also sent follow-up items for their review. (no bill) Discussed Medicaid reform, Medicare-Medicaid "dual eligible" integration efforts and financial alignment demonstrations, other CMS demonstration initiatives. (no bill) Discussed "Medicare Better Health Rewards Program Act of 2012". (no bill) Discussed You've Earned A Say. (no bill) Discussed health disparities. (no bill)

Contacted: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); White House Office; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Bureau of the Census; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Treasury, Dept of; Energy, Dept of; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Administration on Aging; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); SENATE; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Reserve System; Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Bills named: H.R. 3630 (112th), H.R. 2576 (112th), H.R. 3055 (112th), H.R. 2055 (112th), H.R. 978 (112th), H.R. 2190 (112th), S. 1251 (112th), H.R. 2017 (112th), S. 1275 (112th), H.R. 1654 (112th), S. 1599 (112th), H.R. 2112 (112th), S. 1206 (112th), H.R. 3671 (112th), S. 374 (112th), H.R. 2608 (112th), H.R. 3342 (112th), H.J.Res. 79 (112th)

Health Issues HCR

Provided information on the need for nursing education capacity and the retention of newer and older nurses in the workplace. (no bill) Discussed barriers to care that can result from language differences between providers and patients and/or lack of translation services. (no bill) Discussed need to increase health information technology quality measurements and access to qualified systems. (no bill) S. 1019, Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act - Discussed Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act which would provide a $500 credit to people of all ages. H.R. 217, To repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund - Lobbied against the repeal of the Prevention and Public Health Trust Fund. This fund is an important component in state and community efforts to prevent illness and promote health. Discussed Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program. (no bill) Discussed Accountable Care Organization and Medical Shared savings. (no bill) Discussed Rate Review. (no bill) Discussed Internal Appeals and External Review Process. (no bill) Discussed Medicare reimbursement issues. Lobbied in support of Medicare physician payment reform. Discussed legislation to make prescription drugs more affordable to older Americans. S. 159/H.R. 63, Discussed the Confidence in Long-Term Care Insurance Act/Long-Term Insurance Reform Act which improves the consumer protections of LTC insurance policies and make more and better information available to consumers to help them make informed decisions about such policies. S. 1416/H.R. 2645, Medigap Medical Loss Ratio Improvement Act - Lobbied for bill introduction and helped with crafting. Discussed Internal Claims, Appeals and external Review Process. (no bill) Discussed HIPAA Privacy Rule Accounting under HITECH Act. (no bill) Discussed coverage for screening depression and screening and counseling for alcohol misuse. (no bill) Discussed consumer operated and oriented plan programs. (no bill) Discussed standards related to risk adjustment, reinsurance, and risk mitigation as they relate to exchanges. (no bill) H.R.2077, MLR Repeal Act of 2011 - Expressed opposition to the elimination of provision in the Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148)Discussed opposition to draft legislation regarding the elimination of grandfathered status. (no bill) Discussed association health plans with DOL, HHS and DOT. (no bill) Discussed quality and care coordination with HHS. (no bill) Discussed Essential Health Benefits with HHS. (no bill) Discussed employer affordability safe harbor. (no bill) Discussed health insurance exchanges - eligibility, enrollment, premium tax credits. (no bill) Discussed Basic Health Plans. (no bill) Discussed Medigap reform. (no bill) Discussed Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program. (no bill) Discussed role of grandfathered plans. (no bill) Discussed status of the CLASS Program. (no bill) Discussed opposition to repeal of the CLASS Program (no bill, but also as S. 720, the Repeal the CLASS Entitlement Act. Discussed opposition to H.R. 1173, the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act, to repeal the CLASS Program and shared stories and information related to long-term services and supports. Discussed reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and other amendments to the OAA. (no bill) S. 1750 -Discussed Home Care Consumer Bill of Rights Act. Discussed cost effectiveness of home and community-based services. (no bill) Discussed reports on family caregiving and Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard. (no bill) Discussed Hospital & Critical Access Hospitals Conditions of Participation proposed regulations; requested that advanced practice registered nurses and physicians assistants be allowed the full scope of services in hospital admitting and visiting privileges. (no bill) Discussed Hospital Outpatient Therapeutic Services Final Rule underscoring that advanced practice registered nurses and physicians should be allowed to supervise such outpatient service clinics without physician oversight as long as in line with state scope of practice laws. (no bill) Discussed Medicare GNE demonstration design problems. Discussed inviting FTC to participate in a webinar on how they are and can be engaged on state scope of practice issues. Also sent follow-up items for their review. (no bill) Discussed legislation to make long-term care insurance available under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements and to improve consumer protections. (no bill)

Contacted: Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Bureau of the Census; Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; White House Office; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); SENATE; Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Social Security Administration (SSA); Treasury, Dept of; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Administration on Aging; Federal Reserve System; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Energy, Dept of; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Bills named: S. 1750 (112th), H.R. 2645 (112th), S. 720 (112th), H.R. 217 (112th), H.R. 1173 (112th), S. 159 (112th), S. 1019 (112th), S. 1416 (112th), H.R. 63 (112th), H.R. 2077 (112th)

Retirement RET

Discussed demographics and priorities for AARP members and the 50+ population in general. (no bill) Discussion on Automatic IRA proposal to provide automatic individual retirement accounts, funded via payroll deduction, to individuals who work for an employer of a particular size and tenure that do not currently offer a retirement savings vehicle to their employees. (no bill) Discussed Social Security COLA relief. (no bill) H. R. 677/S. 267, Lifetime Income Disclosure Act - Submitted letter of support to the original co-sponsors of the House and Senate versions of the Lifetime Income Disclosure Act. This legislation would provide individulas with a better understanding of the lifemtime value of their 401 (k) plan assets by including in a yearly benefit statement a conversion of their total accrued benefits into a monthly dollar amount as if they had opted to receive a lifetime annuity. H.J. Res.1/S.J. Res.4 - Discussed AARP's concerns about efforts to cutting Social Security benefits as a way of addressing the nation's current budget deficits, including the impact on Social Security of capping spending at a certain level or via balanced budget amendments. S. 1557/H.R. 4049, the Automatic IRA Act of 2011 - Lobbied on legislation to create automatic individual retirement accounts, funded via payroll deduction, to individuals who work for an employer of a particular size and tenure that do not currently offer a retirement savings vehicle to their employees. Discussed S. 1558, the Keeping Our Social Security Promises Act, legislation to apply payroll taxes to remuneration and earnings from self-employment up to the contribution and benefit base and to remuneration in excess of $250,000. Provided an informational briefing on Social Security. S. 1876, Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act - Supported legislation to change the index used to calculate annual Social Security COLA's from the CPI-W to the CPI-E. H. R. 539, Preserving Our Promise to Seniors Act - Discussed legislation to make changes pertaining to Social Security, including the use of a new CPI-E index for COLA's, and to provide $250 relief payments to beneficiaries. H. R. 3630/Senate Substitute, Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 - Discussed legislation containing an extension or expansion of the current temporary payroll tax holiday. S. 1917/1944, Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 - Discussed legislation containing an extension or expansion of the current temporary payroll tax holiday. S. 1931, Temporary Tax Holiday and Government Reduction Act - Discussed legislation containing an extension or expansion of the current temporary payroll holiday. Discussed AARP's You've Earned A Say - A national conversation on the future of Social Security and Medicare with AARP memnbers and all Americans. The goal of this effort is to ensure that Americans have a say in any debate about these programs. (no bill) S. 2252, the Rebuild America Act - Discussed the Social Security and Pensions portions of this wide-ranging legislation designed to "rebuild the American middle class by creating jobs, investing in our future, building opportunity for working families, and restoring balance to the tax code." Discussed various defined benefit/defined contribution pension reform proposals (no bill). Submitted written testimony to the Senate Banking Economic Policy Subcommittee for their March 28, 2012, hearing entitled "Retirement (in) security: Examining the Retirement Savings Deficit." Discussed the Department of Labor's proposed new fiduciary duty regulation with key staff of the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (no bill number). Discussed possible proposals to improve pension rights for participants and reform proposals to improve pension coverage and adequacy. ( no bill)

Contacted: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Treasury, Dept of; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); White House Office; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Energy, Dept of; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); SENATE; Bureau of the Census; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Reserve System; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Administration on Aging; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Bills named: S. 1558 (112th), H.R. 3630 (112th), H.R. 677 (112th), S. 1876 (112th), S. 1917 (112th), S. 2252 (112th), H.R. 539 (112th), S. 1931 (112th), H.R. 4049 (112th), H.J.Res. 1 (112th), S. 1557 (112th), S.J.Res. 4 (112th), S. 267 (112th)

Welfare WEL

Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY 2013 - Lobbied for highest possible baseline allocation and assisted in securing co-signers on House and Senate letter to Appropriations Committees in support of funding of the Low Income House Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). (no bill)

Contacted: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Bureau of the Census; Treasury, Dept of; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); White House Office; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Social Security Administration (SSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); SENATE; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Administration on Aging; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Energy, Dept of; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Federal Reserve System

Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX

S. 1006, Senior's Tax Simplification Act, to the existing description of H.R. 1058 in Tax Section - Submitted letter of support to Senate original co-sponsors in May. Discussed legislation to make long-term care insurance available under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements and to improve consumer protections.

Contacted: Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Bureau of the Census; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Social Security Administration (SSA); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Federal Reserve System; Energy, Dept of; Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); White House Office; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Treasury, Dept of; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); SENATE; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Administration on Aging

Bills named: H.R. 1058 (112th), S. 1006 (112th)

Telecommunications TEC

Discussed FCC's interest in consumer protections against unexpected wireless charges as a result of lack of transparency and disclosure by wireless providers to consumers on fine print. (no bill) Lifeline Linkup - Coordinated AARP comments to FCC on potential impact of proposed reforms to the Lifeline Linkup program (federal subsidies that assist in helping people stay connected by telephone and targeted to eligible low income households). (no bill) Universal Service Fund Reform - Met with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioners and staff to advocate for increased consumer protections in pending order regarding reform of the Universal Service Fund and other issues. (no bill) Universal Service Fund Reform - Meetings and ex parte correspondence to FCC Commissioners regarding the updating of consumer protections for 50+ population in the reform of the goals and subsidies of the Universal Service Fund (USF).

Contacted: White House Office; Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Bureau of the Census; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Energy, Dept of; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Treasury, Dept of; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); SENATE; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Federal Reserve System; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Administration on Aging

Financial Institutions/Investments/Securities FIN

Discussed financial regulatory reforms, including consumer and investor protections. (no bill) Pub.Law 111-203, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - Discussed implementation of legislation. H.R.677/S.267, the Lifetime Income Disclosure Act-Supported the original co-sponsors of the House and Senate versions of the Lifetime Income Disclosure Act. This legislation would provide individuals with a better understanding of the lifetime value of their 401(k) plan assets by including in a yearly benefit statement a conversion of their total accrued benefits into a monthly dollar amount as if they had opted to receive a lifetime annuity. Discussed pending DOL and SEC regulations on the definition of a fiduciary. (no bill) Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2012, H.R. 2055, H.R. 3671, H.R. 2017, Consolidated and Further Appropriations Continuing Appropriations Act, H.R. 2112. H.R. 1125, Debt free America Act - Discussed legislation to repeal after 2021 the individual income tax, refundable and non-refundable personal tax credits, and the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on individuals and impose a 1% fee on bank transactions for debt reduction purposes. H.R.2940/S.1831, Parts of the JOBS Act Package - Lobbied and wrote a letter in opposition to pairing back Regulation D protections in stock offerings. H.R.2930/S.1970/S.1791, Parts of JOBS Act Package - Lobbied to restore consumer protections regarding "crowd funding" of initial public offerings (IPO's) that the bill curtailed. H.R. 3606, JOBS Act - Lobbied and wrote in support of the Reid/Levin/Landrieu amendment in the nature of a substitute, and in favor of the "crowd funding" amendment. H.R. 4264, The FHA Emergency Fiscal Solvency Act of 2012, Fitzpatrick Amendment No.1, 3/27/2012 - Lobbied to lift cap on number of loans authorized under Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program.

Contacted: Labor, Dept of (DOL); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Energy, Dept of; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); SENATE; Administration on Aging; Social Security Administration (SSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Federal Reserve System; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); White House Office; Treasury, Dept of; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Bureau of the Census; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Office of Management & Budget (OMB)

Bills named: S. 1791 (112th), S. 1970 (112th), S. 267 (112th), H.R. 4264 (112th), H.R. 2112 (112th), H.R. 677 (112th), S. 1831 (112th), H.R. 2930 (112th), H.R. 2940 (112th), H.R. 2017 (112th), H.R. 2055 (112th), H.R. 1125 (112th), H.R. 3671 (112th), H.R. 3606 (112th)

Civil Rights/Civil Liberties CIV

Discussed draft legislation on Voter Modernization to Amend National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to promote use of Internet by state election officials in voter registration activities. (no bill) Supported proposed final regulations on disparate impact age discrimination. Supported incorporation of age discrimination concerns in EEOC guidance on caregiver discrimination. S. 2189, Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act - Supported legislation to restore law to its state before 2009 SCOTUS decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services. S.462/H.R. 2564, Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2011 - Discussed elder abuse issues. S. 464, End Abuse in Later Life Act of 2011 -Discussed elder abuse issues. S. 1263/H.R. 112, Silver Alert Act - Discussed elder abuse issues. Discussed the rights of elder GLBT persons in accessing public service and benefits. (no bill) Worked with coalition to discuss House and Senate strategies to remove barriers to voting emerging in state laws. (no bill)

Contacted: Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Bureau of the Census; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Administration on Aging; Treasury, Dept of; Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); White House Office; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Energy, Dept of; SENATE; Federal Reserve System; Social Security Administration (SSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Justice, Dept of (DOJ)

Bills named: S. 464 (112th), H.R. 2564 (112th), H.R. 112 (112th), S. 1263 (112th), S. 462 (112th), S. 2189 (112th)

Transportation TRA

Discussion of draft legislation to reauthorize SAFTEA-LU. AARP interests include increasing funding for public transit and special needs para-transit services, promotion of older driver and pedestrian safety, expanding adoption of planning and design features to better accommodate all roadway users and strengthening connections between transportation and land use planning. (no bill) H.R. 1780/S.1056, Safe and Complete Streets Act - Discussion of draft legislation to require States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to adopt complete streets policies to ensure that federally-funded improvements to roadways incorporate design changes that permit potential users of all ages and abilities to travel safely and conveniently. H. R. 1776, Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act - Discussion of draft legislation to create a federal funding program for States to implement federal safety design recommendations at roads and intersections with a high incidence of traffice accidents and fatalities involving older drivers and pedestrians. S. 1942/H.R. 4028, Specialized Transportation for Older Adults legislation - Discussion of legislation to provide operating subsidy funding for the Department of Transportation Sec.5310 special needs transportation program for seniors and persons with disabilities, increase participation in the planning process, improve data collection, establish a mobility management program for older adults and authorize appropriations for the National Center on Senior Transportation. H.R. 3536, Safe Roads for America Act - Discussion of legislation to set later deadline for implementation of minimum maintained standards for the retro-reflectivity of traffic signs. S.1813, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, MAP 12 - Discussed the Surface transportation reauthorization bill, including pension-related amendments in financing title, supported addition of participant protections. H.R. 7, American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 - Discussed pension-related amendments in financing title, supported addition of participant protections.

Contacted: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Administration on Aging; Treasury, Dept of; Federal Reserve System; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); SENATE; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); White House Office; Social Security Administration (SSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Bureau of the Census; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Energy, Dept of; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Bills named: S. 1056 (112th), S. 1813 (112th), S. 1942 (112th), H.R. 4028 (112th), H.R. 1780 (112th), H.R. 3536 (112th), H.R. 7 (112th), H.R. 1776 (112th)

Housing HOU

Pub.Law 111-203, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - Discussed implementation of legislation. Submitted comments to HUD on proposed regulations on "Implementation of the Fair Housing Acts" Discriminatory Effects Standard". Discussed Federal Reserve Board proposed rules regarding Regulation Z requirements for reverse mortgages and consumer right of rescission. (no bill) H.R. 830, FHA Refinance Program Termination Act - Disucssed concerns over foreclosures and older homeowners. Discussed reverse mortgage issues including non-recourse loan issues. (no bill) Discussed mortgage finance market reform options. (no bill) Discussed draft legislation on accessibility standards for single-family homes. (no bill) H.R. 4264, The FHA Emergency Fiscal Solvency Act of 2012, Fitzpatrick Amendment No. 1, 3/27/2012 - Lobbied to lift cap on number of loans authorized under Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program.

Contacted: Executive Office of the President (EOP); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Federal Reserve System; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Treasury, Dept of; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Social Security Administration (SSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Administration on Aging; SENATE; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); White House Office; Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Energy, Dept of; Bureau of the Census

Bills named: H.R. 4264 (112th), H.R. 830 (112th)

Budget/Appropriations BUD

S. 163, Full Faith and Credit Act - Discussed AARP position on legislation and second degree amendment to the legislation. S.245, CAP Act of 2011 - Discussed our concerns and opposition to the legislation. H.Con.Res. 112 - Lobbied Congress against cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in the Super Committee debate and where savings could be found without harming beneficiaries.

Contacted: Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Energy, Dept of; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Administration on Aging; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); White House Office; Bureau of the Census; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Social Security Administration (SSA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Federal Reserve System; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); SENATE; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Treasury, Dept of

Bills named: S. 163 (112th), S. 245 (112th), H.Con.Res. 112 (112th)

Family issues/Abortion/Adoption FAM

Discussed reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and various proposals. (no bill) S. 462, Elder Abuse Victims Act - Continued advocacy to develop legislative and regulatory policy to protect seniors from abuse, exploitation and neglect. H.R.2883/S. 1542, Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act - Discussed provisions supporting grandparents raising grandkids. S. 465, Senior Financial Empowerment Act - Continued advocacy to develop legislative and regulatory policy to protect seniors from abuse, exploitation and neglect. S. 464, Elder Abuse in Later Life - Continued advocacy to develop legislative and regulatory policy to protect seniors from abuse, exploitation and neglect. S.2077/H.R. 577, Elder Abuse Prevention Act - Continued advocacy to develop legislative and regulatory policy to protect seniors from abuse, exploitation and neglect. S. 1263/H.R. 112, Silver Alert Act - Discussed elder abuse issues. S. 1819, Strengthening Services for America's Seniors Act - Discussed legislation. S. 1750, Home Care Consumer Bill of Rights - Discussed legislation. S. 2037, Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012 - Discussed legislation. S. 1744, Guardian Accountability and Senior Portection Act - Supported legislation. S. 1982, Improving Care for Vulnerable Older Citizens through Workforce Advancement Act of 2011 - Discussed legislation.

Contacted: Treasury, Dept of; Bureau of the Census; SENATE; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Federal Reserve System; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Energy, Dept of; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); White House Office; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Administration on Aging; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Social Security Administration (SSA)

Bills named: S. 1750 (112th), H.R. 577 (112th), H.R. 2883 (112th), S. 1263 (112th), S. 1982 (112th), S. 2077 (112th), S. 1819 (112th), S. 2037 (112th), S. 464 (112th), H.R. 112 (112th), S. 1542 (112th), S. 465 (112th), S. 1744 (112th), S. 462 (112th)

Insurance INS

Pub. Law 111-148 and 111-152, Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act - Discussed implementation of certain provisions related to affordable quality health care and expand access to long-term services and supports. Discussed employer sponsored wellness programs. (no bill) Discussed need for transparency in rate reviews. (no bill) Discussed need for consumer protection in internal and external appeals for self-funded plans. (no bill) H. R. 1213, To repeal mandatory funding provided to States in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges - Sent letter in opposition to HR 1213 which would repeal the mandatory funding provided to states under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges. Discussed medical loss ratio. (no bill) Discussed Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program. (no bill) Discussed Accountable Care Organization and Medical Shared Savings. (no bill) Discussed Rate Review. (no bill) Discussed Internal Appeals and External Review Process. (no bill) Discussed Medicare reimbursement issues. (no bill) Lobbied in support of Medicare physician payment reform. (no bill) Discussed legislation to make prescription drugs more affordable to older Americans. (no bill) Discussed legislation to make long-term care insurance available under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements and to improve consumer protections. (no bill) Discussed concumer protection and implementation of the Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).

Contacted: Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Administration on Aging; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Treasury, Dept of; Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Federal Reserve System; Social Security Administration (SSA); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); SENATE; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Energy, Dept of; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; White House Office; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Bureau of the Census; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Bills named: H.R. 1213 (112th)

Consumer Issues/Safety/Products CSP

Pub. Law 111-203, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - Discussed implementation of legislation. Lobbied against H.R. 3035 the "Mobile Informational Call Act".

Contacted: Government Accountability Office (GAO); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Federal Reserve System; Executive Office of the President (EOP); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Social Security Administration (SSA); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); White House Office; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Treasury, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Administration on Aging; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); SENATE; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Bureau of the Census; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Energy, Dept of

Bills named: H.R. 3035 (112th)

Government Issues GOV

Discussed demographics and priorities for AARP members and the 50+ population in general. (no bill) Lobbied supplemental poverty measure with House and Senate staff. (no bill)

Contacted: Treasury, Dept of; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Labor, Dept of (DOL); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Bureau of the Census; Administration on Aging; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Energy, Dept of; Social Security Administration (SSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); White House Office; SENATE; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Federal Reserve System; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT)

Energy/Nuclear ENG

Discussed LIHEAP Best Practices with HHS officials. (no bill) Discussed AARP's concerns for consumer protections around the deployment of smart meters, grid modernization and dynamic pricing. (no bill) Smart Meters - Continued the dialogue with Department of Energy regarding the deployment of advanced (smart meters) by utilities to record household energy consumption and theirs affordability by 50+ consumers. (no bill) Grid Modernization - Lobbied for modernizing the grid but not to the exclusion of mandating important consumer protections on privacy and affordability. (no bill) Discussed the HHS' addition of more cost-based factors in its deployment of funding activities and analysis of Smart Grid Consumer Behavior. (no bill) Continuing discussions with Department of Energy on consumer behavior resulting from deployment of Smart Meters. (no bill) Labor, HHS, Education and related agencies Appropriations bill for FY 2013 - Lobbied for highest possible baseline allocation and assisted in securing consignees on House and Senate letter to Appropriations Committees in support of funding of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Contacted: Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Treasury, Dept of; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); White House Office; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); SENATE; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Bureau of the Census; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Energy, Dept of; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Reserve System; Administration on Aging; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR

S. 2189, Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act - Supported legislation to restore law to its state before 2009 SCOTUS decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services. Supported proposed final regulation on disparate impact agenda discrimination. Supported incorporation of age discrimination concerns in EEOC guidance or caregiver discrimination. H.R. 3630, Supported extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits and opposed imposition of burdensome eligibility requirements. Supported and suggested changes to proposed DOL regulations on the companionship exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Contacted: Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Energy, Dept of; Bureau of the Census; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); White House Office; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Administration on Aging; Treasury, Dept of; Social Security Administration (SSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Reserve System; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Bills named: H.R. 3630 (112th), S. 2189 (112th)

Pharmacy PHA

Discussed legislative intent with respect to Biologic drugs and exclusivity period.(no bill) Discussed importance of potential savings both to consumers and to the federal government of granting Secretarial Negotiating Authority to Secretary of HHS on Medicare Part D. (no bill) Discussed need for greater consumer safety protections both in OTC and prescription drugs. (no bill) Discussed need to end industry tactics like Pay for Delay which inappropriately extends patents with effect of keeping prices high for consumers and government. (no bill) Discussed need for doctors to get unbiased information on prescription pharmaceuticals through programs like academic detailing. (no bill) Discussed possible savings and better health care outcomes that could result from Medication Therapy Management. (no bill) Pub. Law 111-148 and 111-152 - Discussed implementation of health care legislation to reform the health care system to provide quality healthcare, expand access to long-term services and supports, and reduced prescription drug costs. Discussed greater affordability of generic versions of both generic and biologic drugs. S. 319, Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2011 - Discussed legislation that establishes a framework for the safe, legal importation of lower-priced prescription drugs from abroad. S. 1206, Medicare Drug Savings Act of 2011 - Discussed rebates in Medicare Part D as a cost savings measure in Medicare that does not harm beneficiaries. H. R. 3342, Affordable Medicines Utilization Act of 2011 - Lobbied on legislation to encourage state Medicaid programs to use safe, effective generic medications. S. 27, Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act - Lobbied for this legislation preventing abuses in patent settlements between generic and brand name prescription drug companies. S. 1886/H.R. 3468, Discussed counterfeit drug penalty enhancement. Discussed prescription drugs and medical device issues. Discussed prescription drug safety, drug shortage, and medical device safety, and related user fee legislation. S. 2193, the Ensuring Safe Medical Devices for Patients Act - Discussed legislation to include devices in the post-market risk identification and analysis system for prescription drugs and to expedite the implementation of the unique device identification system for medical devices. Discussed draft legislation to address the issue of whether generic drug manufacturers have a duty to include new warnings about potentially serious side effects on their labels as they become known. The bill would accomplish this by giving generic drug makers the same ability to update their labeling as currently exists for manufacturers of brand name drugs. (no bill)

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Social Security Administration (SSA); Administration on Aging; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Energy, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Federal Reserve System; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Treasury, Dept of; White House Office; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); SENATE; Bureau of the Census; Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Bills named: S. 2193 (112th), S. 1886 (112th), H.R. 3468 (112th), S. 319 (112th), H.R. 3342 (112th), S. 1206 (112th), S. 27 (112th)

Torts TOR

Discussed implementation of Tort reform provisions of Affordable Care Act (Pub. Law 111-148), including various demonstration proposals. (no bill) Discussed other possible revisions to Tort system that would still preserve patient protections and have goal of reducing medical error. (no bill)

Contacted: Administration on Aging; Bureau of the Census; Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Reserve System; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Federal Highway Administration (FHA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); White House Office; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Treasury, Dept of; Energy, Dept of; Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); SENATE; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)