Article Abstract:
The US House of Representatives could repeal the 102-year-old federal excise tax on telephone service in May 2000. The repeal bill is garnering bipartisan support in the House, but the sentiment in the Senate is uncertain. The 3% tax was originally legislated in 1898 to finance the Spanish-American War and was kept over the years to help cover for the budget deficits. The tax generates around $5 billion a year for the federal government.
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Article Abstract:
Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans are advancing their contradicting versions of HMO bills. The GOP plan would not allow patients to sue their health plans over denials of care. On the other hand, the plan of the Democrats would give patients the right to sue their health plans over denials of care. However, the GOP plan and the plan of the Democrats have similar features. For instance, both plans would give assurance to women that they can see gynecologists directly and forbid HMOs from limiting discussions physicians can have with their patients regarding potentially costly treatment alternatives.
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Article Abstract:
The House of Representatives approved by a vote of 275-151 to approve increased protection for patients covered by managed care plans. The bill, sponsored by Rep Charles Norwood, would enable patients to complain before an appeals panel not under a health plan and would increase patients' access to specialists, emergency rooms and clinical trials. The health insurance industry and small business groups strongly opposed the bill because it would increase costs and force some employers to cancel health benefits for their workers.
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