Bill > S1782

This bill, titled the "American Health Security Act of 2013," aims to provide universal healthcare coverage for all Americans and control healthcare costs while improving quality. It proposes establishing a State-based American Health Security Program, where each state would administer its own program under federal standards. Every U.S. resident would be entitled to health care benefits through their state's program, with provisions for automatic enrollment at birth and upon legal immigration. The bill outlines a comprehensive benefits package, including hospital services, professional services, community-based primary health services, preventive services, long-term care, prescription drugs, dental care, and mental health and substance abuse treatment. It also establishes an American Health Security Standards Board to set policies and guidelines, an American Health Security Advisory Council to advise the Board, and mandates quality assessment programs within each state. To finance this system, the bill proposes a payroll tax on employers and employees, a health care income tax, and a surcharge on high-income individuals, with all funds directed to an "American Health Security Trust Fund." The bill also includes provisions for provider participation, fraud and abuse control, and makes conforming amendments to existing laws like the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The proposed effective date for benefits is January 1, 2015, with some provisions taking effect later.