PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 9, 1997
Comprehensive Long-Term Care Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage of extended care services to chronically dependent individuals; and (2) provide for coverage of home care services and outpatient prescription drugs under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Provides for application of a deductible in determining the amount of an individual's payment for covered prescription drugs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a program for assuring appropriate prescribing and dispensing practices for covered prescription drugs; (2) develop, and update annually, an information guide for physicians on wholesale drug prices; and (3) report to the Congress on the prices of prescription drugs and their use by individuals eligible for Medicare part B benefits. Requires pharmacies to enter into an agreement with the Secretary in order to receive payment for prescription drugs dispensed to such individuals. Requires the Secretary to establish a point-of-sale electronic system for use by carriers and pharmacies in the submission of information on prescription drugs dispensed. Authorizes sanctions against pharmacies that violate their agreement with the Secretary. Limits the length of prescriptions. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to provide for a Prescription Drug Payment Review Commission. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress on methods of determining payment for covered prescription drugs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to develop a standard prescription drugs claims form for use under Medicare and by other third-party payors.
People & committees
Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-17] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to House Ways and Means
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to House Commerce
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jun 3, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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