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H.R.4727 / 105th Congress

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to delay the 15% reduction and to make revisions in the per beneficiary and per visit payment limits on payment for health services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 7, 1998

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the computation formula for the interim system of limited payments for services provided by home health agencies, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97). Creates a new formula for calculation of the agency-specific per beneficiary annual limitation for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998. Revises the rules for new providers for such cost reporting periods. Increases reasonable per visit costs for reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1998, from 105 percent to 110 percent of the median of the labor-related and nonlabor per visit costs for free standing home health agencies. Amends BBA '97 to postpone from October 1, 1999, to October 1, 2000, implementation of the mandatory 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits under such interim system. Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of SSA title XVIII to: (1) change the number of individuals eligible to enroll for coverage in a demonstration Medical Savings Account plan from 390,000 to 100,000 (for any date before January 1, 2004) or 500,000 (for any date thereafter); and (2) provide for a three-year extension of such type of coverage.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13] · D–CA

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Ways and Means Committee
11 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

  2. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1962)

  3. Referred to House Commerce

  4. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Commerce, 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.

  5. Referred to House Ways and Means

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Jun 3, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.4727 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.4727 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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