PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 25, 1999
Equity in Women's Health Act - Amends title XXVII (Miscellaneous) of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to add a new part C (Nondiscrimination and Health Prospectus) to prohibit any group health plan or health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage from discriminating against an individual on the basis of race, culture, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, language, socio-economic status, age, disability, genetic makeup, health status, anticipated need for health care services, or payer source. Requires such plans and issuers to provide to their enrollees at the time of enrollment and on an annual basis a health prospectus meeting certain requirements that relates to the plan or coverage offered, as well as certain additional specified information with regard to the plan or issuer.Amends PHSA further to add certain managed care requirements that apply to group and individual health insurance coverage, in addition to modifying preemption standards.Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code, part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as SSA title XIX (Medicaid), and the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program, to make similar amendments concerning the application of managed care requirements as specified above under new part C of PHSA title XXVII.
People & committees
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on HELP.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2022)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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