Ill STAT. 464 PUBLIC LAW 105-33 —AUG. 5, 1997 January 1, 1999, and implement, by not later than January 1, 2000, a method to measure and report quality of renal dialysis services provided under the medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. SEC. 4559. TEMPORARY COVERAGE RESTORATION FOR PORTABLE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM TRANSPORTATION. Effective date. (a) IN GENERAL. —Effective only for electrocardiogram tests furnished during 1998, the Secretary of Health and Humsin Services shall restore separate payment, under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for the transportation of electrocardiogram equipment (HCPCS code R0076) based upon payment methods in effect for such service as of December 31, 1996. (b) DETERMINATION.—By not later than July 1, 1998, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make a recommendation to the Committees on Commerce and Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate as to whether coverage of portable electrocardiogram transportation should be provided under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. In making such recommendation, the Secretary shall take into account the study of coverage of portable electrocardiogram transportation conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States and other relevant information, including information submitted by interested parties. CHAPTER 6—PART B PREMIUM AND RELATED PROVISIONS Subchapter A—Determination of Part B Premium Amount SEC. 4571. PART B PREMIUM. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1839(a)(3) (42 U.S.C. 1395Ka)(3)) is amended by striking the first 3 sentences and inserting the follow- Regulations. ing: "The Secretary, during September of each year, shall determine and promulgate a monthly premium rate for the succeeding calendar year that is equal to 50 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over, determined according to paragraph (1), for that succeeding calendar year.". (b) CONFORMING AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.— (1) SECTION 1839.—Section 1839 (42 U.S.C. 1395r) is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking "(b) and (e)" and inserting "(b), (c), and (f)"; (B) in the last sentence of subsection (a)(3)— (i) by inserting "rate" after "premium", and (ii) by striking "and the derivation of the dollar amounts specified in this paragraph"; (C) in the first sentence of subsection (b), by striking "or (e)"; (D) by striking subsection (e); and (E) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (e) and inserting that subsection after subsection (d). (2) SECTION 1844. — Subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B)(i) of section 1844(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 1395w(a)(l)) are each amended by striking "or 1839(e), as the case may be".
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