Comprehensive National Health Insurance Act (S. 3286, H.R.13870)

Introduced by Sen. Ted Kennedy to the 93rd Congress (1973-1974). Companion legislation was filed by Rep. Wilbur Mills in the House the same session.

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Read the full Senate bill from 93rd Congress (1973-1974).
Read the summary of S. 491 from the 93rd Congress (1973-1974).
See the list of 11 Congressional cosponsors for the 93rd Congress (1973-1974).

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Read the full House bill from 93rd Congress (1973-1974).
Read the summary of H.R. 13870 from the 93rd Congress (1973-1974).
See the list of 0 Congressional cosponsors for the 93rd Congress (1973-1974).

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Brief Summary of the Legislation

Comprehensive National Health Insurance Act – Title I: National Health Insurance Program – National Health Insurance Program – Provides that this Act shall not interfere with the freedom of every physician and every patient to choose where and how they will give or receive health care.

States that the national health insurance program established by this title shall be administered by the Board of the Social Security Administration established by this Act.

Provides the following benefits under the National Health Insurance Program: (1) inpatient hospital services with no day or dollar limitation; (2) physicians’ services, in home, office, or elsewhere, with no dollar limitation; (3) medical and other health services (as defined under medicare); (4) home health services-100 visits per year; (5) post-hospital extended care services-100 days per year; (6) mental health services-inpatient, 30 full days in a psychiatric hospital or 60 partial days; outpatient services in a comprehensive community care center equivalent to the costs of 30 visits to a private practitioner or outpatient services of a private practitioner equal to half the costs of 30 visits; (7) outpatient prescription drugs and biologicals for specified chronic conditions; (8) preventive care services, including (a) routine dental services for children under age 13; (b) developmental vision care services, routine eye and vision exams, and lenses or eyeglasses for children under age 13; (c) hearing aids and exams for children under age 13; (d) well-child care to age 6; (e) prenatal care; and (f) family planning services.

Makes services, except those listed under preventive care, subject to a combined annual per person deductible of $150 except that no family would have to meet more than 2 deductibles. States that all services, except drugs, would be subject to a 25-percent coinsurance. Provides that patient drugs would be subject to a separate copayment of $1 per prescription drug.

Makes all residents who are not eligible for Medicare eligible for the program through their contributions to the Social Security System, contributions being made by all Americans who have earned or unearned income of any kind, including governmental benefits.