American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009/Division B/Title I/Subtitle I/Part VI

PART VI—HEALTH COVERAGE IMPROVEMENT

SEC. 1899. SHORT TITLE. edit

This part may be cited as the ``TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2009´´.

SEC. 1899A. IMPROVEMENT OF THE AFFORDABILITY OF THE CREDIT. edit

(a) Improvement of Affordability.—
(1) In general.—
Section 35(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to credit for health insurance costs of eligible individuals) is amended by inserting "(80 percent in the case of eligible coverage months beginning before January 1, 2011)" after "65 percent".
(2) Conforming amendment.—
Section 7527(b) of such Code (relating to advance payment of credit for health insurance costs of eligible individuals) is amended by inserting "(80 percent in the case of eligible coverage months beginning before January 1, 2011)" after "65 percent".
(b) Effective Date.—
The amendments made by this section shall apply to coverage months beginning on or after the first day of the first month beginning 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1899B. PAYMENT FOR MONTHLY PREMIUMS PAID PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF CREDIT. edit

(a) Payment for Premiums Due Prior to Commencement of Advance Payments of Credit.—
Section 7527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to advance payment of credit for health insurance costs of eligible individuals) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
"(e) Payment for Premiums Due Prior to Commencement of Advance Payments.—In the case of eligible coverage months beginning before January 1, 2011—
"(1) In general.—The program established under subsection (a) shall provide that the Secretary shall make 1 or more retroactive payments on behalf of a certified individual in an aggregate amount equal to 80 percent of the premiums for coverage of the taxpayer and qualifying family members under qualified health insurance for eligible coverage months (as defined in section 35(b)) occurring prior to the first month for which an advance payment is made on behalf of such individual under subsection (a).
"(2) Reduction of payment for amounts received under national emergency grants.—The amount of any payment determined under paragraph (1) shall be reduced by the amount of any payment made to the taxpayer for the purchase of qualified health insurance under a national emergency grant pursuant to section 173(f) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 for a taxable year including the eligible coverage months described in paragraph (1).".
(b) Effective Date.—
The amendments made by this section shall apply to coverage months beginning after December 31, 2008.
(c) Transitional Rule.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall not be required to make any payments under section 7527(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section, until after the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1899C. TAA RECIPIENTS NOT ENROLLED IN TRAINING PROGRAMS ELIGIBLE FOR CREDIT. edit

(a) In General.—
Paragraph (2) of section 35(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining eligible TAA recipient) is amended to read as follows:
"(2) Eligible taa recipient.—
"(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term `eligible TAA recipient' means, with respect to any month, any individual who is receiving for any day of such month a trade readjustment allowance under chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 or who would be eligible to receive such allowance if section 231 of such Act were applied without regard to subsection (a)(3)(B) of such section. An individual shall continue to be treated as an eligible TAA recipient during the first month that such individual would otherwise cease to be an eligible TAA recipient by reason of the preceding sentence.
"(B) Special rule.—In the case of any eligible coverage month beginning after the date of the enactment of this paragraph and before January 1, 2011, the term `eligible TAA recipient' means, with respect to any month, any individual who—
"(i) is receiving for any day of such month a trade readjustment allowance under chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974,
"(ii) would be eligible to receive such allowance except that such individual is in a break in training provided under a training program approved under section 236 of such Act that exceeds the period specified in section 233(e) of such Act, but is within the period for receiving such allowances provided under section 233(a) of such Act, or
"(iii) is receiving unemployment compensation (as defined in section 85(b)) for any day of such month and who would be eligible to receive such allowance for such month if section 231 of such Act were applied without regard to subsections (a)(3)(B) and (a)(5) thereof.
"An individual shall continue to be treated as an eligible TAA recipient during the first month that such individual would otherwise cease to be an eligible TAA recipient by reason of the preceding sentence.".
(b) Effective Date.—
The amendment made by this section shall apply to coverage months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1899D. TAA PRE-CERTIFICATION PERIOD RULE FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING WHETHER THERE IS A 63-DAY LAPSE IN CREDITABLE COVERAGE. edit

(a) IRC Amendment.—
Section 9801(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to not counting periods before significant breaks in creditable coverage) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
"(D) TAA-eligible individuals.—In the case of plan years beginning before January 1, 2011—
"(i) TAA pre-certification period rule.—In the case of a TAA-eligible individual, the period beginning on the date the individual has a TAA-related loss of coverage and ending on the date which is 7 days after the date of the issuance by the Secretary (or by any person or entity designated by the Secretary) of a qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate for such individual for purposes of section 7527 shall not be taken into account in determining the continuous period under subparagraph (A).
"(ii) Definitions.—The terms `TAA-eligible individual' and `TAA-related loss of coverage' have the meanings given such terms in section 4980B(f)(5)(C)(iv).".
(b) ERISA Amendment.—
Section 701(c)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1181(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
"(C) TAA-eligible individuals.—In the case of plan years beginning before January 1, 2011—
"(i) TAA pre-certification period rule.—In the case of a TAA-eligible individual, the period beginning on the date the individual has a TAA-related loss of coverage and ending on the date that is 7 days after the date of the issuance by the Secretary (or by any person or entity designated by the Secretary) of a qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate for such individual for purposes of section 7527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not be taken into account in determining the continuous period under subparagraph (A).
"(ii) Definitions.—The terms `TAA-eligible individual' and `TAA-related loss of coverage' have the meanings given such terms in section 605(b)(4).".
(c) PHSA Amendment.—
Section 2701(c)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
"(C) TAA-eligible individuals.—In the case of plan years beginning before January 1, 2011—
"(i) TAA pre-certification period rule.—In the case of a TAA-eligible individual, the period beginning on the date the individual has a TAA-related loss of coverage and ending on the date that is 7 days after the date of the issuance by the Secretary (or by any person or entity designated by the Secretary) of a qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate for such individual for purposes of section 7527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not be taken into account in determining the continuous period under subparagraph (A).
"(ii) Definitions.—The terms `TAA-eligible individual' and `TAA-related loss of coverage' have the meanings given such terms in section 2205(b)(4).".
(d) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall apply to plan years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1899E. CONTINUED QUALIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS AFTER CERTAIN EVENTS. edit

(a) In General.—
Subsection (g) of section 35 of such Code is amended by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10) and inserting after paragraph (8) the following new paragraph:
"(9) Continued qualification of family members after certain events.—In the case of eligible coverage months beginning before January 1, 2011—
"(A) Medicare eligibility.—In the case of any month which would be an eligible coverage month with respect to an eligible individual but for subsection (f)(2)(A), such month shall be treated as an eligible coverage month with respect to such eligible individual solely for purposes of determining the amount of the credit under this section with respect to any qualifying family members of such individual (and any advance payment of such credit under section 7527). This subparagraph shall only apply with respect to the first 24 months after such eligible individual is first entitled to the benefits described in subsection (f)(2)(A).
"(B) Divorce.—In the case of the finalization of a divorce between an eligible individual and such individual's spouse, such spouse shall be treated as an eligible individual for purposes of this section and section 7527 for a period of 24 months beginning with the date of such finalization, except that the only qualifying family members who may be taken into account with respect to such spouse are those individuals who were qualifying family members immediately before such finalization.
"(C) Death.—In the case of the death of an eligible individual—
"(i) any spouse of such individual (determined at the time of such death) shall be treated as an eligible individual for purposes of this section and section 7527 for a period of 24 months beginning with the date of such death, except that the only qualifying family members who may be taken into account with respect to such spouse are those individuals who were qualifying family members immediately before such death, and
"(ii) any individual who was a qualifying family member of the decedent immediately before such death (or, in the case of an individual to whom paragraph (4) applies, the taxpayer to whom the deduction under section 151 is allowable) shall be treated as an eligible individual for purposes of this section and section 7527 for a period of 24 months beginning with the date of such death, except that in determining the amount of such credit only such qualifying family member may be taken into account.".
(b) Conforming Amendment.—
Section 173(f) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(8) Continued qualification of family members after certain events.—In the case of eligible coverage months beginning before January 1, 2011—
"(A) Medicare eligibility.—In the case of any month which would be an eligible coverage month with respect to an eligible individual but for paragraph (7)(B)(i), such month shall be treated as an eligible coverage month with respect to such eligible individual solely for purposes of determining the eligibility of qualifying family members of such individual under this subsection. This subparagraph shall only apply with respect to the first 24 months after such eligible individual is first entitled to the benefits described in paragraph (7)(B)(i).
"(B) Divorce.—In the case of the finalization of a divorce between an eligible individual and such individual's spouse, such spouse shall be treated as an eligible individual for purposes of this subsection for a period of 24 months beginning with the date of such finalization, except that the only qualifying family members who may be taken into account with respect to such spouse are those individuals who were qualifying family members immediately before such finalization.
"(C) Death.—In the case of the death of an eligible individual—
"(i) any spouse of such individual (determined at the time of such death) shall be treated as an eligible individual for purposes of this subsection for a period of 24 months beginning with the date of such death, except that the only qualifying family members who may be taken into account with respect to such spouse are those individuals who were qualifying family members immediately before such death, and
"(ii) any individual who was a qualifying family member of the decedent immediately before such death shall be treated as an eligible individual for purposes this subsection for a period of 24 months beginning with the date of such death, except that no qualifying family members may be taken into account with respect to such individual.".
(c) Effective Date.—
The amendments made by this section shall apply to months beginning after December 31, 2009.

SEC. 1899F. EXTENSION OF COBRA BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN TAA-ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS AND PBGC RECIPIENTS. edit

(a) ERISA Amendments.—Section 602(2)(A) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1162(2)(A)) is amended—
(1) by moving clause (v) to after clause (iv) and before the flush left sentence beginning with "In the case of a qualified beneficiary";
(2) by striking "In the case of a qualified beneficiary" and inserting the following:
"(vi) Special rule for disability.—In the case of a qualified beneficiary"; and
(3) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi), as amended by paragraphs (1) and (2), as clauses (vii) and (viii), respectively, and by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clauses:
"(v) Special rule for pbgc recipients.—In the case of a qualifying event described in section 603(2) with respect to a covered employee who (as of such qualifying event) has a nonforfeitable right to a benefit any portion of which is to be paid by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation under title IV, notwithstanding clause (i) or (ii), the date of the death of the covered employee, or in the case of the surviving spouse or dependent children of the covered employee, 24 months after the date of the death of the covered employee. The preceding sentence shall not require any period of coverage to extend beyond December 31, 2010.
"(vi) Special rule for taa-eligible individuals.—In the case of a qualifying event described in section 603(2) with respect to a covered employee who is (as of the date that the period of coverage would, but for this clause or clause (vii), otherwise terminate under clause (i) or (ii)) a TAA-eligible individual (as defined in section 605(b)(4)(B)), the period of coverage shall not terminate by reason of clause (i) or (ii), as the case may be, before the later of the date specified in such clause or the date on which such individual ceases to be such a TAA-eligible individual. The preceding sentence shall not require any period of coverage to extend beyond December 31, 2010.".
(b) IRC Amendments.—Clause (i) of section 4980B(f)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(1) by striking "In the case of a qualified beneficiary" and inserting the following:
"(VI) Special rule for disability.—In the case of a qualified beneficiary", and
(2) by redesignating subclauses (V) and (VI), as amended by paragraph (1), as subclauses (VII) and (VIII), respectively, and by inserting after clause (IV) the following new subclauses:
"(V) Special rule for pbgc recipients.—In the case of a qualifying event described in paragraph (3)(B) with respect to a covered employee who (as of such qualifying event) has a nonforfeitable right to a benefit any portion of which is to be paid by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation under title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, notwithstanding subclause (I) or (II), the date of the death of the covered employee, or in the case of the surviving spouse or dependent children of the covered employee, 24 months after the date of the death of the covered employee. The preceding sentence shall not require any period of coverage to extend beyond December 31, 2010.
"(VI) Special rule for taa-eligible individuals.—
In the case of a qualifying event described in paragraph (3)(B) with respect to a covered employee who is (as of the date that the period of coverage would, but for this subclause or subclause (VII), otherwise terminate under subclause (I) or (II)) a TAA-eligible individual (as defined in paragraph (5)(C)(iv)(II)), the period of coverage shall not terminate by reason of subclause (I) or (II), as the case may be, before the later of the date specified in such subclause or the date on which such individual ceases to be such a TAA-eligible individual. The preceding sentence shall not require any period of coverage to extend beyond December 31, 2010.".
(c) PHSA Amendments.—Section 2202(2)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-2(2)(A)) is amended—
(1) by striking "In the case of a qualified beneficiary" and inserting the following:
"(v) Special rule for disability.—In the case of a qualified beneficiary"; and
(2) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v), as amended by paragraph (1), as clauses (v) and (vi), respectively, and by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause:
"(iv) Special rule for taa-eligible individuals.—In the case of a qualifying event described in section 2203(2) with respect to a covered employee who is (as of the date that the period of coverage would, but for this clause or clause (v), otherwise terminate under clause (i) or (ii)) a TAA-eligible individual (as defined in section 2205(b)(4)(B)), the period of coverage shall not terminate by reason of clause (i) or (ii), as the case may be, before the later of the date specified in such clause or the date on which such individual ceases to be such a TAA-eligible individual. The preceding sentence shall not require any period of coverage to extend beyond December 31, 2010.".
(d) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall apply to periods of coverage which would (without regard to the amendments made by this section) end on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1899G. ADDITION OF COVERAGE THROUGH VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEES' BENEFICIARY ASSOCIATIONS.

(a) In General.—Paragraph (1) of section 35(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
"(K) In the case of eligible coverage months beginning before January 1, 2011, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association (as defined in section 501(c)(9)) established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative, as provided in section 1114 of title 11, United States Code.".
(b) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall apply to coverage months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1899H. NOTICE REQUIREMENTS. edit

(a) In General.—Subsection (d) of section 7527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate) is amended to read as follows:
"(d) Qualified Health Insurance Costs Eligibility Certificate.—
"(1) In general.—For purposes of this section, the term `qualified health insurance costs eligibility certificate' means any written statement that an individual is an eligible individual (as defined in section 35(c)) if such statement provides such information as the Secretary may require for purposes of this section and—
"(A) in the case of an eligible TAA recipient (as defined in section 35(c)(2)) or an eligible alternative TAA recipient (as defined in section 35(c)(3)), is certified by the Secretary of Labor (or by any other person or entity designated by the Secretary), or
"(B) in the case of an eligible PBGC pension recipient (as defined in section 35(c)(4)), is certified by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (or by any other person or entity designated by the Secretary).
"(2) Inclusion of certain information.—In the case of any statement described in paragraph (1) which is issued before January 1, 2011, such statement shall not be treated as a qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate unless such statement includes—
"(A) the name, address, and telephone number of the State office or offices responsible for providing the individual with assistance with enrollment in qualified health insurance (as defined in section 35(e)),
"(B) a list of the coverage options that are treated as qualified health insurance (as so defined) by the State in which the individual resides, and
"(C) in the case of a TAA-eligible individual (as defined in section 4980B(f)(5)(C)(iv)(II)), a statement informing the individual that the individual has 63 days from the date that is 7 days after the date of the issuance of such certificate to enroll in such insurance without a lapse in creditable coverage (as defined in section 9801(c)).".
(b) Effective Date.—The amendment made by this section shall apply to certificates issued after the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1899I. SURVEY AND REPORT ON ENHANCED HEALTH COVERAGE TAX CREDIT PROGRAM. edit

(a) Survey.—
(1) In general.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall conduct a biennial survey of eligible individuals (as defined in section 35(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) relating to the health coverage tax credit under section 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "health coverage tax credit").
(2) Information obtained.—The survey conducted under subsection (a) shall obtain the following information:
(A) HCTC participants.—In the case of eligible individuals receiving the health coverage tax credit (including individuals participating in the health coverage tax credit program under section 7527 of such Code, hereinafter in this section referred to as the "HCTC program")—
(i) demographic information of such individuals, including income and education levels,
(ii) satisfaction of such individuals with the enrollment process in the HCTC program,
(iii) satisfaction of such individuals with available health coverage options under the credit, including level of premiums, benefits, deductibles, cost-sharing requirements, and the adequacy of provider networks, and
(iv) any other information that the Secretary determines is appropriate.
(B) Non-HCTC participants.—In the case of eligible individuals not receiving the health coverage tax credit—
(i) demographic information of each individual, including income and education levels,
(ii) whether the individual was aware of the health coverage tax credit or the HCTC program,
(iii) the reasons the individual has not enrolled in the HCTC program, including whether such reasons include the burden of the process of enrollment and the affordability of coverage,
(iv) whether the individual has health insurance coverage, and, if so, the source of such coverage, and
(v) any other information that the Secretary determines is appropriate.
(3) Report.—Not later than December 31 of each year in which a survey is conducted under paragraph (1) (beginning in 2010), the Secretary of the Treasury shall report to the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives the findings of the most recent survey conducted under paragraph (1).
(b) Report.—Not later than October 1 of each year (beginning in 2010), the Secretary of the Treasury (after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and, in the case of the information required under paragraph (7), the Secretary of Labor) shall report to the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives the following information with respect to the most recent taxable year ending before such date:
(1) In each State and nationally—
(A) the total number of eligible individuals (as defined in section 35(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) and the number of eligible individuals receiving the health coverage tax credit,
(B) the total number of such eligible individuals who receive an advance payment of the health coverage tax credit through the HCTC program,
(C) the average length of the time period of the participation of eligible individuals in the HCTC program, and
(D) the total number of participating eligible individuals in the HCTC program who are enrolled in each category of coverage as described in section 35(e)(1) of such Code,
with respect to each category of eligible individuals described in section 35(c)(1) of such Code.
(2) In each State and nationally, an analysis of—
(A) the range of monthly health insurance premiums, for self-only coverage and for family coverage, for individuals receiving the health coverage tax credit, and
(B) the average and median monthly health insurance premiums, for self-only coverage and for family coverage, for individuals receiving the health coverage tax credit,
with respect to each category of coverage as described in section 35(e)(1) of such Code.
(3) In each State and nationally, an analysis of the following information with respect to the health insurance coverage of individuals receiving the health coverage tax credit who are enrolled in coverage described in subparagraphs (B) through (H) of section 35(e)(1) of such Code:
(A) Deductible amounts.
(B) Other out-of-pocket cost-sharing amounts.
(C) A description of any annual or lifetime limits on coverage or any other significant limits on coverage services, or benefits.
The information required under this paragraph shall be reported with respect to each category of coverage described in such subparagraphs.
(4) In each State and nationally, the gender and average age of eligible individuals (as defined in section 35(c) of such Code) who receive the health coverage tax credit, in each category of coverage described in section 35(e)(1) of such Code, with respect to each category of eligible individuals described in such section.
(5) The steps taken by the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the participation rates in the HCTC program among eligible individuals, including outreach and enrollment activities.
(6) The cost of administering the HCTC program by function, including the cost of subcontractors, and recommendations on ways to reduce administrative costs, including recommended statutory changes.
(7) The number of States applying for and receiving national emergency grants under section 173(f) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918(f)), the activities funded by such grants on a State-by-State basis, and the time necessary for application approval of such grants.

SEC. 1899J. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. edit

There is authorized to be appropriated $80,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2010 to implement the amendments made by, and the provisions of, sections 1899 through 1899I of this part.

SEC. 1899K. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANTS. edit

(a) In General.—Section 173(f) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918(f)), as amended by this Act, is amended—
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:
"(1) Use of funds.—
"(A) Health insurance coverage for eligible individuals in order to obtain qualified health insurance that has guaranteed issue and other consumer protections.—Funds made available to a State or entity under paragraph (4)(A) of subsection (a) may be used to provide an eligible individual described in paragraph (4)(C) and such individual's qualifying family members with health insurance coverage for the 3-month period that immediately precedes the first eligible coverage month (as defined in section 35(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) in which such eligible individual and such individual's qualifying family members are covered by qualified health insurance that meets the requirements described in clauses (i) through (v) of section 35(e)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or such longer minimum period as is necessary in order for such eligible individual and such individual's qualifying family members to be covered by qualified health insurance that meets such requirements).
"(B) Additional uses.—Funds made available to a State or entity under paragraph (4)(A) of subsection (a) may be used by the State or entity for the following:
"(i) Health insurance coverage.—To assist an eligible individual and such individual's qualifying family members with enrolling in health insurance coverage and qualified health insurance or paying premiums for such coverage or insurance.
"(ii) Administrative expenses and start-up expenses to establish group health plan coverage options for qualified health insurance.—To pay the administrative expenses related to the enrollment of eligible individuals and such individuals' qualifying family members in health insurance coverage and qualified health insurance, including—
"(I) eligibility verification activities;
"(II) the notification of eligible individuals of available health insurance and qualified health insurance options;
"(III) processing qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificates provided for under section 7527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
"(IV) providing assistance to eligible individuals in enrolling in health insurance coverage and qualified health insurance;
"(V) the development or installation of necessary data management systems; and
"(VI) any other expenses determined appropriate by the Secretary, including start-up costs and on going administrative expenses, in order for the State to treat the coverage described in subparagraphs (C) through (H) of section 35(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as qualified health insurance under that section.
"(iii) Outreach.—To pay for outreach to eligible individuals to inform such individuals of available health insurance and qualified health insurance options, including outreach consisting of notice to eligible individuals of such options made available after the date of enactment of this clause and direct assistance to help potentially eligible individuals and such individual's qualifying family members qualify and remain eligible for the credit established under section 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and advance payment of such credit under section 7527 of such Code.
"(iv) Bridge funding.—To assist potentially eligible individuals to purchase qualified health insurance coverage prior to issuance of a qualified health insurance costs credit eligibility certificate under section 7527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and commencement of advance payment, and receipt of expedited payment, under subsections (a) and (e), respectively, of that section.
"(C) Rule of construction.—The inclusion of a permitted use under this paragraph shall not be construed as prohibiting a similar use of funds permitted under subsection (g)."; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph:
"(2) Qualified health insurance.—For purposes of this subsection and subsection (g), the term `qualified health insurance' has the meaning given that term in section 35(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.".
(b) Funding.—Section 174(c)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2919(c)(1)) is amended—
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking "Authorization and appropriation for fiscal year 2002" and inserting "Appropriations"; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following new subparagraph:
"(A) to carry out subsection (a)(4)(A) of section 173—
"(i) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
"(ii) $150,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2010; and".

SEC. 1899L. GAO STUDY AND REPORT. edit

(a) Study.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study regarding the health insurance tax credit allowed under section 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(b) Report.—
Not later than March 1, 2010, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress regarding the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). Such report shall include an analysis of—
(1) the administrative costs—
(A) of the Federal Government with respect to such credit and the advance payment of such credit under section 7527 of such Code, and
(B) of providers of qualified health insurance with respect to providing such insurance to eligible individuals and their qualifying family members,
(2) the health status and relative risk status of eligible individuals and qualifying family members covered under such insurance,
(3) participation in such credit and the advance payment of such credit by eligible individuals and their qualifying family members, including the reasons why such individuals did or did not participate and the effect of the amendments made by this part on such participation, and
(4) the extent to which eligible individuals and their qualifying family members—
(A) obtained health insurance other than qualifying health insurance, or
(B) went without health insurance coverage.
(c) Access to Records.—
For purposes of conducting the study required under this section, the Comptroller General and any of his duly authorized representatives shall have access to, and the right to examine and copy, all documents, records, and other recorded information—
(1) within the possession or control of providers of qualified health insurance, and
(2) determined by the Comptroller General (or any such representative) to be relevant to the study.
The Comptroller General shall not disclose the identity of any provider of qualified health insurance or any eligible individual in making any information obtained under this section available to the public.
(d) Definitions.—
Any term which is defined in section 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have the same meaning when used in this section.