Hannah S. Mercado

Legislation would place emphasis back on patient health rather than on cumbersome, time-consuming paperwork.

Federal legislation addresses variety of issues and seeks to build on gains made under the Affordable Care Act.

Other health essentials, such as groceries, prescriptions, some OTC medications, are tax-exempt in many states.

Legislation expands protection of original 1965 act to individuals younger than 60 years.

Expanding capacity of health care outcomes statutes aims to link specialists with general practices.