Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medicare Improvements Act of 1979

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medicare Improvements Act of 1979 - Title I: Medicare Improvements - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) remove the 150 day limitation on inpatient hospital services; and (2) remove the 100 visit limitation on home health services. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a requirement for receiving home health services. Extends to 30 days the period within which an individual must be admitted to a skilled nursing facility in order to receive Medicare coverage for post-hospital extended care, following a hospital stay of at least three consecutive days. Reduces the requirement of confinement to the home to one of substantial confinement to the home in order for an individual to receive Medicare coverage for home health services. Authorizes payments for home health services in cases where a physician certifies that occupational therapy is needed. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop standards for home health agencies with respect to health, safety, and the quality and appropriateness of services, including the training of home health aides. Eliminates copayment requirements for: (1) inpatient hos…