Here is a list of some of the recent major health care initiatives passed by Congress and signed by the President.

• The  Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This law guarantees coverage for small groups and provides for continuous coverage for individuals.
   

• The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 (the Newborns'  Act). This law requires insurance contracts to pay for a minimum number of days  in the hospital following childbirth.
   

• The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA). The MHPA requires some health plans to provide coverage for mental conditions that is more in line with  coverage for physical conditions.
   

• The  State Children's Health Insurance Program of 1997 (SCHIP). This law provides for federal grants to states in order to insure children in families that do not  qualify for Medicaid.
   

• The  Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA). This law requires insurance plans offering mastectomy coverage to also provide coverage for reconstructive surgery in a manner determined in consultation with the attending physician and the paNFIBnt