The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that seeks to improve Medicare Advantage transparency by requiring a yearly report about the Medicare program’s enrollment data be submitted to Congress by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, recently made statements supporting HR 2505, also known as the Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act. He introduced the act on May 21 and it passed with a unanimous vote. It was co-sponsored by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R- FL) and Ron Kind (D-WI).
“Congress and the (President Barack) Obama administration ought to be fostering a culture of openness and transparency when legislating and making decisions here in Washington,” Kelly said. “That is what this legislation is all about: providing more transparency to the American people about their health care, specifically Medicare Advantage coverage. With the passage of HR 2505, the [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] will be required to provide additional information on Medicare Advantage enrollment based on ZIP code, congressional district and state. The purpose of this additional data is to provide greater information to the public, to policymakers, and to the health care community so they may have the benefit of more and better information when making decisions.”
The bill is part of a series that is designed to improve Medicare Advantage and make practical modifications to the U.S. health care system.
“As we work to increase transparency and efficiency in programs like Medicare Advantage we need the most up-to-date information on enrollment,” Kind said. “This legislation increases transparency and ensures Congress is provided the most accurate and comprehensive information to guide their decision-making.”
Other parts of the series, such as the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act (HR 1190) and the Protect Medical Innovation Act (HR 160) are scheduled soon for the House’s consideration.
“One of the most ominous components of Obamacare has always been the creation of a new government control panel known as the Independent Payment Advisory Board,” Kelly said. “Obamacare’s creators seem to think that 15 unelected and unaccountable Washington bureaucrats deserve the power to decide personal medical choices for seniors. I believe that no government acronym, bureaucrat or board can ever substitute for the good judgment of a chosen family doctor. HR 1190 will put a stop to this reckless government intrusion.”