Fitzpatrick unveils bill to ensure senior citizens have up-to-date in-network provider lists

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently proposed a bipartisan bill that would require Medicare Advantage insurance plans to update their provider directories annually starting in 2026 so that Americans have the most-recent information on healthcare providers covered by their insurance plans.

“Seniors covered through Medicare Advantage deserve an accurate listing of in-network healthcare providers when using the service’s directory,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said, noting that the bill “will ensure the directory has the most updated data, and if incorrect, not penalize seniors with unexpected costs and delayed care for errors beyond their control.”

Rep. Fitzpatrick is one of four original cosponsors of the Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists (REAL) Health Providers Act, H.R. 7708, sponsored on March 15 by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

“Patients need to be able to trust that the healthcare providers their insurance plans direct them to are real, accessible, and in-network,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan legislation is a straightforward solution that would require plans to annually update their provider directories, ensuring patients are not wasting their precious time and money finding the care they need. This is a common-sense step to streamline the healthcare system and better protect patients.”

According to information provided by the lawmakers, patients rely on provider directories from Medicare Advantage insurance plans to find in-network providers.

When the directories aren’t updated, however, lists of so-called ghost networks of providers are created as options for care when some providers may no longer be practicing, accepting patients, or are not part of the plan’s network, the information says.

Ghost networks can result in delays in care, inappropriate treatment, and unnecessary costs for patients, according to the senators.

The American Psychiatric Association endorsed H.R. 7708, which has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.