Cramer: House Passes Package of Legislation to Improve Health Coverage for Seniors
Press Release
Congressman Kevin Cramer supported legislation passed tonight in the House of Representatives to allow senior citizens greater access to health coverage while ensuring agency transparency.
The bills reform and strengthen the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to provide better service. Notably, Cramer co-sponsored H.R. 3635, which requires CMS to report annually to Congress on applications for coverage.
"Tonight the House passed bipartisan, commonsense legislation to improve coverage for our seniors," said Cramer. "These bills demonstrate the need for transparency at every level in government to ensure folks relying on coverage are taken care of."
Summary of the bills passed
H.R. 3635, the Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act, would require Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to increase transparency in health care coverage determinations by requiring MACs to publicly post local coverage determinations (LCDs), provide for public comments, and hold public meetings regarding proposals. It also requires CMS to report annually to Congress on the LCD related applications and decisions. Cramer is a co-sponsor of this bill.
H.R. 6561, the Comprehensive Care for Seniors Act, would require CMS to issue a final rule based on the provisions of a proposed rule regarding Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) by December 31.
H.R. 6662, the Empowering Seniors' Enrollment Decision Act, would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the special election period under part C of the Medicare program for certain deemed individuals enrolled in a reasonable cost reimbursement contract to certain nondeemed individuals enrolled in such contract.
H.R. 6690, the Fighting Fraud to Protect Care for Seniors Act, would require CMS to establish a pilot program that evaluates the feasibility of using smart card technology to address Medicare fraud. Under the program, smart card technology must be issued free-of-charge to selected Medicare beneficiaries, suppliers, and providers; such technology must support the secure, electronic authentication of beneficiary identity at points of service.
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