Kansas House Bill HCR5013

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Engrossed: 3/24/25
• Refer: 3/25/25

Caption

Urging Congress to give state insurance regulators authority over Medicare Advantage plans.

Impact

If HCR5013 is enacted, it could lead to significant changes in how Medicare Advantage plans are regulated within Kansas and potentially influence similar legislative changes in other states. The resolution aims to enhance state authorities in overseeing marketing and consumer disclosures related to Medicare Advantage. This could result in stronger protections for vulnerable populations, notably seniors, against misleading promotional tactics used by private insurers. Consequently, this might foster a more transparent health insurance marketplace.

Summary

HCR5013 is a Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Kansas Legislature that urges Congress to grant state insurance regulators authority over Medicare Advantage plans. The resolution argues that the current federal framework limits the ability of states to regulate these plans effectively, leaving consumers vulnerable to aggressive and potentially deceptive marketing practices that have been reported across the country. The resolution emphasizes that a lack of state oversight has resulted in various complaints regarding the misrepresentation of information related to provider networks and the actual benefits of Medicare Advantage plans.

Contention

The resolution is rooted in ongoing concerns about consumer protection within the Medicare Advantage sector. It raises points of contention surrounding the adequacy of federal oversight by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which, according to the resolution, has failed to address misleading marketing practices effectively. Proponents of HCR5013 advocate for state-based regulation, arguing that it would better serve the interests of Kansas residents. However, critics may contend that shifting regulatory power to states could create inconsistencies and a patchwork of regulations, potentially complicating the national standards that currently exist.