Rhode Island House Bill H7887

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/4/24

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Impact

The passage of this resolution could have significant implications for state-level regulations relating to health insurance and senior care. If Congress acts on the proposals within H7887, it may involve creating stricter regulations on how MA plans are marketed, increased scrutiny on their practices, and perhaps a shift in focus back towards enhancing Traditional Medicare. This could result in more equitable healthcare access for disparate populations, especially among minorities and low-income individuals, who are disproportionately enrolled in plans that do not adequately meet their needs.

Summary

House Bill H7887 urges the United States Congress to take action to protect patients and preserve traditional Medicare from the issues arising from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. A key concern outlined in the bill is that more than 50% of beneficiaries are enrolling in MA plans, often without fully understanding the differences in costs and benefits compared to Traditional Medicare (TM). The resolution emphasizes that while MA plans are promoted with low premiums and additional benefits, they often lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, especially when enrollees face serious medical issues. Moreover, it highlights issues related to marketing practices of MA plans and the barriers that prevent beneficiaries from reverting to TM.

Contention

Supporters of the bill argue that current MA practices, such as 'upcoding' and 'cherry-picking,' harm patients while enriching corporate interests, leading to a decrease in the quality of care. They seek reforms that will ensure better accountability and transparency from MA plans. However, opponents may argue against these restrictive measures, suggesting they could stifle innovation and flexibility within the healthcare market, potentially limiting options for consumers who prefer MA plans for reasons such as lower upfront costs or additional services.