Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act
Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act
Plain Language Summary
# Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act (HR 3665) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill makes changes to how Medicare penalizes people who sign up late for coverage. Currently, if someone doesn't enroll in Medicare when first eligible, they pay a 10% penalty on their monthly premiums for the rest of their life. This bill would increase that penalty to 15% but make it temporary—lasting only twice as long as the period they went without coverage (rather than permanently).
The bill also expands who qualifies for "special enrollment periods," which allow people to sign up for Medicare outside normal enrollment windows, to include those with non-employer health insurance. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects people approaching or already on Medicare, particularly those who delay signing up for coverage or who have health insurance through sources other than an employer (such as individual plans or spouse coverage). The penalty changes could impact both those who miss enrollment deadlines and their monthly Medicare costs. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on or passed by either chamber of Congress. It was introduced by Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA).
CRS Official Summary
Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act This bill modifies provisions relating to enrollment periods for Medicare medical services. Among other things, the bill establishes a late enrollment penalty of 15% of monthly premiums and applies the penalty for a period equal to twice the number of months in each 12-month period during which the individual was not enrolled. Currently, the late enrollment penalty is 10% of monthly premiums for each 12-month period during which the individual was not enrolled, and the penalty continues to apply for as long as the individual is enrolled in Medicare medical services. The bill also expands the special enrollment periods to individuals who have health insurance coverage other than through their employer.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.