Plain Language Summary
# RAMP Act Summary **What it does:** The RAMP Act would limit who can sue insurance plans when Medicare isn't paid correctly as a secondary payer (the backup insurer). Currently, patients and their representatives can sue various types of insurance plans—including workers' compensation, auto insurance, and liability insurance—if those plans fail to pay Medicare first when they should. This bill would restrict lawsuits to only group health plans (employer-sponsored insurance), eliminating the right to sue workers' compensation, auto insurance, and other liability insurers over these payment issues. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and attorneys who represent them in payment disputes. It also impacts workers' compensation systems, auto insurers, and liability insurers, which would face fewer legal consequences for improper payment ordering.
Insurance companies argue current rules create excessive litigation costs; patient advocates counter that removing the threat of lawsuits could reduce incentive for insurers to follow Medicare payment rules correctly. **Current status:** The bill is in committee as of the 119th Congress and has not yet advanced to a floor vote. It was introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
CRS Official Summary
Repair Abuses of MSP Payments Act or the RAMP Act This bill restricts the private right of action against insurance plans that do not provide appropriate primary payment in cases in which Medicare is a secondary payer. Current law allows for a private right of action against primary plans that do not provide appropriate primary payment in cases in which Medicare is a secondary payer; this provision applies to group health plans, workers' compensation plans, automobile or liability insurance plans, and no-fault insurance plans. The bill limits this provision to group health plans.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.