Plain Language Summary
# BENES 2.0 Act Summary **What the bill does:** The BENES 2.0 Act would require Social Security to send information about Medicare eligibility and enrollment to people approaching retirement age. Specifically, Social Security statements sent to people ages 60-65 would include details about Medicare coverage options, penalties for enrolling late, and how Medicare coordinates with other benefits.
The bill also requires similar information to be mailed to people already receiving Social Security benefits before their initial Medicare enrollment period begins. **Who it affects:** This legislation primarily targets people nearing or at retirement age who receive Social Security benefits. By providing clearer information about Medicare enrollment deadlines and penalties, it's designed to help beneficiaries make better-informed healthcare decisions and avoid costly mistakes like missing enrollment deadlines. **Current status:** The bill (HR 4960) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification 2.0 Act or the BENES 2.0 Act This bill requires Social Security account statements for individuals attaining ages 60 to 65 to include information about Medicare eligibility, late enrollment penalties, benefit coordination, and related resources. Statements with the required information must be mailed to individuals at least three months before they turn 65; the required information must also be mailed to those who are age 65 or over and are entitled to Social Security benefits three months before their initial Medicare enrollment period begins.
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.