Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Democrat · WI · 15 bills sponsored
Save Medicare Act
# Save Medicare Act (HR 7803) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Save Medicare Act, introduced by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), aims to strengthen the Medicare program's finances and benefits. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the information provided, bills with this title typically focus on addressing Medicare's long-term funding challenges and/or expanding coverage benefits. Without access to the bill's full text, the exact measures—whether involving tax changes, benefit modifications, or cost-control mechanisms—cannot be specified. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact Medicare beneficiaries (people age 65+ and some younger individuals with disabilities), as well as workers who fund Medicare through payroll taxes. Healthcare providers who treat Medicare patients could also be affected depending on the bill's specific provisions. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full House vote. The bill remains in the early legislative stage and would require committee review and approval before moving forward. *Note: For a complete understanding of this bill's specific proposals, you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov, as the summary provided lacks detailed provision information.*
Audit the Pentagon Act of 2026
# Audit the Pentagon Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Audit the Pentagon Act of 2026 would require the U.S. Department of Defense to undergo a comprehensive financial audit. This bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in how the Pentagon spends taxpayer money by ensuring its financial records are thoroughly reviewed and verified by independent auditors. **Who It Affects and Key Details** This legislation would primarily affect the Department of Defense and its spending practices. The bill would impact federal taxpayers by potentially identifying financial discrepancies or inefficiencies in defense spending. While the full details aren't specified in the available information, audit requirements like these typically examine budget allocations, accounting procedures, and financial management across military departments and agencies. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7555 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin). *Note: Additional details about specific audit provisions or implementation methods would require access to the full bill text.*
PrEP Access Act
# PrEP Access Act Summary The PrEP Access Act (HR 7189) is a proposed federal bill that would improve access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medication that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV when taken regularly. The bill aims to remove barriers that prevent people from obtaining this preventive drug, particularly for those without insurance or with limited financial means. If passed, it would make PrEP more affordable and accessible to Americans who could benefit from it. The bill primarily affects people at higher risk of HIV infection, including sexually active individuals, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Key provisions likely include measures to increase coverage of PrEP through insurance plans, reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients, and potentially expand access through public health programs. The specific details of the provisions are limited in the available information provided. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. It requires committee approval and further legislative action before it could potentially become law.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage plans to automatically reconsider determinations denying coverage.
# Summary of HR 6110 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require Medicare Advantage plans—private insurance plans that serve Medicare beneficiaries—to automatically review their own coverage denials without requiring patients to request an appeal. Currently, when a Medicare Advantage plan denies coverage for a medical service or treatment, patients must actively file an appeal to have the decision reconsidered. This bill would make reconsideration automatic, potentially helping patients access denied treatments without taking additional steps. **Who It Affects** The primary groups affected would be Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (roughly 28 million people) and the private insurers offering these plans. Patients who receive coverage denials would benefit from automatic reviews, while insurers would face new administrative requirements to reconsider these decisions on their own. **Current Status** HR 6110 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced beyond the committee stage.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish certain requirements with respect to rates of reversed prior authorization coverage determinations under Medicare Advantage plans.
# HR 6109 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would change rules for Medicare Advantage plans (private insurance plans that serve Medicare beneficiaries) regarding "prior authorization"—the process where insurance companies must approve treatments before they're provided. Specifically, the bill would establish requirements about how often insurance companies' initial denials of coverage get overturned on appeal. The goal appears to be ensuring that when patients or doctors challenge a denied claim, those appeals are being decided fairly. **Who It Affects** The bill directly affects Medicare Advantage plan members (seniors and some younger disabled individuals on Medicare who choose private plans), doctors and hospitals that treat these patients, and the insurance companies offering these plans. Indirectly, it could affect Medicare's overall costs and healthcare access. **Current Status** HR 6109 was introduced by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill's specific provisions regarding what "rates of reversed determinations" should be are not detailed in the available summary.
To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to exclude certain individuals and entities who commit fraud from participation in any Federal health care program.
# Summary of HR 6108 **What the Bill Would Do** HR 6108 would strengthen penalties for healthcare fraud by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exclude individuals and entities convicted of fraud from participating in any federal health care program. This means that people or organizations found guilty of defrauding federal programs like Medicare or Medicaid would be permanently or temporarily banned from billing these programs or receiving payments from them. The bill amends existing Social Security Act rules to make such exclusions mandatory rather than discretionary. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact healthcare providers, suppliers, and contractors who commit fraud against federal health programs. It could also affect their employees or associates, depending on how the exclusion rules are applied. Patients could indirectly benefit if the measure reduces fraud and helps protect federal healthcare program integrity. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. No action has been taken since its introduction.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require any advertisement of a Medicare Advantage plan to include information related to the rates of prior authorization denials under such plan.
# Summary of HR 6111 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require Medicare Advantage insurance plans to disclose their prior authorization denial rates in all advertisements. Prior authorization is when an insurance company must approve a treatment before a patient receives it. The bill aims to make consumers aware of how often these plans deny such requests so people can make more informed choices when selecting coverage. **Who It Affects** The requirement would primarily affect Medicare Advantage plans (private insurance alternatives to traditional Medicare) and seniors choosing between health coverage options. It could also impact how insurance companies market their plans. **Current Status** HR 6111 was introduced by Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced to a vote as of the last update.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain a website for Medicare beneficiaries to search for providers participating in MA plans and traditional Medicare.
# HR 6115 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** HR 6115 would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create and maintain a website that helps Medicare beneficiaries (people 65+ and some younger disabled individuals) search for doctors and healthcare providers. The website would show which providers participate in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans—private insurance alternatives to traditional Medicare—and traditional Medicare programs. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries who need to find healthcare providers, as well as healthcare providers themselves. It could also impact insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans and the federal government, which would need to build and maintain the website. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No further action has been taken at this time.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish certain requirements with respect to the average monthly cost to provide coverage to an enrollee under Medicare Advantage plans.
# HR 6112 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would establish new requirements governing the average monthly costs of Medicare Advantage plans—private insurance alternatives to traditional Medicare that serve seniors and some disabled individuals. The legislation aims to set standards or limits on what these plans can cost to provide coverage to individual enrollees, though the specific cost requirements are not detailed in the available bill information. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact Medicare Advantage enrollees (primarily people 65+ and some disabled individuals), insurance companies offering these plans, and the overall Medicare program. Medicare Advantage currently covers millions of Americans who choose private plans instead of traditional government-run Medicare. **Current Status** HR 6112 was introduced by Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) in the 119th Congress and remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. No further action has been taken at this time.
To prohibit funds made available to the Department of Health and Human Services by previous Appropriations Acts from being used for any activity that makes Medicare Advantage the default under the Medicare program.
# HR 6114 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prevent the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using previously appropriated funds to make Medicare Advantage the automatic enrollment option for Medicare beneficiaries. Currently, Medicare has two main options: traditional Medicare (fee-for-service) and Medicare Advantage (private insurance plans). The bill would ensure that whichever option is currently the default remains the default, blocking any government action to switch the system to automatically enroll new beneficiaries into Medicare Advantage plans. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects current and future Medicare beneficiaries—Americans age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. It would also impact HHS, which administers Medicare, and private insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans. **Key Provision and Status** The bill's main provision restricts how HHS can spend money that was already appropriated in previous years. As of now, the bill is in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. Sponsor Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) introduced it in the 119th Congress.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to impose limitations on contracts with Medicare Advantage organizations offering multiple Medicare Advantage plans under the Medicare program.
# HR 6113 Summary **What the Bill Does** HR 6113 would limit how many Medicare Advantage plans a single insurance company can offer under the Medicare program. Currently, large insurance organizations can offer numerous different plans to seniors, but this bill would restrict that practice by imposing caps on the number of contracts these companies can hold with Medicare. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects Medicare Advantage organizations (large insurance companies offering Medicare plans to seniors) and Medicare beneficiaries (people 65 and older enrolled in these plans). Seniors currently with Medicare Advantage coverage could potentially see changes in plan options or company operations, depending on the specific limitations enacted. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The specific limitations the bill would impose are not detailed in the available information, so the exact impact remains unclear without the full text.
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025
# Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025 **What the bill would do:** This bill would require colleges and universities that receive federal funding to establish and enforce stronger policies against harassment, discrimination, and bullying on campus. Named after Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student who died by suicide in 2010 after being bullied, the legislation aims to create more consistent protections for students across higher education institutions. The bill would likely require schools to implement reporting mechanisms, investigate complaints, and take disciplinary action against those found to engage in harassment or discrimination. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill primarily affects college and university students and the institutions themselves. Schools receiving federal funding would be required to adopt anti-harassment standards and procedures. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, such bills typically mandate training for staff, clear reporting channels for students, timely investigations, and consequences for violations. The legislation would impact administrators, faculty, and students at thousands of institutions nationwide. **Current status:** As of now, HR 5486 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It requires further review and debate before it could advance or be considered for a vote.
Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act of 2025
# Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act of 2025 — Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would improve how the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides training to school cafeteria workers. It requires that training be scheduled during workers' regular paid hours, provided for free, and conducted in-person when practical. If training must happen outside normal work hours, schools would need to compensate workers for their time, inform them in advance why the scheduling is necessary, and get their input on scheduling. Workers couldn't face penalties for declining to attend after-hours training. **Who it affects:** School food service workers (cafeteria staff) across the country would be the primary beneficiaries. Schools and school districts would need to adjust how they schedule and fund training programs. The Department of Agriculture would need to implement these new requirements. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
ELON MUSK Act
# ELON MUSK Act Summary I'm unable to provide a detailed summary of this bill because the legislative database information provided is incomplete. While the bill exists as HR 2737 in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, the key details needed to explain it—including the bill's full title expansion, its stated purposes, and specific provisions—are listed as "N/A" in the available information. To get accurate information about what this bill would actually do, I'd recommend: - Visiting **Congress.gov** and searching "HR 2737" - Checking the bill sponsor's official website (Rep. Mark Pocan's office) - Looking at news coverage from reputable sources covering this specific legislation This will give you the actual text and provisions rather than speculation based on the bill's acronym.
Protect Social Security and Medicare Act
# Protect Social Security and Medicare Act - Summary **What it would do:** This bill would make it significantly harder to pass laws that cut Social Security or Medicare benefits. Currently, most bills only need a simple majority (50% + 1) to pass Congress. Under this bill, any legislation that would reduce benefits would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate before it could even be debated. The rule wouldn't apply to changes affecting Medicare Advantage insurance plans, as long as those savings are redirected to other Medicare programs. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects seniors and disabled individuals who rely on Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare health insurance. It also affects Congress, by raising the legislative threshold needed to modify these programs. Taxpayers who fund these programs through payroll taxes would be indirectly affected by any future policy changes. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It would need committee approval before advancing further in the legislative process.