We are very pleased to announce that a COBRA bill has dropped: H.R. 5104, the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act. The bill had four original cosponsors: Reps. Kurt Schrader (OR), Carlos Curbelo (FL), Gus Bilirakis (FL) and Mike Thompson (CA). The bill would provide an SEP for individuals aging into Medicare who miss their 63-day window for Part B and incur a 10% penalty for life. The penalty would also end.

We met with senior staff on the Ways and Means Committee again this year during Capitol Conference to discuss current issues in Medicare with enrollment and other issues facing beneficiaries and agents. This meeting last year provided the genesis for the COBRA legislation. This year, a broker bill addressing scope of appointment and other agent issues is expected.

NAHU has formally joined a coalition addressing the observation status issue in Medicare related to the requirement for a three-day stay to qualify for SNF services.

Your government relations team is also working to add an amendment to a HSA bill being crafted in the Ways and Means Committee to allow people more flexibility to contribute to an HSA beyond age 65 as long as they are working. President Trump has this in his budget, which is helpful.




               Medicare Advisory Group members meet with Ways and Means
                         staffer Nick Uehlecke during Capitol Conference