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Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021

12/30/2022, 9:29 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3650

Bill 117 HR 3650, also known as the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021, aims to address issues related to Medicare coverage for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dual-eligible individuals. The bill seeks to streamline the process for these individuals to enroll in Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services such as doctor visits and preventive care.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a special enrollment period for dual-eligible individuals to sign up for Medicare Part B without facing penalties. Currently, these individuals may face delays or penalties when enrolling in Part B, which can result in gaps in coverage and higher out-of-pocket costs for necessary medical services.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve coordination between Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that dual-eligible individuals receive the full range of benefits to which they are entitled. This includes provisions to simplify the enrollment process and improve communication between the two programs. Overall, the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021 aims to address barriers to accessing Medicare coverage for dual-eligible individuals and improve the coordination of benefits between Medicare and Medicaid. By streamlining the enrollment process and improving communication between the programs, the bill seeks to ensure that these individuals receive the care they need without facing unnecessary delays or financial burdens.

Congressional Summary of HR 3650

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021

This bill deems an individual receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital as an inpatient for purposes of satisfying the three-day inpatient hospital-stay requirement with respect to Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility services.

Current Status of Bill HR 3650

Bill HR 3650 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 1, 2021. Bill HR 3650 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 1, 2021.  Bill HR 3650's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of June 1, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3650

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
106
Democrat Cosponsors
58
Republican Cosponsors
48
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3650

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Health care coverage and access
- Home and outpatient care
- Hospital care
- Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
- Medicare

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3650

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of receipt of outpatient observation services in a hospital toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare, and for other purposes.
Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021
Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021

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